Michael Pollard--remember that name!

[denny]

If you aren`t yet aware of what a good rider and horseman Michael Pollard has become, remember you read it here first!

I met him years ago at a clinic in So Carolina, when he was 13 or 14, riding a tough little grey tb named, I think, Casino Sam. His helmet was too big for him, and it fell down in front of his face over jumps!

Anyway, year after year he`s been paying those dues, or, as Malcolm Gladwell says, stacking up those 10,000 hours, and, not suddenly at all, it only seems like it, here he is winning his first advanced 3-day at Jersey Fresh.

Good job, Michael!!

[retreadeventer]

I have only known him as an adult, and only to observe in the warmup at Fair Hill International ... I remember when Nathalie came in to warmup the year she won it, and cantered down to an oxer and just demolished it - panicked - and Michael very calmly spoke with her, fixed the fence, got everything together and she went on and had a great ride. I just remember his cool demeanor and how polite he has always been to me in warmup.
It means something when under pressure a rider can be decent to lowly volunteers!

[piaffequeen]

I was jump stewarding at both of SP Trials and he was very friendly-I was so bummed when he didn't do well. I think it was SP II. So congrats!

[AmberWriter]

I've also known Michael since he was a kid riding Sam, and have really enjoyed his ride through the ranks. He and Icarus looked fantastic this weekend and I hope they go on to a successful four-star career together. Credit is also due to Nathalie for training this horse too! What a great team!

[Shrapnel]

Congrats to Michael! :)

I love his horse Icarus! I saw them at River Glen last year and have been a fan ever since.

[JER]

I hope -- and suspect -- that this will be the first of many big wins for him.

:)

[secretariat]

Michael is an outstanding horseman who has the gift of always putting a horse perfectly in front of a jump no matter whether it's XC or stadium. When the easiest option a horse has is to jump perfectly that's what you get -- as Dick Vitale would say, "String Music!!"

[CapturinYerRide]

CONGRATS MICHAEL!!!

Don't forget that even though you've moved over to that state to the lower left, we still claim you as our own up here in Landrum/Tryon!

Mark

[Koko]

I' don't know him, bu I saw him ride at Southern Pines II in advanced division. Really good! I didn't see him on the grey..but,he has a bay that I LOVE!!! Saw them show jumping and that horse is awesome!! Unfortunately, they had a mistake at last fence or so, which caused him to fall/elimination. But, hot damn that horse can JUMP! My heart went "pitter patter" (and really only MY horse makes my heart go pitter patter like that.) I will forever watch and cheer for them.

But, I thought he's been around for long while, no? Am I thinking of another Pollard?

[imissvixen]

I have well over 10,000 hours and am not anywhere close to that level of riding. I read Gladwell's book but think maybe one must have those hours in a much more concentrated period.

Here's to Michael being successful and safe. And may all his horses survive cross country.

[Mariequi]

Yep, remember when he was a kid as well, as Amberwriter does. Such a nice kid, too. Wish him all the best.

[texang73]

Congrats to him! He and his wife make a lovely team. I look forward to seeing more from them!

[katerenee]

I just recently emailed Micheal randomly because I have a half sister to Icarus and wanted some more information. He responded quickly and was very polite and informative. I haven't been lucky enough to see him ride but can certainly say he seems to be a real class act. He took time out of what must be an insanely busy schedule to answer me and my questions, and express genuwine interest in seeing some baby pics of her upcoming foal by Raffaello (due any day now). How nice to run into someone with as much talent as him and remaining so humble! He is surely a new favorite of mine, especially w/ Icarus but I will root for him w/ whomever he is mounted on!

[ollienme]

Hi,
my name is jessica and i sold "Fly" to Natalie in 2005. I was in a bad situation and had no choice to sell him! I didnt want to but had to. Natalie approached me and of course who could turn her down. Beautiful rider and a beautiful farm. She adored him!. Anyway, I have been following him since as well as his siblings on the track and tryed to hunt them down. I bought Fly off a track in Ill as a 3 yr. I regret to this day selling him. I was 1,2,or 3 at ever event we did. Still breaks my heart thinking about him. But then i see him and Mike out and about and i see how great he looks and how they treat Fly like they are 2 little kids. Kinda bitter sweet. Any way, how is his sister?, like him at all?..and i am pretty sure none of his other siblings are on the track. I think the one you have is the last one. I tryed to track her!...

[RiverBendPol]

Nice post, Denny. :)

[Blugal]

Update: Congrats are in order for being named to the US Pan Am team.

[atheventer85]

Go Michael! He has worked harder than ANYONE I know in the sport here in the US, and is FINALLY getting what he deserves. Congrats!

[teddygirl]

Go Michael! He has worked harder than ANYONE I know in the sport here in the US, and is FINALLY getting what he deserves. Congrats!

This!!

[Carolinadreamin']

Awesome news!

[beeblebrox]

And he has a fun new horse. Watched him ride Jude out here in California (along with a long list of other BNT who came in the frenzy to come up with the money) He rode the Jude's Law horse like he had ridden him all his life. Was nice to see, great guy! :cool: