Heaven must have just posted the short list for its 2016 Olympic team because it has recruited yet another of our brightest old eventing stars.
Julie Richards had to make the tough call on her team bronze medal winning 2004 Olympic partner Jacob Two Two yesterday. The Canadian-bred OTTB was 28 and happily retired at Julie’s parents’ farm in Newnan, Georgia. Our hearts go out to Julie and all those whose lives this special horse touched.
“Jake” was a slight horse — just 15.2 or 15.3 hands — a phenomenal, catty jumper and considered by many to be one of the great American cross country horses of our time. He frolicked around courses with an expression of sheer joy on his face “like a kid on Christmas morning,” to quote from memory Jimmy Wofford in his 2004 Rolex preview for The Chronicle of the Horse.
Developed through the two-star level by Glynis Schultz and campaigned by Abigail Lufkin and Karen O’Connor as well, Jake met his match in Julie, whose lithe, gutsy cross country style melded perfectly with his own. While he could be a bit cheeky in the dressage, he was a true prodigy when it came time to run and jump.
Even after retiring from the upper levels Jake was happiest when in work. He was a giving tree of a horse, an Olympic veteran turned teacher who enjoyed showing young riders the ropes. Phillip Dutton’s stepdaughter Lee Lee competed him through Prelim in his late teens, a testament to his incredible toughness and longevity.
I am lucky to count myself among his pupils. I had the opportunity to further delay his retirement after he’d come home from his stint with Lee Lee in 2009 or 2010. I was at Julie’s farm for a lesson and squealed upon spotting him in his paddock. Having been Julie’s working student years before, she knew how much I admired him and generously offered me the ride.
It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and even today I find myself replaying the sensation of his spring-loaded jump over and over again in my mind.
Photo courtesy of Leslie Wylie.
We spent as much time playing around as we did indulging anything serious. Jake always had a mischievous glint in his eye and I happily signed on as his partner in crime. Julie just laughed when she heard about our latest party tricks, including but not limited to show-boating around courses without a bridle. Never without the saddle, though, as I surely would have bounced off!
The last time he entered a startbox, I may as well have been riding a 3-year-old the way he was bucking and rearing and carrying on. “Let me at it!” was his attitude toward both cross country and life.
Libby Head and Sir Rockstar. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
There were two rockstars in the dressage ring today at Badminton Horse Trials when Libby Head and Sir Rockstar cantered down the centerline.
Nobody has worked harder to earn their Badminton ticket than Libby. She and her 15.1-hand, now 18-year-old OTTB “Rocky” have come a long way over the past eight years, when Libby first encountered a much rougher-around-the-edges version of her four-star partner.
Libby Head and Sir Rockstar. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
When their paths first crossed Rocky was 10, scrawny and rank, with maybe one Novice event on his resume, and she was a green-to-eventing 16-year-old.
“I used to fall off on the way back to barn every day,” she laughingly recalled after her test this afternoon.
But by trial and error, and with Kyle Carter stepping in as a sort of eventing Mr. Miyagi, the pair began clawing their way up the levels together. Having earning a team gold in the CCI2* at NAJYRC in 2011 the pair moved up to Advanced the following year, where he proceeded to prove all of his believers right by making short work of the biggest courses in the land.
They finished in the top 20 at Fair Hill in 2013 and in the top 10 at their first four-star, Rolex, the following year. They were supposed to make their overseas debut at Luhmühlen last year but just two weeks before the event Libby broke her wrist skim boarding. No more extracurricular activities for you, Libby!
While Rocky has always been a star jumper, the pair’s dressage struggles have been … real. So to see them floating around the arena today, on the world’s biggest eventing stage, nothing short of amazing.
Libby Head and Sir Rockstar. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
They had some lovely moments, and some tense ones, and while their score of 57.8 won’t keep them afloat in this shark tank of international competition Libby couldn’t wipe the smile off her face after her test.
She kindly took a moment to chat with us about her test, her horse and the weekend that lies ahead.
Libby is here with her parents, coach Kyle and her friend/groom Devon Brown, but her supporters back at home might as well be here as well — they’re cheering so loudly you can practically hear them from across the pond!
Best of luck to you and Rocky this weekend, Libby. Enjoy every moment of it — you’ve earned it!
Kathryn Robinson and Let It Bee. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
For England-based Canadian rider Kathryn Robinson, having a crack at Badminton is a dream come true.
She and Let It Bee, her own 15-year-old Westfalian gelding, finished 7th at the Pau CCI4* in 2014 and represented Canada at the Pan Am Games in Toronto last year. They’ve competed in every corner of England but Badminton is a first.
Kathryn Robinson and Let It Bee. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
Kathryn calls the horse her “Black Limousine” — dark, sleek and long — but she did a skillful job of packaging him up today. Their elegant, flowing test earned a result of 47.9, putting them in 16th place after the first day of dressage competition.
Kathryn Robinson and Let It Bee. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
We had a chance to catch up with a smiling Kathryn after her test.
Michael Jung and La Biosthetique Sam FBW. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
It’s Michael Jung’s world and we’re just living in it here at Badminton Horse Trials, where he and La Biosthetique Sam FBW hold a commanding lead at the conclusion of day one dressage.
The pair bettered their 2013 Badminton dressage score of 36 by 1.6 points, with the bar now set at 34.4.
Michael said at the conclusion of Rolex that his plan for Badminton was, essentially, to stick with the plan.
“It’s a normal competition for me,” he explained in Kentucky. “It is a very big competition, it is tough, but you have to give the horse a normal feeling like it’s just a dressage practice. If you put too much pressure on in the warm-up then it comes to mistakes.”
Michael Jung and La Biosthetique Sam FBW. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
Of course “normal” is easier said than done when you’ve been away for a week winning a different four-star in a different country.
Michael has a big team of riders at home who keep Sam in work while he’s gone, but he told us after his test today their lead-up to Badminton has been less than ideal.
“In the last days he has been very nervous,” he said. Ordinarily, Michael explained, he would have taken the horse for a gallop but the wet ground has prevented it. “I could not do enough work with him — it was not possible.”
By all appearances Sam finally took a breath today, just in time to lay down his third highest four-star test ever (he scored at 34.2 at Luhmühlen last year and a 33 at the 2010 World Equestrian Games).
“He was very good, relaxed,” Michael said. “It was a very good test. I was happy with him.”
Michael Jung and La Biosthetique Sam FBW. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
Reigning German Champion Andreas Osholt sits in 2nd on a 38.2, riding his team gold medal winning 2014 WEG partner So Is Et. This will be his first time competing at Badminton since 2011.
Great Britain’s Francis Whittington and Hasty Imp, who completed both Badminton and Burghley last year, are in 3rd on a 40.0.
Fourth-placed Clark Johnstone and Balmoral Sensation of Australia were a handsome pair to watch. The grey New Zealand Sport Horse came third at the Adelaide CCI4* last year and has won seven of his 10 international starts, so they’ll certainly be ones to watch. Clark recently moved his home base from New Zealand to the UK and is currently based with Christopher Burton.
