Mara Dean Out on the Town and Pride in Nicki Henley

Mara Dean's interview wraps up here with her pride in Nicki Henley and winning the first leg of the FEI World Cup Tour, going out on the town, and letting go to gain control. Enjoy it!

Q. Tell me about your horses.

A. [Nicki Henley] had an injury two years ago that happened at the Pan Ams. He was never even supposed to jump again. Not only did he come back to compete but to come back and win a three star is beyond amazing. Because he had two years off he’s not qualified for [Rolex] Kentucky. But that’s what I’m aim for. The selectors suggested that I apply for special permission. If we can go we will then see about Worlds. He’s got the most personality of any of the horse. He’s more like a dog than a horse and would much rather spend time with people than horses. He only likes certain people. He had two years off and a lot as rehab so I got to spend lot time with him icing and with therapies. He really thinks he’s a person or a dog. The girl that worked for me taught him how to shake and beg. He’ll eat anything. Any snack you have he wants. He likes Gatorade and will drink it out of a bottle. He’s not spoiled or anything! He’s funny and goofy and loveable on ground but can be tough to ride. He’s very spooky and strong. He has matured a lot and came back a better horse after two years off. He’s been a challenge for me. I’ve had him since he was five and it’s taken this long, he’s now fifteen, to figure out how to ride him. I think the biggest eye opener came early on. I broke my ankle riding and to keep his qualifications David O’Connor took him to Radnor and ended up winning. However David’s comment was, “Mara this is the strongest horse I have ever ridden. If you have any hope to ride him then you better start lifting weights.” But it’s different for men and women. I took that to mean I needed to control him but what I really needed was to let go in order to gain control. The more I let go the more he settled and became easier to ride. David helped me a ton and opened my eyes to it, but couldn’t ride him like he rode him. I didn’t have the strength.

photo courtesy of Josh Walker

My other horses is High Patriot and he’s owned by Patricia Overland and her son Patrick O’Brian. When Nicki broke down I was thinking my life was over and I’d never have advanced horses again. Once I got through my life is over I got to how do I ask for sponsorship and find another horse? I’d known them for a while and as I approached them they approached me. It almost came out of ours mouths at the same time.

A girl from California came to do Jersey Fresh on High Patriot as a developing rider and she needed a place to work off the expenses. We hit it off and when I went to the Pan Ams I needed someone to run the business. I told her, “If you ever decide to sell this horse please let me know first.” Within a few weeks she needed to sell him and I was able to get these people to buy him. It was a dream come true and I was very lucky. So he was a horse who had already done three stars where most of my horses I start from an early age. It was different having someone else’s horse and someone else’s tools. He looks like a Thoroughbred but he’s an Oldenburg. It’s a different mentality, not quite as sharp, everything is a little slower. He’s one of the scopiest jumpers I’ve ever had. I took him to Fair Hill and had a silly run out which was just me not knowing him and then I got injured so the partnership had time off. I took me a while to figure him out and finally last year I took him to Bromont and we were 4^th in the 3-star and started to click. Unfortunately as I was getting ready for Blenheim he got hurt at Richland. Now he’s coming back and hopefully on the verge of success. It’s just taking a while. I also have two prelim horses, Funmaker and Chequers Macon, that I just have to say are some of the nicest horses I’ve had. They’re from Susie Pragnell and have a little bit of Dutch in them. I’m excited about them for future.

Q. I know you ride Nicki Henley in a hackamore. What are your reasons behind that?

A. I do. When I pull he doesn’t listen anyway. It’s not something I train him in since they can get a little numb to it. I think he’s softer though body without the bit and his jump ends up being a bit more rounded. If he’s tight he can drag hind end and have a rail behind.

