United States Eventing Association

Kelly Prather, 26, of Bodega, California, made the 2500-mile journey to the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event this year, prepped and ready to tackle her first four-star with Andrea Pfeiffer’s more than capable 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare, Ballinakill Glory. Her experience was a roller coaster ride, to say the least. On paper, the results weren’t exactly expected to her or anyone else who knows this pair. But through thick and thin, she persevered with the utmost professionalism and grace, and gained as much, if not more, from this experience as any blue ribbon could ever offer. The following is Kelly’s account of the journey…

I’m home now from my trip across the country to the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. I’m getting back into the swing of things; it’s a bit more relaxed around here and nice to be back riding all the horses. Ballinakill Glory, “Pippa,” is relaxing as well in the pasture for a few well-deserved weeks off.

Looking back on Rolex, what an amazing experience I had. I got to finish my first four-star cross-country course and I couldn’t be more excited. Getting to ride and school Pippa around at the Kentucky Horse Park was such a thrill. The atmosphere was huge and getting to ride in the new stadium was unforgettable.

I also got to see all of the construction going on in preparation for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, how exiting is that going to be!

Monster Television Cameras

That Friday while warming up for dressage, Pippa was fantastic and ready to perform. Entering the stadium full of people was an incredible feeling. I went in with confidence, ready to show her off. Unfortunately, as we cantered down the centerline, Pippa noticed the television camera at B following her. She was sure it was coming after her to eat us and she never took her eyes off it the whole test. She truly was terrified.

All I could do was just keep her in there and try to let her know she was alright. It resulted in the highest score of our career, in the biggest moment of our career. So many of my fellow competitors and riders who I have looked up to since I was young approached me in person, called me, or text me to tell me stories of their similar situations and were very complimentary of how I hung in there and handled her. It meant a lot to hear and did help.

They told me to keep my chin up, keep working hard and that I’d be back in years to come. I was honored that they took the time to share their experiences and advice. The camaraderie in our sport is incredible; I think more than any other sport.

The Roller Coaster Ride Continues
And even after all of that, I couldn’t wait for Saturday afternoon to get out and tackle that world-famous cross-country course. What an adrenaline rush it was to cross the finish line at Rolex. I was so proud of Pippa and how well she jumped the course. it gave me such a thrill and stoked the flame to keep competing at this level. Pippa lost a shoe on course and after seeing the photos, it looks like it came off at the third fence. It was so incredible of her to have done what she did with only one front shoe with studs.

Sunday morning the highs and lows of the roller coaster ride came around again as we found Pippa slightly off and didn’t pass the jog up. She recovered quickly and Monday morning before we headed home for California, she jogged out sound.

It was an emotional weekend and a great experience. But what I remember most is feeling so lucky to have such a wonderful group of supporters who came to Kentucky, as well as everyone who helped me get there. I really appreciate it and to all those who where there for me and supported me through thick and thin, thank you. I hope to see ya’ll there next year.