Wellington, Fla.—Feb. 6

In 2016, Kasey Perry-Glass and her teammates from the Olympic Games (Brazil) got matching Olympic ring tattoos with “Believe” written above.

Since then, Perry-Glass has gotten a bit more ink, including the phrase, “I’ve got nothing to do today but smile,” running down her side, and there’s no better way to describe her.

Perry-Glass has represented the United States on multiple Nations Cup teams, at multiple FEI World Cup Finals and at the FEI World Equestrian Games (North Carolina) with her longtime partner Goerklintgaards Dublet.

At age 17, the Danish Warmblood gelding (Diamond Hit—La Costa, Ferro) is winding down his career, but Perry-Glass has a few more irons in the fire behind him, including Mistico TM, a 13-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Donnerball—Waikiki, Weltmeyer).

The gelding made his CDI debut today in the CDI1* Prix St. Georges, scoring a 68.62 percent for third place.

We caught up with Perry-Glass—who, as always, had a smile on her face—to talk about her exciting new partner.

Kasey Perry-Glass and Mistico TM. Lindsay Berreth Photos

Chronicle: Congratulations on a great ride! Tell me about Mistico TM.

Kasey Perry-Glass: I bought him from Juan Matute here in Wellington. I’ve had him for four and a half years.

We’ve just taken our time building a relationship. He was quite tricky in the beginning and then focusing on Dublet and all the tours I was doing with him took some time away from my other horses, so I’ve been able to dedicate some good time to him. He just feels amazing.

What stood out to you when you first saw him?

Honestly, his beautiful color and his face. But he moves so gracefully, and he has a great demeanor about him, and he tries really hard. I really think that he has a big heart, and I love that.

What do you call him in the barn?

Grandpa! He’s an old soul. He’s so easy, and he’s so sweet, and he loves to have attention, but he also goes in the corner and sleeps. I just feel like he’s kind of a grandpa in that way. He calls to you at feeding time. He’s so good everywhere I’ve taken him.

How did he feel in your test today?

I think the wind kind of caught him off guard and coming into the stadium, but I wasn’t surprised in the way he reacted, so now I’m a little bit more prepared for next time. Since it was our first CDI and it’s a new horse, it’s just building a routine with him and trying to figure out what works for him. What works for Dublet doesn’t work for him, so I have to find my own way with him. This is what this show’s really about for him. It’s amazing that I ended up in the ribbons with him, and I feel very blessed for that. Just to be in the CDI ring is a huge accomplishment.

What’s the goal for him this year?

I want to keep him in the small tour and work toward some of the Grand Prix. He pretty much has all the changes, the pirouettes, and the lateral work is easy for him—it’s just getting him solid in the piaffe and passage, which he has talent for. Just working on that kind of work with him and keeping him relaxed. He tries so hard. He can get a bit tense, and I like to keep it nice and slow and direct with him.

I’m really excited to have another horse in the international ring. Showing in the international ring is always fun, but it’s keeping me enjoying my time in there. I really love it.

Do you have any others coming up behind him and Dublet?

I have a 7-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare that I got two years ago, and she is just schooling at home right now, and I’m just getting her confident and going. She’ll probably come out next year and do some small tour stuff. Then we’re going to get a couple foals and babies so we can start more of a pipeline of horses. Since my husband does a lot of breaking of the young ones we want to venture in that way and start building our own brand of horses.

How’s Dublet doing?

[The CDI5* in February] is still in discussion. Obviously it’s something we want to do. I’m trying to do what’s best for him and keeping him good for Tokyo, but he feels great, and his mind is really good, and his body feels good—just keeping him going.

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We’re on site at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival all week bringing you news, photos and stories. Check back at coth.com and look for more in the Feb. 24 print edition of the Chronicle.