Peter Green’s 2010 Rolex Run-Down

Can the Rolex Kentucky 3-Day Event be here so soon?  Ready or not, here she comes, as well as the 70+ riders vying for the blue ribbon, a shot at the Grand Slam (ahem, Townend) and a place on the World Equestrian Games team this Fall.  There’s a lot riding on this year’s competition, make no mistake about that.  I doubt these riders do.  And all of them deserve a Three Days Three Ways round of applause for just getting there.

For this very special post Three Days Three Ways is honored to have Peter Green as our guest writer.  He’s an accomplished eventer having taken an individual 8th in the World Championships in Loelheim, Geermany and competed at the likes of Burghley, Blenheim, Badminton, Boekolo, as well as almost all the Rolex Three-Day Events from 1979 to 2004 on horses like Chivas Regal and Mind the Gap, to name a few.  He was on the USEF  Eventing Selection Committee for over fifteen years many of which he spent as chairman.  Additionally he has been a formative influence on the sport of eventing buying, selling, and creating top horses, many of whom have gone on to represent the country in international competition.

Did I mention how lucky we are to have him writing for us?  Here he writes for Team Three Days Three Ways and breaks down the who’s who of Rolex 2010, who’s got the best shot, and who might be along for the ride.  Now that’s an inside scoop!

Ashley Adams and Vaunted

Ashley goes to Kentucky with a great deal of confidence given last year’s performance on Dressage and Cross Country. But again it will be a sleepless Saturday night concerning Sunday’s  Show Jumping.

MR at Red Hills March 2010

Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch

Laine, after having unfortunate instances at CCI’s, would be expected to have a more controlled but competitive round, based on her recent performances.  She deserves a great deal of credit to be able to return to this level of competition.

7^th CIC*** The Fork April 2010

Peter Atkins and HJ Hampton

This combination is ambitiously placed here. We are sure that Peter will walk the course carefully to ensure he is always on the right track.  Though probably hoping for more, Peter should be happy with a completion ribbon and the experience it is surely to give the pair.

13T Advanced The Fork April 2010

Andrea Baxter and Estrella

A second place finish at Bromont has lead Andrea here to Rolex.  I would think she will find it difficult to get a competitive score in dressage, especially with the electric atmosphere of the Rolex stadium, and will need really good form to be able to complete in the placings here.

14^th w/73.8 Dressage Galway March 2010.

Hawley Bennett-Awad

What better way to go to Rolex than after a win at Bromont.  Hawley will be attacking the competition with her usual enthusiasm.  You will certainly note the look of determination as she starts out on cross country.

3^rd CIC*** Galway March 2010

Stephen Bradley and Brandenburg’s Joshua

The question that everybody asks is “Has anybody seen Stephen Bradley?”.  Stephen is always conservative with his horse’s preparation.  He has only had one outing since placing 10^th here in 2009. This pair is certainly world class competitors and if he comes to Kentucky, he will most likely be in top placings, possibly even the top spot.

1^st OI Full Gallop Farm HT March 2010

Diana Burnett and Manny

She has gained a great deal of experience here in the US and England having completed Burghley in 2009.  She is about due to ease into the placings.  Diana needs consistency not just moments of brilliance.

4^th Advanced Poplar Place March 2010

Kyle Carter and Madison Park

This is a very capable pair, sometimes their enthusiasm on any given day can make it difficult to overcome for a good placing.  Kyle needs to stay very composed thru all three days – and realize that flapping elbows are not always a riding aid!

E in Dressage Advanced Poplar Place March 2010

Will Coleman and Twizzle

Will, one of the most talented and laid back riders on the scene today.  He has all the right stuff on a very talented horse and has proven his worthiness at this level.

Being 5^th at Luhmuhlen has set him up for a possible good placing here. Being laid back could get him a top 10 placing but being sharp could give him a top 4. Being sharp rather than laid back would be the necessary trait for success at this competition.

WD w/20 XC CIC*** Fork April 2010 (Will has a reported broken collarbone so his appearance here is questionable.)

Barbara Crabo and Eveready II

Eveready has made the trip east in the past.  The trip hasn’t been as successful as the rider would have liked and after failing to finish in 09, in 2010 they would hope to travel back to California having completed Rolex.

8^th AI Three Day Ranch March 2010.

Dorothy Crowell and Radio Flyer

Dotty is the home town Kentucky girl.  She would love to repeat the success she had with Molokai.  Not many people would remember that Dorothy was one second away from  winning the gold at the World Championships.  The TB aggressive mentality will not suit Dressage day but will be an asset for cross country.

