Marilyn Little and RF Demeter at the 2017 Wellington Eventing Showcase. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Hannah Sue Burnett confirmed to EN that she has acquired the ride on RF Demeter after Marilyn Little decided to sell the 15-year-old Oldenburg mare. Ms. Jacqueline Mars is now RF Demeter’s sole owner.
“It is with overwhelming emotion that I congratulate Hannah Sue Burnett on an incredible new ride in her stable,” Marilyn said. “At 15, Demi, or Fishie as she is known in the stable, has been a wonderful partner and friend for me since 2011 and has jumped some of the biggest courses in the world at Burghley, Luhmühlen, Pau and Lexington, and has achieved honors such as U.S. Horse of the Year and WBFSH Leading Mare.
“Demi is the horse that gives everything she has in every way, and has demonstrated countless times that she has the heart of a champion. I am so thrilled that she will now be able to partner with Hannah Sue for Ms. Jacqueline Mars and continue on as a part of the Stonehall Farm family both in competition, and one day in retirement. I am grateful to know that Demi will always have the best life has to offer, and I know she will be as treasured in Hannah Sue’s stable as she is here at Raylyn.
“I cannot thank enough the many people who have stood behind this special horse and made her career such a privilege to be a part of. All the best of luck to Hannah Sue and her team in this new partnership, and endless thanks to Ms. Mars for her role in Team Demeter and for her love of our magnificent Gold Fish.”
Hannah Sue Burnett told EN she has “always admired Marilyn and Demeter throughout the years. They have had incredible results because of a beautiful partnership. I honestly feel like I’m dreaming when I try to realize that I get the honor of campaigning this great athlete and I am humbled by this opportunity.
“I will do my very best in every way by Demeter. I look forward to building a partnership with Demi and working with Marilyn to achieve that. I am so grateful to Ms. Mars for this opportunity and thank her for her continued dedication and support of my career.”
Hannah has had the opportunity to ride RF Demeter over the years, and she said she is grateful to have that experience as a foundation to build their partnership. “My biggest priority is to get to know each other before putting on a ton of pressure,” she added.
Hannah and RF Demeter will make their competition debut together in the Intermediate at Rocking Horse Winter III Horse Trials next month before aiming for the CIC2* at Red Hills International Horse Trials, followed by a spring CCI3*.
