2018 champion trainer and five-star eventer Elisa Wallace was a back again for another shot at the Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover, which took place October 4-7 at the Kentucky Horse Park. Elisa’s off-track prospect this year was Crafty Charger, a 2013 Indiana-bred gelding (By Bye Bye Crafty x Lisa’s Crusade, by Crusader Sword), owned by Donna Biggs. Prior to the Makeover, Elisa piloted Crafty through one Beginner Novice and two Novice USEA events.
Enjoy the video above with Elisa’s narration through all Crafty’s preliminary Eventing competition performances at the Makeover, and hear about what she sees and what she felt during her rides. Her narration, as usual, provides valuable insight into her process of training, riding, and competing.
Then ride along with Elisa and Crafty through their helmet cam video of their cross country round and enjoy little bonus insight as Elisa chats with her student and fellow Makeover competitor Caroline Holmes while they hack back to the barns. Plus, watch to the end for an incredibly adorable reunion with some of Crafty’s former connections!
Elisa and Crafty ended the preliminary competition in second place out of 94 entries in the Eventing competition and that placement landed them a spot in the finale on Saturday. They hung onto that second place spot to finish as Eventing reserve champions, behind Rosie Napravnik and Sanimo. Elisa donned her trusty helmet cam for their round in the finale as well. Enjoy the ride!
Thoroughbred Makeover links: Website, Marketplace, Final Scores
