Kessler Show Stables has purchased 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse Cos I Can for Olympic show jumper Reed Kessler to compete. Kessler, 19, acquired Cos I Can (Olympic Lux—Carel View Lass, Harlequin du Carel) from Irish rider Shane Breen, who competed the bay gelding in several CSI five-stars.
Breen and “Cosi” have been partners for the horse’s entire jumping career. “[Shane] truly brought him up to the top of the sport,” Kessler said.
With plans to gear up her top mount, Cylana, for a bid at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (France), Kessler was seeking another top horse.
“It’s important I have a good team working behind [Cylana] so I can pick and choose her events and prep for those,” said Kessler.
ADVERTISEMENT
While competing in Europe this summer, Kessler watched Cos I Can go at the Grand Prix CSI*** in Dinard (France) July 25, and then she watched him go again in the Longines Royal International Horse Show CSIO***** in Hickstead (Great Britain), July 30-Aug 4. Impressed with both of Cosi’s performances, Kessler decided to try the gelding.
“It was pretty much an instant fit,” said Kessler, who’s based in Lexington, Ky., when not in Europe. “He has a lot of blood and is naturally careful and scopey.”
Kessler said Cosi has been very sweet in the barn and has a lot of personality. “He’s definitely used to being loved,” said Kessler.
