United States Eventing Association

The Good Witch Retires

The Good Witch has retired from international and upper-level competition. She had a long and successful career, and together we achieved things that most riders only dream about. The decision to retire her was tough, but she owes me nothing, and I owe her everything. Her owners Donn & Daisy Tognazzini and I felt it was in the best interest of my amazing partner to retire her now while she is happy, healthy and sound.

In eight seasons, The Good Witch and I completed 30 competitions at the Advanced through CCI**** level. We traveled to Europe five times, and contested five of the sic CCI**** competitions in the world. We completed four CCI****: Pau 2007 finishing 11^th, Rolex 2008 finishing 7^th, Burghley 2009 finishing 31^st, and Luhmuhlen 2010 finishing 18^th. We completed four CCI*** at Blenheim, Malmo, Jersey Fresh, and Galway, and 12 CIC***, finishing in the top three five times and the top 10 ten times. We were short-listed for the Olympics in 2008, and The Good Witch was the 2008 USEA Mare of the Year. In 2010, we were the Adequan USEA Advanced Gold Cup Champions. It’s been a fabulous journey for me and my little partner.

The Good Witch has changed my life and made my career. For that I owe a debt of gratitude to her wonderful owners, Donn & Daisy Tognazzini. I thank you Donn & Daisy, for allowing me to compete your fabulous mare all of these years. It has been an honor and a privilege. You have encouraged and supported me throughout my time with The Good Witch, and for that I am eternally grateful.

No one makes it in this sport without a great team of people behind them, and I’d like to thank my team, the best around. To my parents, Nancy & George Robinson; thank you for sticking by me through it all, and for your unwavering support in helping me pursue my dreams. To my coach, Ginnie Bryant; thank you for all of your wisdom and guidance, for believing in me, and for never giving up. To my long-time friend and super groom, Char Eurick; thank you for taking such good care of me and “Pooh” all of these years. You always made sure that she looked and felt her very best. To my amazing veterinary teams; Dr. Paul McClellan of San Dieguito Equine, thank you for coming all the way to Rolex to take care of us, I appreciated that more than I can say. To Dr. Andres Macouzet of Santa Lucia Farm; thank you for your wonderful care of Pooh and keeping her happy and healthy at home. There are so many amazing friends, supporters, and sponsors that have helped me over the years, I simply cannot name you all, but you know who you are. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

My partner may be changing, but my goal has not…. I’m still working on my goal of representing the USA on an International team and I’m excited to report I found a new mare that I hope can step into the Witch’s shoes….. Her name is Anika, and I’m feverishly working on raising the funds to purchase her. If you are interested in contributing to that effort, you can make a TAX DEDUCTIBLE donation to the SCES (Southern California Equestrian Sports) at http://www.scesports.org/. If you’d like to contribute, please email me at [email protected], or phone me at 805.588.7600.