Ros Canter and Izilot DHI streaked ahead of the pack yesterday. Will they be caught today? Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.Were back at Burghley for the second days dressage and Ill be bringing you every single step from between the white boards as the first phase leaderboard is ironed out, that is before its inevitably all change once more when tomorrows cross country course has its say on the competition.For now though, were keeping our ears firmed pricked on the Main Arena and we sure are in for a treat today as the remaining competitors go all in to get their nose ahead of yesterdays, almost record-breaking, leading score put down by Ros Canter and Pau winner Izilot DHI. Theyre streaks ahead on 19.9 only the second ever sub-20 dressage score at Burghley and a career-best at the level for Ros. But theyre not home and dry for there are a number of combinations to come wholl fancy their chances of making their mark on the leaderboard, not least last years record-breakers (with a score of 18.7), and last to go today, Tim Price and Vitali. The riders will have to be brave and bold if they want to challenge for the top, which means were in for an especially exciting day of dressage. Heres a look at the top 3 as things stand:1 Ros Canter and Izilot DHI on a score of 19.9.2 Two-time Burghley winner Pippa Funnell and MCS Maverick on a score of 28.3.3 Just 0.3 behind his mentor, Pippa, is Tom Jackson with Capels Hollow Drift on a score of 28.6.Click here for the full scoreboard.Missed out yesterday? Dont fret. Re-live every step of every test in our live blog. Read Tillys classic round-up reports here: [Morning] [Afternoon]Emily King and Valmy Biats will kick off todays action at 9:30am local time / 10:30am CET / 5:30am ET. If youre following the US camp, heres what you need to know: Yesterday Jennie Brannigan got things underway for the Americans with FE Lifestyle, putting down a score of 34.7 which saw them in 15th place overnight. Mia Farley and OTTB Phelps have also completed their first phase, scoring 33.7 which put them in 13th place.Today the rest of the US contingent will have their turn up the center line:Cosby Green and Copper Beach are second up the center line this morning; theyll come into the ring at 4:37am ET.Hannah Sue Hollberg and Capitol H I M are over in England for the first time; they enter the Burghley Main Arena at 6:02am ET.Andrew McConnon and Wakita 54 will wrap the dressage up for the US at 9:30am ET.I could go through the field and pick out combinations of note but basically its all of them, so heres the full list of ride times for your perusal.If you just cant get enough info about this years competitors, then youre in need of ENs epic Form Guide, which youll find right here.Should your appetite for all things Burghley be as insatiable as ours, Ive got good news for you weve got your back with live blogs following every single step the runners and riders take in all three phases as well as our classic detailed reports of all the action each day. Keep eyes on for our cross country course preview and Riders React post, in which well be wrangling the riders and giving you the low-down on what they think of the fences theyll be facing when they leave the start box. Keep it locked on to EN and go eventing vicariously at Burghley via all our event coverage. As if that isnt enough, weve got great IG content happening too @goeventing.Ill be bringing you live updates from the Main Arena throughout the day, so keep this page refreshed, and watch this space. If youre catching up with this later and are the type to like things in order, scroll and read . If going backwards is more your jam, have at it. Settle in and go eventing!Defender Burghley: [Website] [Entries] [Timing & Scoring] [Burghley TV] [Tickets] [ENs Coverage]ENs coverage of Defender Burghley is proudly presented by Kentucky Performance Products, your one-stop shop for science-backed nutritional support for every horse. Click here to learn more about KPP.________________________________________________________________________________I informed you thusly that we were in for a big day of dressage; its not even lunch yet and weve seen some cracking sport. Were heading into a short break now. Back in just over 15 minutes, at 6:49am ET.ENs coverage of Defender Burghley is proudly presented by Kentucky Performance Products, your one-stop shop for science-backed nutritional support for every horse. Click here to learn more about KPP.________________________________________________________________________________6:24am ET Jonelle Price and Grappa Nera Jonelles been third, fourth and fifth at Burghley, will Pau winner Grape take her to the top this time around? Photo by Tilly Berendt.Todays Test:Well be heading into a break after Jonelles test.Theres not a hoof outside the mown strip as they come up the center line although Grape rested her hind leg in the halt which proves to be expensive. Jonelles so pro though and pushes on into trot without giving it another thought for now. The beginning of the trot work is elegant and supple but theres a break of rhythm in the extended which is another expensive mistake. Again, they get things straight back together and the scores improve significantly. Theres an 8 and two 7.5s for the halt and the reinback is clean and deliberate.Grape shows good swing in the walk and Jonelle rides the preparation for the pirouette masterfully, so deliberate and accurate. They transition into trot and show a very good bend in the half-pass before striking off into canter. Jonelle pushes for the extended and is rewarded with two 7.5s and a 7. The first change is clean enough for two 6s and Jonelle is clearly riding the horse thats underneath her to bring out the best in the mare. The tensions creeping in though and coming out in the changes; theyre very expensive. They finish up with a nice square halt and a slightly rueful smile from Jonelle. This horse has everything to really deliver in this phase, but that first halt kind of set them up for some expensive mistakes today. Grape stretches her neck as she ambles out of the ring. Slightly frustrating for Jonelle, but the best bits to come.Jonelle Price and Grappa Nera score 36.9.