19^th CIC*** The Fork April 2010

Capt. Geoff Curran and The Jump Jet

This will be a well-traveled horse after competing in England, Ireland and France and he had a good completion at a four star last year. His  show jumping will need to be improved in order to have as good a finish here.

18^th CCI**** Pau October 2009

Colin Davidson and Draco

Colin has been waiting a while to make his debut at Rolex. He will be encouraged after his recent win at Poplar Place but he will find there is a lot more to get done at Kentucky.  If he has the good fortune to not get a bad case of Rolex fever and goes come with a completion ribbon he should be thrilled.

1st Advanced Poplar Place March 2010.

Buck Davidson and Titanium

Titanium would be a horse that Buck has produced along steadily. Although they make a good combination cross country and show jumping, they have not been competitive in dressage at this level.   This seems to be improving, and though Buck always puts his best efforts on the playing field, I would expect him to have this be an educational run for this horse.

2^nd Advanced The Fork April 2010

Stanislas De Zuchowicz and Quirinal De La Bastide

So here in 2010 the French are coming to America, including this pair who competed in ’09. After beingboyd unsuccessful at Kentucky last year, this combination would have a better idea in their preparation and hopefully be more successful this time around.

Mara Dean and High Patriot/ Nicki Henley

Mara will start the weekend off dazzling the selectors with her dressage.  Being able to maintain the same caliber thru the cross country will be a bit more challenging.  Recently Mara has shown that she has progressed to being more comfortable on the cross country.  If Saturday goes well, Sunday should not prove to be a disappointment.  I am sure that Mara would be an asset to a WEG team if she can put all three phases together.  What ever she ends up running here, I would expect one or both to be competitive and be in the final placings.

Nicki Henley R on XC CIC*** The Fork April 2010

High Patriot 9^th Advanced The Fork April 2010

Hilda Donahue and Extravagance

During a clear round at the World Cup Final in ’09, Hilda had the unfortunate situation of being pulled up by the ground jury for a style of riding that they felt was unsatisfactory.  I would think this would be foremost in her mind and she would try to tidy up her cross country technique so this unfortunate situation does not happen again.

Minor tweaking can give this pair a completion at least.

22^nd CIC*** The Fork, April 2010

Sandra Donnelly and Buenos Aires

Sandra had a clear cross country round at Rolex in 2008, and followed that up with another clear round at the Olympics in Hong Kong the same year. This experienced Canadian pair needs to duplicate these cross country rounds and put in a good show jumping effort to achieve more than a completion ribbon.

Poplar Place Advanced Dressage 31.6 -WD prior to cross country.

Phillip Dutton

Having won Rolex once, he is coming this year with quantity as well as quality for another try at the Rolex Trophy.  Phillip is substituting for Jan Byyny, on Waterfront, while she recovers from an early season fall, this pair might not be as established together but with the horse’s and Phillips experience don’t discount them for a top placing.  Kheops Du Quesnay has not been an easy ride for Phillip on the flat but the open galloping cross country at Rolex will suit both horse and rider.  Woodburn has two successful showings at Kentucky. This horse has never stopped improving with Phillip.  Phillip should be thrilled to have The Foreman back and if he has regained his top form he would join the others to provide Phillip possible multiple top placings.

Kheops Du Quesnay 4^th Advanced Southern Pines  March 2010

Woodburn 6^th CIC*** The Fork April 2010,

The Foreman 3^rd Southern Pines Advanced March 2010

Will Faudree and Pawlow

I think Pawlow could be Will’s next star.  After the retirement of Antigua, Will should be happy to have this ride bring him back into the upper level competition arena.  He has continued to improve since his good showing at Blenheim.  He might not be the top dressage mark but not far off it.  On Saturday the big question will be, can Pawlow keep up with how fast Will is riding.  Sunday show jumping is not a problem for this horse. WEG could be in this pair’s future.

4^th CIC*** Fork April 2010

William Fox-Pitt and Cool Mountain

Any horse with William aboard has to be considered.  After traveling 8 hours to Scotland, they won Blair, so I don’t think he is bringing the horse all this way for nothing.  I believe William brought this horse on a work rather than a tourist visa, and will be riding for a spot near the top.

2^nd Advanced Burnham Market April 2010

Clayton Fredericks and The Frog

Clayton has been prepping and running this horse sparingly in preparation for his big run here at Kentucky 2010.  With Clayton’s ability, I’m sure he will be riding for a good finish. Look for this frog at the head of the lake.

