United States Eventing Association

At the risk of sounding like a giddy child on Christmas morning, I have to say that I am absolutely STOKED about Rolex! And I know I'm not alone... ;) You know who you are - packin' up your Wellies, checking the square footage of space in your car for maximum stuffage of your intended purchases, counting your pennies & cashing old birthday checks in eager anticipation of the ever-popular trade fair....

Okay, actually, while I'm on the subject of the trade fair, have you been inside the "official Rolex Kentucky logowear tent?" Oh MY... it's chaos... reminiscent of Black Friday at Macy's. I went in there last year to get a t-shirt and literally feared for my life. I recommend going early, taking bottled water & snacks, a lifevest, and flares... you may not come out alive. Either that or your significant other may kill you later when he/she discovers how much of your life savings you spent.

There's a ton of great stuff going on this year - check out the press release on the USEA site, and also the Rolex site as well. Lots of cool demos (Pony Club quadrilles, Future Event Horse demo, dog agility - aka lots of stuff to distract your significant other while you jet over to the trade fair for the 18th time) and of course the USEA tent is going to be amazing. Of course! Would we ever let you down? We've got all sorts of awesome Mountain Horse clothes, hoodies, jackets, hats, t-shirts, etc... all tastefully embroidered with the USEA logo. Yes, tastefully...you know, actually, color-coordinated!

Okay - let's get down to brass tacks here... who's going to be RIDING at Rolex? Which horses (and riders) do we get to ogle over and cheer on? Glad you asked...

So we all know that people tend to scratch right up until the event, but as of press time (Blog time?) these are the entries on the Rolex website so far. Shall we discuss in alphabetical order? (I'll try desperately hard not to brag about my favorites!)

Laine Ashker will be riding Company Carousel Farm's 16.3-hand, 13-year-old NZL Thoroughbred Mazetto, who's by Master Jack (a Cleveland Bay!) and out of Bozetto (a NZL TB). The bay gelding was imported from England last July and was previously ridden by Eleanor Brennan before Laine got the ride last year. Since then, they've been pretty successful at the Advanced level - with a win at Poplar in March and a 3rd at Red Hills.

Laine's second ride will be the famous hobbit Frodo Baggins. Okay,well maybe not... but he did star in "The Lord of the Rings" in New Zealand as one of the Dark Rider's mounts. Pretty neat! The 16.2-hand, 13-year-old gelding of unknown Kiwi heritage & Laine picked up a 6th place finish at the Red Hills CIC3*-W last month and were 7th in the Fair Hill CCI3* last October.

Corinne Ashton & her longtime partner Dobbin were the winners in the Advanced division of the Wellpride USEA American Eventing Championships last year, were 9th at Fair Hill CCI3* in Oct., picked up a first place finish in Millbrook last summer in the Advanced, as well as a win in the beginning of last year at Southern Pines. The 16-year-old., 16h Thoroughbred gelding by Lyphelius and out of Deal Debbie Deal competed at Rolex back in 2005 & finished 16th.

The first of our West Coast riders (and Canadians), Hawley Bennett & her 18-year-old longtime partner Livingstone (Wander Kind--Dancing Proud)will make the trip from their home in Temecula, California. The last time these guys competed at Rolex was back in 2005 - last year they trekked to England to compete at Badminton. These guys have had a long, successful career together... a Rolex win would be the feather in their cap.

Kristin Bond & the 13-year-old NZL gelding Fleeceworks Blackout (previously ridden by Stuart Black & Kelli Temple) were 6th in the CIC3* at Maui Jim last year and completed Rolex twice. The 16.2-hand gelding was sired by Omnicorp and was imported from New Zealand back in 2001.

After a lengthy time off because of injury, Brandenburg's Joshua is back and looking better than ever with a nice run in the CIC3* at The Fork a few weeks ago partnered with Stephen Bradley. These guys finished 3rd at Rolex back in 2006. Stephen has said that the 13-year-old TB gelding by Gilded Rooster and out of Josh's Dancer "tends to internalize and is a worrier." Hopefully these guys will be back on track to finish in the top three again this year.