________________________________________________________________________________6:17am ET Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent Kentucky champ and Maryland third place finisher Rosie comes forward for her first 5* on British soil. Will her homeland prove to be as successful a hunting ground? Photo by Sally Spickard.Todays Test:Boy did Rosie look ready to run at the horse inspection on Wednesday, very nearly taking Oliver with her as she took off down the jog strip. She looks much more settled as she makes her way round the ring waiting for the bell.They are dead straight up the center line, totally meaning business. Nicola in the commentary box says its the straightest entry weve seen and they get their Burghley underway with a 9 for the first halt. Ooo, Rosies showing her class in the early trot work. Shes strong and expressive and looks to be so very confident in her work. Lots of 8s coming in at the early stage of this test.The halt at C is better than the first two 9s and a 10!!! THE FIRST 10 WEVE SEEN!Rosies walk is so balanced and rhythmical and Olivers able to keep the pirouettes small. Theres a bit of stickiness in the second though and it affects the transition into trot, but Oliver puts it behind him and they get a smooth transition into canter. Theyre brave in the extended for two 8s and and 8.5 and Rosie shows her suppleness in the half-pass. But, oh those changes. The first is muddled and scores 4s across the board but the next two are clean and accurate and theres a 7 in the marks. The final change is super, 8s across the board for that.They finish up with another great halt for two 9s and Oliver looks suitably pleased. What an exciting young horse this is. Shes been confident and relaxed in the Main Arena and so solid and happy in her work. That first change was expensive but theyre right up there in terms of the leaderboard. Is Oliver back for another Burghley win? With this girl, and this start, theres every chance. They go into third.Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent score 24.5.________________________________________________________________________________6:09am ET Gireg Le Coz and Aisprit De La LogeFresh from supporting the silver medal winning French team in Paris as traveling reserve, this combination had an excellent thirteenth place finish at Badminton last year, when conditions out on course, and in the show jumping ring, and well, even the dressage arena, were, if you will, particularly tricky Gireg gives massive credit to his horses extraordinary honesty, a wonderful quality to have in any horse, particularly a 5* partner. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Todays Test:Gireg was suitably suave with a very dapper collar on his jacket at the horse inspection on Wednesday. His dress is a bit more subdued for his dressage test.They come up the center line slightly off the mown strip and score a 7.5, 7 and 6.5 for the first halt. Giregs really riding the early trot work with confidence and showing off the expression and swing this horse has. This horse looks very happy in his work and there are lots of 7.5s coming in.Theyre just short of the center line for the halt at C but its lovely and square and gets 8s across the board. The reinback is very good for another 8. They set off into a very relaxed walk, taking the frame out in the extended and showing a nice swing. They keep a good rhythm through the pirouettes and score an 8 for the first one. Theres a little bit of anticipation before the trot transition but Gireg holds him and they show an expressive half-pass. Gireg pushes for the extended and is rewarded with a 9.This horse is so obviously established in his work and well within himself. There are 8s in the marks for the flying changes. Everything is so uphill and effortless, a real joy to see a horse so comfortable and happy in his work. A pleasure from start to finish, a brilliant performance from both horse and rider. Theyve delivered the best ever dressage score for France at Burghley and go into third. This competition sure is spicey! Gireg Le Coz and Aisprit De La Loge score 25.3.________________________________________________________________________________6:02am ET Hannah Sue Hollberg and Capitol H I M Hannah completed her first 5* at Kentucky in 2007 with a hose shed found in the classified ads when she was 13. This is Chitos first event outside North America. He was fourth at Maryland last season. Photo by Sally Spickard.Todays Test:Hannah and Chito really are a picture as they canter up the center line. Chito takes the opportunity for a toilet break in the halt. Theyre off to a great start with two 8s and a 7.5. Chitos so balanced and rhythmical in his trot work and Hannahs really showing him off. There are lots of 7s and a smattering of 8s coming in for them.The halt at C isnt quite square and the steps in the reinback could have been cleaner, but they set off into a relaxed enough walk. The pirouette is soft and supple and scores two 7s and a 7.5 and theres more nice bend in the second for the same scores. The transition into trot is rewarded with 7.5s across the board.They set off into canter and make an elegant picture together, theyre really working as a partnership and Hannahs clearly riding for every mark. The first change is solid for 7s across the board but then theres seems to have been an error of course as Hannah moves into walk, although the buzzer didnt sound, Hannah seems to have picked up on it before the judges. Thats a real shame when things were going so well. Its worth mentioning again that this is a brand new test for the riders. She gets back on track though and finishes up on a very positive note with three 8s for the final halt. This would have gone sub-30 had it not been for that error. Chito looks happy as he walks out of the ring on a loose rein. Frustrating, but still a great score going into cross country.Hannah Sue Hollberg and Capitol H I M score 30.8.