The Event focus shifts to cross county

With the dressage competition completed, three-star eventing competitors will navigate through a four-mile cross-country course today at The Event at Rebecca Farm.

The course, composed by Scottish designer Ian Stark, has drawn praise from riders for its footing and its attention to detail.

“A lot of people have come a long way, including myself, to get here, and it’s well worth it,” said Phillip Dutton, the leader after the dressage competition.

“It’s great footing, a great course. Ian has put detail into every jump and thought into every jump and so I think it should be a great experience for the horses and riders.”

This is Stark’s second year as the course designer at Rebecca Farm, and Kristi Nunnink, last year’s three-star champion, said the course is similar to last year’s.

“The coffin’s a little different, the water is a little different, but so far it seems pretty similar,” Nunnink said.

Katie Ruppel, who is currently in third place, didn’t attend The Event last year, but she has competed at other courses designed by Stark in the past.

“I personally think it’s a little tame for an Ian course, but I think it’s very appropriate,” Ruppel said.

“It’s a good test. There’s lots of galloping, typical Ian, lots of ditches and boldness questions. I really like it. I’m excited to get out there tomorrow.”

While Dutton said he’ll likely take it slow since his horse, Ben, is coming off an injury, Ruppel said she’s looking to record a fast time.

“It’s not a super-long track, (my horse is) fit enough,” Ruppel said. “He’s a thoroughbred. I’m very lucky that way, he’s got a lot of stamina. The galloping is great, the footing is perfect, why not go for it?”