Stephen Bradley & From, a 16.3-hand 15-year-old German Thoroughbred, were members of the gold medal winning U.S. team at the Pan Am Games last summer, and were 2nd in the Jersey Fresh CCI3* last year. You might remember that Stephen rode in the '92 Olympic Games, and in '93 became the 2nd American to win Burghley. Neat bio!

20-year-old Bonner Carpenter is one of two Young Riders competing at Rolex this year. She's aboard her 17-year-old Mexican-imported Quarter Horse gelding Acapulco Jazz (Just Six--Chicks N Chips). This will be this pair's first 4* appearance together. They had a couple of successful outing at Advanced this year and are ready to make the trek from their home in Texas for the Kentucky event.

Kyle Carter and his 10-year-old TB gelding Madison Park (previously owned/ridden by Kristen Bond) represented Canada last summer in the Pan Am Games, finishing 5th. Besides that tasty little finish, they've got a couple of good Advanced runs under their belt in the past few years. I believe this will be the gelding's first four-star.

Dorothy Crowell will be competing her 14-year-old Thoroughbred gelding Radio Flyer II in his first Rolex (I think). Last year they competed at the AEC's finishing 11th, placed 4th in the CIC3* at Richland Park, and were 5th in the CIC3* at MCTA. You probably remember her as Dorothy Trapp, aboard the talented Molokai who won best conditioned at the '92 Rolex and also won the silver medal at the WEG at The Hague in the Netherlands in '94.

Canadian Sandra Donnelly and her 11-year-old warmblood gelding Buenos Aires (Bajazzo--Amphora) finished 10th at Red Hills CIC3* back in March. They also represented the Canadian team at the Pan Am Games last summer, taking home a 6th place ribbon with them back to their home in Alberta. They also finished 4th in the CIC3* at MCTA last year and 5th in the Advanced at Jersey Fresh.

Well, all I can say is that I'm glad Phillip Dutton's riding for us... he's got 3 horses lined up - the first of which is Bruce Duchossois' 15-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding Connaught. Sired by Ballysinern and imported from Ireland in 2000, the gelding was originally owned by Jim Richards and ridden by Julie Richards. Last year Phillip & Connaught were 2nd at Rolex. A few weeks ago, they pulled off a 2nd place finish in the Advanced division at The Fork.

Ride #2 for Phillip is Ann Jones' 11-year-old Thoroughbred gelding Tru Luck (Maha Baba--Grayfully). This pair clinched a silver medal last year at the Pan Am Games on the U.S. team, and were 9th at Kentucky last year. A few weeks ago, they finished 11th in the Advanced division. "Milo" was Jimmy Wofford's top pick this year.

Last but not least of Phillip's rides is Acorn Hill Farm's 12-year-old New Zealand Thoroughbred Woodburn (Herewood The Wake--Princess Heights). Previously ridden by Emily Beshear to a win in the Intermediate division at the '06 AEC's, since then he's partnered with Phillip to win the CIC3* at Wits End last year, and place 3rd at Fair Hill CCI3*. With this many talented horses entered, it looks as if the odds are in Phillip's favor to finally take home to coveted Rolex trophy at the end of the weekend.

Will Faudree & his longtime partner, 19-year-old (yes, you heard right) Australian Thoroughbred gelding Antigua are set to compete in yet another four-star. This pair has quite an impressive resume, having represented the U.S. at the WEG in '06, competed numerous times (and successfully!) at Rolex, Badminton, Burghley, as well as some of the top three-stars in the country. I'd love to see "Brad" retire in style with a big win in Kentucky!

Sarah Hansel & The Quiet Man, a 17.1-hand, 12-year-old Holsteiner/Irish Sport Horse gelding by Cavalier are fresh off a top ten finish in the CIC3*W at Red Hills in March. The gelding was imported from Ireland in 2002 and is a superb jumper. This looks to be his first four-star.

