<p>Lauren Kieffer was thrilled with her long-time partner Vermiculus after the Anglo-Arab gelding earned a 31.2 to tie for 6th. "He was a bit cheeky [in warm-up] and I was just pony-trotting him around trying to get him back in gear. But then he goes in [the ring] and puts his head down and does his job, so I'm really happy with him." Both of the horses Lauren is competing this weekend are American-breds that she produced herself. </p>
<p>Marilyn Little, still nursing a leg injury from last year, and RF Scandalous stormed into the lead this afternoon with a 24.8. "She was a little bit excited with the Friday afternoon atmosphere, which we are familiar with at Kentucky. I was excited to go on Friday afternoon and knew she could handle it well. She was very businesslike, and it was a great ride. She was looking to please and she did her job." </p>
<p>After completing her test, Kim Severson offers an encouraging word to fellow rider Colleen Rutledge. Both riders finished their day in the top ten: Kim and Cooley Cross Border sit 4th with a 28.3 and Colleen and Covert Rights are 10th with 31.7. </p>
<p>Christopher Burton's Nobilis 18 performs his stretch down circle at the canter--a new movement in this year's test. The sole Australian competitor was delighted with his ride, which earned a 27.9 for third place. "He really stayed with me and let me ride him. There's always things that can be better, aren't there? But with horses, there are always things that can be worse!" </p>
<p>Christopher Burton salutes the crowd after his third-place test with Nobilis 18. The Australian rider hadn't competed at the Kentucky Horse Park since the 2010 WEG, but is looking forward to tomorrow's cross-country. "This is the best event in the world, no question. This course is just beautiful." </p>
<p>Oliver Townend of Great Britain was thrilled with CCI4* rookie Cooley Master Class and is looking ahead to tackling the cross-country course tomorrow. "I think it's an amazing course with fantastic ground. [Designer Derek di Grazia] is second to none--we need to get him to England to teach a few people some things. It's a very clever course and has you thinking right at the end." </p>
