Kristi Nunnink and R-Star at Rolex. Photo by Jenni Autry.
It’s been an exciting year for Kristi Nunnink and R-Star. After putting in a clear cross-country trip at Burghley to finish 26th in their first overseas competition last fall, Kristi and Rosie had a fantastic spring with top finishes at Galway Downs and Twin Rivers, culminating in a dominant eighth place performance at Rolex. After their foot-perfect spring campaign, it’s no surprise Kristi and Rosie were once again named a World Class pair on the USEF Eventing High Performance Summer/Fall Training List, and this West Coast dream team now have their sights set on Pau this fall.
When I asked Kristi if she wants to contest Pau to get a feel for a cross-country course designed by Pierre Michelet — who is also the course designer for the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Normandy — she said that’s one reason. “Another reason is that this course will suit Rosie very well because she’s so bold, and the course will have more technical jumping questions out of blind turns, which should make her more rideable,” Kristi said. “I haven’t hardly gone anywhere in the world, and if I’m going to spend the money, it would be awfully exiting to do a different event. Burghley is amazing, but I’m not very young, and I’m not going to get to do this that many more times.”
At 52, Kristi has found her heart horse in Rosie, a 12-year-old striking grey Holsteiner mare she purchased seven years ago and has campaigned all the way up from the novice level. Rosie’s bold cross-country style has captured the hearts of eventing fans all across the country, and Kristi knows how lucky she is to have this horse. “For me, it’s even a little more amazing because I was kind of past that phase of my life when she came to me, so it’s been really special,” Kristi said. “Derek di Grazia always said she would be a once-in-a-lifetime horse for anyone, but somehow I’m the lucky one who gets to enjoy her. She’s really been an easy horse — sound and healthy. I couldn’t ask for more.”
Kristi Nunnink and R-Star at Rolex. Photo by Jenni Autry.
As they prepare to contest Pau this fall, Kristi and Rosie will drive 22 hours from their base in northern California to Rebecca Farm later this month to compete in the the CIC3*, their first competition since Rolex. Rebecca Farm is a major destination event for West Coast eventers, and it’s one of Kristi’s favorites she enjoys attending each season. “Every year you think Rebecca Farm is perfect, and then the next year it gets a little bit better,” Kristi said. “Last year was the best footing I’ve ever galloped on besides Burghley. It just gets better and better every year.” Kristi also hopes to run Rosie at the American Eventing Championships in Texas before heading to France.
If the way the mare feels now is any indication of how she’ll perform at Pau, Kristi and Rosie are primed for a very good performance. “She almost feels the best she’s felt in years,” Kristi said. “I’ve been down at the di Grazias a couple different times this last month, and even Bea was commenting that we had our old Rosie back. In the last couple of years, I’ve had my hip replaced, a broken elbow, a separated shoulder and some broken ribs, as well as battled rheumatoid arthritis. I’ve had some rough patches physically, and I’m finally not hurting anymore. That helps me ride better, and she’s feeling really good.”
Note: Eventing Nation strives to provide the very best coverage possible for all our U.S. riders. In an effort to help bolster out West Coast coverage, Kristi has graciously agreed to join the EN team as our newest guest blogger. Kristi will be blogging about her experience riding in the California Training Sessions this week with David O’Connor — including her first ever cross-country course school with Team USA’s new coach — as well as the unique challenges that eventers on the West Coast face, like that never-ending drive to Rebecca Farm. Many thanks to Kristi for blogging. Go Kristi, and go Rosie!