I don't know how many times I've mentioned this pair in press releases over the past year or so... Becky Holder & her and her husband Tom's 12-year-old TB gelding Courageous Comet have a fabulous record: They were last year's Advanced Gold Cup winners, won the Southern Pines Gold Cup division in March, won the CIC3* at Richland Park last year, the CIC3* at Maui Jim last July, and also placed 8th in the AEC's. I'd be tickled to see these guys add another notch to their belt with a win at Rolex...I LOVE watching Comet - his dressage is so graceful and his jumping is effortless. Very cool guy.

This is a terrible picture of Jonathan Holling, but I didnt' have a photo of him on Dun to a T, the horse he's taking to Rolex. The 11-year-old 16.2 hand dun (neat!) gelding is an Irish Sport Horse by Cruising, and was imported from Germany (oddly enough) in January and is an amazing horse (you'll see what I mean, he looks sort of plain just standing around, but wow...he moves great and has a phenomenal jump!). Jon took over the ride after Darren's accident at Red Hills, and has been doing a fantastic job. Also - congrats to Jon & his wife Jen on their new son, born just the other week!

Well, unfortunately I don't have a photo of Blair King or her horse Kings Whisper (I wonder if the name came with him?). I don't know a lot about Whisper except that he's owned by Blair and is a 14-year-old, 16h grey Thoroughbred gelding (Waiting In The Wings—Royal Amethyst) and he's one of only a handful of greys at Rolex - should be easy to spot. As for Blair, she hails from Ann Arbor, Michigan and is 23 years old. I did happen to find an interview with her on a website that gave a little more background info. As for recent results, they completed Fair Hill CCI3* last fall and were 4th in the Advanced at Five Points HT last Sept.

Here we have 22-year-old Cayla Kitayama (originally from California) and her big (17.2) bay gelding Esker Riada, a 15-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Vivaldi--Portaloo Belle). This horse has quite a good record with past rider Werner Geven, finishing 16th at Rolex in 2006 and also competing at the WEG that year as well. Since Cayla's taken over, these guys have been slowing building up steam, with several top placings at the Advanced level, including a win in Advanced at Morven Park last October. I believe she trains with Phillip... very sweet girl!

Mikki Kuchta, 43, and her 12-year-old 16-hand Thoroughbred gelding Oz hail from Patterson, N.Y. These guys have had a pretty decent record at the Advanced & CIC3* level, placing 6th last year at MCTA, 6th at Rocking Horse in March, and 4th just the other weekend at The Fork (all in the Advanced divisions).

Here's our 2nd Young Rider, 20-year-old Emilee Libby of Sussex, N.J. and her 16.3h, 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding Cahir, sired by Gildawn Diamond. Last year these guys had quite an impressive record at the Advanced level: 2nd at Poplar Place & Red Hills, and 4th at Jersey Fresh. This year they stepped it up a bit with a win at Rocking Horse in Adv., 2nd at Poplar again, and were 4th in the CIC3*-W at Red Hills. You probably also know Emilee's older sister Jennifer who competes successfully at the upper levels with Jazz King.

Okay, well I said I wouldn't pick favorites, but I have to say Aussie Boyd Martin certainly ranks high on my list. Not only is he talented (he's consistently placed in top Adv/CIC/CCI's in the country, as well as internationally - won the 2003 Adelaide CCI4* in Australia), but he's great with young horses (he rode about half a dozen in the Young Event Horse finals), and he's a genuinely nice guy... very approachable & friendly! Neville Bardos (Mahayaa--Zambia), named for a notorious Australian criminal, this Aussie ex-racehorse is phenomenal. I have high hopes for them at Rolex this year.