________________________________________________________________________________ Sophia Hill and Humble Glory5:54am ET OTTB Hughie has a short, unsuccessful racing career behind him but its all eyes on the future as he takes on Burghley, a feat made possible by the remortgaging of Sophia and her husbands house you gotta go all in when it comes to making dreams come true. Hes looked impressive on British soil thus far this season eyes on for a leaderboard climb as the weekend progresses he finished on his dressage for a podium place at Adelaide and his blood sure does show in his speedy cross country rounds Todays Test:This pair get their start off with a halt just off the center line for two 6s and a 6.5 and then set off into trot. Hes mouthing a bit and Nicola Wilson in the commentary box (who theyve been based with) explains that theyve been trying out a double bridle over the last few weeks to see if it helps the horse in this phase. Sophias riding for every mark as they navigate the trot work accurately and they show excellent immobility in the halt for a 7.5. The reinback is accurate enough for 7s across the board. The walk starts out well but theres some anticipation as they head into the pirouettes and Humble Glory gets a little stuck in the second. They move off into trot smoothly but the horse gets a bit tight in the half-pass as the underlying tension still bubbles away.They get a smooth strike off into canter and the horse seems to be settling into his work. They produce a very clean, accurate change after the half-pass and are rewarded with two 7s and a 6.5. Hes really staying rideable for Sophia and shes making the most of every movement. He gets a little tight before the final change but the change itself comes up nicely. They halt and theres a huge smile from Sophia. The horse has tried so hard for her this morning and Sophias ridden him very sympathetically. Look out for them tomorrow, theyre so quick that if you blink, youll miss em!Sophia Hill and Humble Glory score 36.9.________________________________________________________________________________5:47am ET Emma Thomas and Icarus X Fireworks alert! Stix is known for being a difficult ride, particularly on the flat he put down a 51.2 at Badminton in the spring Also, as well as eventing, Emmas also a whizz on the piano. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Todays Test:Stix sent the judge flying as he galloped down the jog strip at the horse inspection on Wednesday. Lets hope hes settled since then.Stixs tail is flying as he canters up the center line. He looks very alert in the first halt. Emma looks serious. Shes got a job on her hands here. He may be lit up but hes so expressive and you can really see his talent. The extended shows off his scope and power and he is showing an elegant presence, just with a lot of excitement bubbling under the surface.He looks to be settling as they move through their test and Emmas doing a really good job. The tension is highlighted in a very quick reinback and the scores dip from in the 6s on the whole to a 4, 5 and 5.5. He really uses his body in the walk and Emma holds onto what looks to be an awful lot of horse underneath her. The pirouettes are actually rather good and score in the 6s. The transition into trot is very good for 7s across the board but theres a bit of a wobble in the half-pass. They go into canter and he stays with Emma, she obviously cant push in the extended but he comes back to her nicely. He really is trying very hard for her.The tension comes out in the changes, theyre clean but a big ask for an excited horse. Emmas ridden this horse masterfully and really shown the depth of their relationship. The final halt is good enough for a 7. Emmas held it together so well and theres obviously a bunch of potential in this phase for the horse, hes just too excited about being at Burghley. Hes having a good look round as he leaves the ring, taking it all in and looking very pleased that so many people have come to see him.Emma Thomas and Icarus X score 38.9.________________________________________________________________________________5:39am ET Caroline Powell and Greenacres Special Cavalier Caroline and Cav were incredibly popular Badminton winners in the spring, and Carolines also won Burghley, back in 2010 with the late, great Lenamore. Fun fact she groomed for top-level eventer, turned commentator, turned course builder Ian Stark at the Atlanta Games in 1996. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.Todays Test:Were back after the break with this years Badminton champs in fact, there are three 5* winners in this session alone. Boy this competition is stacked.Cav looked supremely ready to play as she pranced down the jog strip at the horse inspection on Wednesday. She traveled to Paris as reserve so is truly match fit and ready to run. Just a small matter of the dressage first though, please Cav.They come dead straight up the center line and Caroline laughs a little as Cav fiddles a bit in the halt, although its good enough for an 8 and two 7.5s. Cav sure does look special as she sets off into the early trot work. Carolines very brave in the extended and theres a slight loss of balance in the step over the X mark, but with great risk comes great reward even if it doesnt always come off.The halt at C is excellent and scores two 8s. The reinback is accurate and they set off into a bold walk. Cavs blowing a bit through her nose and theres clearly excitement brewing as Caroline collects her for the first pirouette. The second one is very good for a 7.5 and 7s. Theyre smooth into the trot and then get a clean strike off into canter. Caroline pushes for the extended and is rewarded this time with an 8.5 and an 8. Theyre very straight in the change and its exactly on her aids that scores two 7.5s and a 7 and theres an 8 in the scores for the first change on the serpentine. Quite a few 8s coming in for them. The changes are all solid and truly established and theres an 8 in the scores. The final halt scores two 9s.What a test. Caroline went for it and theres a 9 and an 8 in the harmony marks. What a performance for them. They go into a very well-deserved third place. Like I said in the into to this morning, well seeing brave riding as the competitors really go for it and Caroline absolutely stepped up to the mark. Superb sport.Caroline Powell and Greenacres Special Cavalier score 25.4.