Lucienne Bellissimo (GBR) of Campobello, South Carolina, took the lead as the dressage phase wrapped up Friday in the Galati Yacht Sales CCI4*-L, presented by Insurance Office of America at The Event at TerraNova. With a score of 31.5 on Tremanton (Graffentolz x Trevia), owned by Horse Scout Eventing LLC, a Thoroughbred-cross mare (Graffentolz x Trevia), Bellissimo blazed past Will Coleman (USA) of Ocala, Florida. He had held the lead since his ride on Thursday when he scored 34.0 with with the Holsteiner gelding Diabolo (Diarado/Roulett M), owned by the Diabolo Group.

Tied for third with 34.9 were Buck Davidson (USA) of Unionville, Pennsylvania, on Erroll Gobey (Cassini/ II/Ulla II) (Cassandra Segal), a brown Holsteiner gelding, and Jenny Caras (USA) of Cartersville, Georgia, on Trendy Fernhill (ARS Vivendi/Cruisings Girl), (Elyse Eisenberg), a bay Irish Sport Horse gelding.

This was Tremanton’s first 4*-L. “She seems to like this venue. She performs well and actually breathes in the ring,” said Bellissimo. The horse is “quite high in Thoroughbred blood on the dam side. Although she’s a naturally moving nice horse, she can almost become a little too tense in her test.” Bellissimo said she plans to do more 4*-Ls in the spring and “would like to have a crack at a 5* later in the season.”

Second and Third Place Finishers

Coleman said his horse feels good going into Saturday’s cross country, “He’s up to it. Some people think it’s easier on a flat course like we have here, but for the horse, it can actually be more tiring.” After walking the cross-country course several times, Coleman said he’s confident about it but noted that there are “some sneaky places where you could get caught on runoffs.”

Davidson said he was very happy with his ride, adding that his horse “doesn’t always find dressage that easy.” He described him as complicated. “There are never two days that are the same. This is the first time in my career that I’ve felt confident of him in all three phases.” Davidson said the pair always crave the win, a trait that can be an advantage and a disadvantage. “One of us has to chill out and not want the win so intensely.”

Caras said that she can always count on Trendy Fernhill. “He’s a good boy, but he can be spooky and reactive,” she said. She has had the horse since he was 4 years old. “He can be a little sharp, but we know each other so well that we can anticipate each other.” She is looking forward to cross country, which she feels presents some good course questions.

All the Competition Details

The Galati Yacht Sales CCI4*-L, presented by Insurance Office of America, and all the FEI divisions move to the cross-country phase on Saturday. The course was designed by Capt. Mark Phillips and includes many obstacles inspired by area wildlife and landmarks.

Watch The Event at TerraNova livestream from home or the barn! Catch the exciting action of the Galati Yacht Sales CCI4*-L, presented by Insurance Office of America, as well as The Estates at TerraNova CCI3*-L, presented by Laughlin Tanner Group at Premier Sotheby’s International Realty.

For the schedule, results and more, click here.