We’ve all seen the magical photo by now… and I’m sure many of us were just a tiny bit jealous of the adorable girl getting to pet Rolex superstar Mandiba. Kudos to Josh Walker for capturing this moment, which really explains what eventing is all about.
EN has learned the identity of the now-famous Pony Clubber, and we are pleased to introduce her to you in a very special edition of LL Rider Profile.
Name: Keely Bechtol
Age: 8
Pony Club rating:
I am in Bluegrass Pony Club, I am a D1 and I’m going to try to rate up in the fall.
What was it like serving as “dressage gate crew?” Were you nervous in front of the crowd?
It was fun, I got 15 autographs on my cap! I wasn’t nervous and I got to see people I met last year and made some new friends.
Who was your favorite horse(s) or rider(s) that you watched?
I was rooting for William Fox Pit, Oliver Townend and Karen O’Connor.
Can you describe the moment in the photo? Did you ask Karen if you could pet him, did she offer? What do you remember most about Mandiba?
Ms O’Connor asked me if I would like to pat Mandiba, he was sweet and gentle.
Did you get to watch the rest of the event? What was your favorite xc or sj memory?
My favorite was watching Mandiba on cross country because he became my favorite after patting him!
What is your own pony like? What are your accomplishments/goals with him?
My pony is a mare, her name is La Dee Da, she is almost 13hh. I like to do dressage, play mounted games, jump & trail ride with her. Last year we won D1 Rally, she did a great dressage test!
Anything else you’d like to share, about yourself, Rolex, or Pony Club?
I would like to compete at Rolex one day in the Prince Philip Cup and then when I’m older do Rolex Three Day Event.
I think I am really lucky that I got to work at Rolex and that I have a pony.
I take riding lessons at Scheffelridge Farm.
I love Pony Club, it teaches me how to do things on my own.