27^th AI Gatcombe March 2010

Jessica Hampf and High Society III

Jessica’s polite pony has taken her around a number of  good preparatory events leading up to this level of competition.  Trevor has proven his jumping ability around a big course, but maybe not quick enough to be competitive yet.

CIC*** 25^th Fork April 2010

Kate Hicks and Belmont

A first timer at Rolex on a very experienced horse at the three star level.  He looks to have the capability to now make the step up to the four star.   You should look for a steady and safe round.

2^nd Advanced Southern Pines March 2010

Becky Holder and Courageous Comet

Becky and Courageous Comment are virtually unbeatable at the horse trials, though at the three days they have struggled at major events.  The pressures at these competitions have proven to be her nemesis in the past.   Though certainly able of winning Kentucky,  she has yet to put it all together on this last weekend of April.

17^th Fork Advanced -20 XC  April 2010

Holly Hudspeth and Last Monarch

Holly is a talented rider but this is a big step up for Last Monarch.  Holly will need to use all her experience to ensure this horse finds his way safely around the Rolex track. She should be looking for an education round.

4^th CIC*** Advanced Fork April 2010

Lauren Kieffer and Snooze Alarm

This horse/rider combination has limited experience coming to this level.  Lauren is the current lead student of the O’Connor development program,  Rolex will be her graduation ceremony.   A completion ribbon would be this pair’s diploma.

23^rd CIC*** Fork March 2010

Chelan Kozak and Tasman Sea

Chelan has a great deal of experience, although this pair’s performances and past record leading here doesn’t indicate a Rolex placing. She will give him a determined ride for a completion and perhaps a qualifying score for WEG.

24^th CIC*** The Fork April 2010.

Sara Kozumplik and Somerset

Sara and Somerset have plenty of talent between them to make this combination successful if they can manage to be on top of their game especially on dressage day.    Sara has taken steps to improve her dressage and this Rolex could be the stage to show off this pair.  A composed ride cross country would leave Sarah in a good position on Sunday.  This could be a wild card pick.

Fork CIC*** March 2010 – WD after cross country

Leslie Law and Fleeceworks Mystere Du Val

Leslie has done a good job to keep this careful jumper’s confidence at its highest.  Leslie has the talent to manage this horse’s protective demeanor and give him the best ride possible.  On Saturday, there aren’t too many riders with the ability of placing a horse in a position to be successful, at every jump.  They are very capable of starting with a low enough score to have a very good end result.  In the crowd will be his new son Liam making sure his father gets it right.

The Fork CIC*** WD after dressage Fork March 2010

Ashley MacVaugh and All’s Fair

All’s fair in love and war.  With this pair’s experience, they are over due for a good placing.   She is very good over the jumps but needs to go for it on dressage day to end up in the money on Sunday.  Little girl kick your pony!

14^th Advanced Southern Pines March 2010

Boyd Martin and Remington XXV/Neville Bardos/Rock On Rose

This will be the first time this talented Australian rider will be riding for the US at this level.    The Bruce Davidson bred horse, Rock on Rose, is still gaining experience at this level and we expect Boyd to give her a steady educational ride.

Boyd and Neville Bardos, on the other hand, are an experienced pair and have shown their expertise at running the longer cross country distances at the CCI****  level.   Remington XXV, after two good placings at the three star level, is poised to make his move to the four star.   Boyd’s hunger for success allows him to get the most out of his horses.

Remington XXV 10^th Advanced Fork April 2010

Neville Bardos 13^th CIC*** Fork March 2010,
Rock On Rose 3^rd Advanced Fork March 2010

Benjamin Massie and Haston D’ElPegere

This is a French horse that went to Hong Kong with a different rider and only did the  Dressage phase.  Perhaps the French have sent three horse/rider combinations to gain experience over this track in anticipation of WEG.

Sarah Mittleider and El Primero

This is a once in a lifetime horse with a big heart.  This horse/rider combination is back here at Kentucky with her last appearance being 2007 with a 12^th place ribbon.  Her ability to put in a double clear jumping round would be very helpful to the cause.  That will still not bring her a top placings unless she begins cross country with a competitive dressage score.

11^th CIC*** Galway March 2010.

Bonnie Mosser and Merloch

Bonnie has won 3 star events in the past, including Jersey Fresh with Merloch.  She is very capable of having a good placing here and she has lost none of her desire or ability to get the job done.  I expect nothing but the best from this pair.

7th Advanced Fork April 2010

Michele Mueller and Amistad

This is a rather promising Canadian combination and I am sure the selectors are hoping that she will develop into a top class competitor.  Horse Trial results and her initial three day performances are all extremely encouraging.    I would expect to see a good performance out of this pair but again Rolex is a big step up.  A cool head and a bit of luck could give her a placing.

