I wanted to wait a hot minute to make this post because I didn’t want my groom and friend Sara Kelson to be too much…
Posted by Sara Kozumplik on Friday, February 27, 2026
After a long and successful career, including several wins at the 3* and 4* level, Sara Kozumplik’s long-time partner Rock Phantom will be stepping down to take some time with the other Sara in his life — Overlook Farm groom Sara Kelson.
“Rocky” is well-known for his successful return to competition following a pioneering surgery — a percutaneous single portal endoscopic foraminotomy executed by Dr. Travis Tull at Ocala Equine, the first of its kind to be performed in the United States. Sara and Rocky have since served as great advocates for the procedure, with owner Edy Rameika having released his medical records publicly to allow future riders and veterinarians to learn from their experience.
While Rocky has been excelling since, Sara has made the hardest call all upper-level riders eventually make, and is now looking forward to supporting him and Sara Kelson as they continue their partnership together.
“Rocky has plenty to give, is perfectly sound, loves his job, and I firmly believe will continue to teach others within our program at Overlook Farm for years to come,” said Sara Kozumplik. “It was really lovely to cheer him and Sara on to a [3rd place] finish yesterday in the Training level at Rocking Horse.”
International Events This Weekend
Randlab Matamata Horse Trials CCI4*-S (NZL): [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times] [CrossCountry App XC Course] [Live Stream]
US Events This Weekend
$100,000 LiftMaster Grand Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce’s Field (SC): [Website] [Tickets] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [Ride for Charity Team Vote] [Live Stream] [CrossCountry App XC Course] [EN’s Coverage]
Rocking Horse Winter III HT (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Courses]
Twin Rivers Winter HT (CA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Course]
Sporting Days Farm March HT II (SC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Other Links and Reading
- American Farriers Association announces launch of “Farrier Direct Safety Net” — a hoof-care assistance program to help horses with immediate podiatric welfare needs whose owners are facing temporary financial hardship
- If you’re an equine industry professional, make sure you sign up for this 2026 Horse Business Tax Update Webinar on March 16 — A Practical Review of What’s Changing and What to Watch
- Serving the Sport: Alex Ambelang’s Journey as a Licensed Official
Training Tip of the Day
Dr. Erica Lacher shares three essential tips for building real fitness in your horse:
Go Eventing
Karl and Katlyn Slezak might just be Going Eventing harder than anyone right now…
Not sure how this is going to work!!! Busy busy busy!!
Posted by Katlyn Hewson-Slezak on Wednesday, February 25, 2026
