United States Eventing Association

The USEA is saddened to learn that Avery Klunick lost her upper level partner, In It To Win It, last night during a colic surgery.

Klunick and “Winston,” a 16-year-old New Zealand Sport Horse (By Chinese Gold) have grown their partnership together since Klunick got the ride in 2008 from Julia Briskin, who piloted the gelding through Intermediate.

In their eight years of competing together, the pair reached incredible highs together including two appearances at the North American Junior and Young Rider Championships – fifth in the CH-J* in 2011, sixth in the CH-Y2* 2012 – multiple top-25 placings at the CIC/CCI3* level, and of course the pinnacle of their successes was seen in their first four-star finish this spring at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event.

Based in Texas, the pair competed in all three Adequan USEA Advanced Gold Cup divisions at the Texas Rose Horse Park, and became fan favorites in 2014 when a tack malfunction had Klunick putting Winston’s bridle back on in the middle of their show jumping course.

Avery Klunick and In It To Win It at The Fork Horse Trials in 2016.

Klunick had this to share,

“To the people who were lucky enough to know him and to be friends with him, you know we lost a great horse. He was my best friend and side kick for the last nine years. Not only did I enjoy drinking a beer with him, but I also feel so lucky to be a part of his becoming a 4* horse this year at Rolex. He truly had the kindest soul of any human or horse I've ever known. He helped me grow up and become the person I am today. He also helped me get into college because I wrote my "most influential person" essay about him. He was always there when I needed to talk. Whether we hacked around or I sat in his hay and he ate around me. I feel so humbled to have gotten to know someone like him and to have so many great memories with him. He had so much love to share and anytime I was around him I was laughing as was everyone else. Winnie was stoic and proud until the end, showing me just one more time what a truly special soul he had.

I thank him for pushing me and for opening more doors for me than any human ever will. I love him so much and I can't wait until I see him again. Cheers to you boy and thank you for making me me.”

Our hearts go out to Avery, and all those who loved and cheered on Winston.