Bunnie Sexton and Rise Against. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.
Today we are remembering Rise Against, the longtime upper-level horse partnered with California-based Bunnie Sexton who passed away recently. Rise Against carried the flag for the Thoroughbred sport horse, competing four times at the Kentucky CCI5* with Bunnie and finishing as well as top-25 (2015) in their rookie performance together. Bunnie and “Ecko” inspired us all in this debut, saying “There are plenty of people who are older — just because you aren’t there showing doesn’t mean you aren’t putting in the work at home. Just because your horse is unconventional doesn’t mean he can’t make it.”
“Just over 14 years ago, I went to try a quirky horse named Ecko—one who would end up changing my life forever,” Bunnie shared on social media this week. “It is with a heavy heart that I share that, after an unfortunate accident while playing in the paddock with his girlfriend last week, I had to say my final goodbye.
When I first met Rise Against, neither of us knew exactly what our partnership would become. But over the last decade and a half, we grew together and took each other further than I ever thought possible.
We formed a bond that was truly special. I stood by him through his dressage nerves, and he took the wheel when I needed him most, as we guided each other through some of the toughest courses in the world. He was brave, generous, and endlessly willing, and he touched not only my life, but the lives of so many who were lucky enough to know him.
I’m deeply honored to have been a part of his journey. He gave me his heart, and I will carry his spirit with me always.”
Rise Against was 26 years old. Enjoy a few photos from his partnership with Bunnie:
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- Bunny Sexton and Rise Against. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
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- Bunnie Sexton and Rise Against. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
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- Bunnie Sexton and Rise Against
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- Bunnie Sexton is all smiles after her stadium round on Rise Against
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- Bunnie Sexton and Rise Against
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- Bunnie Sexton and Rise Against. Photo by Jenni Autry.
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- Bunnie Sexton and Rise Against. Photo by Jenni Autry.
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- Bunnie Sexton and Rise Against. Photo by Kasey Mueller.
U.S. Weekend Preview
Spokane Sport Horse Spring H.T. (WA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]
Otter Creek H.T. (WI): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Kentucky May-Daze Horse Trials (KY): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Hunt Club Farms H.T. (VA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Bouckaert Equestrian H.T. (GA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Fair Hill International Recognized H.T. (MD): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Spring Gulch H.T. (CO): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Course Brook Farm Spring H.T. (MA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring]
Major International Events
Marbach CCI4*-S (Germany): [Website] [Entries/Timing/Scoring] [Live Stream on ClipMyHorse.TV]
Belsay International CCI4*-S (UK): [Website] [Entries/Timing/Scoring] [Live Stream on H&C+]
News & Reading
German Olympian Bettina Hoy is one of the most heavily invested individuals in our sport when it comes to ensuring its future. As the latest step in her career trajectory, Bettina (who recently received the OLY designation to be used with her name to denote her contributions to the Olympic movement) is embarking on the International LEAdership Programme (LEAP), sponsored by the DOSB and the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Home Affairs (BMI). “The DOSB LEAP program is designed to prepare former athletes to embark on a career in sports politics on the international stage,” Bettina explained. She currently serves as the athlete representative for eventing on the FEI Eventing Committee, which meets monthly to discuss current topics in eventing. “I would never have thought that this kind of work, both with the FEI and the DOSB, would be for me, but I really enjoy it!” she continued. “If you get involved, you can really make a difference for your sport, and that motivates me a lot. It’s perfect for me now, since I don’t ride as much anymore. When you’re still involved in the sport, it’s simply not possible to get involved like that on the side. As a rider, you always have something to lose and are perhaps more cautious with one or two statements. Fortunately, I’m no longer in that position.” Read more on this here — and stay tuned as Bettina Hoy will be a co-host on The Go Eventing Podcast soon!
If you’re planning a trip west to Galway Downs for the USEA American Eventing Championships this August, get your trip squared away with these fun facts about the venue! Temecula, CA offers much variety in terms of things to do outside of horses, and there is truly something for the whole family in this awesome area of Southern California. Learn more about Galway Downs and Temecula here.
Let’s break down the concept of “Win Chance” as it’s used by EquiRatings. Of course, statistics and numbers only tell a fraction of a story at any given point, but these metrics are valuable when it comes to making predictions and assessing performance potential. EquiRatings co-founder and 5* rider Sam Watson chimes in to break the notion down for us here.
Dressage multi-Olympian Steffan Peters is widely respected for his horse-friendly, patient training methods. In this clinic report, you can take a peek behind the curtain as Steffan works with riders to tackle their challenges, always keeping a respect for the horse foremost in his mind. Read the report here.
Sponsor Corner: VHC Eventing
VHC Eventing is proud to welcome Capital Square back as a title sponsor of this year’s VHC Eventing competitions at Virginia Horse Park in Lexington, VA! You can meet Capital Square CEO and amateur eventer Louis Rogers in the video above, and click here to learn more about how Capital Square can help put more money back in your pocket through accessible real estate investment opportunities.
Video Break
Improve your riding with these three tips from dressage rider Henry Boswell:
