After the conclusion of two days of dressage at Les Etoiles de Pau CCI**** in France, the lead is shared by two eventing powerhouses. Germany’s Ingrid Klimke is tied for first with Horseware Hale Bob (39.3), and William Fox-Pitt, last rider to go with Parklane Hawk, is right there with her on an equal score.

U.S. rider Lauren Kieffer is seventh with Veronica (44.2), and Sharon White is 13th with Wundermaske (48.7). Erin Sylvester will head out on cross-country in 30th place.

“I’m pleased with Team Rebecca’s Veronica,” said Kieffer, who placed second with Veronica at this year’s Rolex Kentucky CCI****. “She’s becoming really reliable in the ring, and she put in a good test. We have a lot to get done on Saturday, and I don’t think it will be a dressage show. Thanks to Land Rover for supporting us on this trip. Competitive results at overseas competitions are really important to our success at future championships.”

Clark Montgomery, slated to be the fourth U.S. rider on Universe, withdrew before dressage.

“Not the news I wanted to report, but my super groom Karen noticed a slight change in one of Buzz’s legs after his prep ride mid-morning,” said Montgomery on his Facebook page. “They were able to ultrasound it immediately and found mild tendonitis. Although it’s terrible timing to have something like this come up, we are thankful to have caught it before he ran.”

You can follow along with all the Pau action on FEI TV (paid subscription required), or check out the live scores. See a cross-country course preview on the Pau Facebook page.