October 9, 2022 
As predicted, the Derek di Grazia (USA) designed CCI4*-L cross country track at Morven Park International Equestrian Center was more than meets the eye.
“It was hard. It rode like a typical Derek di Grazia track where everything looks really readable and right there, and then you get out there and it’s a lot harder than it seems,” said Tamra Smith (USA), the leader after Saturday’s cross country phase.
Smith and her 11-year-old mare Solaguayre California secured a comfortable lead of 29.7 points right from the very start. They were the first in the field out of the starting box, which meant they didn’t have an opportunity to gauge how horses were handling the course. Smith, however, chose not to see this as a disadvantage.
“California was the first out, which is good practice since it throws in another element to the whole mix because you don’t get to know how the course is riding. She is such an athlete and just jumped around and was fast,” Smith explained.
At its core, the questions a designer presents on course are small tests of partnership between horse and rider. If the pair struggles over a certain element it reveals aspects of the training to be refined at home. Though sometimes, like on Saturday for Smith, it is a sign of working in synergy with your horse.
“I was super pleased with her. She’s a fighter, and she wants to do it. I think today was a lot about our partnership and her trusting me. It was awesome that she read all the jumps and jumped in,” said Smith.
Almost intuitive decision making is important while tackling a di Grazia course, something the world number 13 and 2020 Tokyo Olympics athlete knows all about.
“What Derek has done, which I think is masterful, is created combinations in which you’re not sure what the stride’s going to be. You can’t anticipate how they’re going to react to something like the Leaf Pit. They jump down, and you might end up too big,” said Smith.
“So, I think what’s really cool about the course is it really helps riders have to dig into that instinct of riding. I think there was a fair bit of trouble out there today.”
A fair bit of trouble included an unsaddling for Friday’s leader, Sharon White with 10-year-old gelding Claus 63, which dropped them down to 51st place. Joe Meyer (NZL) and his 12-year-old gelding Harbin also had a fall on course. Meyer suffered several broken ribs but is recovering well under observation. Harbin was unharmed.
Despite the struggles, the consensus is that the course was a challenge well suited for the 4* lebel.
“Derek has built something that’s going to help us develop five-star horses in this country. I feel like that’s something we were lacking at the four-star level,” said William Coleman (USA).
Coleman, who is the reigning world number five, is currently in silver position heading into Sunday’s show jumping phase with his 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding Chin Tonic HS on a 32.2 point score. Residing in third is 22-year-old Mia Farley, who is riding the (also young) 9-year-old gelding Phelps with 34.4 points. If their positions hold is still to be determined.
