Allentown, N.J.—May 12

Australian Ryan Wood has taken the lead in the CCI*** at the Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event following dressage, scoring 43.6 penalties with Ilona English’s Powell.

Allison Springer slotted into second with Cascani and is the leading U.S. rider with a score of 44.3 penalties. Will Faudree and Pfun are third with 45.0 penalties.  All three riders were pleased with their tests and are looking forward to John Williams’ challenging cross-country course on Saturday.

Ryan Wood and Powell. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

“He did a really solid test. He’s a fancy moving horse and didn’t have any mistakes. There were a couple of places where it could have been more polished but I am pretty happy with it,” said Wood.  “The course looks pretty challenging. There are a lot of technical questions.  It is a 10-minute course so hopefully he is fit enough. We’ll go out and set out to go fast and see what we can go home with.”

Springer and Cascani scored a personal best in their dressage on Thursday but have only been together for one year. Jersey Fresh is their first CCI***, and Springer is thrilled with him.

Allison Springer and Cascani. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

“I think his previous best score was a 49. I am really pleased, he is a good boy,” said Springer.  “I like the [the cross-country] course. It looks quite nice. I really appreciate all the improvements that Jersey Fresh has put into the event. It is so noticeable in every way. The tracks have really improved, the fence construction, the overall experience of being here is so much better, and I think all of the riders really appreciate that.” 

Faudree, who’s making a remarkable comeback to the top levels after breaking his neck in a fall last summer, rode Pfun to a personal best score.

“I am very happy with him today,” he said. “He has moved up to advanced this season, and he’s been really good this year. He has gotten more rideable in the ring. He’s got such a great brain and workman attitude. Each time out I have been able to add a little spark to his trot work. His walk and his canter have always been his strongest suits.”

Caroline Martin and Effervescent. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

The first part of the CIC*** division also took place on Thursday, and the overnight leader after seven competitors is young rider Caroline Martin riding Effervescent with a score of 50.0 penalties.    

“He’s definitely stepped up well to the advanced level,” said Martin.  “I am happy with him. He’s a really, really good horse. He’s honest and he’s good through the dressage.  He’s taught me a lot in dressage and I been able to learn from him to teach my other horses.”