Will Furlong and Livingstone II
Will Furlong had a win on the first day at the SsangYong South of England Horse Trials, taking the BE100 Section B on Bright Skylight and he oh so nearly followed it up with a win in the Open Intermediate on Sunday, but Pippa Funnell’s faster time on cross country relegated him to second place.
Will may be a young rider but he has a wise head on his shoulders; Will and Livingstone II took it slightly easy on the cross country, incurring 8.4 time penalties compared to Pippa and Billy Walk On’s 1.2 time penalties, as he has his eye on Burnham Market International next weekend
Despite the 8.4 time penalties, Will finishing score of 29.1 was very close to that of Pippa’s 28.0 thanks to an impressive dressage test by Will and Livingstone II that scored 20.7.
“When I came out of the test I knew it was a good one. I’d say it was the best test he’s done since the Europeans two years ago so it was really pleasing to have him back at his best”
“Today we kept just the right amount of expression with nice suppleness at the same time and it seemed to flow really seamlessly. I was thrilled with him”
Will Furlong
Will and Elstar through the water
Will also had two very promising young mares in the Intermediate class that was won by Gemma Tattersall riding Chilli Knight.
The nine year old Adele 97 finished seventh and the eight year old Elstar that Will is taking slowly to allow the big mare to ‘grow into herself’ finished in 17th place
Will and Adele 97 into the hollows
