This afternoon I arrived at the Kentucky Three Day Event, or the 'Rolex' as it's known here. I know everyone has heard of it - it's the Adelaide of America. And like Adelaide circa 2002, Kentucky offers only the 4 star level.
Bucky in his first 2 star.
The horse I'm taking this year is a horse I've been riding for almost as long as I've been here, Collection Pass. He's an Off The Track Thoroughbred who I've competed at 3 Star level as well as Mini Prix showjumping. A little brown horse, he's fairly non descript however he has one hell of a jump!
If you've read my previous posts for 2014 you'll remember that my year started out less than ideally, with a broken jaw and wires holding my jaw shut until mid February. This led to a late start to my season, but then everything ran almost foot perfectly (due largely to my assistant Rhiannon Bosma keeping the horses schooled and fit) for the rest of the winter. Only days after having my wires removed I upgraded Civil Liberty to Advanced very successfully.
Libby in the advanced at Southern Pines. Photographer: Brant Gamma
Kentucky has been my goal for some time now, so you can imagine that I was less than impressed (read bloody mad!) to be broken just when I should've been ramping up my show season. As they say, all's well that ends well. Luckily (and thanks to a great surgeon) I made the end of winter, beginning of spring and everything seems good to go.
Having lived here for a while now I've been able to see this event run a few times and I have a fair idea of what to expect. The course designer has a great understanding of how horses think and I've taken every opportunity to ride on his courses.
Cole at Southern Pines. Photographer: Brant Gamma
It's a bit of a full circle in that I first came to America on a reconnaissance trip after Boyd rang me at three am one day to say 'Chadzy, come and check out the US, you will probably want to move here'. It just so happened that Heath had also entered Flame that year and Woodzy was riding as well. So I thought it'd be a great time head over for a visit. So now, six years after landing in Lexington KY, I am back with my horse. If I had known it would take that long I probably would've reconsidered my decision!
Thank goodness I didn't know then what I know now, I wouldn't trade my experiences for the world!
So here I am, and I look forward to reporting back soon with great news!