Q. Do you ever have days where you think maybe Eventing isn’t for me?

Oh yeah. Certainly. Certainly after a bad day or if I’ve had a bad fall. More when my horses get hurt or when there’s an injury I always go, “Is this the right thing? Is this what I really want to do?” It’s a tough sport with huge risk but the good times make up for the bad times without a doubt. I joke to my husband who has an office job, I’ll say I wish I had your job! But I don’t. I don’t want to sit in an office. I want to be outside with the animals. I get up every day and do what I love. There’s no other passion I’ve had in my life like the one I’ve had for the horses.

photo courtesy of Sarah K. Andrew

Q. What’s your life like off a horse?

A. Well my husband would say I’m not off a horse enough and when I am then he needs to get me out of the barn since I’m making sure everyone is taken care of. To be able to do much with me you have to take me on vacation! Luckily he works for an insurance company in Leesburg which takes him into the city a lot. So we go into the restaurants and museums.

Q. What do you want your fans to know about you?

A. Some people think because I’m a little quiet and shy that I’m not very friendly and that’s so not the case. I’m the most approachable person and happy to talk to anybody, answer questions, or help anyone. I love it when kids come up at an event and ask questions. It’s important to support this sport and if I can help a person or group or horse I would love to.

Q. Posting a win on the FEI World Cup Leaderboard after Nickey Henley coming back from an injury at the 2007 Pan Ams. What’s that feel like?

A. It’s still sinking in. I can’t believe it happened. It’s huge! With the amount of hard work and dedication and sweat and blood and tears getting a win like that: it’s all worth it and reminds you why we do this. I have such an emotional attachment to this horse [Nicki Henley] because of all the ground time rehabbing and bringing him back. I’m proud of what I’ve done with him.

Q. What would “making it” look like for you?

A. I think that’s constantly changing. In that as soon as I accomplish one thing I want something else. It’s part of the perfectionism that helps to make us such good athletes. It doesn’t take away from what I’ve done. If we get to go to Kentucky and do well there I’d love to help the team get a medal at Worlds. But success comes in many ways. Chequers won his preliminary division at Red Hills. I picked him out and have huge success picking good horses. The judges agree how nice he is. And I just had a cross-country school with a student and solved a problem and that meant a lot as trainer and coach. Everything from a 3-star to preliminary to helping a student. Success comes in many ways.

I’ve been riding with Phillip Dutton for six years. I’ve been lucky to ride with so many people. Over the years Philip has taken my riding to next level and made me a better competitor, not just a better rider. Part of that is the work other people have put in but Phillip has brought the best out in me. It was ready to come but he brought it out. He’s not just a good trainer but also a good friend and a good horseman. I owe lot of my success to him.

Q. Anything you want to add?

A. The ony thing I can think of, and it’s been said before, to have success is not just about me. It’s about the whole program and team. One of the most fantastic girls works for me, Katie Strickland, and I couldn’t have done Red Hills without her. She keeps me going and keeps the horses going. I’m riding multiple horses and teaching and can’t check every boot. It’s important to have a good support system of vets and farriers. I’ve got a fantastic crew in the barn and then of course the owners. We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without them. My job is wonderful but I don’t make enough money to pay for all the horses. There needs to be some outside help and to have people that love the sport so much just support me and the horses to go as far as they can go is amazing generosity.

If you want to follow the World Cup tour that Mara Dean kicked off with her win on Nicki Henley see below. You can have a world tour of your own!

World Cup Tour Schedule

1. Tallahassee (USA), 5-7 March

2. Kihikihi (NZL), 2-4 April

3. Sydney (AUS), 7-9 May

4. Marbach (GER), 7-9 May

5. Chatsworth (GBR), 15-16 May

6. Tattersalls (IRL), 27-30 May

7. Strzegom (POL), 24-27 June

8. Minsk (BLR), 21-25 July

9. Rebecca Farm, Kalispell (USA), 22-25 July

10. Malmö (SWE), 13-15 August

11. Martinvast (FRA), TBC, 18-22 August

12. Schenefeld (GER), 26-29 August

Eventing Radio Show Episode 68: With Zara Phillips and Oliver Towsend

This week’s show has a British flavor with reigning World Champion, Zara Phillips, Rolex Grand Slam Challenger, Oliver Townend, British Eventing Chief Executive Mike Etherington-Smith plus Karen Dixon pays tribute to he multi-medal partner Get Smart. Listen in.

