I just spoke to a good friend of mine who’s lucky enough to be wintering in Ocala. She’s an extremely experienced and knowledgeable horsewoman, and called me to tell me that of all the combinations she watched this past weekend at Rocking Horse, she was most impressed by Clark Montgomery and Jessie Phoenix, high praise indeed. 
This is Jessie at Richland Park last summer. I took the photo because she was our “spotlight” eventer on the 2010 radio show, and we couldn’t have picked a more delightful representative. I was also extremely fortunate to spend a little time with Clark Montgomery at his base near Atlanta, GA, the stunning Chattahoochee Hills, when I interviewed him for Eventingnation, and came away thinking how lovely he was too.
Of course, eventing IS the best sport in the world and naturally brings out the best in people, (!), but when she told me, my heart swelled a little with pride, completely unjustified, naturally I can’t take any credit for it, but it was like hearing good reports about horses that you’ve sold on, even though I’m completely removed except perhaps for some of that legendary EN karma. Perhaps it’s because eventing is so tight-knit and family style; or perhaps because it’s not really about out and out direct competition against each other, but more about the particular relationship with your horse. Whatever it was, I’m absolutely thrilled that they’re both going so well, wish them a fabulous spring, and look forward to catching up soon.
