United States Eventing Association

Allentown, NJ - May 12, 2016 - Ryan Wood (AUS) has taken the lead in the CCI*** following dressage scoring 43.6 penalties with Powell in the Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event (JFI), presented by BW Furlong & Associates. Allison Springer (USA) is second with Cascani and is the leading US rider with a score of 44.3 penalties. Will Faudree (USA) and Pfun are third with 45.0 penalties. All three riders were pleased with their tests and are looking forward to a challenging cross country course.

"He did a really solid test. He's a fancy moving horse and didn't have any mistakes. There were a couple of places where it could have been more polished but I am pretty happy with it," said Wood. "The course looks pretty challenging there are a lot of technical questions. It is a ten minute course so hopefully he is fit enough. We'll go out and set out to go fast and see what we can go home with."

Allison Springer and Cascani. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Springer and Cascani scored a personal best in their dressage on Thursday but have only been together for one year. JFI is their first CCI***, and Springer is thrilled with him. "I think his previous best score was a 49. I am really pleased, he is a good boy," said Springer. "I like the (cross country) course. It looks quite nice. I really appreciate all the improvements that Jersey Fresh has put into the event. It is so noticeable in every way. The tracks have really improved, the fence construction, the overall experience of being here is so much better and I think all of the riders really appreciate that."

Faudree and Pfun also scored a personal best; "I am very happy with him today. He has moved up to advanced (division) this season and he's been really good this year. He has gotten more ridable in the ring. He's got such a great brain and workman attitude. Each time out I have been able to add a little spark to his trot work. His walk and his canter have always been his strongest suits."

The first part of the CIC*** division also took place on Thursday and the overnight leader after seven competitors is Caroline Martin (USA) riding Effervescent with a score of 50.0 penalties.

Caroline Martin and Effervescent. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

"He's definitely stepped up well to the advanced level," said Martin. "I am happy with him. He's a really, really good horse. He's honest and he's good through the dressage. He's taught me a lot in dressage and I been able to learn from him to teach my other horses."

Admission to JFI and the Horse Park of New Jersey is free Friday, May 13 (Dressage phase). General admission tickets for Saturday, May 14 (Cross Country Phase), and Sunday, May 15, are available at the gate for $10 per person. General Admission does not include admission to VIP/pre-reserved tents or pre-reserved tailgating spots.

The Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event/Horse Park of New Jersey is a 501(c)(3) Not-For-Profit, Charitable and Educational organization that relies on sponsors, volunteers and members to sustain operations. Further information about JFI is available at www.jfi3d.com. Further information about the Horse Park is available at www.horseparkofnewjersey.com