________________________________________________________________________________Were heading into a short break now. Back in just over 15 minutes, at 5:39am ET. Well see the first of todays US competitors after the break when Hannah Sue Hollberg and Capitol H I M enter the ring at 6:02am.ENs coverage of Defender Burghley is proudly presented by Kentucky Performance Products, your one-stop shop for science-backed nutritional support for every horse. Click here to learn more about KPP.________________________________________________________________________________5:15am ET Alice Casburn and Topspin All the Casburn homebreds have tennis-related names and Topspin is a second generation homebred who still lives in the stable he was born in Alices mom competed his grandmother. Hes known as Spinach at home. This pair have been 5th and 7th at Burghley and Alice will be gunning for another fabulous 5* finish. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Todays Test:Well be heading into the first break after Alices test.Alice is used to being the youngest competitor at these big events, what with being just 22, but this year shes been pipped to the title by Tom Bird.Its a very serious Alice in the ring this morning as she aims to add another excellent Burghley result to her record. Topspin looks fabulous as he trots round the ring, hes so powerful and balanced in his movement. He can get hot in this phase but he looks relaxed and happy in his work this morning. The halt is secure at C and the reinback gets 6.5s across the board. They set off into walk and its a little tentative in places. As they make their way to the crowd-end of the arena the tension becomes clear. Theres a little jog and then he gets himself in a bit of a bother over the pirouettes hes stepping backwards and theres the hint of a wave to the crowd from Spinach. But Alice knows this guy inside out. She sits quiet and encourages him forward. The marks have nosedived for those movements but Alice puts it behind them and they move into trot, and then canter.The tensions clearly brewing under the surface in the canter work and Alice is doing an excellent job of making things happen. There are 7s coming in for some of the lateral work and they finish up with two 7s and a 7.5 in a job well done by Alice for pulling that test back round. She breathes a big sigh of relief as she salutes, and smiles. This test has absolutely been a testament to the relationship between horse and rider, of knowing your horse and working with them and supporting them. Some really lovely work, some tense moments. Great job Alice, such a young rider showing such a mature ride.Alice Casburn and Topspin score 37.1.________________________________________________________________________________5:07am ET Sarah Ennis and Grantstown Jackson The water complexes out on course wont phase Sarah when shes not on horseback she loves to sail and is a qualified Dive Master. This pair were in it to win it in a very good place coming into the final phase at Badminton in the spring, but a very expensive show jumping round saw them finish 17th once all was said and done. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Todays Test:Grantstown Jackson really is an impressive picture as he makes his way around the ring waiting for the bell. Hes so bold and beautiful, a real event horse. They come up the center line and theres a bit of a wobbly step into the halt, but Sarahs got her game face on and she kicks on into trot. Theres another tiny stumble in the half-pass but they keep their concentration and Sarah pushes in the extended and shows off all of Grantstown Jacksons scope and power. We dont have scores again, sorry.The halt at C is solid and the reinback is accurate for two 7s and a 7.5 (theyre back). The walk is relaxed and powerful and theres an 8 in the marks for the change of rein, although Grantstown Jackson is shaking his tail slightly and goes a bit stiff in the pirouettes. They get a clean transition to canter and theres more opportunity for Sarah to show off the horses power in the extended. He anticipates the first change and it happens early but the two subsequent ones are clean. The final one is a little late behind though. Overall this has really shown a horse and rider working together, the horse has really tried for Sarah and theres clearly a lot of potential in this phase. But truly, this guy is a cross country dream dont miss him on Saturday. We can see what a great job they both did in the ring as he spooks and shoots forward when he leaves the arena. Onward to cross country!Sarah Ennis and Grantstown Jackson score 33.7.________________________________________________________________________________5am ET Tom McEwen and CHF Cooliser Fresh from winning Olympic team gold, World No. 1 Tom brings Pau and Luhmuhlen runner-up Eliza back to Burghley after finishing just outside the top-10 last year. Tom sure has been a busy boy of late, having got married at the end of last season and now theres a mini McEwen on the way. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Todays Test:Already a winner at this years Burghley, Tom rocked the flat cap (in favor of his Olympic bucket hat) at the first horse inspection and was named best dressed male by Fairfax & Favor.Toms got his game face on as he canters dead straight up the mown strip on the center line and halts square. A great start for them. Unfortunately we seem to have lost the scores off the screen so I cant bring them to you right now. This mare really looks impressive as she trots round the ring, so bright and supple, and very impressive in the extended trot which Tom really pushes for. The halt at C is very nearly square but Cooliser wasnt happy about going backwards and only gives Tom four steps not five that was expensive for two 4s and a 3 (the scores are back). The walk work is quiet and balanced and the first pirouette is so well done and is rewarded with two 7.5s and an 8; the second one is almost as good for 7.5s across the board. Toms brave in the extended canter and scores three 8s. Cooliser is really working with Tom and this pair look confident as they present their test this morning.Unfortunately this first change is a little muddled but Tom puts it behind him and pushes on. The rest are also a little expensive. Overall this test has really shown off Cooliser; there were some excellent highlights and a couple of expensive mistakes that Tom will no doubt be working on over the winter. Tom McEwen and CHF Cooliser score 31.1.