LoginThe new equestrian operation entered into the relationship with the recent acquisition of Faudree’s mount, Pawlow or "Ernie," a 1999 Irish Thoroughbred. Ernie came to Gavilan Farm in the summer of 2007. He successfully moved up to the Intermediate level this past spring and successfully completed his first CCI** this past fall. The pair finished in sixth place on their dressage score out of 86 starters at the Fair Hill International competition in Maryland.
(Left: Faudree & Pawlow on their way to a 6th place finish at Fair Hill CCI2*. Emily Daily photo)
Faudree is ranked 19 on the 2008 overall leader board for the United States Eventing Association. "Ernie is an incredibly talented horse," said Faudree. "This sponsorship could not have come at a more important time in the horse’s career and mine. It was totally unexpected."
Faudree recently lost his sister, Kristen, to cancer. "I see her hand in all of this," said Faudree.
(Right: Pawlow jumped well for Faudree at the 2008 Fair Hill CCI2*, moving from 11th after dressage to finish in 6th. Emily Daily photo)
The family’s beloved pony, Sterling Silver, inspired the name. "Sterling" earned a special place in their hearts and helped the family discover their passion for equestrian sports. Because of "Sterling", the family has opened its doors to horse lovers of all ages and disciplines.
The Mosing’s daughters, Kaitlynn and Maddie, compete in eventing, dressage and jumping. Their best friend, Erin Montgomery, is also competing and training with the family. The Mosing family met Faudree at several clinics in Louisiana when their daughters participated in the training sessions.
Will Faudree was born on October 4, 1981 in Midland Texas. He grew up on a cattle ranch, learning to ride at a very young age. When he was about thirteen he became interested in eventing and started to compete.
After graduating high school, Will moved to Pennsylvania to ride and train with Phillip Dutton. In 2003, Will set out on his own and moved to Southern Pines, North Carolina with his dog, Kemper, where Gavilan Farm is currently based.
The following year, Will was named the traveling reserve for the Athens Olympic Team. Unfortunately when Will returned home from the games, he found his house and barn had been struck by lightning and burnt down. Luckily no horses were on the property at the time, but the damage was too great. Will had to find a new farm and replace almost all of his personal belongings as well as his horse equipment.
(Left: Faudree & McGlade had a double-clear cross-country round at Fair Hill CCI2* last fall. Emily Daily photo.)
Thanks to Tex and Donna Griffin, Will and his horses had a place to live and train until he was able to purchase and renovate another facility. Will, his staff and horses moved into his current house and barn in October 2008.
Will went on to be a member of the World Equestrian Games U.S. team that finished fourth at the 2006 event that was contested in Aachen, Germany. The team narrowly missed the bronze medal by .4 point. Will finished 19th in the field of international competitors.
Will credits Antigua, a 1989 Australian TB called "Brad" as the horse who brought him to the international level. He and Will had been partners since 2002 and was his most successful horse, having run around several CCI **** the Pan American Games, and the World Equestrian Games.
"The joy of all of this is that Brad was able to retire when he was sound and healthy," said Faudree. "The opportunity to continue having the opportunity to represent the U.S. happened when Ernie arrived. I needed financial support to be able to aim that high."
"With the continued support of people like Sterling Silver Stables, my career as an equestrian continues to grow," added Faudree.
For interviews and high-resolution photographs, contact Julie Calzone at (337) 235-2924 ext. 3, [email protected]
