United States Eventing Association

Kozumplik Takes Top Honors in Open Intermediate at 2024 Essex Horse Trials

Far Hills, N.J.—June 3—Sara Kozumplik and Rubens D'ysieux put all the pieces together this weekend to secure the Open Intermediate win at the 2024 Essex Horse Trials. Kozumplik and the 19-year-old Selle Français gelding, owned by Edith Rameika, jumped clear over Morgan Rowsell’s cross-country course to clinch the title on a final score of 28.9.

“Rubens felt great. He cruised around and jumped everything out of stride. We know each other really well so we had a great time. He trotted up sound after, and wasn’t breathing too hard," said Kozumplik.

Lillian Heard Wood and Dassett Olympus finished the division in second on a 33.4 with just a bit of time on cross-country, followed by Maya Clarkson and Clueso to round out the top three.

Wood continued her good day with Bellines Quality Lady, an 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse owned by the Bellines Quality Lady Syndicate, to clinch the win in the Open Preliminary on her dressage score of 26.3.

"'Foxy' is green at the level so this was a great course for her," said Wood. "It was a hard course but not crazy hard. And she’s fast, so its fun to be able to make the time on her. The tracks were amazing and were developed to give the horses confidence. It was the best footing so far this year. It was like running on a cloud.”

Essex Horse Trials also gave out two other awards, the Jean and Elliott Haller Perpetual Trophy for Horsemanship and The Golden Nugget Memorial Trophy.

The Jean and Elliott Haller Perpetual Trophy for Horsemanship was presented to the rider who demonstrates good horsemanship and a superior partnership between horse and rider regardless of their division. Jean and Elliot Haller were the owners of Hoopstick Farm, the site of the first Essex Horse Trials. In addition, they were the parents of Roger Haller, an icon in the sport of eventing. As a family, they loved their horses and equestrian sport. This trophy was donated by Mrs. Ann David, a close friend of the Hallers and the owner of Hoopstick Farm for over 40 years. Our 2024 winner was Sara Kelson.

The Golden Nugget Award was donated by Clarissa Wilmerding to encourage the development of young riders as well-rounded horsemen with an appreciation for eventing and a commitment to good sportsmanship. Wilmerding grew up foxhunting with the Essex Fox Hounds (New Jersey) and was an active member of the Somerset Hills Pony Club (New Jersey). Her partnership with her first pony, Golden Nugget, fostered the determination and perseverance essential to eventing.

As a professional rider, Wilmerding continues to teach and mentor pony clubbers. The trophy was awarded to the lowest-scoring member of Pony Club aged 18 or younger in any division. Our 2024 winner was Olivia Hicok, who finished 3rd in the Beginner Novice B Division aboard Huckleberry, on a 29.1.

The 14-year-old was thrilled with her day and thankful for this award saying, “Huckleberry was amazing and jumped everything like a pro. It’s very special to win my trainer’s trophy. I want to thank my mom for helping me, supporting me, and getting me to all my lessons that has made all my hard work pay off.”

For final results in all divisions, click here. Proceeds of the event benefit the Greater Newark Life Camp which brings 300 inner city youth to summer day camp in the country in Somerset County for six weeks for an enriching educational experience. For more information on the Greater Newark Life Camp please visit https://greaternewarklifecamp.org.