Eventing Radio Episode 68 - British Eventing:

• Show Hosts: Chris Stafford & Lucinda Fredericks


• Guest: Karen Dixon


• Guest: Mike Etherington-Smith


• Guest: Zara Phillips


• Guest: Oliver Townend


• News: Chris Hunnable has taken over chairing British Eventing’s Sports Committee from Chief Executive, Mike Etherington-Smith. Chris ran the Towerlands Equestrian Centre and also a number of successful Horse Trials. He also served on the Sport Horse of Great Britain board for four years. The Sports Committee is responsible for Rules, Training, Performance, Safety and Fixtures. The move also allows Mike to concentrate on developing the Business Plan and direction of British Eventing as well as realigning the structures and operating procedures that were started in 2009.


• News: The intrepid British based New Zealander, Andrew Nicholson, won two of the three OI sections along with an Intermediate for a great start to his season. Stephen Way took the remaining OI on Secret Picnic.


• News: Oliver Townend & Piggy French dominated the big classes, with Oliver taking the AI and Intermediate, Piggy finishing 1st and 3rd in the OI and runner up in the AI.


• News: Dirk Grouwels, a 48 year-old Belgian rider, who was described as "an experienced amateur", was killed in a rotational fall on the cross-country at the Zutendaal unaffiliated one-day event in Belgium on March 14th. According to Tony McPherson, the FEI Safety Officer for Belgium, Mr. Grouwels' horse refused at a simple fence — the first part of a combination — the rider urged the horse on and it somersaulted over the fence. A doctor standing by the fence was at the scene immediately, but said Mr. Grouwels was killed instantly. Our sympathies go out to his family and friends.


• Please visit our sponsors as they make this show possible:

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Red Hills Winner and Olympic Veteran, Mara Dean, with Icing Tips, Two Pet Peeves, and Why Every Minute is Important

You already know that Mara Dean rocked Red Hills and posted the first win on the FEI World Cup Tour scoreboard. But what you may not already know is that she returned my phone call tout suite with enthusiasm for doing the interview despite a lingering cold and opened up for Three Days Three Ways and for you. She was earnest about her support of 3-Day Eventing, humble about her accomplishments (including the 1996 Olympics and the 1997 Pan American Games), and devoted body and soul to her horses and students. But I don't need to tell you that. You can find out for yourself! I hope you enjoy Part I of this inside peek into Mara Dean's life, tips on icing legs, and two particular pet peeves.

Q. What are the most important things in life to you?

A. It comes two-fold as a rider and a trainer and coach: to do the best I can with my horses and to give my students the most help that I can give. There are two sides to my life; there’s more to life than horses, so my family is very important to me. My family and my friends for sure. I have a husband, Peter Dean, and we live in Round Hill, Virgina. My parents are divorced but both remarried so I’m lucky to have four wonderful parents and they are some of my biggest fans and supporters. My Dad has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer so it has been made more clear that every minute you can have with them is important.

photo by Emily Daily

Q. How did you come to Virginia:

A. I grew up in Vermont and when I graduated high school I took a year off to get horses out of my system. I worked with Jane Hamlin and she recommended riding with a bigger name so I went south for the winter to do horses full time for the first time in my life. I ended up with Wash Bishop and spent the winter in Ocala and loved the situation so much I followed him back to Middleburg in 1992. I went home to Vermont for a couple summers but ended up following Wash. I didn’t get horses out of my system; instead I got them more IN my system. After renting some barns here my family bought a farm to help me start a business. I’m luck to have that support. The rest is history. Or, I guess you could say, that history is still being made.

Q. Tell me about the farm:

A. I feel like [Middleburg] been so developed in the last ten or fifteen years, we were lucky to get the farm and land. We got one of the last open fox hunting areas. We have 65 acres. We originally bought 35 that had two houses on it but no paddocks, no barn, and no ring so we could do it all how we wanted it. The lot next to us came available and now we have 65 acres total with two huge fields and run-in sheds. And we’re lucky enough to have neighbors who have 100 acres they keep open for foxhunting which is all my conditioning land. I’m pretty lucky. Kelli and Rich Temple bought the land behind us and developed a beautiful facility so we can share and that works well. I’m lucky.

