Find out how the second morning of dressage at Bicton is unfolding so far...
The top 10 in the CCI4*-L class at Bicton Horse Trials, supported by Chedington, has already undergone a reshuffle on the second morning of dressage today (11 June).
Piggy March and Brookfield Quality (pictured) put in a lovely test to score 29.6, which puts them in second, just .2 of a penalty adrift of overnight leaders, Pippa Funnell and Billy Walk On.
“That was amazing and definitely a PB for him — he’s really coming on,” Piggy said of Alison Swinburn and John and Chloe Perry’s 11-year-old following her test. “He likes being in an arena because he’s on his own — he hates the warm-ups because there’s too many horses and he’s a bit weird, nervous and horse shy. But his work is getting better and better – he’s been green with his changes, but they’re just starting to come through and they’re really expressive as well so it’s exciting.”
This is Brookfield Quality’s first attempt at a CCI4*-L and Piggy said she has not yet decided on a firm plan for this horse on cross-country day tomorrow.
“This will be a massive test for him as I think with the combination of the terrain and distance and just the whole package is definitely going to be a whole new experience for him,” she explained. “I’m still ticking over a plan in my mind what the best action for him will be. But it’s a great course – I just would have liked to have another CCI4*-L under our belts first, as I think this track is more suited for those about to step up to five-star.”
Will Rawlin and V.I.P Vinnie are another combination to have broken into the top 10 this morning. This pair, who led the first day of CCI4*-L dressage at Blenheim in 2019, scored 30.4 to hold seventh place at the moment.
Will Rawlin and V.I.P Vinnie Credit: Peter Nixon
Tom McEwen and Dreamaway II, who is the current British Intermediate champion scored 30.7 and have gone into eighth.
“I’m super-happy with him — he did an amazing test,” Tom said of the 10-year-old, owned by Barbara Cooper. “He’s really developed and come on in his flatwork. He’s improved in his strength and development.”
Tom McEwen and Dreamaway II Credit: Peter Nixon
The final combination in the early morning session of dressage to break into the top 10 was Ros Canter and Rehy Royal Diamond, who scored 31 to go into ninth.
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Read the full report from Bicton in the 17 June issue of Horse & Hound magazine and keep checking back to horseandhound.co.uk for further updates and insight
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