Jan 19, 2021

The Alchemyst (1999-2021)

By Jessica Duffy - USEA Staff
USEA Photo.

The USEA is saddened to share the news that The Alchemyst (Espiritu x Carnivale Night), a Canadian Sport Horse gelding owned by Deborah Rosen, has passed away at the age of 22.

"Big Al said it was time to go," Rosen shared in a statement on her Facebook page. "He made my dreams come true and then went on to live his best days with Lauren Sherrill. He was all the things: fierce, irreverent, opinionated, intelligent, cuddly, notorious, and one-of-a-kind."

"Al" was bred by Sue Ocadeon in Canada and born in 1999. His eventing career in the United States began with Buck Davidson as a 5-year-old, completing several Preliminary level events before moving to Doug Payne's barn. Payne competed him for a season, completing his first FEI event in the fall of 2005 before being sold to Rosen.

USEA Photo.

Al and Rosen moved up to the Intermediate level in 2006, completing a long-format CCI2* (now CCI3*-L) at Galway Downs in the fall. In the spring of 2007, Al took home the blue ribbon from the CIC2* (now CCI3*-S) at Galway Downs and finished in second place in the CCI2* at Twin Rivers before stepping up to the Advanced level. That summer, Al and Rosen completed the CIC3* (now CCI4*-S) at Rebecca Farm and then the CIC3* at Twin Rivers in the fall before making the trek to the East Coast to compete at Fair Hill International in the CCI3* (now CCI4*-L).

More success followed for Al and Rosen at the Advanced/three-star level in 2008, with a fifth-place finish in the CIC3* at Galway Downs and second place in the CIC3* at Rebecca Farm. In 2009, Al made his first appearance at the Kentucky Three-Day Event, finishing in 25th place.

In the summer of 2009, Rosen was diagnosed with breast cancer. Determined to return to the Kentucky Three-Day Event in 2010, she continued to train and compete in the spring of 2010 while simultaneously undergoing chemotherapy. She and Al finished in 36th place at Kentucky in 2010.

Al and Rosen returned to the Kentucky Three-Day Event twice more in 2011 and 2014, retiring on course both times. In 2012, Al went to James Atkinson for a time with the idea of being sold, and also competed with junior rider Jerica Coert for a time at the Preliminary/one-star level before returning to Rosen for another go at the top level of the sport. After Kentucky in 2014, Rosen made the decision to retire Al from the topmost level and look for a new partner.

USEA Photo.

Rosen sent Al to Jennie Brannigan on the East Coast to be sold, and it was there that Brannigan and fellow eventer Laine Askher hatched a plan to lease Al to Lauren Sherrill, Ashker's working student who was looking to gain experience at the Preliminary/one-star level.

Al and Sherrill began their partnership in 2015 at the Training level, moving up to Preliminary shortly thereafter and completing their first CCI* (now CCI2*-L) as a team in the fall. Sherrill and Al continued to compete together through the 2016 season at the Preliminary level before Al retired from competition at the age of 17.

"[Al] had a huge fan club, if only for his antics, but when he was good, he was exceptional," Rosen said. "Too many of you to name were on this journey with us but know that I remember and am grateful for each and every one of you."

The USEA sends our deepest condolences to Rosen, Sherrill, and all of The Alchemyst's connections and fans.

Mar 18, 2024 Interscholastic

Double the Fun for the Spirit Award Contests at the 2024 USEA Intercollegiate & Interscholastic Eventing Championships

The coveted Spirit Award, which originated from the USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championship and quickly became as important as the competition itself, will be returning this year with double the excitement at the 2024 USEA Intercollegiate & Interscholastic Eventing Championships! With the two program championships merging for the first time, the organizing team at Stable View is committed to making the weekend an unforgettable experience for these middle school, high school, and undergraduate students. Separate Spirit Contests will be offered for each program , and Stable View has generously donated perpetual trophies for the two contest champions. The 2024 USEA Intercollegiate & Interscholastic Championships will be held at the Stable View Local Charities H.T. on May 4-5, 2024 in Aiken, SC. Click here to learn more and prepare to enter on opening day tomorrow, Tuesday, March 19!

Mar 17, 2024 Membership

Membership Minute: How Lucky I Am to Have My Horse

Sometimes all it takes is a little luck on your side to make your dreams come true. We recently asked our USEA membership to share why they feel so lucky to be partnered with the horses they compete with, and we received over 100 heartwarming stories! We compiled some of our favorites below in celebration of today’s luck-themed holiday.

Mar 16, 2024 Eventing News

Miks Master C Passes the Test at SRF Carolina International CCI4*-S

With Paris Olympic team selection this summer as a big goal, Liz Halliday headed out onto Ian Stark’s CCI4*-S cross-country course today at the Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International hoping to make the time with Miks Master C and show off a smooth round. After leading the division from day 1’s dressage on a 22.5, Halliday was able to accomplish both things and win aboard Ocala Horse Properties’ and Deborah Palmer’s 12-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding (Mighty Magic x Qui Luma CBF).

Mar 15, 2024 Eventing News

Miks Master C Makes Easy Work of Show Jumping at SRF Carolina International

The standings after today’s CCI4*-S show jumping at the Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International shuffled with 14 double-clear rounds out of 35 to start, but Liz Halliday stayed right where she was at the top of the leaderboard aboard Miks Master C.

Official Corporate Sponsors of the USEA

Official Joint Therapy Treatment of the USEA

Official Feed of the USEA

Official Saddle of the USEA

Official Real Estate Partner of the USEA

Official Equine Insurance of the USEA

Official Forage of the USEA

Official Supplement Feeding System of the USEA

Official Competition & Training Apparel of the USEA

Official Horse Boot of the USEA