Q. What’s it like on the farm?

A. It changes. For a professional I never have a huge number of horses or students. I’m a very private person and I do like my space. Most of the time the stalls are filled and I have a couple students who board and are on the program; the rest ship in and out. Some days it’s full of trailers and I’m teaching lesson to lesson to lesson and riding all the horses and other days it’s just me and my horses and a wonderful girl who works for me.

Q. Is there anything that you just can’t stand?

A. I certainly have my likes and dislikes but I’m pretty easy going and pretty likeable. It takes a lot to get me angry or pissed off. Usually I’m pretty level-headed and do my best to keep everyone happy and keep everything on even, smooth keel. I don’t like it when animals are mistreated. I don’t like it when you see on the news when people have to go without food. Just human nature things.

photo by Emily Daily

Q. Do you remember the first time you thought about horses?

A. I was lucky enough that I grew up on a small farm and my mom had horses. I was surrounded by horses. There is a family photo of me at two years old and on my pony. My parents bought a racing saddle and that was my saddle. My mom and dad are holding on to each side. I was on my first pony at two, so I certainly grew up on a horse. My mom was not a competitor but always had horses so it was always normal life taking care of them. Since she rode I wanted to ride and I guess was bit by the bug more than her. As soon as I found where Huntington Farms was I wanted to be working student. I would go to the barn in the summer and stay all day.

Q. Were there other things that captured your imagination in the same way?

A. My parents were great in that they wanted me to experience things other than horses. I played basketball and growing up in Vermont skiing was huge so I got into downhill skiing. But I got to point where I wanted to spend more time with horses and backed away from the sport.

Q. Why do you 3-Day event?

A. I think because of Huntington Farm. They ran a bunch of events and being a working student I would work and help put on events so got to see it. However, it was also a big dressage facility and Jane Savoi was based out of there and was one of my first instructors. I can’t say I saw eventing and had to do it. It’s more that’s what they did so that’s what I wanted to do and the more I did it the more I wanted to do it. After I went to my first event there was no question.

photo by Emily Daily

Q. What do you do to attend to your horse’s legs after you come off cross-country?

Ice is very important. As soon as my horse has reached preliminary they’re iced after cross-country if not after a gallop too. To varying degrees if have they have sore feet they’re iced in boot or bucket, if they don’t have foot issues then they’re iced in an ice boot. They are always wrapped. I poultice after cross-country but if they have skin sensitivity I use linements. I wrap after hard work to support them but I don’t go crazy with it. I don’t wrap them every night. After hard work they need the support. My young horses, like the prelim horses, go out at night so they get iced and wrapped until it’s time to go out. It’s better to go out and get circulation.

Q. Turnout is a big deal at competitions (and at home!). What is always a must for you?

A. I think it’s changed a little bit as I’ve gotten busier and have more horses. Wash [Bishop] was meticulous and there was hoof polish every time they left the stall and tail wraps on as we were grooming so they always looked perfect. I would love do to that however there’s not enough time or hands. I certainly like them to be clean and dirt-free. It drives me crazy when their manes don’t lay over. To fix that depends on the horse. For some it’s easy to braid and they lay over. I have some Irish ponies where braids don’t work. A wet towel laying over their mane while grooming is helpful. Hoods are also helpful; slinkies I call them. I put those on after they get braided and that helps everything lie flat. So manes and also keepers falling off the bridles. I hate to get on a horse and have keepers flapping. All the people who work for me learn that quickly!

Just want to throw a shout out to Emily Daily at the USEA for these wonderful photographs. Did you notice that they were ALL hers? She's a dynamic photographer, engaging writer, and wonderful person and we are lucky that she's at the USEA. Thanks Emily! Check back for Part II of Mara Dean's interview and the inside info on her horses (including Nicki Henley, letting go to gain control, and life off the back of a horse. If you're gunning for more on Mara this very instant check out her interview with our friends at The Eventing Radio Show.