MR CIC*** The Fork April 2010

Kristi Nunnink and R-Star

Another West coast girl coming East.  Previously qualifying at an abbreviated Fairhill in 09, Rolex will prove significantly more difficult, with additional jumping efforts and a longer course.  You would expect this to be an educational run.

5^th CIC*** Galway March 2010

Karen O’Connor and Mandiba

Now we have one of the most experienced riders in the world.    Mandiba has yet to prove himself as reliable as her previous mounts.  Karen has put a lot of time, effort and trust in this horse, now it his turn to step up to the plate and be generous in return.   If he is to be a WEG selection he needs to prove his reliability here.

15^th CIC*** Fork April 2010

Selena O’Hanlon and Columbo

Selena has had moments of brilliance with this horse.  After last year’s good dressage and show jumping days, the only thing that kept her out of a really good placing were her cross country time penalties.  If she can duplicate her dressage and show jumping from last year adding a quicker go on Saturday, she is a possible top ten placing.

9^th CIC*** Fork April 2010

Jose Ortelli and JOS Aladar

There wouldn’t be anyone here who enjoys eventing more than Jose, he is a very approachable guy.  It is amazing how quickly he can ride around the course on Saturday while still have time to smile at every pretty girl in the crowd.   We hope he has done enough work over  the last year to improve his dressage score for a good showing.

17^th CIC*** Fork March 2010

Jonathan Paget and Clifton Promise

A very successful New Zealand rider who is coming across the ocean with the hopes of representing the Kiwi’s at WEG.  Remember another Kiwi, Nick Larkin, who came here fresh to Kentucky and walked away with the top prize at the inaugural Rolex CCI****.

^6th Advanced at Puhinui (NZ) March 2010

Holly Payne and Madeline

After traveling to England last year, gaining valuable experience at Blenheim, Holly will now step onto the 4 star stage.  She will continue her education and hopefully gain valuable experience here at Rolex.   At this point, all three phases will need minor tweaking to improve her performance here.

MR CIC*** Fork April 2010

Michael Pollard and Wonderful Will

After taking over the ride from Mike Winter, their first three day appearance as a pair will be Rolex.  Michael will be looking to improve this horse’s dressage score to put him into contention.  He will hope to duplicate his former rider’s positive cross country performance and is looking for more than just a completion ribbon.  24 stadium penalties 18^th placing (24 SJ) CIC*** Fork April 2010

Kelly Prather and Ballinakill Glory

Kelly and her horse gathered a lot of frequent flyer miles last year, traveling from California to Poland to compete in the World Cup Final at the beginning of August, finishing 16^th amongst some of the finest horses in the world.  She then returned to competition two months later with a 17^th placing at the Fairhill slogfest.   After galloping around the World Cup, Rolex cross country should be within her grasp.  Without a good dressage mark it will be harder for her to get the placing she desires.

10^th CIC*** Galway 20 on XC April 2010

Regis Prud Hon and Debiut

Another French rider coming here to gain experience in anticipation of the WEG.  He is  coming off a 63^rd placing  at Boekelo CCI*** in 2009.

Stephanie Rhodes-Bosch and Port Authority

A Canadian rider not long out of the young rider program, Stephanie needs a more educated dressage score to be in contention at this level.   Hoping for a good placing, this combination might find a good experience just as rewarding.

8^th CIC** The Fork April 2010

Ian Roberts and Napalm

Ian and Napalm usually light the cross country on fire, but the problem is, usually they do the same in dressage.   Ian always puts on a good show and will be putting his best effort toward a good placing.  Don’t miss this grey haired color combination, Ian is sure to thrill you.

8^th Advanced The Fork April 2010

Debbie Rosen and The Alchemyst

Another West coaster, Debbie has brought the Alchemyst here having had the opportunity of completing Rolex last year.   A slightly better dressage score and a quicker cross country is all that Debbie needs to insure a spot in the placings.

16^th CIC*** 20 on XC Galway March 2010

Kristin Schmolze and Cavaldi

Kristin will continue her struggle to contain this over-achieving horse.  The excitement of Kentucky makes Kristin’s job even more difficult.  Even if he is only half way settled, this horse is very capable of putting in a superb performance.

11^th Advanced Southern Pines March 2010

Kim Severson and Tipperary Liadhnan

As Kim’s reputation precedes her, everyone will be watching their dressage and I believe you will not be disappointed.   Her determined ride cross country should leave her with no jumping and possibly no time but she needs to remember that some fuel will still be needed in the tank for Sunday.   Kim will be looking to improve on her 5^th place finish in 2008.   WEG is not out of Kim’s reach.