Clark Johnstone (NZL) and Balmoral Sensation. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
“Ze Terminator” is a hard act to follow but New Zealand’s Jesse Campbell put his blinders on, laying down a 41.1 on his OTTB Kaapachino for 5th place. This will be Jesse’s first Badminton as well, having completed their first four-star together at Luhmühlen.
Michael Jung exits as Jesse Campbell enters. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
Of the North American contingent, England-based Canadian Kathryn Robinson and Let It Bee are in 16th on a score of 47.9 — check out our post-test chat with Kathryn here.
Kathryn Robinson and Let It Bee. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
Libby Head and Sir Rockstar are making their overseas debut and we can practically hear their fans cheering them on from all the way across the pond!
Rocky kept a mostly cool head throughout his test for a score of 57.8 and we can’t wait to see them rock ‘n’ roll around cross country Saturday. We’ll have a post-dressage interview with this pair posted shortly.
Libby Head and Sir Rockstar. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
Libby Head and Sir Rockstar in front of the Badminton house. Photo by Devon Brown.
Whether you’re competing or just soaking it in from the sidelines, Badminton is a true bucket list experience. Being at this iconic British event feels like holding an old, burnished silver trophy in your hands, something handed down across the decades, the silver aging yet shining, a mirror of royal blue sky and spring-green grass.
The magic isn’t lost anyone, especially the three combinations who’ll be representing the U.S. at Badminton 2016.
This is the first Badminton appearance for both up-and-comer Libby Head as well veteran Boyd Martin. It will be Buck Davidson’s second crack at Badminton, his debut being in 2011 with Ballynoe Castle RM with whom he finished 21st.
The U.S. contingent looked sharp and ready at the first horse inspection yesterday, hopefully Boyd and Buck got some shut-eye on the plane after their Rolex runs, and both the riders and their teams are excited to be here!
Seventy-seven CCI4* horses were presented before the Badminton ground jury and all 77 passed muster, including four North American pairs, on this dazzlingly bright British spring day.
Libby Head (USA) and Sir Rockstar. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
Boyd Martin (USA) and Cracker Jack. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
Kathryn Robinson (CAN) and Let It Bee. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
One of whom unleashed a bit of “magic spray” in the spotlight, much to his rider’s slightly belated amusement.
Buck Davidson (USA) and The Apprentice. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
Buck Davidson (USA) and The Apprentice. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
Buck Davidson (USA) and The Apprentice. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
Three horses were held but all passed upon reinspection: Jonelle Price’s mount Classic Moet (NZL), Tom Crisp’s mount Cooleys Luxury (GBR) and Simon Grieve’s mount Cornacrew (GBR).
Of course, all eyes were on last weekend’s Rolex champion Michael Jung and La Biosthetique Sam FBW. A win here at Badminton would give Michael the Rolex Grand Slam title.
Michael Jung and La Biothetique Sam FBW (GER). Photo by Leslie Wylie.
What’s appropriate dress for the first weekend of May here in England? From fur capes to flannel shirts to sundresses and heels, anything went today.
Lucy Jackson (NZL) and Bosun. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
Paul Tapner (AUS) and Vanir Kamira. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
A few pairs we thought looked especially sharp:
Vittoria Panizzon (ITA) and Borough Pennyz. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
Dee Hankey and Chequers Playboy. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
Emily King (GBR) and Brookleigh. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
Jock Paget (NZL) and Clifton Lush. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
Sam Griffiths (AUS) and Paulank Brockagh. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
Mark Todd (NZL) and Leonidas II. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
Zara Tindall (GBR) and High Kingdom. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
Alex Hua Tian (CHN) and Harbour Pilot C. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
Sarah Bullimore (GBR) and Reve du Rouet. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
Bettina Hoy (GER) and Designer 10. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
Beanie Sturgis (GBR) and Lebowski. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
Andreas Dibowski (GER) and FRH Butts Avedon at Badminton in 2016. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
England has had a soggy spring and while the ground is still, to quote today’s announcer, a bit “juicy,” the sun seems to be helping out with some last minute mopping up of the place. The weather today was glorious and much appreciated by the spectators who turned out in droves to watch the jog.
Photo by Leslie Wylie.
Photo by Leslie Wylie.
A particularly big cheer went up from the crowd when Ben Hobday took the strip in acknowledgement of his hard-won return to the level after a battle with cancer. Looking fly, Ben!
Ben Hobday (GBR) and Mulrys Error. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
Aubrey Davidson and Nox Martin are the Blue Ivy Carter (by Jay Z out of Beyoncé) and Saint West (by Kanye West out of Kim Kardashian) of the eventing world.
Who are they wearing? How are their parents going to one-up the $75,000 Arabian Bey and Jay bought Blue Ivy for her second birthday? No joke: Horse Nation reported on it on a slow news day here.
The babes — Nox is seven months old, while Aubrey is still just a month-and-a-half into life on earth — made their Rolex debut last week, and nobody was better dressed. Although these girls gave them a run for their money:
Of course, you don’t have to have a four-star pedigree to be a future four-star rider. Here are few young riders we’ll sure be keeping an eye out for in coming years!
Leslie and John doing some pre-race warmup stretches. Photo by Jenni Autry.
“Don’t even come back here unless you beat them.” Those were the last words John and I heard before we set out to run Rolex’s second annual RK-5K, held Friday evening at the Kentucky Horse Park. They were issued by Jenni, and I knew she meant it.
THE CHALLENGE: A match race between EN and The Chronicle of the Horse. Threemembers from each publication, or whatever EN is, facing off in the race of our lives, with winner to be determined by the average score of each team.
THE COMPETITORS: Team COTH: Lisa Slade, marathon runner who enjoys casual 10-mile sprints up snowy Norwegian mountains in her spare time; Ann Glavan, former high school track star (probably) and appreciator of Tracy Chapman’s 1988 masterpiece “Fast Car”; and Sara Lieser, all-around athlete and proud owner of 6-month-old 5K finisher Zack.
Lisa and Ann: Wouldn’t want to run into these girls in a dark alley. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
Team EN: John Thier, international man of mystery whose skill set includes using fancy computer words and changing lightbulbs without a stepladder; Leslie Wylie, professional box wine connoisseur (but I only had one glass before the 5K!); and Chinch, stuffed animal.
Putting Chinch on our squad seemed like a desperate move but everyone else on the EN crew was “too busy working” to run. Plus, I figured I could carry him in the sweet AECs fanny pack I’d picked up at the USEA booth earlier.
To my great disappointment, various people later pointed out that my “fanny pack” is actually an insulated lunch bag. I was wondering why it didn’t have a buckle. Photo by Cassie Rutledge.
THE PRIZE: Glory, and the losers owe the winners a beer. But mostly glory.
Around 700 runners turned out for the race. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
Heading toward the start at the Rolex Stadium grandstand, John and I discussed strategy.
