United States Eventing Association

UGA Eventing Team Member Spotlight: Libby Head and Sir Rockstar Bring Down the House at Fair Hill

University of Georgia Eventing Team star Libby Head and her aptly named Thoroughbred Sir Rockstar captured the moment and became the Cinderella story in their first CCI3* event at the Fair Hill International Horse Trials in Elkton, Maryland last weekend. That is a lot of stars in just two short sentences. And the stars were definitely shining down on this pair.

Starting with the jog out, where Libby was named best turned out by Eventing Nation, to the incredible climb from dressage, through an almost perfect cross-country, and to show jumping success, this pair seemed groomed for stardom. Winning 12th place overall and 10th place nationally in this talented field of riders and horses out of a group of 45 is a monumental feat for a college student among so many professionals. Libby and “Rocky” earned Reserve Champion for the Developing Rider Award for their first CCI 3*, and Rocky claimed an award for being the highest placed American Thoroughbred.

Libby described the weekend as excellent. The pair had their best dressage score ever at this level, and it was the first time that Rocky did not get nervous and explosive. Their cross-country ride was almost picture perfect, one of the few clear rounds on a very challenging course and being only one second over time. As a true champion, Libby takes the blame for the two stadium rails but did not let that take away from the overall success!

The partnership for this incredible pair goes back to 2008 when Libby got Rocky as a 10 year old. At that time, all he had done is racing and one Novice event in which he was eliminated. When Libby found him, he was so neglected and malnourished that he was anemic and had a heart murmur. He has certainly risen far above his humble beginnings to be the star that he is today.

Libby, who is vice president of the UGA team, was joined at Fair Hill by two of her UGA teammates, who came to help and support her. Kelsey and Katherine drove Rocky to Fair Hill and helped Libby and Rocky throughout the week. They took the UGA team banners, wore their Georgia shirts, and Libby wore her new UGA helmet cover for cross-country. There was even news of UGA buttons being worn all around Fair Hill! Thanks for spreading the “Bulldawg” spirit in Maryland. We are so very proud to have Libby and Rocky representing our team and our school. Libby and Rocky took their game to the top and rocked the event world! Congratulations and GO DAWGS!