________________________________________________________________________________4:52am ET Andrew Heffernan and Harthill PhantomA man with many hats As well as riding at the top level, Andrews also National Coach for the Netherlands. Hes back at Burghley with Harthill Phantom after retiring out on course last year on the geldings CCI5* debut and Andrews first time at the level since 2017. Hell be hoping for a solid completion this time around.Todays Test:Andy and Harthill Phantom come up the center line of a sun-soaked ring. The immobility isnt there in the halt and they start off with two 5s and a 6. They set off into a balanced trot. This horse really has such clean and clear steps, showing off the horses suppleness and balance. Lots of 7s coming in for them at the early part of their test. The halt at C isnt quite square behind but they hold the immobility this time two 6.5s and an 8 are the scores for that. The reinback is clean and accurate and scores 7s across the board. Harthill Phantom is very relaxed in the walk and Andy encourages him to take the contact forward. The first pirouette is rather stiff and then the second one prompts the horse to anticipate the trot transition. Andy gets him back straight away though.They go into canter but the bell rings for an error of course. Thats so unfortunate. He circles back round to do the extended canter, which is excellent for an 8 and two 7s. The scores have gone up now that Harthill Phantoms in canter, although theres a little tightness in the first change, its clean enough for 7s across the board though. Theres some tension creeping in as the tests nears the end but Andys holding everything together with all of his experience.There was a lot of good stuff going on it this test, but unfortunately a couple of expensive errors and that penalty for going the wrong way. They end on an 8 and two 7.5s for the final halt though. We can see the excitement Andys been holding in check as the horse jogs out of the ring. Cross country tomorrow!Andrew Heffernan and Harthill Phantom score 33.4.________________________________________________________________________________4:45am ET Will Rawlin and Ballycoog Breaker BoyHeres Will and William yep, thats right, this gelding is known as William to his pals, because thats not confusing at all. Anyway, William made his 5* debut at Badminton and finished top-25. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Todays Test:Will was particularly nattily dressed at the horse inspection on Wednesday, looking every bit the gentleman of yesteryear. Hes gone with more traditional riding attire for his test this morning.Will looks incredibly serious as he sets out this morning. William (horse) is really leggy and elegant and they make a nice picture as they trot round the ring. He knocks himself slightly in the extended trot but it doesnt bother him and he shows his bold stride whichll surely come in handy tomorrow.The halts marked as an 8 and two 5s and then the reinback is a little stiff and scores a 7, 6 and 5.5. The horse starts off in walk nicely relaxed and the pirouettes are accurate enough for 7s in the scores. They strike off into canter and the relaxation continues. Will pushes for the extended and scores in the 7s. This pair clearly have so much potential in this phase. The first change is excellent for two 7.5s and a 7 but unfortunately the second is a bit muddled, that was expensive for 4s in the scores. The final change is 7s across the board though. He loses his balance a bit in the final halt but theres a big cheer from the crowd. Theres been a lot of promise shown in this test, lots to like and a solid start to their Burghley.Will Rawlin and Ballycoog Breaker Boy score 32.________________________________________________________________________________4:37am ET Cosby Green and Copper Beach Cosby made the trip from the US to the UK with three of her horses last season to be based with Team Price. Since then shes completed at Badminton and finished 16th at Pau. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Todays Test:Copper Beach looks beautiful as the early morning sun shines off his chestnut coat. They get off to a solid start with 7s and a 7.5 for the first halt. Theres some tail swishing going on in the trot work but Copper Beach looks relaxed on the whole and there are 6.5s and 7s coming in for the early part of their test. The extended trot is a little hurried but hes soft and supple in the lateral work and is being rewarded for that in the scores.The halt at C scores 7s and a 7.5 and the rein back is very clean. This horse has got a great walk, lots of swing and relaxation and really stepping through he scores two 8s and a 7.5 for the walk change of rein. Hes a smidge stiff in the pirouettes but theyre clean.They strike off into canter and this guy shows all of his experience in the first change and scores two 7.5s and a 7. Theres lots of established and confident work on show from this pair across the entire test. Copper Beach anticipates the halt at the end and Cosby smiles. Its 4s across the board for the final halt but overall this test has been very impressive from both horse and rider and Cosy looks delighted as Copper Beach shows off to the crowd on the way out of the ring. Cosby Green and Copper Beach score 31.6.