Becky Holder leads the advanced division of the American Eventing Championships with her longtime partner Courageous Comet. Becky and Comet scored a 27.3 in their last upper level dressage ride together. Two weeks ago at Richland, Becky told Samantha that the AECs would probably be Comet’s last upper level event and Becky affirmed that to me today. Becky, ever the true horsewoman, told me that she wants Comet to be able to enjoy his retirement as a happy and healthy horse. There will be enough time to discuss Comet’s lengthy legacy after this weekend, but for now there’s enough work to be done to stop him from enthusiastically tearing apart his stall!
Becky echoed what many riders have told me–that the AECs course is much improved by new course designer Hugh Lochore. In the past, the course has sometimes felt like a collection of mobile fences scattered about the field. Hugh has gone to great lengths to incorporate more natural terrain and hopefully the result will be an even better weekend of cross-country. Many thanks to Becky for taking the time to chat with us and go Comet!