13^th Advanced The Fork April 2010

Jane Sleeper and UN

Jane was part of the Seoul Olympic (1988) squad and has enjoyed eventing longer than most of you readers would remember .  You can look for very stylish riding on cross country and show jumping.  UN is not necessarily very dressage minded and Jane will have her job cut out for her between the letters.

32^nd Tied CIC*** The Fork April 2010

Allison Springer and Arthur

You will certainly want to make your way to the dressage arena to see this combination.   I would expect polished performances in dressage and cross country to leave her in a good position coming into show jumping.   Alison’s winter training program would  have been  geared to produce a clear show jumping on this particular Sunday.  Her WEG dreams depend upon it.

2^nd CIC*** The Fork April 2010

Kelly Sult and Hollywood

This very experienced, durable horse has taken Kelly around Rolex in the past.   In spite of his brilliant cross country rounds, this combination’s inability to get a good dressage score at this competition in the past has left a competitive finish out of their reach.   We should expect another completion ribbon added to their collection.

30^th Advanced 20 on XC The Fork April 2010

Heelan Tompkins and Sugoi

Another New Zealand B squad rider looking to secure a slot on their WEG team.  Not finishing at Adelaide CCI****, she will be hoping to use Kentucky as that stepping stone.  10^th Advanced at Puhinui (NZ) March 2010

Oliver Townend and ODT Master Rose/Ashdale Cruise Master/Carousel Quest

Coming to America, winning the Grand Slam of eventing will be foremost on Oliver’s mind.  ODT Master Rose after a 5^th place finish at Boekelo,  is now stepping up to the four star level.    Ashdale Cruise Master is a new ride for Oliver.  This horse completed  Burghley CCI**** with a previous rider.  After winning Burghley in 09, Carousel Quest  looks to be Oliver’s best chance of taking home eventing biggest pay day.   Could be a nerve wracking weekend for Ollie.

ODT Master Rose – 8^th CIC*** Burnham Market April 2010

Ashdale Cruise Master -1^st Burnham Market April 2010,

Carousel Quest 3^rd Burnham Market April 2010

Amy Tryon and Leyland/Coal Creek

Amy has been a mainstay for the USET for a number of years. She is very dependable and consistent.  With Leyland we expect a good dressage, superb cross country and if he puts in a good show jumping, he will be well placed.  Coal Creek hasn’t done a CCI since winning at Fairhill in 08.  Would his recent preparation be sufficient to ensure a good placing here at his first CCI****?

Leyland 11^th Advanced Fork April 2010

Coal Creek 6^th Advanced Fork April 2010

Jennifer Wooten-Dafoe and The Good Witch

Jennifer should be looking to improve on her successful 2008 7^th place finish here.  Since that time, she would have gained more experience and will need to break the 50 barrier in dressage.  She has the ability and experience to find a spot at the top placings.

4^th Galway CIC***  March 2010

Ronald Zabala-Goeteshel and Che Italica

Ronald, representing Equador, will be making his second appearance at Rolex.  Last year he and Wiseguy put in a qualifying performance for WEG.  Though meeting all the qualifications, Che Italica would certainly be here with education in mind rather than competition.  Possibly his thinking is to qualify her as a backup for Wiseguy.

Fork CIC*** April 2010 RF (Ronald has a reported broken collar bone so his appearance here is doubtful)

Tara Ziegler and Buckingham Place

This horse will again allow Tara the excitement of competing at America’s premiere event. Buckingham Place has been a wonderful horse to bring Tara here a number of times.   Her dressage scores have never set Tara up to be competitive but her performances have allowed her to add Rolex to her list of completions.  Completing Rolex is always a big accomplishment.

1^st CIC*** Red Hills March 2010 –  with a 74.8 dressage, 57.2 cross country and 26 show jumping for a total of 158 penalty points.

Thanks to Peter Green for these incredible insights for the fans of Three Days Three Ways.  We’ll see how this all plays out at the 2010 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event!   Don’t hesitate to contact me with ideas for Rolex coverage or just to say hi at the Kentucky Horse Park.  A great, big thanks to Emily Daily and Josh Walker at the USEA for the use of the incredible photographs in this post. They’re not only slamming photographers but they’re also hugely generous.

Good luck to all the competitors, plus good luck to the grooms, veterinarians, farriers, organizers, and vast volunteer force who make it all happen behind the scenes!  And thanks for reading as always.  Off we go to Rolex!