Advanced Eventer Allison Springer's Tips on How to Bring Out Your Best and Invites You to Get Involved

Allison Springer keeps it real, I tell you what. Part II of her interview includes down-to-earth reminders about balance in life, her rules on whining (don't), and remembering why we're out there tearing up cross-country in the first place (because you love your horse). She's like Oprah, only on a big chestnut named Arthur, and super cool. Plus, she dishes on the upcoming PRO Tour (starting this weekend March 19-21 at Southern Pines) and the new Pro/Am Tour. How cool is that?!

Q. Your world has not been limited to horses. Diving, physics, alpine skiing, student government, and college have all featured in your life. Why did you decide to pursue so many fields?

A. I think it’s just about balance in life. I am a happy person because I have balance. I have a group of good core friends. I have such a range of friends; a lot of them don’t even know anything about horses. And it’s important to me intellectually to have been curios about different things. I’ve been pretty curious about the world and have been an athletic person and enjoy doing things. Skiing has always been part of my family and growing up I can’t remember learning how to ski I was so little. Like I said, I enjoy athletics and trying new things. I’ve been skeet shooting a couple times and totally enjoyed it. I go golfing with my mom and dad. Not that I’m good at that, but I enjoy it! It’s about keeping a balance in life. I feel like I can tell the horse people that don’t actually have balance.

photo by Emily Daily

To be really good at this sport isn’t just about being a good rider or trainer but also having relationships with sponsors and clients. I’m on the board of governors at the USEA and am a founding member PRO [Professional Riders Organization]. I want to do for my sport. It’s not just about me winning a medal.

There’s a real misconception, and sports psychologists talk about this, that you think if you’re not toiling and miserable then you won’t get better. But that doesn’t actually bring the best out in you. You have to be healthy in your mind and healthy in your body. It’s about balance in your life. For me, I know I train the best and compete the best when I feel relaxed and happy. I can focus when I feel balanced and good in life. Period.

Q. How have you been involved with PRO?

A. I guess everything sort of begins at some point with a little bit of whining or questioning. Like, ugh, we could do this so much better. Or, these warm up areas are so dangerous. You keep noticing all these things. A trigger was Red Hills a couple years ago. There was just craziness on the Chronicle [of the Horse] chat room and negative stuff. I know it’s a great place for communication but people were talking about stuff that was untrue and because it was written down the rest of the world was taking it as truth. I got to the point where I thought nothing is going to change unless I do something about it. It always seems to be certain instances of a small group of noisy people saying stuff. If it’s true, great. But if it’s not it ends up becoming the truth. I felt like I needed to do something instead of complaining. I don’t have time for whining. If you’re whining, do something about it. We have one of the coolest sports in the world and I know how much my horses enjoy it and how everyone involved enjoys this sport. So I wanted to make it the best it could be. What can we do to improve things? It seemed to be a lot of riders talking and having conversations. Where would we like to see the sport going? What changes would we like to see? It’s not just about a pro tour or prize money. We want to build a better experience for everyone: riders, spectators, organizers, everyone. That’s how PRO became. It’s certainly one of the things I’m most proud of being involved in.

Q. How can eventing fans be involved?

A. Definitely join! There’s a membership level for everyone. We are having a Pro tour that will start at Southern Pines. We’re also doing a Pro/Am which is gonna be really fun. It will be a team competition so one pro and three amateurs will ride together. It’s a team competition so the amateurs get coaching during the event. It should be fun.

photo by Emily Daily

We want to improve sense of community in US. We’re starting a lecture series similar to what they do in Europe. It’s educational but also entertaining. Pippa Funnell does one, a bunch of riders do them. It’s really fun to go and watch, it’s not like auditing a clinic. There are some really cool things going on right now.

