United States Eventing Association

Rider Pledges to Support USEA Equine Cardiovascular Study

I have always thought that completing a challenging course at a show is equivalent to being on top of the world. I doubt I am alone in this belief. I’d like to say that I am unaware of the opposite feeling, but I do believe I have experienced something close. Going back to the barn with out your horse is something I would never wish on anybody.

In March of 2008 my long time and trusted partner, Leprechaun’s Rowdy Boy, fell on course at the Red Hills Horse Trials due to a pulmonary hemorrhage. At the time there was very little information readily available as to how or why this happens to our equine partners. When I learned about the USEA Equine Cardiovascular Study I was eager to become involved.

I have pledged to donate $1.00 for every jump I jump cleanly at horse trials this season. I hope that others will join this pledge. Do it for me, do it for yourself, or do it for anyone else in the eventing world this season.

I am doing this in honor of Rowdy and how much heart he put into everything he did for me. I would like to help in protecting the awesome hearts of all the great horses our sport is lucky enough to have. I believe we should do everything in our powers to evaluate every aspect of it and learn and know as much as possible.

My season will begin at the end of February and continue through the spring and summer. Please put a little more pressure on me, yourself, or someone else you support to jump clean and safely by signing on for the pledge. Every little bit will be greatly appreciated by the Cardiovascular Study. I hope to report after my shows and the progress of the season and money raised. Thank you so much!

Interested in joining Missy's pledge? Send her an email at [email protected] for more information or contact [email protected] to sign up!