“Let’s run fast,” John suggested, a ridiculous proposal that I immediately shot down.
“No way,” I said. “We’re going to work smart, not hard. We’re going to win this race with our brains, not our brawn.”
John seemed skeptical but, as usual when it comes to my bad ideas, he sighed heavily and went along with it.
We arrived approximately two minutes before the start, which was just enough time for Chinch to schmooze with fans…
Colleen and Brian Rutledge’s daughter Cassie gave Chinch a pre-race snuggle for good luck. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
…and for me to roll my eyes at Lisa for having the Hamilton soundtrack as her running playlist.
3, 2, 1… have a great run! Photo by Leslie Wylie.
And then we were off, like racehorses from the starting gate jostling for position. I jumped in front of Ann and positioned myself directly ahead of her, like I’d seen bad-guy jockeys do in the movies, jumping from side to side when she tried to go around me.
Ann, being a significantly younger, peppier and more nimble human being than I, easily thwarted my sabotage attempt. I resorted to some more violent push-shove tactics as John looked on in embarrassment.
Just as I was approaching full-on Tonya Harding mode my lungs and legs demanded a ceasefire, leaving the door wide open for Team COTH to make its getaway. One by one they passed us by, threading their way through the crowd until they were no longer in sight.
Even baby Zack slipped past with some unauthorized assistance from dad Eric. It probably should have been a blow to our ego but it’s hard to get worked up about anybody with a mustachifier in their mouth. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
To be fair, John is an athletic dude and he probably would have been right up there at the front of the pack if left to his own devices. But being the gentleman boss he is, and also probably because he doesn’t trust me, he didn’t want to leave the other two-thirds of Team EN behind.
Which was unfortunate because I wasn’t exactly doing us any favors.
“Can I get that Kentucky Ale with a lid and a straw, please?” Photo by John Thier.
“Don’t worry,” I assured John. “We have plenty of time left to crush them.”
But the longer we ran, the more impossible our dream of reminding COTH about that time we beat them in a 5K at every opportunity for the rest of time hard-earned victory became.
Kudos to the gal in the tie-dyed tee and lace socks — she totally left us in the dust. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
With just under a mile left to go, feeling defeated, I suddenly remembered all the garbage I’d been spouting earlier about working smart, not hard.
It was time for a shortcut.
John was hesitant — probably out of fear that Jenni would fire him from his own company — but he put his head down in shame and obeyed my command. Ignoring dirty looks from other runners we made a beeline toward one of the barns, with the intention of shaving some distance off the course.
But then…
John attempting to smother his conscience with a pillow. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
… we just couldn’t do it. John’s moral resistance was no surprise, but I had come to expect more from my ruthless, tar-black soul. Was I getting soft?
“We’ve gotta go back,” I said, and John nodded. We doubled back the way we came to rejoin the swift stream of runners, further behind now than ever.
But at least we were having fun, as evidenced by this homestretch clip John filmed in the tradition of his ancient, rightfully discontinued EN series “The Worst Rolex Video Ever.”
We finished the race strong, our heads held high, our integrity intact, prepared to suffer our fate with dignity.
Photo courtesy of Team COTH, who I think had been out to dinner and back by the time we crossed the finish line.
Team COTH actually accepted their win with grace and class — they didn’t even post the photo above to Instagram — but honestly they were the least of our worries. We still had to report back to Jenni in the media center, who already seemed a bit put out that we were taking so long.
When we walked in, she didn’t look up from her laptop.
“Did you win?”
“No,” John said.
The staccato clack of Jenni’s fingers on the keyboard came to an abrupt stop.
I tried to frame the situation in a more positive light: “But we had a lot of heart, a lot of … sportsmanship.”
Finally Jenni spoke, looking us dead in the eye.
“You brought shame upon this family,” she said, before turning her attention back to her work.
Which is to say, COTH, we’re gonna need a rematch. Same place, same time, Rolex 2017. And this time, you’re going down.
World-class eventing competition may be the main attraction at Rolex, but the dog-watching is pretty amazing too. Cross-country day, especially, is a parade of canines of every shape, size, color, age and energy-level possible.
Here are a few of our favorite doggie ‘Grams from the week:
Boyd Martin and Blackfoot Mystery. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.
Thoroughbreds have a long history of eating up the Rolex Kentucky cross-country track. The wide-open galloping suits them — it’s almost as if they know they’re on stage in the heart of Thoroughbred country.
Yesterday was no exception. The 2016 Rolex entry list was quite Thoroughbred heavy (check out Allie Conrad’s full roster of them complete with racing histories and pedigrees here) with many of them making short work of the long, relentless course.
Here are the Thoroughbreds you can cheer extra-loud for at show jumping today:
Blackfoot Mystery, an OTTB owned by Blackfoot Mystery Syndicate and ridden by Boyd Martin: 10th place
Simply Priceless, an OTTB owned by Simply Priceless Syndicate and ridden by Elisa Wallace: 14th
Donner, an OTTB owned by Donner Syndicate and ridden by Lynn Symansky: 16th
Sound Prospect, an OTTB owned by Sound Prospect LLC and ridden by Allie Knowles: 18th
Cecelia, a Thorougbred owned by Aurelio Quinzaños and Jorge Eduardo Mtz. Castrejon and ridden by Daniela Moguel: 23rd
Anthony Patch, an OTTB owned and ridden by Laine Ashker: 27th
In It To Win It, a Thoroughbred owned by Avery and Chip Klunick and ridden by Avery Klunick: 29th
AP Prime, an OTTB owned by CML Horses and ridden by Leah Lang-Gluscic: 30th
Madison Park, an OTTB owned and ridden by Kyle Carter: 32nd
McLovin, a Thoroughbred owned by Heather Sinclair and ridden by Ryan Wood: 34th
Steady Eddie, a Thoroughbred owned by Gretchen Wintersteen, Pierre Colin and Denise Lahey and ridden by Boyd Martin: 42nd
Rise Against, an OTTB owned and ridden by Bunnie Sexton: 44th
Houdini, an OTTB owned and ridden by Katie Ruppel: 46th
Tactical Maneuver, an OTTB owned and ridden by Ashley Johnson: 47th
Novelle, an OTTB owned and ridden by Angela Grzywinkski: 54th
Leading the pack by a nose is Blackfoot Mystery, who is making his four-star debut under the expert tutelage of Boyd Martin. The 12-year-old gelding (Out of Place, out of True Mystery by Proud Truth) was actually bred here in Kentucky — perhaps he knows he is in his hometown!
Boyd Martin and Blackfoot Mystery at the Sunday jog. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Allie recounted this fun fact about “Big Red” in her Thoroughbred roundup: “Blackfoot Mystery raced for trainer Jesus Mendoza at Hollywood Park. After racing three times without breaking his maiden, Jesus called Leigh Gray of Thoroughbred Rehab Center, an accredited organization of Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, to see if she might be interested in a ‘sporty chestnut.’ Leigh came out to see him and adopted the horse from Jesus that day.”
