United States Eventing Association

Meghan O'Donoghue and Caitlin Silliman tell Chris Stafford about the ups and downs on the long road to the 2013 Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event, presented by Land Rover. Both riders completed the event successfully, despite this year being their first go at the four star level.

Meghan received the prestigious $10,000 Essex Grant, created in memory of the Essex Horse Trials. awarded to her at the 2012 USEA Annual Meeting and Convention. Meghan put the grant, which went towards the costs of training to transition her from the young rider to senior rider ranks, to good use, finishing 12th for the weekend as the highest-placed Rolex rookie. She sheds light on the hard work and mental determination that goes into making it to the highest level of the sport.

Listen to Meghan and Chris below.

Caitlin Silliman explains how she worked her way up the ranks, starting as a self-proclaimed "terrible rider on the flat" and temporary working student for Boyd and Silva Martin, to a successful assistant trainer and four-star rider. Caitlin rode her mare, Catch a Star, who survived the barn fire at True Prospect Farm in March 2011, to a 24th place finish.

Listen to Caitlin and Chris below.