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Martin Wins Inaugural Rebecca Farm CCI3-Star Aboard Delux Z

Martin was traveling on a United States Equestrian Federation Land Rover Competition Grant

By Brian Schott
Bruce Davidson Jr. rides The Apprentice during the dressage portion at The Event at Rebecca Farm on July 24, 2015. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon

Kurt Martin made the most of his long trip from Middleburg, Virginia, jumping a clear round in show jumping on CarolJean Martin’s Irish Sport Horse Delux Z. He held his score of 47.0 to win the first-ever CCI 3-star division at The Event at Rebecca Farm. Multiple arenas offered viewing of a variety of divisions in show jumping while a festive crowd walked the grounds that included a large trade show.

Martin was traveling on a United States Equestrian Federation Land Rover Competition Grant that funded his travel for the international-level competition here. This is Martin’s first CCI 3-star win and it was his first attempt with Delux Z at this level.

“He was a little overwhelmed and spooky, but he trusts me,” said Martin of his win. “It wasn’t smooth, but I’m really proud of him. When he spooks he jumps higher. This grant was a big opportunity for me and there is no way I would be sitting here without it. To have come out on top with a good result, I really appreciate all the people investing in me.”

Overnight leaders Buck Davidson on Sherrie and Caroline Martin’s The Apprentice had difficulty with the challenging course. Jumping in reverse order of standing, Martin added pressure with his clear round, giving no opportunity for a mistake before the hushed crowd when Davidson entered the arena. Davidson ended up dropping six rails to move into third place with a score of 68.1. James Alliston and Parker added twelve faults to their score, but finished in second place at 62.9.

“I am really happy, although it wasn’t the best show jumping,” said Alliston. “But if someone had told me I would take second at the start of the show, I would have been delighted.”

Three-star riders for both the international-level divisions show jumped concurrently this afternoon, making for a dramatic conclusion for both the CCI and CIC riders. In the CIC 3-star, Tamra Smith and Alexandra Ahearn’s Mai Baum dropped one rail, but easily won with a score of 52.9. Barb Crabo took second place on her own Eveready with a score of 70.2 and Jennifer McFall placed third on her own High Times with a score of 78.7.

“This is his most difficult phase,” said Smith. “But he was phenomenal today and jumped really well.”

Designing for his tenth year at Rebecca Farm, Richard Jeffrey challenged riders with a beautifully presented course that included icons of Montana. Faults were spread throughout the course with four of the eight riders jumping a clear round in the CCI 3-star, while only two jumped without dropping any rails in the CIC 3-star.

Davidson was surely disappointed. “I didn’t come here to be third,” he said.  But he chalked up the day with a larger perspective. “Just turn on CNN,” he said. “My life is not that bad. My horse was great in the first two phases and I’m obviously disappointed today, but there are a lot worse things going on in the world. I’ll be back. He’ll be back. We’ll have to go back to the drawing board and see if we can’t make it better.”

At the press conference held after the ceremony that awarded a total of $36,000 to the two top international divisions, riders were appreciative for the hard work of the Rebecca Farm staff and the Broussard family.

“Rebecca Farm does everything they possibly can for the horses,” said Davidson, who traveled from Pennsylvania for the competition. “Our horses are able to come and return home soundly and we are really thankful that the Broussards put in so much work to make the conditions so good. They do an awesome job and treat everyone so well.”

For final results in all divisions, visit www.RebeccaFarm.org.