Coincidentally, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is the official charity of Rolex 2016. TAA is a Lexington-based non-profit organization that accredits, inspects and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retire, retrain and rehome Thoroughbreds using industrywide funding. It has awarded almost $3.5 million to accredited organizations in the past two years and currently supports 56 accredited organizations across 180 facilities in the United States.
Another organization that is doing great work to support OTTBs this week is the Retired Racehorse Project. Their fundraising headline event, last night’s Hoedown at Hagyard, was well-attended by Thoroughbred enthusiasts with several eventers and jockeys in the mix. From the racing scene we spotted Rosie Napravnik and Joe Sharp, Graham and Anita Motion, and Chris McCarron…
Two-time Kentucky Oaks winner Rosie Napravnik and her 11-month-old son Carson were out and about at last night’s Hoedown at Hagyard fundraiser. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
…as well as Rolex competitors Phillip Dutton, Laine Ashker (with mom Valerie, of course!) and Ashley Johnson.
The event featured barbecue, live music by farrier Steve Norman’s Shades of Grass Band, and a “new sport “called Equicizer Racing — the celebrity edition was pretty funny!
Steuart Pittman emcees “Celebrity Equicizer Racing.” Photo by Leslie Wylie.
The Equicizer: lacking a bit in personality but at least will never go lame! Photo by Leslie Wylie.
We caught up with Ashley, a first-time four-star rider (check out our “Rolex Rookies” profile of her here) who piloted her 11-year-old OTTB Tactical Maneuver to a clear cross-country round on Saturday. They went a bit conservatively on their time but Ashley says she was thrilled with the way “Gucci” attacked the course.
Ashley Johnson and Tactical Maneuver. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.
Raced under the name “Shykees Thunder,” by Thunder Gulch, out of Chelle Spendabuck, Gucci was pulled off the track by Katie Ruppel after a milquetoast run of 12 career starts. He placed in the top three only once, in a maiden claiming race at Penn National, and collected a grand total of $4,500 in earnings.
“The interesting thing is that he was racing up north, but when I got him to Prelim level I decided to investigate his pedigree more and find out where he was bred,” Ashley told us. “It was 2011 and I had bought a farm (Ashland Equestrian) and moved to Ocala, Florida full-time. It turned out that he was bred about four miles from my farm at a place called Runnin’ Horse Farm!”
Ashley kindly took a few moments at the Hagyard Hoedown to recap the biggest cross-country ride of her lifetime and share some OTTB love:
Best of luck to Ashley and Gucci and the rest of Rolex’s Thoroughbred competitors!
What would past Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event champions William Fox-Pitt, Michael Jung and Phillip Dutton do? If they weren't so busy winning 4*s, we think they'd be down for some tailgating. We can't wait to reveal what we've got up our sleeves (besides bracelets) for this year's edition. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
Eventing Nation has the best readers in the land, and because nothing says “thank you” like free refreshments and swag, we’re throwing Eventing Nation’s 4th annual Rolex reader appreciation tailgate party!
Consider this your official invite.
What: All the fun, all day long. Stop by to get EN temporary-tatted up, schmooze with a certain celebrity Chinch, try your hand at never-in-the-history-of-man-or-chinchilla-tested games like #WhackaChinch, #BowlingForChinches, #ChinchHole and #ChinchPong, and drop some science for a chance to win awesome prizes in Rolex Trivia.
Speaking of prizes, did we mention we’re giving away limited edition EN Rolex tees?
When: Cross-country day! Saturday, April 25, beginning when the first horse sets out on course at 10 a.m. with pastries and mimosas.
Where: We’ll be in tailgating spaces B160 and B162, located along the road about four spots beyond the Land Rover off-road course near the Sunken Road. Red on right, white on left, party in the middle… we’re kind of hard to miss.
Why: Because you’re awesome.
Schedule of Events:
11 a.m. Whack-a-Chinch Challenge withJen and Taylor McFall.
2 p.m. EN’s third annual Rolex Trivia competition, emceed by Glenn the Geek and Jamie Jennings of Horses in the Morning.
Games will be going on all day and we’re expecting a few other eventing celebs to stop by — keep an eye on EN’s Twitter (@eventingnation) and Instagram (@goeventing) for updates!
Elisa Wallace and Simply Priceless. Photo by Jenni Autry.
With one Rolex CCI4* already under their belt, Elisa Wallace and Simply Priceless have returned to Kentucky this year and look to be in better form than ever.
They shaved a point off their 2015 dressage score to squeak into the upper 40s and will head into cross-country tomorrow into 25th place, a position that is well within striking distance when you have a horse that’s as brilliant a jumper and galloper as her “Johnny.”
Elisa Wallace and Simply Priceless. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.
Elisa, of Jasper, Georgia-based Wallace Eventing, talks us through her test:
She kindly took a moment to catch us up to speed on her fan-favorite Australian-bred OTTB, owned by the Simply Priceless Syndicate LLC, and share her impressions of the big course that lies ahead:
Elisa and Johnny’s top 20 finish here last year earned them the distinction of being the top-placed Rolex rookies of 2015, and we can’t wait to see them build on that already impressive accomplishment this weekend.
In addition to the no-small-task of running a four-star this week, Elisa has been keeping us entertained, impressed and inspired with mustang demonstrations in the Walnut Ring featuring her celebrity-status mounts Fledge and Rune.
A bit of Chinch for good luck! Photo by Leslie Wylie.
It’s no secret that the EN crew is cheering extra loudly for Matt Brown this week. Jenni and I both picked him as our EN Staff Pick for Best Rookie — you can check out our reasoning here.
The West Coast transplant is making his four-star debut with Super Socks BCF, who has been making three-stars look a little too easy the past couple years.
In addition to CIC3* wins at Rebecca Farm in 2014 and Fair Hill in 2015, they’ve been finishing at the top of the pack consistently both in the States and at their first outing abroad at the Boekelo CCI3* last fall, where they came 6th and were the top-placed Americans in an extremely competitive field.
Being here in Kentucky is no fluke for this pair. “Flaxen” has been qualified for a four-star since Fair Hill 2014, but Matt has been biding his time to make sure his horse had a carefully measured preparation for the big step up.
The 10-year-old copper-hued Irish Sport Horse, owned by the Blossom Hill Foundation, is one of the U.S.’s most exciting equine talents — he’s fancy on the flat and a true-blue jumper who as never had a cross-country penalty in his life.
“I’d like to get a couple more three-stars done before we start thinking about four-star,” he said at the conclusion of their first three-star season. “Once he’s feeling confident at that level, then we’ll go ahead and tackle our first four-star. So with that said, our goal for 2016 is Rolex and, ultimately, the Olympics.”
And now here they are, on the day of the biggest event of their lives. I’d add a “no pressure, Matt” clause in here, but he already seemed quite calm and collected when I caught up with him yesterday at the Bevel Saddlery booth where he was signing autographs.
