Adding the “four-star” preface to your bio must feel similar to adding “Oscar-winning,” “Grammy-winning,” “Pulitzer Prize-winning,” “President of” or something. But before getting one’s “four-star,” one must pass through the hazy, mystical, white-eyed zone of “four-star rookie.” We bring you tidbits on your 2012 Rolex “four-star” aspirants:
Emily Beshear and Here’s To You: Emily and “Qunicy,” a 12-year-old OTTB, had a solid 2011, placing in the top 10 at two CCI***s–eighth at Bromont and 10th at Fair Hill. Expect to hear the Brickland Eventing team cheering her around the course on Saturday. [Emily’s Bio]
Amy & Santa
Amy Ruth Borun and Santa’s Playboy: Amy’s an amateur, Santa’s an OTTB, and together they’ve had a successful spring run-up to their first four-star, most recently placing 18th in The Fork CIC***. Read our profile of Amy and Santa here.
Pam Fisher and Sea Lion: California-based Pam Fisher has owned and operated her own eventing facility since 1986. Sea Lion is a New York-bred OTTB stallion. They were seventh in the Galway CIC*** this spring, and they’ll make their four-star debut at Rolex together. [Pam’s Bio]
Kate Hicks and Belmont: Kate and Belmont are longtime partners with an impressive resume, including a win in the Jersey Fresh CCI** in 2006. Kate used to work for Phillip, and she found Belmont at True Prospect Farm. [Kate’s Bio]
Jordan Linstedt and Tullibards Hawkwind: Jordan and “Jack” are normally based in Washington, but they drove across country to train with Leslie Law in Ocala this spring. They placed fifth in an advanced division at Poplar earlier this year. Read our profile of Jordan and Jack here. [Jordan’s Bio]
Marilyn & RF Rovano Rex
Marilyn Little-Meredith and RF Rovano Rex, RF Demeter: Marilyn’s no stranger to starred competition, but it’s still crazy to think she made her first eventing start in 2010 and will now make her four-star debut just two years later–on not one, but two talented horses. And I don’t think anyone would be surprised by a top 10 finish. [Marilyn’s Bio]
Brittany Lunney and Cool Dancer: Brittany and her 17 hand Thoroughbred gelding Cool Dancer, whom she bought from Jan Byyny, were 20th in the Galway CCI*** last fall and third in Galway’s advanced this spring. They made the trek to Kentucky from Colorado.
Doug Payne and Running Order: Seem’s about time Doug rode in a four-star, no? Running Order may look a bit unpredictable on paper, but then again he’s only 10 years old. [Doug’s Bio]
Holly & Madeline
Holly Payne and Madeline: The Payne family are going big in 2012, though Holly, who’s two years younger than Doug, seems to have won the four-star race. Holly and “Baby” are longtime partners and were recently 10th in an advanced division at The Fork. [Holly’s Bio]
Erin Sylvester and No Boundaries: This spring, Erin and her 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood-Thoroughbred gelding were eighth in The Fork CIC***. You’ll likely see her out walking the course with her coach, Boyd Martin. [Erin’s Bio]
Go four-star rookies.
