Canada's Eventers complete Dressage phase

That was probably the best test he’s ever had ­ no question,” said Ian Roberts regarding his horse, Napalm’s, performance in the Dressage phase of Eventing. “It is the result of a lot of hard work, concentration and focus. This is the new ‘Smokey’. He is accepting his job and seems happy to be doing it.”

Chef d’Équipe, Greg Paull, said “I’m thrilled with Ian’s test at this stage of the game and considering the atmosphere.”

Roberts rode early in the order on Thursday and Kelli McMullen-Temple rode her test today. With both competition and exhibition horses pounding the grass turf in the ring over two days, and the continuous rain, the footing became less than ideal by the time Paris II and McMullen-Temple, entered the ring. She said, “I thought he was great. I’m happy with how composed he was in the ring. The footing was a bit tricky.”

Paull said, “It was a good test … I’m happy with that for a young horse.”

Canadian International Technical Advisor, David O’Connor agreed. “It was good, but conservative.”

At the end of the Dressage phase, Kelly McMullen-Temple and Paris II are in 30th place with 53.70 penalty points and Ian Roberts and Napalm are in 52nd with 62.60 penalty points.

The Cross Country phase goes tomorrow, with Roberts riding in the morning and McMullen-Temple in the afternoon.

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