Sara Kozumplik Jumps to the Lead in The Event at TerraNova CCI4*-S After Show Jumping
Sara Kozumplik and Rubens D'ysieux. Photo by Al Green Photo
Myakka City, Fla.– Oct. 22, 2022 – Sara Kozumplik (USA) and Rubens D'ysieux (Balougran x Orenda D'ysieux) moved into first in The Event at TerraNova CCI4*-S after show jumping to head into Sunday's cross country on a 35.7. William Robertson's show jumping course proved influential on day two of the eventing competition.
Rubens D'ysieux, a 17-year-old Selle Francais gelding owned by Kim Small, has been Kozumplik's partner for many years. "He's very secure in his soul. He's an exceptional horse and in many ways, he's very smart. He's gifted, he is kind and he's lovely to have around but doesn't need anyone to tell him he's good. He's already quite aware," Kozumplik said.
The Event at TerraNova CCI4*-S runs cross-country on the third day, which is typical for short format events, giving the riders plenty of time to walk Capt. Mark Phillip's CCI4*-S track. "I walk the course; then I like to have a little quiet time to think about those things. I don't do a ton of jumping in the cross-country warmup. I'm on good horses and they're prepared," Kozumplik said. "One line that I heard a long time ago that I really love, and I think applies to all disciplines, is 'if you didn't bring it to the horse show, you're not gonna find it here.'"
Mary Bess Davis and Imperio Magic. Photo by Al Green Photo
Mary Bess Davis (USA) with her own Imperio Magic (Cassander x Khadija Des Hayettes), a 2014 Warmblood gelding, launched into second from seventh place with the only clear round in the CCI4*-S. They head into cross-country day on their dressage score of 36.7. Davis and Imperio Magic have been together since their first Open Beginner Novice in January 2020 at a Stable View Opener Horse Trial. While this is Davis's second four-star with Imperio Magic, she previously produced four horses to the four-star level about 12 years ago.
"I had two kids and took a break. And so, coming into this weekend, it was all about just doing the best we can do at this moment and trying to put together three strong disciplines. It's all a gift to me [and so much fun] to be back at this level that I go in very excited, but also relaxed because I'm happy to be back here and I'm on such an incredible horse," Davis said.
This is Davis's first time experiencing and competing at TerraNova. "[TerraNova] is amazing- the facility, the footing, the buildings, the barn, everything is very competitor friendly. They go above and beyond. It's been a great experience," Davis said.
The new VIP Pavilion at TerraNova Equestrian Center spans two arenas during this FEI dual-event hosted week, including both The Event at TerraNova CCI4*S and TerraNova Dressage CDI4*/CDI-W. Spectators enjoyed excellent viewing while creating atmosphere for the competitors and their horses.
"[He was] a little excited in dressage, but that wouldn't be uncommon for him," Davis said. "He's coming into his own in the dressage arena. For the show jumping, he was a little bit wild in the warmup. He is such an amazing animal. He comes in and he uses all that energy in all the right ways. It was such a fun time because he was focused and he was all about his job. It was a pretty amazing day."
Leslie Law and Castle Howard Romeo. Photo by Al Green Photo
Leslie Law (GBR) and Castle Howard Romeo (Womanizer x Creagh Diamond Cavalier), a 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse, rode a double-clear round to maintain their lead in the CCI3*-S on a 29.8. "He jumped great. He's a good jumper and he went in there and did what he had to do and he jumped a really good clear round and I'm obviously delighted with him," Law said.
Law doesn't have any particular superstitions when it comes to preparing for cross-county (no lucky socks, only clean ones), so he shared that his plan is fairly straightforward for Sunday morning. "I'll come in the morning and have a walk around the three-star again one more time. I've been doing this for a long time now. [Will] refresh myself, so I don't go and do anything senile or miss any jumps out on the course. Then [I'll] get on the horse about 35 minutes out from my start time. Let him warm up quietly and hopefully go out and have a good round," he said.
Bethany Hutchins-Kristen and Geluk HVF. Photo by Al Green Phot
Bethany Hutchins-Kristen and her own Dutch Warmblood stallion Geluk HVF (Jazz x Bronte HVF) had a double-clear show jumping round in the CCI3*-S to maintain their second-place score of 30.7. This is Hutchins-Kristen first time at TerraNova Equestrian Center. "I look forward to making it a regular on the competition calendar. The atmosphere is great. I think it's a nice opportunity for the horses to gain this exposure and experience in a venue like this," Hutchins-Kristen shared. "I'm lucky that Geluk typically thrives in big atmospheres. He enjoys competing, and when there is a big atmosphere it brings out the best in him. He's a stallion, so he's a bit, 'look at me.'"
When asked about Capt. Mark Phillips's cross-country, Hutchins-Kristen shared, "I'm excited for cross-country. The course looks great. I think time will be tricky and influential with all the twists and turns. We've prepared, done our homework. Now we just need to go out and ride the course and answer the questions one fence at a time."
Hutchins-Kristen complimented the features of the event, especially the kids' attraction, TerraNova Tiny Town, a child-sized village with a general store, veterinary office, stables and a tack room, plus pint-sized jumps and hobby horses.
"The tiny town for children has been AMAZING to keep my kids entertained while I focus," Hutchins-Kristen exclaimed.
The Event at TerraNova CCI4*-S and CCI3*-S will run cross country tomorrow Sunday, October 23, 2022. The CCI4*-S course has 36 jumping efforts over 3493 meters with an optimum time of 6:08. The CCI3*-S course has 32 jumping efforts over 3165 meters with an optimum time of 5:46.
Awards will be presented to the top eight riders of each FEI division. The CCI4*-S will award $17,500 in prize money, CCI3*-S $10,000, CCI2*-S $7,500 and CCI1*-S $5,000.
Leslie Law Continues to Lead the Way in the CCI4*-S
Leaders After Show Jumping:
CCI2*-S: Benjamin Noonan (USA)- Street Fighter
CCI1*-S: Leslie Law (GBR)- Fernhill Lottery
Open Intermediate: Autumn Schweiss- Global Quarycrest
Open Preliminary: Autumn Schweiss- Bamford CF
All photos by Al Green Photo
Leaders After Cross-Country:
Intro: Terri Miller- Beau Regard
Beginner Novice Rider: Susan Cerbone- Seattle Sangaree
Open Beginner Novice: Krista Wilson- Stella
Novice Rider: Cynthia Cole- Sir Galahad
Open Novice: Benjamin Noonan- Kay-O
Training Rider: Amy Etheridge- Royal Luftanzer
Open Training: Alexander O'Neal- Hardwired
All photos by Al Green Photo