________________________________________________________________________________4:30am ET Emily King and Valmy Biats Emilys hot to trot she ran the London Marathon last year, raising money for The Brain and Spine Foundation. This pair were fourth at Badminton in the spring and are for sure ones to watch this week Photo by Tilly Berendt.Todays Test:Getting things going today, Emily and Val are in the ring and ready to start their Burghley. This pair really do have the potential to launch their challenge on the top of the leaderboard, so we really do have dressage excitement from start to finish today.They start off with a tiny bit of unsteadiness in the halt, which was a shame as it had been beautifully square. Onward though for Emily, shes put that straight behind her and is pulling in 7.5s and some 8s for the early trot work. Valmys really soft and supple and hes really listening to Emily and looks happy in the ring this morning. They go past the marker slightly in the halt at C and the marks drop a little in the reinback with two 6.5s. Emily rides the walk tactfully, and uses all of her experience in the pirouettes when Valmy starts to anticipate the movement. The marks are right up to 7.5s and 8s again as they go back into trot and theres a 9, 8.5 and 8 for the extended canter when they get there.Theres another 9 for the half-pass and two 8s for the change. This test is really showing off Valmys highlights and hes so obviously comfortable and established in his work. The final halt is slightly off the line, but scores an 8, and Emily smiles at the end. It may be early but the crowd make a whole lot of noise for the supreme quality on show in the ring. A superb start to the day, a PB at the level and into second for Emily and Valmy Biats.Emily King and Valmy Biats score 24.1.________________________________________________________________________________

Michael Blake is hopeful of a repeat performance at the five-star BMO Nations Cup at Spruce Meadows in Calgary tomorrow night. Blake led The Underwriting Exchange Irish Show Jumping team to its first Spruce Meadows Nations Cup win since 2001 last year and, off the back of a stellar 2024 season, hopes are high of retaining their crown. The Horse Sport Ireland High Performance Show Jumping Director raised the biggest trophy in the sport last year as Ireland won on a score of five faults, beating Germany into second and hosts Canada into third. Two members of that team, Daniel Coyle and Denis Lynch, return tomorrow night and they join Mikey Pender and Cian OConnor in the quartet. Blake said: Last year was brilliant it was our first win here in over 20 years and it was certainly one of the seasons highlights. We have podium finishes well into []

Versailles, France The U.S. Paralympic Dressage Team has clinched the gold medal following three team rides today from Roxanne Trunnell (Grade I) and Fanta Tastico H, Fiona Howard (Grade II) and Diamond Dunes, and Rebecca Hart (Grade III) and Floratina. This is the first ever team gold for the U.S. Para Dressage Program and their second consecutive Paralympic team medal.View the full results here.Watch all of the Paris 2024 para equestrian action livestreamed or played back on demand (subscription required). For more information, go to NBCOlympics.com. For more coverage, visit our Paris 2024 Paralympics main page. Edited Press Release | Source: US EquestrianThanks to CareCredit for our spring and summer equestrian coverage.The post 2024 Paris Paralympics: U.S. Paralympic Dressage Team Clinches Team Gold appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Today was the Paris 2024 Paralympics para dressage team competition at Chteau de Versailles with 16 nations putting forward teams of three riders each in search of team medals. As the current world number-one ranked team, the pressure was really on the USA.There was a lot on the line to prove their right to be top-tier. The three U.S. riders, surrounded by a super supportive entourage, simply brought it onmic drop, the end, gold please!First in the arena for the USA was Roxanne Trunnell and Fan Tastico H, a 7-year-old Oldenburg gelding owned by Karin Flint and cared for by Rafael Hernandez-Carillo. They scored 77.00% in Grade I to start the team off well. Trunnell and Fanta have only been together for a few months and the lovely, huge bay gelding is still developing. What a combination to watch for the future, too.Roxanne Trunnell and Fan Tastico H scored 77% as the first U.S. horse and rider combination to go. Photo courtesy US EquestrianThe second rider for the USA was team rookie Fiona Howard on the 11-year-old Hanoverian gelding Diamond Dunes, owned by Dressage Family LLC and Hof Kasselmann, and cared for by Helen Claire McNulty. Howard guided the flashy chestnut to a personal best and the highest score of the week at this Paris 2024 Paralympics thus far with 80.00%.Fiona Howard and Diamond Dunes, who scored a jaw-dropping 80.00%. Photo by Sarah Miller/MacMillian PhotographyThroughout the day, the Netherlands and the USA were neck and neck with Germany not far behind. So, it all came down to Rebecca Harts ride on Floratina, a 16-year-old Hanoverian mare owned by owned by Rowan ORiley and cared for by Mackenzie Young.Rixt van der Horst and Royal Fonq from the Netherlands had just laid down the gauntlet right before Hart, scoring 78.067%. Hart said she glanced at their score as she rode into the arena with Flora and she knew what she had to do. Just ride a personal best to win for the USAsimple, right? Thats just what she and Flora did. Their score, 78.567% won the day and the glittering medallion for her country. What a way to cap her fifth Paralympics!Rebecca Hart and Floratina scored a personal best of 78.567%. Photo by Sarah Miller/MacMillan PhotographyView the full results here.Watch all of the Paris 2024 para equestrian action livestreamed or played back on demand (subscription required). For more information, go to NBCOlympics.com. For more coverage, visit our Paris 2024 Paralympics main page.Thanks to CareCredit for our spring and summer equestrian coverage.The post 2024 Paris Paralympics: U.S. Para Dressage Captures Team Gold appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

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Delighted for Mike Jackson and Oscar doing the double at burghley !Oscar wins the 5yo final at burghley today under mikes guidance after winning the 4yo final last year !!Delighted for all connections after selling him to Mike as a 3yo#byehwinner#bshgraduate#buyyourchampionhere

