Kim Severson wins CCI3* at Blenheim Horse Trials

The USA’s Kim Severson has won the CCI3* at the SsangYong Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, following a thrilling few days of world-class eventing.

‘Thrilled’

Kim was in third place after the cross-country, and piled the pressure on the top two riders when Cooley Cross Border jumped clear in the final phase.

Germany’s Julia Krajewski was the over night leader riding Chipmunk FRH, with Pippa Funnell and MGH Grafton Street just behind them in second place. However, when both combinations had two down, the US Olympian was shocked to find herself the winner.

“I am thrilled,” said Kim. “It’s been a long partnership – I’ve had the horse since he was four. He’s had a few little issues, but he’s always been competitive and a super horse. I knew he had a big win in him”.

Successful history

Kim has a sporadic, but successful history at Blenheim, as the last time she competed there was in 2001, when she also won the CCI3*. Back then she was riding Winsome Adante, with whom she went on to win Kentucky CCI4* three times, as well as world and Olympic medals.

Laura Collett was second with Mr Bass, after producing a foot-perfect clear round. Julia was third, Gemma Tattersall was fourth with Pamero and Pippa was fifth. Will Furlong was fifth with Collien in only his second three-star contest.

Exciting times

Blenheim also hosted the final leg of the 2017 Event Rider Masters (ERM), which was won by Izzy Taylor.

Izzy led the competition with Be Touchable from the off, to secure her first ERM podium finish.

“Be Touchable is a very good horse in all three phases and I hoped he would finish in the top few,” she said. “The hard work is really paying off this year and all the horses have really stepped it up.  I have a great support team and owners, and it’s an exciting time. I’ve enjoyed the pressure of the ERM format and it feels great to win my first leg”.

New Zealand’s Tim Price was second riding Ascona M, while Australian rider Chris Burton was third with Graf Liberty. Both riders were the only two to complete the cross-country without time penalties. Gemma Tattersall was fourth with Chico Bella.

‘Enjoyed the pressure’

Gemma was also crowned the ERM series winner at the close of Blenheim, and plans on using her £50,000 bonus as a deposit on a house.

“I have enjoyed the pressure that the series has created and embraced it,” said Gemma. “Since I left school at sixteen I have been working toward this and it’s exciting to have so many horses able to compete at this level.”

Sarah Cohen was second in the series and Mark Todd was third.

You can watch all the action right here on H&C as we are showing highlights of the CCI3* and the Event Rider Masters.

• Event Rider Masters 2017: Blenheim Palace premieres on Sky 253 on 23 September at 9pm
• Blenheim Palace Horse Trials 2017 premieres on Sky 253 on 28 September at 9pm  

You can also watch both programmes online via H&C Play and Amazon Video.