In Unionville, Pennslyvania, the Twin Rivers CCI2* was good weekend for the LGEC riders, getting the show season started with their 2* mounts. Unfortunately, Layne Phillips didn’t have a 2* mount, so she was the faithful groom for Lindsey Kaiser, taking over Emily’s rightful position.
Horse/Rider Combinations
Lindsey Kaiser riding Twilight Zone
Aymee Peterson riding All Star
Jenna Davis riding Supream Rock
In the “Eventing Times” section of the paper this Monday morning after was a fabulous report by Jen Miller.
Welcome to the Twin Rivers CCI2*, located at Twin Rivers Horse Park in Unionville, Pennslyvania! Friday morning jogs went well, the weather letting up on the light drizzle just in time. Our first was veteran Lindsey Kaiser with her little black gelding, Twilight Zone. The pair presented well, and Twilight Zone passed with flying colors. A few jogs later, Jenna Davis and Supream Rock came, Jenna’s heels causing her to stumble a bit and have Supream Rock re-evaluated. After a quick shoe change with Lindsey, Supream Rock passed. Aymee Peterson was the last of the group to jog, her complimenting bright green dress pulling all attention to her. Luckily, her big chestnut passed just like the rest of the group.
Onto Dressage day! Unlike the cool breeze and dampness of Friday, Saturday was a sizzler! I made sure I had my sunscreen handy, and hoped that all had theirs as well. Up first was Lindsey Kaiser riding Twilight Zone. Twilight Zone, standing at 15.3 hands, was as obedient as usual to Lindsey, setting the bar high for the rest of the competition. After a few rides, it was Jenna Davis and her spunky black gelding, Supream Rock. Jenna’s nerves got the best of her in her first canter circle, Supream Rock grabbing at the bit a few times round the circle. Jenna calmed her nerves and got Supream Rock to relax as well, but it was just a few strides too late. They came out of the arena happy, knowing what to improve on, which is isn’t a bad thing! As the hot day drug on and ice cream began to run out, it was soon the finale; Aymee Peterson’s ride on All Star. All Star, a veteran eventer, proved his age and skill by producing a equally lovely test as Lindsey, a few errors here and there. The riders all awaited their tests, which they all received after an hour or two. Lindsey was sitting with a 30.3, very much pleased with her round. Jenna knew what to expect, seeing a 37.8, and knew what to improve on. Aymee was in the middle of her teammates with a 33.5, super happy for such a close score to Lindsey’s. What a great day for all LGEC riders!
Endurance day! There was another slight drizzle over night, creating the perfect temperature for such an intense day. First up was Jenna Davis and Supream Rock, competing in their first long format, had lots to learn out on that steeplechase course. Rocky took a few long spots, but nothing too scary. Jenna made the right choice to not push Rocky over the limit in the D Phase, picking up 2.0 time faults and bumping her score up to a 39.8. Next up was Aymee Peterson, riding in her third long format with her packer All Star, coming in at 3rd place. They rode quite late in the day, the heat starting to pick up. All Star, at his older age of 13, wasn’t affected in the least, and defined “packer” as he gave Aymee a foot perfect ride. They finished the endurance day on their dressage score of 33.5, a personal best for the pair. Riding last was Lindsey Kaiser and Twilight Zone. Lindsey knew what to expect of the long format, as she had been in many, although this was her first for the season. Twilight Zone dug in on the steeplechase, Lindsey allowing some fly time for the pair. Phase C saved little Twilight Zone after the grueling Phase B, giving him time to lower his heart rate and recoup some energy for the cross country phase, Phase D. The course designers were quite kind after such a hard steeplechase, only asking a few major questions; like two skinny yet thick, angled houses with one stride between them, similar to the houses at Rolex. Twilight Zone showed his trust and produced a double clear cross country ride, finishing with nothing to add to the low dressage score of 30.3.
After a team dinner, the girls checked the leaderboard online before hopping in the showers. In 9th was Jenna and Supream Rock, in 3rd was Aymee and All Star, and in 1st was Lindsey and Twilight Zone! All went to bed happy, anxiously awaiting the nerve-wracking stadium jumping day.
The grooms for each horse were up early to re-braid their boys as the riders shimmied into their Sunday best for the final jog. Changing into their team dresses, the girls all applied a final layer of lipstick and jogged their horses again. Luckily all passed, and none were called for re-evaluation. There was a stirring breeze that held throughout the whole day, causing some horses to spook. All the riders checked over the leaderboard one last time after they changed into their formal stadium jumping attire, trying to determine what they had in-hand. Lindsey held a 3-point lead over the next rider, one point off of having one rail in-hand. Aymee was sitting in 3rd with a 33.5, only .5 off of the 2nd place rider. She had two points between her and the 4th place rider, not enough for a rail either. In 9th place was Jenna, who was in a tight position between 8th and 10th, not able to afford anything to keep her gray ribbon.
The course was tough for this Sunday morning, a true test. Riding first for the LGEC group was Jenna, feeling nervous like usual for her weak phase. But all the stars align and Supream Rock jumps clear for her! And adds no time at all! They finish on a score of 39.8. Jenna sets the bar high for the LGEC group, Aymee riding next in their order, 3rd to last in the real order. All Star was feeling the steeplechase burn today, pulling one rail at a large spread oxer, the bogey fence of the day. This adds four penalties to their score, putting them at a 37.5. The 2nd place rider goes, producing a double clear ride, the pressure was on for Lindsey and Twilight Zone! Lindsey knows that she was no rails in hand, and enters the ring with confidence. Twilight Zone shows his strong side of jumping, clearing all put in front of him, even the bogey fence! They finish just under the optimum time, too. They’ve won it! Lindsey takes Twilight Zone on a their first victory gallop, but this time, without the ribbon.
Lindsey couldn’t be more proud of Twilight Zone at his outstanding performance over the weekend. This win sure has boosted Lindsey’s thoughts about her little black gelding, who rips around the arena with a huge neck ribbon and a horse’s version of a smile on his face. Congrats to all riders and horses, all horses entered have finished this CCI2*, a notable fact.
FINAL RESULTS
1. Lindsey Kaiser riding Twilight Zone – 30.3
7. Aymee Peterson riding All Star – 37.5
10. Jenna Davis riding Supream Rock – 39.8
