Spectacular show on a spectacular weekend

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Photo by Rich Schwartzman

Once again Plantation Field International Horse trials in Unionville, put on a spectacular show this past weekend, graciously hosted by our friends Katie and Cuyler Walker, The committee couldn't have asked for a nicer weekend at one of the fall's biggest U.S. equestrian events.

Equestrian Eventing (also known as horse trials) pits a single horse and rider combination against other combinations across the three disciplines of dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. The Concours International Combiné (CIC) eventing competitions may be run as a one-day event, or a three-day event, which is most commonly run over four days, with dressage on the first two days followed by show jumping and then cross country the next day. At Plantation Field Horse Trials it was especially lovely on Sunday morning as competitors in several divisions headed into show jumping in advance of cross country.

The stadium course, was cleverly designed by Marc Donovan, and appeared to be very interesting and competitive. In the CIC3* division, Sinead Halpin and Manoir De Carneville held their Dressage lead with a double clear round (no jump faults and no time penalties).  While Sinead enjoyed a 9 point lead, after the stadium phase the rest of the field was more tightly packed.  With 51 competitors in show jumping there were only 12 double clear rounds, and the competitors placing, in some cases, shifted dramatically with some in the top 20 jumping more than 10 places.

Sunday was perfect cross country weather.  Despite the rain Saturday night, the footing held beautifully throughout the day. The Plantation Field International Horse Trial CIC3* division wrapped up with Sinead Halpin and Manoir De Carneville holding onto their impressive lead. Sinead and her mount finished their cross country run with a double clear round, one of only 8 for the day.  Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda was also double clear to hold her second place. Erin Sylvester and No Boundaries’ with a fast double clear round moved up one spot to finish in third place while Doug Payne and Crown Talisman, who continues to impress with his jumping ability, went clear with just 0.8 time penalties to move up to fourth place. Rounding out the top five was Phillip Dutton and Mr. Medicott with a double clear run.

The 3Star xc division competition however, was not without controversy. The water complex 15 AB & C consisted of a ramped brush drop into the water, three or four strides to a keyhole jump in the water, and then three strides up a slope out of the water to a skinny jump on the grass. Although the water complex rode fine the previous day for the Advanced division, 7 of the first 28 3Star competitors had a fall or their horses stumble in the water at this combination. Officials examined the complex and decided to remove the A and B elements. The remaining 17 horses completed the course minus 15A and B.  Since the CIC format runs the top 10 horses in reverse order of standing, the top-placed horses had the advantage of not having the to cope with the most difficult part of the water complex. Most competitors agreed with the decision because what counts most to these dedicated riders is being fair to the horses. If there is an unexplained problem it should be eliminated. Complete results of the CIC1Star, 2Star and 3Star divisions and the Advanced and Preliminary Divisions can be seen by going to http://www.evententries.com/livescoring/15391.html

 

Sunday spectators were also treated to another edition of the PRO Bareback Puissance featuring Tik Maynard, Willie McCarthy and Elizabeth Stewart. With $2,000 in prize money up for grabs, it was a well-fought battle but in the end, Willie McCarthy and I Bella, owned by Tim and Nina Gardner, were victorious and the competition was a real crowd pleaser.

There was also a spectacular carriage parade and the whole event had a Downton Abby theme with judged costumed tailgating. There were great spectator locations as well as children’s activities and interesting shops and food vendors. This was an event that the whole family could enjoy.

MaryAnna Ralph

Pennsbury Township

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