United States Eventing Association

In Memoriam: Novelle (2002-2025)

The USEA is saddened to share the passing of Angela Bowles' five-star horse Novelle (Frisk Me Now x Teetawk).

Bred in Kentucky by Jim Plemmons (Jockey Club name Cupid's Tart), the Thoroughbred mare was sent to Bowles as a 3-year old sales prospect when Bowles was a young professional. She quickly demonstrated her athletic ability by frequently bucking Bowles off and made it abundantly clear that she really did not like dressage.

Nonetheless, Bowles decided she’d like to keep Novelle for herself. A failed pre-purchase exam that revealed several OCD lesions ultimately stopped Bowles from buying the mare, who went back to her owner when Bowles moved back to Texas to begin her professional career. As Fate would have it, Novelle’s owner offered to gift the quirky mare to Bowles, and they embarked on the most unlikely journey together.

As a team, Bowles and Novelle competed through the Preliminary level with considerable success. As a rising young professional trying to make ends meet, Bowles was once again faced with the hard decision to part with Novelle. But fate stepped in again: no one was interested in the petite mare who barely tolerated the dressage phase and had a subpar vetting. She secured a permanent home in Bowles care; exactly where she would stay for the rest of her life.

A rough start to her Intermediate career saw the pair step back to Preliminary for a development year, where Novelle was awarded the 2010 USEA Preliminary Horse of the Year honor, the first of many career accolades. Following the brief pause in their growth through the levels, there was no looking back. Bowles and Novelle were named to the developing riders team in 2012, and then successfully moved up to Advanced in 2013. They were second in the CCI4*-S at Copper Meadows; won the Advanced at Texas Rose Horse Park in 2014; and won the Advanced at the Colorado Horse Park in 2016. The pair also had wins at the grand prix level in pure show jumping, giving Bowles a taste of her future in that discipline. The highlight of Novelle’s time with Bowles was twice completing the Rolex Kentucky CCI5*-L (2015 and 2016), winning everyone’s admiration for their grit and determination across the country. Novelle and Bowles completed 15 consecutive competitions without a rail down.

After Novelle told Bowles her time at the upper levels was over, she spent five years showing the next generation the ropes of the sport she loved. In total, Novelle completed more than 140 USEF-recognized competitions with 10 riders. She safely guided many through their first horse trials or through their first outings at a new level. Novelle was a gift to every rider she carried, no matter the discipline or competition level.

Novelle was laid to rest at Fat Dog Farm in Rockbridge Baths, Virginia, overlooking the field where she enjoyed her retirement years as the matriarch of Bowles' stable. She will be forever known for her diminutive size, unassuming personality, and unwavering love for cross-country. Bowles and her husband Andy Bowles would like to thank all of the veterinarians and farriers who cared for Novelle during her career, as well as all of the riders and families who loved her like she was their own. A special thank you goes to Tamie Smith, Mike Huber, Mark Phillips, and Matt Cyphert: your belief in us changed the course of our lives.

The USEA sends our deepest condolences to Angela and all of Novelle's connections.