What’s everyone’s thoughts on how our American riders will fare? I looked at this course, and it seems very technical. Was Rolex this complex if compared to all these corners and landings?
Walked the course today. Because they run the other way round, with the Lion Bridge close to the start, I think that terrain will be influential and making the time will be hard. The fences are big (it is 4*) but most seem fair. What makes it interesting is that Burghley has not reversed the course for about three decades so it is a new experience even for the competitors who have been there before.
Capability’s Cutting I think will cause problems. The second element of big corners, numbered 10, are set a very tight angles and, I think, run outs will happen. However, not apparent in the pictures and the videos is that piles of wood (with little squirrels on them) are placed so as to help the horses find a line. This is a feature all around the course.
Fence 13 ab, the Cottesmore Leap is, in my view, about the worst rider frightener to be found anywhere, though the horses just have an inviting brush to leap. The second element is a skinny brush. I disliked because it seemed slightly unnecessary to me - but I don’t ride at this level. It is cunning design because everyone will have their leg on to make the leap and then have to come back to meet the skinny which comes up quickly. I think terrain on the landing side will need to be read carefully so as to help the horse.
Fence 14abc, the Dairy Mound has a five bar gate at the top of a slope (flagged a). This may be interesting because it is real ‘cross country’ test, such as one might meet out hunting, but gates are not too common at lower levels of eventing. It will be interesting to see how the non-Brit or Irish riders tackle this.
The Rolex Combination, 15abc has a really difficult angle of approach to the c element, four short or three long strides on the most direct route. I think perhaps many riders will take the ditch, bounce, parallel route (flagged a and b) rather than the direct angle (flagged ab) over a ditch with parallel above (a bit like the Vicarage Vee at Badminton). Have to see how this one rides. I was walking around outside the stringing and the view from a horse will be very different.
Discovery Valley (24ab) is much easier than previous years because there is no ditch to jump but a and b are on a very tight line and I think will be a big test of horses at this point of the course. Personally, I have never liked this fence but riders are familiar with it.
The Leaf Pit is an easier obstacle than when it is at the beginning. The moon is set back from the edge allowing the horses time to see down the drop and the sun is set several strides from the bottom. I don’t see it causing too many problems unless the horse is just not fit enough.
The consensus seemed to be it is a nice course.
[QUOTE=NCRider;8300805]
I do think it’s a British thing in part. They’re not very smart in general, more than a bit stubborn and none of their top riders have taken the lead on being good role models. [/QUOTE]
:eek: I have no words…:no:
Thanks for the great breakdown, Willesdon! As an eventing newb, I really enjoyed your insight into the course. (The Pan Am Games in July was my first time covering a three-day event.) From my very limited experience, it’s always interesting to hear the different takes on where the trouble spots will be on cross country. (Also, I love the jump names. Just sayin’.)
There’s been a lot of talk about how cross country courses have evolved to be much more technical over the past decade—similar to show jumping. You seem to have a strong grasp on Burghley past and present. I’d be interested to hear how you’d rate this course compared to Burghley, say, 10 years ago.
As an semi-related (and admittedly self-promotional) aside we’re hosting a daily giveaway at Horse Collab during Burghley. It’s a speculate-on-the-overnight-leader-to-win-a-t-shirt contest. Stop by if you’re interested. (Pinky swear, I won’t mention it again.) http://www.horsecollaborative.com/day-two-of-bet-on-burghley-get-in-it-to-win-it/
Thanks for your nice words about my nephew 
We keep all our fingers crossed for him He is so hard working!!
I’m hoping for him, a safe and excellent trip around xc.
I’ll be looking for news and will be watching the replay online as soon as it’s up.
Manni01, I have just seen the replay of Niklas’s dressage test. Well done!
It seems everyone compliments his riding. You must be so happy for him.
Good luck!
[QUOTE=skydy;8301810]
:eek: I have no words…:no:[/QUOTE]
I have some:
Charlotte. Dujardin.
[QUOTE=Divine Comedy;8300688]
They aren’t making a comeback, the Brits in particular have hung on to the top hat much longer than many of the other countries. You are seeing more top hats here than at other events because the field is predominantly British.[/QUOTE]
This morning one of the American riders wore a top hat.
Sad to see Laine in a Top Hat…
Wow, for someone who has created a cult following of young girls, I am very disappointed in Laine for wearing a top hat. I’ve never really liked her but could respect what she has created with social media. Now that respect is definitely gone.
“I genuinely feel like people want me to do well; I always say everybody has their own Rolex or Burghley, it doesn’t have to be four stars but just be a goal that they aspire to, and so I think they enjoy watching someone persevere and struggle though it because at the end of the day we’re all human. It’s awesome and I pray that I can be a good role model, for adults and kids alike. It’s great, it’s a joint effort and I literally woudn’t be here without them, I literally would not.”
I truly enjoy her, but you can’t make this statement, and then go into the white box with a top hat on. wtf.
Yes, that is really disappointing. What’s the attraction??
And it’s not like she can say it’s because he coach influences her and wears a top hat. Buck generally wears a helmet in dressage now.
It just makes no sense.
[QUOTE=CatchMeIfUCan;8302263]
Wow, for someone who has created a cult following of young girls, I am very disappointed in Laine for wearing a top hat. I’ve never really liked her but could respect what she has created with social media. Now that respect is definitely gone.[/QUOTE]
I wish more young eventers would realize that a hot Instagram account does not a horseman make.
It just makes no sense.
sad and disappointed to see one of our own in a top-hat… wonder what influenced that decision… :no:
Well done Colleen!! Best of luck to all the horse and riders tomorrow. (But an extra boost to our riders;).
To get this back on track - Fernhill Pimms - WOW. That is a nice, nice horse. Looks like his breeding is a jumper warmblood over a TB mare. Blood is “only” 67%. This is his first 4* after doing a lot of CIC3* and completing one CCI3*, and he has done 19 FEI events since 2010 split between William and Duarte Seabra. I am looking forward to how he does on XC as his record has a few 20s peppered in. He made time at his CCI3*, so I would imagine he could get at least close to it here with a good run.
It still amazes me how prepared William is every time he comes out. His horses are strong enough in the dressage and fit enough for the rest of the competition. I have rarely ever seen an instance where he was under prepared on the big stage. Fernhill Pimms looks like he could go and do a pure FEI dressage test (aside from a few of the changes), and this is his first 4*.
I don’t think we are like that here with our horses. Maybe we just talk about it more or in a different way, but I always feel like our riders want more fitness or more strength or whatever. Like they were under prepared or surprised by what they needed to have when they got there. I work in sales, and we always talk about under selling and over delivering. This is what William does to me. He over delivers the majority of the time, and he knows exactly what he needs to get the job done.
As an owner, it is interesting for me to think about when it comes to my horse. Ultimately it is up the rider, but I make sure to never, ever make her feel like she has to move up. They need to be prepared and successful (as pertaining to their goals, not ribbons) each and every time out.
Sorry - just my ramblings while answering my emails and watching dressage at the same time!