Here's Boyd's 2nd ride - Ying Yang Yo (Mr.Investor--Magical Gifts), an OTTB he also brought along himself (same as Neville) - who also has quite a nice record! Fresh off an 8th place finish on Neville in the CIC3*-W at The Fork a few weeks ago, and 6th on Ying Yang Yo in Advanced, Boyd looks ready for Rolex. He's been Phillip Dutton's second-hand man for the past few years at True Prospect Farm in West, Grove Pa., and much of Phillip's experience has brushed off on the young Aussie. Now if we could only get Boyd to ride for the U.S....

I absolutely adore Gina Miles... and it's a toss up between her and Hawley as to who are my favorite West Coasters. The magnificent (and towering at 17.3h) ISH gelding McKinlaigh (Highland King--Kilcumney Hostess) is once again returning to Rolex. Last year, they opted for Badminton where they placed 15th, and then traveled south to win the individual bronze and team gold at the Pan Am Games. Their record is nearly unblemished and I'm crossing my fingers for a great finish for these guys...Gina's a fabulous rider, coach, and is an active member in our sport, serving as the often-thankless Chair of the Eventing Standards Task Force.

Bonnie Mosser & Merloch are another pair who top my list,and it's not just because "Murray" has an uncanny resemblance to my pony. These guys won the CCI3* at Jersey Fresh last year, and just recently won the Adv. at The Fork a few weeks ago. Because of an unfortunate injury, they didn't make it to the Pan Am's last year, but I have a feeling they'll definitely finish in the top ten here. Murray, an 11-year-old, NZL-bred TB was originally owned by Mosser's student Alexandra Zavoyna who won the CCI2* at NAYRC in 2006.

Dornin Anne North & Lion Display (Air Display--Tickle Pink) - a 12yo 16-hand Irish TB have had a decent amount of success at the upper levels, with top placings in Adv., 12th at The Fork CCI3* last year, 18th at Jersey Fresh CCI3* and they also traveled to England to compete in the Burghley CCI4*. Dornin, 27, hails from Horse Country... aka Bluemont, Virginia. Thanks to Holly Matt for the photo from the jog at the 2007 Burghley! I wonder if she'll bring the pants to Rolex... trendsetter!

No stranger to Kentucky, Lauren O'Brien, 42, of Southern Pines, NC, and her longtime partner 17-year-old, 17h. Dunrath Alto (No Alto--Ballarin Lady) placed 7th last year. They started their year off well with a 5th in the competitive Advanced division at The Fork a few weeks ago, and are looking fit and ready to go.

No introduction is needed for Karen O'Connor, 50, of The Plains, Va. who will return for her umpteenth Rolex, this time with only two rides. The first is Jacqueline Mars' towering Irish Sport Horse Hugh Knows (Able Albert--Lupez) who's still relatively green at this level. However, they've had a good go recently including a 5th place finish at The Fork CIC3*-W. With Karen in the irons, I'm sure these guys will probably put up a nice score at Rolex.

Ahh....The Pony. 14.1-hand, 13-year-old Theodore O'Connor (Witty Boy--Chelsea's Melody) had one of the most famous trips around Rolex last year, jumping clear around XC and adding only a smidge of time faults (and then jumped double-clear on Sunday!) to finish in 3rd placed. Last summer they took home individual and team gold medals at the Pan Am Games, and since there have been quietly biding their time... perhaps a Rolex win? A trip to Hong Kong? Whatever the future holds for this spunky little redhead, I know that he'll have one of the biggest cheering sections at Rolex...but don't get there late on Saturday morning, he's slated to be first to go on cross-country!

Another Canadian rider, Selena O'Hanlon, 27, of Ontario, will be riding Michael & Elaine Davies' 14-year-old Swedish Warmblood Colombo, who's sired by Eighty Eight Keys. They've had several top ten finishes last year (Jersey Fresh CCI3*, Richland Park CIC3*, Fair Hill CCI3*) and they just placed 5th at Red Hills CIC3*-W. I'm sure the Canadian team selectors will be keeping a close eye on her next weekend!