He kindly took a moment to talk to us about his preparations, hopes and expectations for the big weekend to come:
Best of luck to you and Flaxen, Matt. Go Eventing.
Screenshot from "Making a Champion: Michael Jung."
What makes Michael Jung tick?
“Making a Champion” is a new series of mini-documentaries from Horseware, sharing insight into the dedication and talent it takes to reach the highest levels of horse sport and become part of #teamhorseware.
A new episode features Michael Jung, the German winning machine we here at EN sometimes affectionately refer to as “zee terminator.” But just behind his hard-won veil of world domination, there’s a man who is in the game because he genuinely enjoys it, all of it: the day-to-day challenge of getting his horses on his side, of bringing out the best in them, of showing them how to love the sport as much as he does.
This behind-the-scenes video makes us want to root for Michael Jung even harder. Bonus points for a cameo by Michael’s favorite horse in the barn, Sam, as you’ve probably never seen him before — totally covered in mud!
Be sure to follow Horseware on YouTube for more episodes of “Making a Champion.”
The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, in addition to being the first FEI Classic event of the year, is a bit like a piece of classical music. There’s a definite feel and theme but each edition offers a distinct variation — a change-up here and there, a redistribution of intensity, a shift in flow and direction.
The 2016 vintage has all the trappings of a quintessential Rolex course — expanse, heft, atmosphere — but presents its own unique calling cards as well. Among them: multiple open oxers and corners, a relatively twisty track, plenty of turning questions and a brand new water complex.
Samantha Clark caught up with 2015 Rolex runner-up Tim Price to ask about his first impressions of the course.
“It’s tougher than last year and there’s more to do,” Tim says. “There are more questions — they are all very fair and conventional and obvious questions, but because there are a lot of them it’s going to be a matter of having a fit horse that can come home close to the time, which I think will put pressure on people to be taking some fences a bit quicker than they would prefer.”
The weather, which looks fairly bleak at the moment …
Weather.com screenshot
… could also well play a role.
“If the weather turns a little bit then that might have an influence as far as how heavy the going is,” Tim continues. “Not that it gets that heavy here but there’s a lot to do and it could get a bit sapping.”
Tim originally had two Rolex entries, his top horse Wesko and the less seasoned Bango who has one four-star finish, Luhmühlen last summer, under his belt. Much to the disappointment of Wesko’s U.S. fan base, who would have very much enjoyed watching a rematch between him and 2015 champion Michael Jung’s fischerRocana FST, Tim had to withdraw him due to a soft tissue injury earlier this month.
Tim says Rolex will be a big step up from Luhmühlen for Bango but thinks the horse is ready for the challenge.
“In some aspects I’d rather be sitting on this guy,” he says. “I think it will suit him and I’m excited about taking him around. It’s not the partnership of me and Wesko but he’s a very, very scopey, bold and honest cross-country horse.”
There’s a big difference between a three- and four-star track, and Rolex usually manages to separate those who are ready from those who are not quite there or might shine brightest at a lower level.
“There might be two types of horses evolving in the near future: (Bango’s) type, which are the ones you want for the big league four-star stuff. And then something that’s a bit more all-round — a bit sharper, a bit smarter.”
At its best, Rolex creates an accurate stratification among competitors who are confirmed at the level. It’s a fine line to walk and we’ll see if this year’s course lives up to its stiff reputation come Saturday.
“What an amazing park to build a course from,” Tim says. “I’ve got short experience with it, but speaking to the old guys they say this place has come a long way. It’s always been serious. It’s to be respected.”
Jenni snapped photos of each fence around the course today — check it out!
Nobody takes Thoroughbreds more seriously than Lexington, Kentucky. And for one week a year, the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event offers racing and eventing enthusiasts an opportunity to join in raising a glass to this versatile equine breed.
Not to mention an opportunity to watch some of the world’s most talented OTTB eventers in action! Check out Allie Conrad’s post Meet the Thoroughbreds Going to Rolex for a roll call of both raced and unraced Thoroughbreds who will be contesting this year’s four-star event. You can bet we’ll be cheering extra loudly when they come galloping past.
And, of course, if you’re in the market Rolex offers some of the best OTTB window shopping in the world. This week and next we’ll be featuring OTTBs that are currently available for adoption at the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center, located at the Kentucky Horse Park. If you see one that strikes your fancy and you’re heading to Rolex, go meet them in person (er, horse?)!
Check out a full list of MMSC Thoroughbreds available for adoption here. Let’s start with these three striking bays:
With Mr. Prospector on the sire’s side and A.P. Indy on the dam’s side, this seasoned warhorse had 12 starts, was in the money 50% of the time, and garnered over $207,000. He’s classically good-looking, analytical and duty-oriented. Having last raced at the end of January of this year and been recently castrated, he’s still a little battle weary and stiff. But he has shown moments of brilliance and suspension at liberty, and he took to jumping in our Hitchcock pen with verve and exuberance. Expect great things from this one when he’s ready to start off on a new and different campaign.
Katie’s Secret aka “Katie” (Confide – Katie’s Affair, by Colonial Affair) is a 15.3hh, 2013 unraced mare who is pretty as a picture, balanced and sound.
This mare is sensitive, sweet and willing to please. She’s also a very quick learner and athletic to boot. Because of this, it would be easy to push her too hard too fast. If you take the time it takes to build up this mare’s confidence while you work on her skill sets, she is a mare that has a great deal to offer as an event prospect, dressage horse or BFF.
Road to Riches aka “Rory” (Quality Road – Academic Art, by El Prado (IRE)) is an unraced 17hh, 2013 mare.
On the ground, this big girl is still very much a baby, a little insecure, and at times awkward. But under saddle, Rory is astoundingly balanced for her age and size and has effortless lead changes. Although she came off the track just two weeks before coming to MMSC and has a lot to learn, she picks things up quickly and wants to please. She showed her trainers a willingness to jump and they think with her big rhythmic stride that she would shine in the hunter show ring.
Eventers require roughly three times as much clothing and gear as our hunter/jumper and dressage brethren. It’s a lot to keep up with, and when it comes to packing… #EventerProblems.
Home from a horse show and too tired to make dinner. Only managed opening a bottle of wine. #eventerproblems — Leslie Threlkeld (@LAThrelkeld) April 18, 2016
The Venice Bridle by Horze. Photo courtesy of Horze.
I’m a detail-oriented person, especially when it comes to tack. It’s the little things that catch my attention — stitching, design, the finer points of craftsmanship that make the difference between good and great quality leatherwork.
Photo courtesy of Horze
Which probably explains my attraction to the Horze Venice Bridle. Horze offers an extensive selection of bridles, ranging from bling-y dressage attention-grabbers to conservative, George Morris-approved hunter standards. My personal tastes falls somewhere between the two extremes: unique but sophisticated, which I think sums up the Venice Bridle’s aesthetic perfectly.
