Kiwis in Top 6 at Maryland

The Kiwis are fourth and sixth at the end of the dressage at the Maryland CCI5*-L in the United States.

Caroline Powell and Greenacres Special Cavalier were the only ones in action today and scored a very pleasing 29 penalty points to finish in sixth, with Monica Spencer and Artist in fourth on their 28.4 effort on the opening day of competition.

Caroline was ecstatic. “She was brilliant today,” she said of the 10-year-old mare. “She performed like a pro and there is so much more to come. I am very happy with her today.”
Those thoughts were echoed by ESNZ high performance director Jock Paget who said the combination have really consolidated their partnership of late.

“They looked solid and reliable out there today,” said Jock. “They went into the ring and punched out all the movements and are just looking more and more established.”

Caroline Powell and Greenacres Speacial Cavalier, Maryland Dressage Oct 2023. Credit Cynthia Lawyer

Oliver Townend (GBR) and Cooley Rosalent have taken the lead in the 5* on 23.1 penalty points, pushing overnight leader Piggy March (GBR) and her 5* debutant Brookfield Cavalier Cruise to second on 24.2, and William Fox-Pitt (GBR) with Grafennacht in third on 26.1.

All eyes now move to the Ian Stark-designed cross country which by all accounts is going to take some riding. “It is definitely a tough 5* track,” said Jock. “Lots of different styles will be needed out there. Some courses are big and bold and need to be ridden that was everywhere . . . but here you have to do everything. It will really test the ability of riders who will have to be very reactive. It’s not so clear what is going to happen out there, which makes for exciting sport. It’s going to reward instinctive riding.” And that, he figures, will suit both Monica and Caroline.

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TIMETABLE

THE HORSE DETAIL:
Artist (by Guillotine) – owned by Monica and Andrew Spencer
Greenacres Special Cavalier (by Cavalier Royale out of Greenacres Touch who is by Touchdown) – owned by Chris Mann

By Diana Dobson – HP Media Liaison
Photos by Cynthia Lawyer