One of our most popular features brings readers behind the scenes with some of horse sport’s greatest athletes. Here are our Top 10 Behind The Stall Doors of 2019.
People are accustomed to seeing Kent Farrington’s Gazelle leaping effortlessly over some of the biggest courses in the world, but do you know what her favorite treat is?
Emily Beshear’s Olney Uncle Sam doesn’t like the farrier, and he had to make peace with duck fences, but that hasn’t stopped him from having a promising first season at the advanced level.
Brian Moggre and MTM Vivre Le Reve are climbing the show jumping ranks together.
“He’s grown a bunch,” said Moggre. “I think I’ve grown as well, and I think that’s the best part about the partnership that we share. It really touches me and makes me love him with my whole heart even more than I already do.”
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Lisa Marie Fergusson bought Honor Me sight unseen as a 4-year-old, and he didn’t make the best first impression when he sustained a pasture injury soon after arriving at her farm, but he’s gone on to shine at the five-star level.
Buck Davidson joked that his five-star mount Park Trader “has never done a day’s work in his life. He has all the ability in the world and is the most fun horse to ride as long as you don’t really ask him to do anything.”
“It was obviously a lot of pressure getting him,” said Maddie Tosh of Bit Of Love, who is pony royalty. “I just wanted to be sure he lived up to his name with me, but he’s been amazing. It’s been so fun.”
When Michelle Cobb first saw Really jump, she couldn’t believe her eyes. Really has continued to impress, but he hasn’t let fame go to his head.
“He’s a total workhorse. I always say he comes out in his suit and tie, carrying his briefcase and just ready to do his job,” said Cobb. “He’s very serious and all-business when it’s time to show.”
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HH Gigi’s Girl would argue that “queen” should be added to her title. She will accept attention in all forms, but her favorite is getting her face brushed, and she hates to be without her miniature companion, Daisy.
The anchor of the U.S. gold-medal Pan American eventing team and second-placed finisher at the 2019 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg have quickly become a dream team.
Barbara Schnell took us into Isabell Werth’s stable to meet the inimitable Bella Rose 2 following her triumphant return to winning after years spent rehabbing injuries.
“I think if she were human, she’d be royalty, in the best sense of the word—someone with real dignity,” said groom Stefanie Wiegard.
You can read all the Behind The Stall Door articles here. Check out the rest of our Best Of 2019 coverage, and make sure you follow @chronofhorse on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date with everything happening in the horse world in the new year.
