Clark Montgomery in Lead at Badminton

 I've been following the scores for the Badminton Horse Trials since it started, and just noticed that Clark Montgomery, from the United States, and his mount Loughan Glen are in first place with a score of 33.3 in their dressage test. Paul Tapner and Kilronan are in second with a score of 36.0, Francis Whittington and Easy Target are in third with a score of 36.2, and Lucinda Fredericks and Flying Finish are in fourth with a score 39. In fifth place is Mark Todd on NZB Campino with a score of 40.5. Mark Todd was also riding Leonidas II, who is in ninth place with score of 41.8.

 One rider who is also doing well is Sara Algotsson Ostholt, a Swede, who is tied for fifth place with Mark Todd. She was riding Reality 39, formerly called Mrs. Medicott, and has a score of 40.5. I think it's cool that a Swedish rider is in the top ten seeing as my mom is Swedish.

 Just behind her is William Fox-Pitt and his mount Parklane Hawk. They scored 41.0 and are tied with Andrew Nicholson and his mount, Nereo. Andrew Nicholson's other mount, Quimbo, is in 19th with a score of 44.7. Another rider I've been following is Tiana Coudray, from the United States, and her mount, Ringwood Magister. They are in 14th place with a score of 43.7. Tiana Coudray is currently based in England.

 Rebecca Howard, from Canada, is in currently in 34th place with her mount Riddle Master. They have a score of 48.7.

Badminton Horse Trials Dressage Results

 The Badminton Horse Trials in the UK is officially underway, and the dressage scores for day one are up on the website. Australian rider Paul Tapner and his mount, Kilronan, are in first place with a dressage score of 36. Kilronan is a 2001 Irish Sport Horse gelding that Paul hopes will make it to Normandy this year for the World Equestrian Games. Just behind Paul in second place is Francis Whittington, who scored 36.2 on Easy Target, a gelding also foaled in 2001. In third place is Lucinda Fredericks, who rode Flying Finish. They scored 39 on their test.

 As for the other riders I wanted to follow, Mark Todd is currently in fourth place with NZB Campino, scoring 40.5 in his dressage test. Andrew Nicholson and Quimbo are in seventh with a score of 44.7, Clark Montgomery and Universe are in 18th place with a score of 50.8, William Fox-Pitt and Cool Mountain are in 28th with a score of 53.8, and Peter Atkins and Henry Jota Hampton are in 36th with a score of 62.2. Tomorrow, William Fox-Pitt will be riding Parklane Hawk, Canadian Rebecca Howard will be riding Riddle Master, Mark Todd will be riding Leonidas II, and Andrew Nicholson will be riding Nereo. I'll put there scores up after they ride. For a complete list of riders' scores, click here.

   

  How do think these riders will do tomorrow? I believe that William Fox-Pitt and Parklane Hawk will do well, seeing as Hawk has been placing in several four-star events.