I felt like with USEA they were going down bit of bizarre path. We can’t sit back and complain about it if we’re not representing ourselves. The Pro Horseman’s Council started maybe three years ago, now. That’s really improved the balance in the USEA and how decisions are made. There’s a better blend. With PRO we’re filling a huge void between what the USEF has to offer and what the USEA has to do. We’re not working against them. There was some concern that we were trying to go against the USEA and that’s not the case at all. Everybody wants the same thing but if your voice isn’t out there then it’s not going to be considered. So that’s why being in the USEA was important.

It’s not just for pros, it’s for everyone. Everyone should join! Memberships start at $35.

Q. Do have anything else you want to add?

A. One thing, as far as wanting to be the best in any sport whether it’s the sport of eventing or whatever, it’s important to remember why you got into it the first place. It’s important for the Pros too. For the last couple [training session] gallops with Arthur we got to go to this secret spot that’s absolutely gorgeous. And I’m riding this horse who I love in the county. Everyone has to remember why they love this sport. The horses and their wellness are the most important part. Just enjoy your horse.

photo courtesy of Allison Springer

Arthur's-Eye View in England.

Watching Julia Mancuso in the winter Olympics was so cool. She wasn’t supposed to get a silver medal but in the start box she had a big smile and was happy and relaxed and did much better than expected. Do you think she would have been the same if she was stressed out and nervous? I mean, enjoy it.

Thanks for reading, as always. If you want to learn more about Allison check out her website at www.allisonspringer.com or look into PRO and become a member. Tell the rest of Team Three Days Three Ways why it is that you started riding or eventing in the first place by commenting below. I love hearing from you!

The Eventing Radio Show a la Three Days Three Ways

Hey Folks! Three Days Three Ways has partnered with The Eventing Radio Show to bring you their amazing interviews. A perfect fit for us here! This first installment includes 3-Day Eventer Leslie Law, a Three Days Three Ways interviewee. Did you catch that one? If not, read it! Either way, tune in to hear him...

Former Olympic Champion, Leslie Law, is our guest this week fresh from his win at Pine Top and with a view to Rolex, Kentucky Three Day Event with 2009 Horse of the Year, Mystere du Val. Plus, why co-host Ashley Adams says, 'Don't Be Afraid to Ask!' Listen in...

Eventing Radio Episode 66 - Former Olympic Champion Leslie Law:

• Show Hosts: Chris Stafford & Ashley Adams


• Guest: Lesley Law


• News: Twin Rivers Winter HT


• News: Pine Top Spring Advanced HT


• Please visit our sponsors as they make this show possible:

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Listen Now, Download or Subscribe:

Amy Tryon on Poggio's True Character and Getting Ready for Rolex

We continue Amy Tryon's interview with a bunch of stories about her experiences at the Rolex Kentucky 3-Day Event. Which is timely since it's coming right up! Plus she talks about Poggio's willingness to always try his hardest despite not being a natural to 3-Day eventing. It's hard to believe given their impressive career together!

Q. You retired Poggio last year at Rolex. How would you describe him?

A. He’s quite a charcter. I got him when he was five and he’s been a very interesting horse to train and have. Contrary to popular belief he was easy to train. He always tried his hardest. He was not natural at this sport and he’s incredibly long. He did it because of attitude instead of aptitude. He’s wonderful in the barn and wonderful to travel. He was had his own idea about doing things on cross-country and I had to get used to that. But he never thought of running out or stopping or not doing what was asked of him. He’s still at the house. I was so worried he would get kicked so we decided to buy him a donkey. He’s a very generous horse.

Above: Amy Tryon at the Athens Olympics

photo courtesy Dean Rutz/ The Seattle Times

Q. Did he like any kind of treat in particular?

A. He likes his ears scratched, the inside of the ears. He’ll like anything you feed him.

Q. What preparations do you make for Rolex?

A. You know when you’re on the way there! I have two young horses, Cold Creek and Leyland. Leyland did two 4-stars including Burghley. Cold Creek had most of the season off with a leg injury. They both had a little time off in the fall and started back working and did their first event at Galway [Downs]. They cantered quietly around intermediate to get their feet wet for first of season. I try to be up on fitness levels when I travel since I don’t know if the facilities will room to gallop. I did a lot of work at home before we left. Now they’ll do a couple horse trials not with the idea of going quickly or trying to win just trying to prepare for [Rolex] Kentucky.