The first thing that jumped out at me was the classy white stitching that defines the edges of the noseband, browband and crown. It’s just enough to make the bridle stand out on the tack room bridle rack yet subtle and workmanlike enough in action to not take away from the main attraction: your horse’s beautiful head!
Every stitch = perfection. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
The silver stainless steel fittings add a touch of chrome that makes this rich chocolate-brown (also available in black) bridle pop. My horse’s bit arsenal is probably best likened to Carrie Bradshaw’s shoe collection — he’s a bit of a diva and requires one bit for schooling, another for horse shows, another for hacking, etc. The Venice’s buckles make switching out bits a snap. (Note: The keepers were a bit on the tight side but got easier to slide in and out of with a bit of oil.)
What bit suits your fancy today, Esprit? Photo by Leslie Wylie.
The leather itself is butter soft and supple out of the box and is of a quality comparable to bridles twice its price. My Swedish warmblood Esprit is something of a delicate flower and I can rest easy knowing the bridle’s pillowy padding will prevent his “fragile” face from pressure, pinches and rubs. Which, as my horse has reminded me on many occasions, is extremely important: if Esprit ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy!
Pillow-soft poll padding. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
Design-wise, the Venice is one of the most forward thinking bridles on the market. Esprit’s sensitive poll doesn’t tolerate anything but a monocrown and this one is up to his standard: on the wider side, which helps distribute pressure over a larger surface, and generously cushioned.
I hate the term “crank noseband” — it just sounds a bit harsh, and I’m sure they can be when used without compassion. The Venice’s noseband technically qualifies as such, but once again, between the noseband’s padding (both over the nose and under the chin) and its width, you can feel good about keeping it a bit snug. It’s more of a nose “hug” than a “crank.”
I’m generally not a big fan of leather reins but these have my respect! They’re surprisingly soft and grippy; you almost don’t even need gloves. They’re also narrow and thin enough to feel comfortable in a woman’s hands, and the rein stops don’t function to stop your hands from sliding but simply help you keep them even — which is more than my rubber reins can say for themselves.
Photo by Leslie Wylie
If you’re staunchly anti leather rein, the price point on this bridle ($79.95 direct from Horze.com, with free shipping for orders over $75!) is plenty low enough to invest in a different set.
As for fit, the Venice was a perfect match for my 16.2-hand warmblood, with plenty of budge room on either side. My only caution would be that the wide noseband (which I love!) might be a little overwhelming on a horse with very dainty, fine-boned features.
Horze is a company that has built its name on producing extremely high-quality items with remarkably down-to-earth price points, and the Venice Bridle is no exception. Available in Pony, Cob and Full/Horse sizes, you can check it out here.
“Z” difference is in “Z” details. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
Patrick the mini horse is Rolex bound! Photo courtesy of Jessica Schaaf.
Growing up in Kentucky, Sarah Schaaf never could have dreamed that one day she would have a horse at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, a jumper so scopey he cleared fences taller than his head with ease and so well-known that everywhere he went people cheered his name.
Meet GTR Patricks Vindicator — “Patrick” to friends — a mini who’ll be handing out just as many thrills to the crowd as the big guys at Rolex next week. He’ll be performing demos as the Walnut Arena on Thursday at 1:30 p.m., Friday at 3:30 p.m. and Saturday at 2:15 p.m., as well as making celebrity appearances at the Trade Fair.
This will be his second year performing at Rolex, and it’s a natural addition to his already prolific resume. Patrick was a petting zoo horse before the Schaaf family purchased him in 1998, when he was 4. Now 22 years old, he has been showing in local and state level competitions for 14 years as well as performing demonstrations at events such as Breyerfest and the Secretariat Festival, of which he is the official mascot.
Patrick brings a smile to the face of everyone he encounters and is also a registered therapy horse who makes visits to hospitals, nursing homes and schools. He has fans around the world — including more than 20,000 Instagram followers — and was named an Equine Ambassador Extraordinaire by the American Miniature Horse Association.
Patrick tackles a Rolex cross country inspired duck at last year’s event. Photo by Savvanah Weaver.
Patrick’s “best friend” and longterm handler, Sarah Schaaf, kindly took the time to tell us about her special horse and what we can look forward to from his Rolex performances:
EN: Your parents purchased Patrick and another mini, TopGun, when he was four and you weren’t quite two, so your relationship together spans almost your entire life! How has it changed over the years?
Sarah: “As I tell anyone and everyone who will listen, Patrick is my best friend. Anyone who knows me will tell you he’s all I talk about, in person or on social media.
“I wasn’t much interested in them when I was really little, so they were more of my mother’s horses then. It was when I was 5 that we began showing locally, and my interest in him began to grow. I was probably about 10 when our friendship really clicked. By then I was old enough to go out and work with him by myself and spend time training him.”
The early days of Sarah and Patrick. Photo courtesy of Jessica Schaaf.
“I began teaching him to jump when I was about 11 — over stacks of bricks with a broom laid across them. He didn’t do so well when we first encountered “real” jumps at a show! If there is anything Patrick has taught me, though, it is how to lose gracefully. For every win we have, there are three or more losses. I think losing is an extremely valuable skill, as it makes you humble and teaches you to just work harder.
“Patrick and I really grew up together and learned so much from each other. We’re pretty attached, even though he sometimes chooses food over me. I come home most weekends from college (Lexington’s Transylvania University) and oftentimes he is waiting at the fence, watching for me when I pull in. Last week as I was leaving, my mother said he stood at the fence for a good 30 minutes to see if I was coming back.
“I don’t ever remember a time without him, and he’s truly a member of our family (he’s even been in the house once or twice). He’s my pride and joy.”
Photo courtesy of Jessica Schaaf.
EN: What’s his off-stage personality like?
Sarah: “Patrick can be a bit of a diva. He is most definitely aware of his “star status.” One time we were at an event, and when someone walked by with a camera he jumped on his pedestal, all by himself, to pose.
“When he is out in the field with his friend TopGun there is no chance of catching him until dinner time. Patrick time is Patrick time. He always greets me with a whinny when I walk in the barn, and I’m sure he hopes I’m not coming to make him exercise!
“Even though he can be a brat sometimes, he really is the sweetest little horse in the world. Whenever I’m having a bad day, I can just go sit in his stall, and he’ll put his chin in my lap.”
Patrick showing off at Rolex 2015. Photo by Savvanah Weaver.
EN: If Patrick had been born in a bigger body, what would be be?
Sarah: “I often wish that I had to ability to make Patrick big and small whenever I want! I can definitely see Patrick as a Grand Prix jumper in an alternate reality. He’s got the heart and the skill for it.
“When you think about it minis jump much higher than large horses, in proportion. Patrick is only 33 inches tall but he’s cleared a four-foot jump before.”
“He loves jumping and gets so excited when we go to train. He definitely has an extra spring in his step on the way to the jump. The fact that he gets to graze for rewards afterwards is a bonus, too.
