Competition commenced today at Aspen Farms Horse Trials in Yelm, WA with more than 300 horse-and-rider combinations. Riders took center stage in the four dressage arenas, showcasing precision, harmony, and athleticism as they performed their tests before judges.
For the second year, Aspen Farms’ CCI4*-S division is a qualifier for the US Equestrian Open Series. The US Equestrian Open of Eventing comprises 20 Advanced-level qualifiers across the country, culminating in a prestigious final with significant prize money at Morven Park this October.
After dressage, Stephanie Goodman and Elwenda DP, owned by Deanna Briggs, lead the CCI4*-S on a dressage score of 31.1.
“My mare was great!” said Goodman. “She’s pretty new to this level. She has been in this ring at Aspen Farms a lot, and she’s normally spooky in this ring. But she was less spooky than normal. The test is a fun test, and I’m happy she showed up for it today.”
Looking ahead to the second phase, Goodman is optimistic they can jump clear tomorrow over the show jumping course designed by Chris Barnard because Elwenda tends to be a consistent show jumper.
Sitting second on the leaderboard less than one point behind the current leaders in the CCI4*-S are Karen O’Neal and Clooney 14, owned Annika Asling. They won the inaugural CCI4*-S at Aspen Farms in 2024.
“Clooney was good today, though he had a little more tension than I would have liked,” said O’Neal. “But he did everything I asked of him. In hindsight, I probably could have encouraged a little more relaxation.”
They’ve show jumped clear in this division before, and O’Neal is looking to repeat that tomorrow.
Erin Grandia and her grey Warmblood mare Hyacinth are third in the CCI4*-S on a score of 33.6, less than a show jumping rail behind the leaders. After a disrupted season last year, Grandia is eager complete their first Advanced together this weekend. They are fresh off of a successful Intermediate performance at Spokane Sport Horse Farm Spring Horse Trials last month.
“I was very happy with our dressage test,” Grandia said at the end of the first day. “My timing was a little off in my flying changes, but for everything else she stayed very relaxed. She listened to me. Sometimes she can get tense in the ring, but we didn’t have any of that today.”
Amber Birtcil and Orpheus. Photo by Ashley Kemp Photography.
In the CCI3*-S, Amber Birtcil of Petaluma, California and her 7-year old Dutch Warmblood Orpheus secured the overnight lead with a dressage score of 30.8.
“This was definitely his best dressage test to date,” Birtcil said. “He’s getting more and more trained! I just had help from Jock Paget last week, and that was incredibly beneficial. He really showed up today for the test–he felt very in-tune with what I was asking today.”
Going into show jumping tomorrow, Birtcil will be focused on rideability. If he is as rideable as he was for dressage today, she believes it will be a successful clear round.
Birtcil is also leading the Open Preliminary division with Prince of Oolde, and she is third in that division with Picasso behind Brynn Josey and Gentle Gallucci in second.
“Prince of Oolde, who we call ‘Noodles,’ is such a joy to ride,” Birtcil shared. “He’s the picture of rideability. He’s lovely every day–today included!”
And to further her dominance on the leaderboard, Birtcil is also leading the Open Training with her 7-year old, Oxford K, who is aiming for the 1-star at Rebecca Farms in July.
“I thought competing here would be a great opportunity for him,” said Birtcil. “I’m excited for him to get out on course. I wanted him to come here and see something different as we prepare for Rebecca. None of my horses here have been here before, since it has been a few years since I have come up to Aspen Farms.”
Lauren Billys Shady and Kingston. Photo by Ashley Kemp Photography.
Another California rider leaving a mark on the leaderboard overnight is Lauren Billys Shady. In the CCI2*-S, Billys Shady and Kingston 60, owned by Team Latoni Syndicate, are currently first with a dressage score of 25.6.
“Kingston is a great horse,” said Billy Shady. “He’s awesome–in the dressage, whatever I ask, he’s like ‘sure, I can do that!’ It was a really fun test today.”
Considering show jumping tomorrow, Billy Shady shared “normally, he’s a super show jumper. He hasn’t been at this level this season–it’s our first time competing above Training level for this year. But normally he’s an awesome show jumper and a great horse to compete on. I look forward to having fun tomorrow–he’s a joy to have back out in the ring!”
Lauren Billys Shady and Clearsky. Photo by Ashley Kemp Photography.
Billy Shady is also leading the Open Intermediate division with Clearsky on a score of 27.5. Paige Dinnie and Crown Royal are second on 32.9 and Reese Blinks and I’M Jaguar are third on 34.2.
Aspen Farm HT CCI4*-S (WA): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