Amy Tryon with Poggio and the girls

photo courtesy of Samantha Bergin

Q. Do you have any favorite parts of the Rolex course from the past years?

A. It has a great atmosphere to it. Jeanie Atkinson does an excellent job. For us it sets the tone so we always like to do well; it decides if you will qualify for a championship or not so it’s a little stressful. The crowds and great.

Q. What was it like the first time you competed at Rolex?

A. It was interesting. It was my first season I went and so this is when they still had the three-star. It was something I felt very prepared to do and the horse that I was riding was a very generous horse called My Beau. I knew if I rode him he would go well. It was great to do that and think how I could do better next year.

Poggio and his buddy, Jethro, all bundled up

photo courtesy of Samantha Bergin

Q. Anything you would like to add?

A. Thank you to all my owners and sponsors who support me and who enable me to do this sport because it’s not something we could do by ourselves. I’m very lucky to have a great group of supporters.

Thanks for reading Three Days Three Ways. Feel free to leave a comment and remember our Wednesday giveaways start next week!

Holly Hudspeth: Hard-Headed, Passionate, and Dedicated

Part II of Holly Hudspeth starts now! More on Holly's riding philosophy, babies, and how romance translates in the world of 3-Day Eventing.

Q. Do you think being married makes life as an upper-level rider easier or harder?

A. I would say it’s almost easier because he’s very supportive of everything I do. He tries to come to every single horse show. It’s comforting to know there’s someone on your side. I had him listed as an owner on Stewie’s passport as soon as we married and that was important to him.

Holly and Chuck. I love Holly is practically glowing!

photo courtesy of Sandals

Q. What’s the most romantic thing he’s done?

A. He’s very romantic. When we got engaged it was on the beach and he had roses and strawberries and champagne delivered to the room. He’s a very thoughtful person. He was the one that found the trailer with the living quarters. He tries very hard to give me things and do things that are thoughtful.

Q. How would he describe you?

A. He always says I’m hardheaded. I think he would describe me as hardheaded but also dedicated and passionate about what I do.

Q. How does he feel about the horses?

A. Oh he’s very excited about it. Even though he’s never been a horse person. He knows now when I’m too slow on cross country. He's like if you’d done xyz you would have won-he knows enough to give me a little advice. It’s great to have him there and he truly enjoys watching us compete.

I love this picture because I think it shows Holly's spirit and pluck. Cute.

photo courtesy of Sandals

Q. What’s your philosophy on teaching? Riding?

A. The biggest thing is not skipping any steps. If there’s a hole somewhere you got to go back and fill it in. If you skip a step you will get caught out at some point. You have to be as well rounded as possible. If there’s a hole you’ve got to go back and fill it in. You gotta have your big picture.

Q. Is your barn organized or messy?

A. I’m a complete neat freak by heart. I’m very funny about my tack. The bits come off the bridles everyday to get clean. We wash the saddle pads everyday and the horses need to be groomed every day. That’s when you miss nicks and bumps when you don’t do that. I run a tight ship when it comes to maintenance on my trailer. I don’t do anything half ass to tell you the truth.

Q. Do you have any pets?

A. Chuck and I have two yellow labs. One is named Tug and the other Lance.

Above: Lance looking sporty

Q. Where do you want to go with Stewie?

A. Chuck and I want to have a family in 2010. So I’m going to get through Rolex and then we’d like to do that. After that I’d love for him to be my next Olympic horse.

Q. Anything else you want to add?

A. I love to cook and I love to be on the water. At the end of the day I don’t do horses 24-7 even though I’m competitive as I am. I like to do normal people things and that’s why Chuck is a huge benefit to me. He’d non-horsey and when you work so hard it’s nice to have a little reality.

If you want to get to know Holly even more check out her website, PRO (she's a board member), or go to Eventing Nation for some more coverage. And feel free to post comments, ideas, reactions, and thoughts below. The more the merrier!