The CCI4*-S saw Ireland’s Michael Nolan move in to the lead with a score of 34.30 following an unfortunate 2 rails and a bit of time for Cannington, Ontario’s Jessica Phoenix which moved her and Watson GS all the way down to 7th place.

Michael’s mount, SBT Good Guy which has a rather unusual barn name of “Killer” is a bay ten-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Sue and Bob Martin. This is the second visit to Bromont for this combination for Michael and Killer who finished 3rd last year at the same level.

Michael spends most of his time working with horses between Michigan and Ocala riding with Robin Walker.

Asked about why he comes back to Bromont, Michael said “The ground is great. As fair course as you would expect to see. I love coming here.”

In the CCI3*-S, Dunham, QC resident and hometown favourite, Colleen Loach added nothing to their dressage score of 29.20 riding Peter Barry’s Dutch Warmblood gelding, Foreign Quality (Badger). The eight-year-old horse, born in Holland was purchased through Irish rider, Tim Bourke.

Colleen and Badger maintain a lead over another local rider, Melissa Boutin riding EWSZ Jalando of Ascot Corners, QC while in third is Colleen on another Peter Barry owned horse called Vermont.

Looking forward to cross-country, Colleen said “the footing is good here at this time of year” and went on to say “ Derek is my favourite course designer.” speaking of Derek Di Grazia of Carmel Valley, California, FEI cross-country course designer at Bromont since 2009 as well as cross-country designer for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

The CCI3*-S Under 25 division saw Amanda Beale Clement riding Carlson 119 move in to the front of the field following a faultless round in the show jumping today. The German Sport Horse gelding, Carlson 119, owned by the Get Ready Syndicate was originally competed by Germany’s Frank Ostholt in Europe.

In the CCI2*-S Sloane Pierpont of New Canaan, CT riding Indie appears to have brought her own cheering section of family and friends, which comes in handy when you have a great dressage round and a clear show jumping . Sloane will head out of the startbox on Sunday about lunch time carrying a penalty score of just 31.30.

Looking ahead to Sunday competition Sloan said “This is my favourite course. I love the terrain here. I love coming to Bromont.”

This is Sloan’s second visit to Bromont with a break in between as Sloane took last year off from riding to focus on college.

Eighteen-year-old Olivia Hayes of Havertown, PA and Astrana De La Galerna added nothing to their dressage score of 31.60 to keep their CCI2*-S Under 25 lead. Olivia is “really excited for it” speaking of cross-country on Sunday.

In other divisions who all rode show jump today leaders are as follows.

OP – Matthew Brown riding Just Zip It

OT – Claudia Iannuccilli riding Campaigning

Competition resumes Sunday morning at 9:00am with the CCI4*-S.

In recent years the Bromont CCI has been a favourite location for both Canadian and US final team selection trials, developing athlete activities such as the USEF/USET Foundation North American Futures Team Challenge and the Bromont Rising Program.

Prizes for a win at Bromont CCI-S include a free entry in any of the FEI divisions in 2020. This includes our Under 25 divisions.

For more information about this highly-anticipated annual event, visit BromontCCI.com.