“I try to jump him at least three times a week to keep him in shape, but he gets the winters off. He’s coming out of his six-month vacation for Rolex and he’s packing a few extra pounds (but who isn’t?).”
Patrick meeting a Budweiser Clydesdale. Photo courtesy of Jessica Schaaf.
Not quite big enough to pull the Budweiser hitch. Photo courtesy of Jessica Schaaf.
EN: Having grown up in Kentucky, Rolex and the Kentucky Horse Park must hold a special place in our heart. You and Patrick have made several Breyerfest appearances but last year was your first Rolex. How did that feel?
Sarah: “Being there was like nothing we had ever experienced! There were SO many people we could hardly move when going to the arena!
“It was my first time going in a demo by myself so I was quite nervous. The wind that day spooked Patrick and sent him on a bucking spree, which didn’t help either. People thought it was all part of the show, so it wasn’t AS embarrassing!
“One of the best things that came from Rolex last year was the many opportunities which followed. Later in the year we were able to perform at the Kentucky Horse Park Breeds Barn on multiple weekends, Bluegrass Fair equine educational demonstrations, Churchill Downs Family Days, the CP National Horse Show and Keeneland. I’ve met countless amazing equestrians, and non-equestrians, over the past year, and can’t wait to see what this year has to offer!”
Photo courtesy of Jessica Schaaf.
EN: I see you do some volunteer work at the Kentucky Horse Park as well.
Sarah: “I go to Transylvania University, which means I am only 15 minutes away from the Kentucky Horse Park. Last winter I started volunteering there because going more than a week with out equine contact is simply unbearable!
“I was lucky enough to make friends with Horse Park employees and officials as Patrick performed at the Breeds Barn, so going to volunteer there is always fun. I usually help clean tack, groom horses and run odds and ends chores with the Breeds Barn staff. Occasionally I’m allowed to ride one of the horses.
“School is over the week before Rolex, though, so I won’t be back at volunteering until the fall — Patrick takes up all of my summertime!”
Sarah and Patrick at the Secretariat Festival. Charlie Davis, Secretariat’s exercise rider, calls Patrick “Little Red” and has his picture hanging next to one of “Big Red” himself. Photo courtesy of Jessica Schaaf.
EN: He keeps your calendar full, I’m sure, between shows, demonstrations and his work as a therapy horse, which is nothing short of heroic! What was his transition like into that area? Why is that an important part of what you do?
Sarah: “Although there is great enjoyment in all of our endeavors, the most rewarding is going on therapy visits.
“In April of 2014 Patrick was evaluated by a group in Louisville, Kentucky, to become a registered therapy horse. I had taken online classes over the course of a few months through Pet Partners to learn the ins and outs of therapy work. At our evaluation there were barking dogs, scary wheelchairs and lots of people to make sure Patrick was completely prepared for all situations he may encounter on visits. Patrick passed with a “complex” rating, which allows him access to school, nursing homes, hospitals and even psychiatric wards.
“On our first visit, we went to a facility called the Kindred Healthcare Clinic. The floor that we visited mainly housed patients who suffered from diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and are confined to ventilators. Most of the patients in this unit will never be able to leave the hospital again, and many cannot even talk.
“The first patient was a man, about 20 years of age, who was restricted to his bed. When we first entered the room he was very cautious and stroked Patrick’s muzzle with only the tips of his fingers. It was not until we were just about the leave that he leaned over and said, “I love you, Patrick. Thank you.” In a few minutes, we had been able to make at least a little difference in this man’s life and bring some joy to his otherwise lackluster day.”
Photo courtesy of Jessica Schaaaf.
“When we returned for a second visit we were able to visit another man who was in the deep grips of ALS. He was paralyzed from the neck down, but when he saw Patrick walk in a large smile crept across his face. This man apparently had a great love of horses, as he had multiple posters of Friesians, Quarter horses and Arabians hung on the wall of his hospital room.
“The hospital’s events coordinator, who went with us to every room to help with patients who had physical impairments, said that the patient had been feeling very gloomy as of late, and the staff and his family were losing hope. She said that our visit with him was the happiest he had been in weeks, even months, and that she had to contact his family immediately, to tell them! I was so honored and humbled to have been able to improve this man’s day.
“It can sometimes be a quite daunting experience to deal with those who are less fortunate than ourselves. It is depressing to see those who have no hope of ever leaving the confines of their beds — never to go outside, to laugh with friends, to live, again.
“The key is to always have hope and always be helpful and happy when you are with them. We must always remember that it is so much more difficult for them than it is for us, and it is our duty to brighten their days, not the other way around. This is why we visit patients — we may be the only bright spot in their lives. All the sadness is worth the pleasure of seeing a smile on the face of a person who has nothing to smile about.
“Even with all of the happiness that Patrick brings to patients, it is minuscule compared to the joy he brings me every day. His work as a therapy horse and ambassador to the miniature horse breed got him inducted into the Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association’s Hero Animal Hall of Fame.”
Photo courtesy of Jessica Schaaf.
EN: We’re looking forward to meeting him at Rolex. What can we look forward to from this year’s demo?
Sarah: “Patrick is going to be busy, busy, busy this year at Rolex! We’re switching up the way we do the demos a little so it should be a lot more fun!
“We’ve also added a lot more jumps to our arsenal so he can jump a whole course this year. One of his jumps reaches 40 inches, which he clears easily. Aside from our demos we’ll be having a meet-and-greet with Patrick’s Instagram friends and fans! Of Patrick’s 20,000 followers on Instagram lots of them are going to Rolex, so he’ll be there to sign and pose for pictures. He will also be posing for pictures at the Absorbine booth, signing “hoofgraphs” with Purina, and posing for photos at Bob Mickler’s.”
Photo courtesy of Phelps Media Group.
EN: You and Patrick have certainly “been there, done that.” Is there anything left on your bucket list still to do?
Sarah: “We definitely have a lot on our bucket list! Patrick may be 22, but he’s still got plenty of years left!
“First, our long-term goal is to someday have Patrick immortalized as a Breyer Model Horse. He’s talented, friendly and has been attending Breyerfest for eight years — 2016 will be his ninth. Maybe if enough people ask for one, we’ll get lucky!
“This year we hope to be able to go to the American Miniature Horse Association’s Eastern Regional Championships, which are held in Ohio in July. I think Patrick has a good chance in the jumping classes and in showmanship.”
Photo courtesy of Jessica Schaaf.
“I would also like to have the opportunity to jump him in the Rolex arena at the Kentucky Horse Park — that place is a dream! Maybe Michael Jung would like to try his hand at jumping a mini?
“From there, who knows: movie star, invitation to the White House, celebrity at the Kentucky Derby? Maybe USEF would even consider an in-hand jumping division! Now THERE is a dream!”
Patrick at his 21st birthday party. Photo courtesy of Jessica Schaaf.
It’s amazing the things you can tell about horses’ personalities just from looking into their eyes, and a wise horseperson pays just as much attention to a horse’s gaze as they do to their conformation, movement or record.
