FischerChipmunk Takes the Lead on Day 1

Michael Jung, the Olympic champion from Germany, rode FischerChipmunk FRH to a record-low score of 18.6 in the CCI5*-L test at Defender Kentucky. This is Jung’s lowest score in a full-length five-star test, beating his previous record of 20.1 set at the Paris Olympics last year.

When asked about his horse’s performance, Jung praised FischerChipmunk’s calm and relaxed demeanor. “He is so nice to ride in the dressage,” he said. “He’s also very uncomplicated at home.” Jung also noted that his horse is quite sensitive, but has a strong partnership with him.

“He looks more calm than he is,” Jung continued. “He is quite sensitive inside… [it took] a while when I got him to get a good partnership. But if you know him, he’s so, so easy, so relaxed. And on Saturday, you can see how much fun he has to run and to jump. He has a lot of scope. He’s just a super, super talent.”

Claris, Jacko, and Happy Boy Tie for Second

• Tim Price (Jarillo) and Clarke Johnstone (Menlo Park) are tied on 28.4 for second place.
• Priced is also in fourth on his second ride, Happy Boy, on a 29.1, with a third, Falco, to ride tomorrow.
• Johnstone was thrilled with “Jacko’s” performance, describing his half-passes and flying changes as highlights. However, he blamed himself for a mistake in the halt and rein-back.

Getting Ready for the Big Jump

• Johnstone said that the horse is bred to be a jumper and that the dressage doesn’t come naturally to him.
• He’s been working on getting him in a more uphill frame.
• Johnstone’s horse, Menlo Park, has a big scope and is known for his athletic ability.

A Star-Traveling Horse

• Jacko may be the most well-traveled horse here in Kentucky.
• He was born in England, then went to Australia where he was under Tim Bolan’s saddle.
• Johnstone and Jacko paired up four years ago when Johnstone was based in New Zealand.
• When Johnstone moved to England, Jacko came along, and now he’s made the trek to the U.S.

A Star Performance from Tim Price

• Price was thrilled with Jarillo’s performance.
• He’s had the horse since 2021, having bought the horse from Swedish rider Ludwig Svennerstal.
• Price described Jarillo as a young, green, and unpredictable horse, but super talented.
• He praised Jarillo’s ability to focus on him and relax, even when faced with distractions.

Boyd Martin on Bruno

Boyd Martin, the top-ranked U.S. rider, rode his partner, Federman B, to a score of 29.8 on Day 1. Martin was pleased with the horse’s performance, describing him as a nice, quiet, laid-back horse.

Although Federman B has done three five-stars before, this is the first time he’s competed in Kentucky.

Full Results

The full results are available for viewing, but for now, it’s clear that the competition is heating up at the Kentucky Horse Park.