EN’s newest Most Famous Fan!
You may remember a little contest we ran after Rolex that urged you send us your photos with our fancy EN tattoos handed out at our tailgate party. We had a lot of fabulous submissions for this contest, and with a prize of eternal glory EN fame on the line, you all definitely brought your A game. We are pleased to announce that, by way of popular vote, the winner of our “Show Us Your Flags” contests and our new most famous fan is Sarah Kate Kangas!
Sarah Kate attended her very first Rolex this year with her mother, Melissa. Melissa has a background in eventing and has naturally introduced Sarah Kate to horses, which includes taking part in a yearly trip to the Bluegrass State. Sarah Kate, who is 5 years old, thoroughly enjoyed her first Rolex experience and even got to rub elbows with some of the best while she was there.
Sarah Kate poses with William Fox-Pitt. Photo by Melissa Zeller.
“This was Sarah Kate’s first Rolex and her first flight, so she was really excited, ” Melissa, of Alexandria, Va., said. “Leading up to Rolex, we would read Eventing Nation together so we could talk about what she would see at Rolex. She was pretty excited to visit the EN tent when we got there, and she just had a great time.”
Sarah Kate, who has been riding ponies at home and currently rides in leadline classes, really got a chance to see what eventing was all about during her trip to Rolex. This included meeting some famous faces, such as Hawley Bennett and William Fox-Pitt.
“During our time there, she got autographs from several riders, but William Fox-Pitt was her favorite,” Melissa said. “He was really sweet to her when she asked for his autograph, and she has since written him some postcards telling him that he is her favorite rider and that she was happy that he won Rolex.”
Sarah Kate and Audrey getting ready for a lesson with Mary Alice Scola. Photo by Melissa Zeller.
Sarah Kate also met Andrew Nicholson and Mark Todd at the airport while they were waiting for their departing flight. “I actually saw Andrew sitting at a table and sent Sarah Kate in to ask for his autograph, and I saw him motioning someone else over and realized it was Mark Todd!” Melissa recalled with a laugh. “They were both very nice to her and signed her hat, so she was just thrilled.”
At home in Virginia, Sarah Kate takes lessons with Mary Alice Scola and has gone foxhunting and beagling with her mom. Naturally, we all hope that Sarah Kate picks up the eventing bug soon, but in the meantime she is content to be a girl who loves horses — and William Fox-Pitt.
Sarah Kate with twin brother Tristan and little sister Daisy at the Keswick Horse Show. Photo by Melissa Zeller.
Sarah Kate is thrilled that she has become EN’s Most Famous Fan, and both she and Melissa love being a part of Eventing Nation. Keep those flags flying, Sarah Kate and Melissa!
