The sky was blue and temperatures soared on the opening day (July 3) of the St James’s Place Wealth Management Barbury International Horse Trials.
Britain’s Francis Whittington and Easy Target finished the first day of dressage for the CIC three star eventing competition in first place with a penalty score of 42.6.
A full squad of New Zealanders currently hold the three positions behind him: Lizzie Brown and Playtime NZPH, Dani Evans and Smart Time and Tim Price riding Ringwood Sky Boy. The three star dressage phase continues on Friday morning with Lucy Wiegersma and Mr Chunky first to go at 8.30.
Leaders from the two star CIC after the first day of dressage were:
Section B – On Stage II – Holly Woodhead (38.7)
Section C – Wild Duchess – Christopher Burton (39.5)
Section D – Cloud Dancer – Jonelle Price (41).
With a total of £33,000 in prize money to be won across the British eventing classes, and with over 1000 horse and rider combinations (it is now confirmed) set to compete throughout the four day event, the competition will be hotting up.
It has to be said that the first day’s conversation was dominated by the weather – and whether it would last the full four days…