United States Eventing Association

In Memoriam: As You Like It (1990-2024)

The USEA is saddened to share the passing of Sara Kozumplik’s five-star partner As You Like It at the age of 34. The gelding died in his sleep at his retirement home at Kozumplik's parents' residence.

Kozumplik purchased the Thoroughbred gelding (Providential x Suzette), who raced under the name of Prudent Pass, from Jeffery Curtis, while still in her Pony Club days. Curtis sourced “Auggie” as an eventing prospect after seeing him race in the Virginia Gold Cup. Auggie had 31 career starts and $22,994 in earnings through his racing career and retired from the track as a 5-year-old. Curtis brought Auggie to the late Jimmy Wofford’s farm so Wofford could give Kozumplik his opinion on the horse as an eventing prospect. Kozumplik noted that, “he loved him on sight.”

From there, Kozumplik and Auggie began their eventing career together, winning their second event out at the Preliminary level at the Virginia H.T. in 1997. The pair quickly advanced through the levels, which Kozumplik attributed to Auggie’s personality.

“From there the rest is history,” she reflected in a tribute on Facebook to her beloved partner. “Taking an average kid with a dream around the world to tackle the very hardest competitions our already tough sport has to offer. He was 100% a seeing-eye dog and taught me how to ride forward because it was safe to do so on him. Also because you couldn’t jump a cross pole without leg!”

In 2002, the pair made their five-star debut together at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. Throughout their career together, they competed at the five-star level four times at legendary venues such as Kentucky, Badminton (England), and Burghley (England). In addition, they represented the U.S. at Bramham (England) in the U25 division and at Pau (France) at the FEI World Cup Eventing Final, as well as many other famous international events.

After their outing at Badminton in 2005, Kozumplik passed the reins onto a few other riders, but Auggie’s primary rider was the late Roxanne Hornberger, daughter to Kozumplik’s long-time friend and supporter Edy Rameika. Auggie and Hornberger competed for two seasons together up through the Preliminary level.

“I could go on and on and on, but I’ll let his record and the pictures speak for themselves,” continued Kozumplik. “Thank you, Auggie. You are one of the four reasons I’m anything in this sport today. Thank you for saving me and taking me places I had no business being at the time. Thank you for taking care of Marie and Roxanne too. You were tough, funny, kind, careful, and brave as a lion. I’m glad you got to meet Rubens [d'Ysieux, Kozumplik's Advanced partner]; he’s the same. I know you’re hanging with Jimmy and Roxanne now. Have the best time and tell them I say hi.”

The USEA sends our deepest condolences to Kozumplik and all of As You Like It’s connections.