The Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event, presented by B.W. Furlong & Associates, kicked-off in grand style as it enters its 15th anniversary, with dueling dressage rings for the CCI3* and CCI2* divisions. Tamra Smith and Wembley danced in dressage, taking the lead on a score of 45.9 penalties. Cornelia Dorr with Louis M, her first of two rides of the day, took an early lead in the CCI2* with a score of 45.8.
The Jersey Fresh International (JFI) has become one of the most influential international three-day events in the United States. A must-attend by the sport’s leading athletes, JFI has historically helped determine both United States’ and Canadian teams for the World Equestrian Games and Pan Am Games. In 2016, JFI was proud to be a qualifying selection trial for the U.S. Eventing Team that competed in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Summer Olympic Games.
Among the sixteen entries in the CCI3*, Tamra Smith piloted Wembley into an early lead with a 45.9. Buck Davidson and Park Trader are in second with a 50.2 and Philip Dutton aboard Mr. Candyman round out the top three on a 50.5.
“This year, I took over the ride (on Wembley) to aim for Kentucky next year,” said Smith. “On the flat I work with Niki Clarke. He (Wembley) is not the easiest horse on the flat so I’m grateful to have her and help get us into shape. It’s a good team.”
Cornelia Dorr sits in the first and fifth position in the CCI2* with Louis M on 45.8 and Sir Patico MH on a 53.7 respectively. Currently in second is Boyd Martin riding Kyra with a 50.2, and Colleen Rutledge finished out the top three with UNO on a dressage score of 50.9.
In preparation for JFI, Dorr noted the fitness regime of her horses to ensure everyone is in top form for all three phases. “We did lots of prep work, doing lots of gallops and trot sets and making sure everyone is top fit and feeling good,” said Dorr. “Louis has been in the barn about a year and he was great today.”
Dorr’s second horse, Sir Patico MH, known as Hugo in the barn, produced another great ride for Dorr. “He was great. Dressage is our weaker phase just because I’ve had him for so long and it’s my weaker phase,” said Dorr. “I’m really happy with the connection we had today.”
Competitors in the CCI3* and CCI2* will move forward to the next phase, cross-country, on Saturday, May 13. This year, the cross-country course is designed by England’s Capt. Mark Phillips.
The competition continues with day two of Dressage on Friday, May 12, for the CIC3* and CIC2* starting at 9:00 a.m.
Spectators can take in the beautiful competition and fantastic shopping opportunities as the JFI 2017’s Trade Fair returns, and is centrally located amidst all the competitive action. Shoppers and browsers will find a wide array of products and services that will appeal to all providing a great opportunity to pick up that perfect last-minute Mother’s Day gift!
The 2017 Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event will take place May 11-14 at the Horse Park of New Jersey, a premier venue that draws top equestrian competitors across a multitude of disciplines. JFI invites all to join us for a fun and action-packed weekend. Additional details regarding 2017’s schedule of events and competition updates and are posted at www.jfi3d.com.
The Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event is administrated by the Horse Park of New Jersey, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, charitable and educational organization that relies on sponsors, volunteers and members to sustain operations.
Further information about JFI is available at www.jfi3d.com.
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