23-year-old Australian Cammy O'Rourke (currently living in Florida), will tackle the Rolex course with her 15-year-old, 16h., Australian-bred Irish Sport Horse Kirby Park Irish Jamie (ESP Irish Enough--Yellow River). They placed 10th at Adelaide CCI4* two years ago, 2nd at the Narrogin CIC3* (in Australia) last year, and just finished 11th in the Red Hills CIC3*-W a few weeks ago. Don't know much about her, but they certainly seem capable and experienced enough to handle the challenging Kentucky course... I'll be watching her with interest!

Missy Ransehousen, 37, of Unionville, Pa. (and daughter of the notable dressage rider/judge Jessica Ransehousen) will be riding her mother's powerful 17.1h., 12-year-old Oldenburg/TB gelding Critical Decision (by the famous stallion Consul). Last year they were 16th at Rolex, and are an amazing talented pair... the win always seems to slip just out of their grasp, so I have a feeling that it won't be long until we see something big from these guys. Watching their dressage test is always a treat, I have to admit!

19-year-old Canadian Waylon Roberts is probably getting tired of hearing of his resemblance to Harry Potter. But this talented teen needs no magic powers to illustrate his success aboard Paleface, a 15.3h., 13-year-old Candian TB. (Cool Halo--Old Friendship). I love watching this nifty little horse - and he's easy to spot with his neat facial features (like Harry Potter is! Okay, I'll stop now...). These guys represented the Canadian team last year at the Pan Am's and have had nice placings in several CIC3* & Advanced HT's during the past year. Can't wait to see how they go at Rolex!

It'll be hard not seeing Kim Severson & Winsome Adante ("Dan" to his friends) competing at Rolex this year - they did win the event a record 3 times (by the way - don't miss his retirement ceremony on Sunday!). Kim's new ride, the huge (18-hand) Irish Sport Horse Tipperary Liadhnan (Fast Silver--Gypsy Star) may surprise us all with a top placing. Kim's only been partnered with him for the past year or two, and at 11-years-old, he's still relatively young at this level. As big as he is, it's surprising to me how graceful he is in the dressage ring...and of course he's an absolute powerhouse on XC.

Jane Sleeper, 58 (!!!), of East Fallowfield, Pennsylvania, will be competing her Irish Sport Horse UN (Cavalier--Never Ever) once again. Last year they completed The Fork CIC3*W, Rolex, and Burghley. Jane's certainly experienced at this level and should probably have no problems completing the event in fine style.

Allison Springer & Arthur are one of my all-time favorites to watch... their dressage has really become quite stunning, and his jumping is seemingly effortless. Allie's such a talented rider herself, and her form is spot-on... I always take mental notes when watching her ride! The 9-year-old 17h. Irish Sport Horse gelding by Phyllis Dawson's notable Irish stallion Brandenburg's Windstar will be making his first appearance at the four-star level after a very successful trek in the three-stars. I would absolutely love to see these guys place in the top ten, and have no doubt they're quite capable!

Julia Steinberg's nifty little gelding Mr.Big is fun to watch on cross-country! Towering in at 15h, this 17-year-old TB gelding by Touch of Pleasure and out of Maggoty (ugh, what an unfortunate name!) has enough experience to give Julie a great trip around the course. Julia, 47, hails from Horse Country, Pa. (better known as West Grove). Recently, they had a 12th place finish at Red Hills in the CIC3*.

Polly Stockton is our lone British rider at Rolex this year, making the trip over from her home in Malpas, Cheshire, England with Sir Jonathan & Lady Sue Clark's English Thoroughbred gelding Tangleman (Matinee--Spartangle). Polly, 34, and the 15-year-old gelding 13th here at Rolex last year and placed 22nd at Badminton in 2006. Hopefully her long trip will be worthwhile and she'll finish on a nice, clean round. This horse has a HUGE stride, and will probably have no trouble making the time.

22-year-old Kelly Sult from Eeri, Pa. and her absolutely phenomenal Thoroughbred Hollywood (Mighty Adversary--True Knight). Sult and the 16-year-old gelding were 8th at Fair Hill CCI3* last year, 5th in Adv. at Maui Jim, and 11th at Richland Park in the CIC3*. This pair has a wonderful story and I hope they have a fabulous time at their first four-star!