Emily King and Valmy Biats. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.There are two easy ways to put the pressure on a seriously fit event horse in the dressage ring at the Defender Burghley Horse Trials you can present them with a boisterous, determined wind, as we saw throughout yesterdays competition, or, as in todays, you can swap that wind for some beaming sunshine and, instead, fill the stands to the rafters with enthusiastic eventing fans. Even just driving in to the estate this morning felt like cross-country day; standstill traffic wended its way back through pretty little Stamford town, and once parked up and in, all those tens of thousands of spectators if not more have filled the place, taking up their spots in the stands or sprawling like festivalgoers across the grass to follow the competition on the big screens dotted here, there, and everywhere.It feels, in short, like a day in which everyone is aware of just how lucky they are to be here, and accordingly, theyre going to enjoy every last moment of it. Thats a delightful sort of atmosphere to exist in, unless, of course, youre half a tonne of race-fit party animal, being asked very nicely to dance a bit more like prima ballerina Anna Pavlova, than, say, Australian break-dancer Raygun.Those who managed it, though, were well rewarded by the ground jury, helmed by President Christina Klingspor (SWE), along with Robert Stevenson (USA) and Nick Burton (GBR). And the very best of the mornings efforts so far? Our very first duo in the ring, Emily King and her two-time Grantham Cup winner, Valmy Biats. They didnt just nail the brief and navigate the new CCI5* C test sweetly they also earned themselves a five-star personal best, which is also Emilys career PB at this level, of 24.1, putting them straight into second place though not threatening Ros Canters lead on a 19.8.He was awesome really listening and with me, says Emily of the fifteen-year-old Selle Franais gelding (Orlando Hadj A). He felt the same from the warm-up to when I went in, and its always so much easier when theyre like that!When Valmys not like that, Emily continues, he doesnt really particularly light up, he just goes quite strong and on a mission, so I just have to, like, reset his balance, because he comes down, he halts, and then it feels like he wants to go out the startbox. Today, though, he didnt go too hot, and Im really pleased with how he navigated it.Emily King and Valmy Biats. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.Valmys one tiny on a mission moment came at the second halt, which saw the pair overshoot the marker at C slightly, and then drop off the contact marginally in the reinback, breaking up their string of 7.5s and 8s with 6.5s. But Emily made some tactful rebalancing steps in the walk, and ultimately, delivered arguably some of the best walk pirouettes weve seen so far in the next movements.Hes a really good boy with his pirouettes, she says. I tried not to shorten his walk for the medium walk, but just shorten his frame, and I could feel him going quite delicate. And I was like, Ill just keep the frame a bit longer and keep him walking. It was probably not technically how everything should be, but I wanted to just keep him moving. Whats nice is that I think most of us know that at this level, the ones that are producing good tests are established with the movements. And so even though its a new test, its nearly, for the hot ones, [better] it keeps him guessing, a little bit, where [every movement] would be. I think [these horse] know the other five-star tests so well that actually, having the movements in that different order can help you get them just waiting and listening.From then on out, the test continued in a similar vein: their extended canter nabbed them a 9, as did the canter half-pass, and they picked up 8s for the changes, too, giving the big crowd and Emily herself plenty to celebrate after the final halt and salute.Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.It looked, for a while, as though Oliver Townend might manage to squeak ahead of Emily, though, when he came into the ring with the ten-year-old Cooley Rosalent (Valent Roselier), with whom he won Kentucky this spring. But though they started strong, earning plenty of 8s for the most developed trot-work weve yet seen from the mare, and a 10 for their second halt, some minor greenness played into the canter work, giving them 4s across the board for the first, double-marked flying change. Three tidy ones followed, and their final centreline was decisive and ultimately, it was enough to put a 24.4 on the board for provisional third place at the halfway point of day two.Shes only a 10 year old, and shes had an exciting life so far. The last two times she was in a big arena was Kentucky and perhaps Blenheim and Maryland,and so going into an atmosphere like that, shes getting to know the crowd and the job, and you never know which way theyre going to react, says Oliver.Though Rosie is still just ten, and thus one of the youngest in this field, shes also already a five-star winner, as well as a third-place finisher at Maryland in 2023, and so reigning titleholder Oliver comes to Burghley with a mix of both expectation and future-proofing in mind.Im always here to try and do my job, and hope that she does hers, but Im here to continue her education and look after her, and hopefully end up with a big result at the end of it, he says.Bringing such an exciting young talent back to his favourite event is a particular milestone for Oliver.Its probably as big as eventing gets. If I wanted to [show the sport] to somebody that was non-horsey, Id want them to come here and say to them, this is what eventing is. This is the biggest horse trials in the world and the hardest to win, and thats why its so important to all the riders.Gireg le Coz and Aisprit de la Loge. