Eventing Column
By Liz Halliday-Sharp
It really is “The best weekend all year…” and the 2023 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event did not disappoint. This year the competition was particularly special because we were able to congratulate a USA winner for the first time in 15 years! What Tamie Smith achieved in the five-star was more than just a victory. The result was the product of endless perseverance, hard work and resilience combined with the wonderful partnership she has with a very special horse. I know that Tamie agrees that Mai Baum, who goes by Lexus, deserves this win as much as she does, and those of us in the sport know the huge ups and downs that the two of them have had to conquer as a team over the years. Watching Lexus at his very best at 17 years old was a real joy to watch.
In the true form of eventing, my own journey through the 2023 Kentucky Three-Day Event was not completely smooth sailing, but I did come away feeling very proud of all my horses, who each performed at their absolute best for me. I had four horses entered this year, which made for a very busy week indeed. I had the less-experienced Cooley Nutcracker and Cooley Be Cool in the CCI4*-S and Miks Master C and Deniro Z in the CCI5*.
I can genuinely say that all four horses gave me everything they had throughout the week, and nothing makes me prouder as a horsewoman, trainer and competitor than to come away with that realization. I also think it is fantastic to have the four-star included at the event now. There is no better opportunity in the USA to expose the younger horses to atmosphere and crowds, and my horses have all come away stronger and more educated for the experience.
In the dressage phase, both of my four-star horses achieved a personal best score at the level and were sitting in first and second place heading into cross-country. On Saturday they were both outstanding across the country and the day was only marred by a frangible table dropping when Cooley Nutcracker barely touched it behind with a confident, safe jump which unfortunately cost him a top result. While this was very disappointing, I was still thrilled with them both on the last day when they jumped their socks off to finish fourth and ninth in a huge class.
In the five-star, my rides were both very different—I had a first-timer with the 11-year-old Miks Master C, and then also my old friend Deniro Z, who at 15 has been to many big parties with me before. It was interesting to be at a five-star event with a horse that I have been partnered with for over eight years along with a horse that I have been riding for less than a year. I will say that it was both exciting and daunting all at the same time!
Both horses definitely lit up in the dressage with the big atmosphere, and while we may have lost a few marks due to sheer enthusiasm, I was still thrilled with their competitive scores. We were in a good place heading into cross-country and the course was certainly challenging enough. My first ride was on Deniro Z and I can honestly say that he gave me everything he had. We enjoyed a very good round with some time faults that he told me he needed to have, so I listened and let him go at the pace that felt right for him. He finished happy and jumping well, and I am so grateful for the long-term partnership that we have. I’m sad that Niro was not able to complete on the last day, but I’m grateful that he is 100% sound, happy and enjoying his vacation in the field—he will be back out to compete again later this year.
Miks Master C was my last ride of four horses and I found myself oddly calm before the cross-country. I think it’s great to have multiple horses to ride as it helps to hone your focus through the day. Mikki was totally incredible around his first five-star. He’s a keen, strong horse with a big stride and a huge love for the job and the step up to five-star only made him better! On the last day, he was a real star and fought like a true champion to give us a clear show-jumping round, finishing as Reserve National Champion in third place. This sport is full of challenges, but it’s the journey and the true love of the sport from horse and rider that keeps us all fighting.
Photo:
Tamie Smith, left, and Liz Halliday-Sharp at the 2023 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event.
Photo by Horse Illustrated
