We’ve released our own version of the #DecadeChallenge that’s been making waves on social media recently, starting with video footage from each CCI5* event around the world. It’s fascinating to see how things change, and it’s equally mind-blowing to think of how quickly a decade passes.
I remember fall of 2010. I received a phone call from a barn mate asking if I wanted to hop in her car for a last-minute trip to the World Equestrian Games that were happening a couple states away in Kentucky. I was working in retail at the time, so getting a day off approved on short notice was tough to do. Yet somehow, after much convincing, my boss came over and tapped me on the shoulder and told me to enjoy my trip. We left at 2 a.m. to drive to Lexington and got there just in time to find a prime spot at the Head of the Lake for the cross country. I remember watching my favorites: Henry Jota Hampton, Grass Valley, Nereo. The magnitude of having the Games on U.S. turf was not lost on me, and I felt lucky to be there seeing it all in person — even if we had to return home that evening so I could be at work the following day.
And somehow, 10 years have passed since that day. As I cobbled together this fan-favorite #DecadeChallenge, I couldn’t help but take a walk down memory lane and think of the moments that shaped my love of eventing since that chilly, sunny day in October. It’s fun to look back and see how far we’ve come. Without further waxing poetic, enjoy this look at a handful of popular horses back then and today!
Donner:
Donner’s very first event! Photo by GRC Photo.
Lynn Symansky and Donner (USA). Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.
Ballynoe Castle RM:
Buck Davidson and Ballynoecastle RM. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Ballynoe Castle RM (Reggie) taking his retirement role very seriously. Photo by Kathleen Murray.
Snooze Alarm:
Lauren Kieffer and Snooze Alarm, Rolex Kentucky 2010.
Snooze Alarm living his best life today. Photo via Lauren Kieffer.
Vermiculus:
Baby Vermiculus, circa 2008. Photo via Lauren Kieffer.
Lauren Kieffer and Vermiculus. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.
Landmark’s Monte Carlo:
Landmark’s Monte Carlo at his very first event in 2010. Photo by Susan Clarke.
Lauren Kieffer and Landmark’s Monte Carlo. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.
Anthony Patch:
Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.
Anthony Patch (“Al”) taking in a retirement sunset. Photo by Lainey Ashker.
Chilli Morning:
Chilli Morning and William Fox-Pitt, photo by Kasey Mueller