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.Fourth place is now the domain of Gireg le Coz and Aisprit de la Loge (Quppydam des Horts Dollar du Murier), who put a five-star personal best of 25.3 on the board after a test full of highlights, particularly in the canter work, which was uphill, fluid, and showed all their combined experience and confidence.Its my best test, so Im very happy hes been very good recently, says Gireg, who was travelling reserve for the French team at the Paris Olympics this summer. I didnt run up the Olympics, so I want to go well here I have ambitions for the week, and I think its a great start. He felt really confident and very good.That Paris preparation has meant that the summer season has had a few stutter-steps as far as fitness work goes, but theres no denying that the fourteen-year-old Aisprit de la Loge is looking at his peak as he begins his fourth five-star.I got him ready for the Olympics, and so then I wanted to give him a little break and start to make him fit again for Burghley, which I hope I did well but Paris was a great experience, and I hope next time Ill be in the team.Caroline Powell and Greenacres Special Cavalier. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.The new-look top five is completed by Badminton champions Caroline Powell and Greenacres Special Cavalier (Cavalier Royale Touchdown), who were also travelling reserves at Paris, but have since had a super start to their autumn campaign, taking the win in Blair Castles mountainous CCI4*-S a couple of weeks ago. Today, they began their Burghley with their five-star personal best, a smart 25.4 that puts them nearly three penalties ahead of sixth-placed Pippa Funnell and MCS Maverick.Shes pretty cool at the moment, isnt she? Shes an out-and-out professional she just goes in and she does the job, says Caroline with a smile. And, you know, weve been really lucky. Weve had [help from] Tracie Robinson, and from Gareth [Hughes] with the New Zealand team, so theres been a lot of work thats gone into it, and she remembers, she loves it, she adores it. She knows, now, what the crowds are here for, and shes pretty sure theyre all there for her!Hannah Sue Hollberg and Capitol H I M. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.The rest of the top ten is made up of yesterdays riders Pippa and MCS Maverick in sixth, Tom Jackson and Capels Hollow Drift in seventh, Felix Vogg and Cartania in eighth, Max Warburton and Deerpaircs Revelry in ninth, and Tim Price and Viscount Viktor in tenth. The US contingent, though, came very close to slotting one of their own in this morning: Hannah Sue Hollberg and seventeen-year-old Capitol H I M (Con Air 7 Heraldik) sit provisionally eleventh on their own personal best of 30.7, having just missed out on a spot in the top ten when they went off-course after the first flying change.He was going so well, and he did that first change so well, and I was like, this is going so grea! I have no idea where to go! laughs Hannah Sue. That hasnt happened to me in, like, twenty years. Ive never completely forgotten where I was supposed to go, and just never gotten it back like that. I was like, Im going to have to go to the judge and ask where to go! Hopefully tomorrow will go smoothly, now that Ive made a big mistake!At seventeen, big, rangy Chito is truly coming into his own on the flat a positive shift that Hannah Sue says largely comes down to not schooling dressage too much.I really just kind of take it a test at a time, and really just try to get better and better and get him stronger. Like, he wants to be a bit low naturally, so Im just trying to get the strength behind and not ask too much ever. I dont do a ton of dressage work with him like, I do flat work and strength work and work on my riding, and then I go to shows and practice in the ring, and it gets better and better.I like my horses to enjoy their jobs, and want to do it for me. And Im just not ever going to be the type thats going to put their head on their chest and kick them around. I just want him to be happy and love doing it, so I try not to make it miserable. Its miserable for me to do [dressage] too much, too! If I feel that way, Im not the one carrying me around, so I cant imagine it being that easy. But I do think he loves [his job]. He really understands what hes supposed to do, and thats the best part of my job, I think, when theyre like, oh, this is important, Ill try really hard.Cosby Green and Copper Beach. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.Cosby Green, whos in her second season based with Tim and Jonelle Price, begins her Burghley debut with a 31.6 aboard eighteen-year-old stalwart Copper Beach (Radolin unknown), who she took on from former pilot Buck Davidson in 2020. Thats enough to put them provisionally in sixteenth place as they head into the meat of their third five-star together.I thought it was his best test today, and to be 18 and to give that result was amazing, beams Cosby, who credits Tim and Jonelles expertise in keeping older horses fit and happy with helping her get the best from Sean. After Badminton, he just came through amazing. He was ready for more. And, I mean, he just keeps getting better. The program Im in is proven to be successful with older horses, so Im sticking with it, believing it, and hes just on amazing form. So Im really happy!Were heading into the final two groups of dressage shortly so keep it locked on EN for another full report from this afternoons action after it concludes, and in the meantime, you can join Cheg for insightful analysis from each ride as it happens here. Go Eventing!The top ten at the Friday lunch break at Burghley.Our coverage of Burghley is brought to you by our incredible supporters, Kentucky Performance Products, your one-stop shop for science-backed nutritional products to keep your horse feeling their best at all times. Theyll even get on the phone with you to help you formulate a solid supplementation plan for your horses individual needs! Wed really appreciate your support of KPP, as theyre champions for our sport and beyond and are wonderful people to boot. Check them out here.Defender Burghley: [Website] [Entries] [Timing & Scoring] [Burghley TV] [Tickets] [Cross Country Preview] [ENs Coverage]

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