Isabelle Cook finished seventh in the competitive Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S at Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event today (26 April), moving up one rung from eighth after cross-country.
The 21-year-old piloted her mother Tina Cook and Jim Chromiak’s Cymoon “F” Z round the showjumping with just one fence down, the front rail of the oxer out of the Mars double at fence four. The pair also had 1.6 time-faults.
“I’m really pleased. It was a big atmosphere in there – definitely the most crowds I’ve ever jumped in front of,” said Isabelle. “He jumped really well and tried very hard.
“The one down was slightly my fault. I had the line to the double I wanted to keep quite tight, but also get straight and I had a good shot going in, and he just made up quite a lot of ground on the one stride.
“I think my body came forward a bit soon and I should have just stayed sitting up for a split second longer to have helped him. I think I just went to go forward and turn a little bit over the fence, and he just touched it very lightly behind.”
The time was very influential today too – of the 31 pairs who showjumped, only winner Tamie Smith (Lillet 3) finished inside the target.
“He’s a quick horse, so I thought I could make the most of that and move around and he’s very careful,” said Isabelle.
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Isabelle Cook competed at the Kentucky Three-Day Event as part of a three-strong squad sponsored by a new initiative called Rising Lions, which aims to give young British riders experience overseas.
“It’s been an amazing experience. The crowds cross-country were really cheering you on, really supportive. The crowds here were amazing the whole week,” said Isabelle.
“Running alongside the five-star really gives you that sort of championship feel almost. And being abroad for us has been a really great experience and watching the five-star as well, of course.”
Isabelle’s fellow “Rising Lion” Elizabeth Barratt had four jumping faults and four time-faults, with Barratt Eventing’s Chaman Dumontceau, to finish 28th.
Pippa is a true eventing geek and has been H&H’s eventing editor since 2005. She has first-hand experience of competing up to British Eventing intermediate and international CCI2*-L level, and has worked in the industry on a top event yard. Pippa enjoys nothing more than immersing herself in the sport at the highest level, reporting from the five-stars and international championships, including the Olympics.