The three horses we’re featuring this week run the gamut when it comes to facial expression — and we love all of them! What do YOU see when you look into their eyes?
Photo via New Vocations.
Photo via New Vocations.
Global Strike (Smart Strike – Misty Lady (ARG), by Lucky Roberto) is a big-boned, big-bodied 16.2+-hand 5-year-old gelding. Striker was a solid performer on the racetrack, earning over $100,000 in 11 career starts, but as his performance started to decline it was decided to retire him without any apparent injuries.
He was gelded in January before coming to New Vocations to begin his retraining. He has acclimated to a group setting and is turned out with four to five other geldings — he tends towards the higher end of herd leadership but is not the top dog.
Striker has been handled by top-class horseman his whole life so he knows how to stand politely for the farrier, in a wash stall, in crossties, etc. and has no stall vices.
Under saddle his trainers affectionately call him “the tourist.” He loves to explore his surroundings and will sometimes forget that he is working as he veers off to inspect something closer! He is generally pretty laid-back, to the point of sometimes needing a crop for encouragement. He has been started over crossrails and his combination of lovely movement and great brain make him suitable for any discipline.
Hold the Thunder (Thunder Gulch – Landholder, by Dixieland Band) is a 4-year-old, 15.3-hand gelding — what a cutie! After 17 career starts Thunder’s come to the conclusion that going fast just isn’t his “thing.” His trainer states he is sound and quiet, and he thinks it’s time for him to find a new career. With the whole world in front of him, the sky is the limit for this kind, athletic guy.
Meet Royal Presence (Chapel Royal – Lodestone, by Lode), a 16.2-hand gelding who was foaled on St. Patrick’s Day in 2009 — that’s got to be lucky, right?
This 7-year-old Kentucky-bred beauty had all 18 starts of his racing career at Arapahoe Park in Colorado. Since retiring sound from racing at the end of 2015, he’s spent time in a retraining program at Serenity Farms in Elizabeth, Colorado. He’s described as a big sweetheart and a barn favorite with great potential. He’s been worked under saddle in flat work and over fences.
Welcome to EN’s third annual Rolex Rookies series! We’re thrilled to be profiling the new faces on the entry list for Rolex this year, and we couldn’t be more excited for these riders taking their first crack at Kentucky. We’ll be bringing you exclusive profiles on each Rookie pair, so keep checking back to learn more about the competitors you’ll see at Rolex.
Katherine Coleman and Courage Under Fire at The Fork. Photo by Jenni Autry.
“Go big or go home” seems to be Katherine Coleman’s mantra. If she decides she’s going to do something, she goes all in.
Exhibit A: That time in 2012 when she packed up her horse and moved to England.
“If I wanted to do this for real, I knew I had had to move,” the 32-year-old New Orleans native says of her decision.
Growing up in the deep south, Katherine explains that she wasn’t exactly “in the scene.” She made the most of the situation, riding in clinics with Lucinda Green as often as possible and eventually winning her very first FEI competition, which happened to be the CCI* National Championships at the Kentucky Horse Park, on a horse named Trader Vic.
“I didn’t really get into competitive eventing until college,” Katherine says. After graduating from the University of Georgia, she got a job and “tried to be normal,” but her gravitational pull toward horses never loosened its grip. She explored various equestrian avenues, competing in jumpers and earning her USDF Bronze and Silver medals.
It was only when she acquired an “eventing type” young horse from Mike and Emma Winter that the ball started rolling once more in the three-day direction.
Katherine Coleman and Courage Under Fire at Bramham. Photo by Samantha Clark.
Never one to put just one foot in the door of anything, Katherine reconnected with Lucinda during a trip to Badminton. Lucinda encouraged her to come to England and work for Irish eventer Sam Watson, and Katherine took the leap. She later moved on to Headley Stud, where Mark Todd and fellow U.S. eventer Jules Stiller Cournane are based, and then again to Lucinda’s daughter Lissa’s yard.
Katherine found herself thriving in the system, developing an exciting string of horses and steadily progressing to the three-star level.
“It’s been amazing,” Katherine says of the past four-and-a-half years of her life. “The amount of experience I’ve gotten over there — Blenheim, Blair Castle, Barbury Castle — and there’s a horse show every weekend.”
Katherine feels at home in England, but returning to the U.S. for her first four-star is a dream come true.
Her ride: Courage Under Fire, a big, rangy 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare (Courage II—Seaview Comfort, Ballygarrett Glen) whom she’s been competing for around three years.
“She has never done a four-star, either,” Katherine notes. “She’s great. She is a lion cross-country, but she has her own way of going.”
Katherine Coleman and Courage Under Fire at The Fork. Photo by Jenni Autry.
The mare, known as “Meg,” was developed by Irish eventer Kim O’Gorman and competed through the CIC3* level with Steven Smith. So Katherine was concerned when, after acquiring her, their partnership was struggling a bit. Katherine describes their first CCI* at Houghton Hall, at which they had a couple stops, as an “oh my God, what have I done” moment.
The turning point was a training session with Mark Todd, who advised Katherine to just “leave her alone.”
“She’s a total mare, a total diva. The more I leave her alone, the better she is,” Katherine says. “Once I got used to letting her be her own horse, I had some good results on her. She’s a good girl.”
They went on to place second in the CCI2* at Hopetoun in 2014, 11th at the Blair Castle CIC3* in 2015 and sixth in the Ballindenisk CCI3* the same year.
Their preparations this year have been a bit more fraught: “We’re heading to Rolex a little bit on a wing and a prayer.”
The mare hasn’t really been out since Bramham last summer, where it was discovered that she had torn a muscle in her shoulder. Though it wasn’t a serious injury, it did take a long time to heal.
Once up and running again, and with an eye on Rolex, Katherine and her equine crew arrived in the U.S. on Feb. 20 of this year. Then, another stroke of bad luck: The mare fell during quarantine in Miami, injuring her back and cutting her leg.
“It was a silly freak thing,” Katherine says. “She spooked a little and her feet just came out from underneath her.”
Katherine Coleman and Courage Under Fire at The Fork. Photo by Jenni Autry.
If that incident didn’t give Katherine enough heart palpitations, things went awry again in their spring warm-up event, the CIC* at Carolina International, where two thrown front shoes on cross country thwarted their ability to complete.
Just when she was about to toss in the towel on Rolex — she even called her family to say that they were probably not going to make it — a top five finish in their Advanced division at The Fork earlier this month gave Katherine the confidence to leave her entry intact.
“She felt really good so we’re going to give it a go,” Katherine says.
While it would have been nice to have suffered a less nerve-wracking spring, Katherine points out that when it comes to a four-star even the most perfect dress rehearsal is no guarantee of a flawless opening night.
“I don’t know if anyone feels prepared for their first four-star,” she says. “My goal: I want to finish. I want to tick the box — say we’ve done it and completed.”
Katherine will be returning to the UK after Rolex — here’s hoping she’ll leave with a fun first four-star memory in tow!