Lynn Symanksy, 25, of Vienna, Va., and her 15-year-old Thoroughbred gelding No It Tissant are headed back to KY to see if they can improve on their 19th-place finish last year. They had a decent run at The Fork CIC3* to prepare, and are looking fit and ready to go. Her dad Steve Symansky, who's the organizer for the northern Virginia-based Difficult Run Horse Trials, is looking to head out there and lend his support!

I don't know anyone who doesn't enjoy watching this feisty little horse go around... Amy Tryon and Poggio II have quite a record, having been members of the individual bronze team at the 2004 Athens Olympics, and also finished 6th individually. In 2006, they won the individual bronze medal at the World Equestrian Games in Germany as well. This amazingly talented 16h, 16-year-old TB gelding (Polynesian Flyer--Waves Club) also has quite a story! Who knew a former pack horse from Washington State would be competing in a four-star? I'd really like to see him finish in the top five.

Fresh off their win in the CIC3*-W at The Fork just a few weeks ago, Heidi White Carty,42, of Aiken, S.C., and her Northern Spy are looking on target for a top placing at Rolex. Heidi and the 16.3h., 14-year-old big-boned British TB (All Fair--Lavender Fair VII) were 2nd at Rolex in 2006 and were 26th at the WEG that same year. Last year they were 4th at Kentucky - fingers crossed that they keep their eyes on target and produce another spectacular round (that I ogled at The Fork!).

The final Candian of the bunch (although he's based in Newnan, Ga. with his talented wife Emma, who's just returned from England) Mike Winter and Kingpin represented Canada in the Pan Am Games last summer placing 8th. The 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse by Furisto has been fairly successful at the upper levels and heads to Kentucky with a 6th place finish at the CIC3*-W at The Fork fresh on his mind. Mike has a slew of talented horses coming along, so I'm sure we'll be seeing more rides of his at Rolex in the near future!

Another talented West Coast rider will join the field this year! Jennifer Wooten, 30, of Ramona, Calif., and her sleek little black mare The Good Witch finished 11th at Pau CCI4* in France last year, and were third at the CIC3* at Twin Rivers and also 3rd at CIC3*-W at Galway Downs. This spring they were 2nd at the Galway CIC3*, so I think they're more than ready to compete with the best of them at Rolex! The Good Witch is a 15.2h., 12-year-old TB mare owned by Daisy Tognazzini.

Finally, we come to the last (but certainly not least) in the field - Pennsylvania-native Tara Ziegler, 23, and her 16h., 13-year-old TB Buckingham Place (Buckaroo--Old Maid) <--- another unfortunate name for a mare! These guys had a nice round last year, finishing 27th. Hopefully this year they'll move up a bit! They have plenty of experience, and if their dressage goes well, they should have a nice shot at a top ten placing, I'm guessimating. Talented rider and sweet girl, Tara trains with Phillip and runs a facility with her mother, Kim.

Now that we've aptly studied the stats - who's your favorite?

I'm hoping for Allison Springer/Arthur, though I think they're still green at this level. I think Phillip/Connaught will put forth another strong performance, and I'm sure he'll finish in the top five, and the same goes for Phillip/Tru Luck as well. It'll be interesting to see how Karen O'C/The Pony finish up... I have a feeling they may not do better than their performance last year, but who knows! I'd LOVE to see Gina Miles/McKinlaigh win, and I think they have all the tools necessary to pull this off. A win from Corinne Ashton/Dobbin would be a surprising treat, but I'm crossing my fingers that they finish in the top ten. Heidi/Northern Spy stand a good chance of taking home the blue ribbon (and BIG check!), as do Amy T./Poggio.

Those are my pics... what about you? Be sure to check out daily coverage of Rolex Kentucky on the USEA website as well as the Blog!