The 2010 Deep Run Horse Show will stand out as one to remember for years to come. In spite of temperatures soaring into the triple digits, it seems the stars aligned and the experience was stellar for everyone involved.
The horse show culminated on Sunday with Deep Run’s signature event the Bryan Trophy and a special award ceremony conducted by USEF Chief Executive Officer John Long who officially congratulated the Deep Run Horse Show on being only the 3rd American horse show to be designated a USEF Heritage Competition.
The designation is reserved for competitions that have been in existence for a quarter of a century or more, promoted and grown equestrian sport, and made a contribution to the community outside the gates of the horse show by achieving, maintaining and promoting the equestrian ideals of sportsmanship and competition.
Long, making his first visit to the Deep Run Horse Show, was impressed.
“It’s spectacular,” he said. “The countryside is breathtaking. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many quality horses in a show this size, I was very impressed with the riders.”
Long watched the Bryan Trophy and helped hand out awards.
“I loved the grandstand, everyone was so friendly and hospitable and the footing was really, really good.”
As Long pointed out, the Deep Run Horse Show is in good company. Other Heritage Competitions are Devon, Pin Oak Charity Horse Show and the Hampton Classic.
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“They are all designated Heritage shows for different reasons,” he said, “but Deep Run defines the essential attributes and is truly the postcard for Heritage competitions.”
Long spends much of his time traveling on weekends attending selection trials and big shows.
“The Deep Run Horse Show is the real McCoy. It’s not all about the money,” said Long, “It’s about the quality of the sport, horsemanship and the lifestyle we hold dear. It gets you centered again.”
Deep Run is approaching the 50th anniversary of the Bryan Trophy and Long for one, hopes to return.
“I had a blast,” he said, “the horse show was a lot of fun.”
The Bryan Trophy made its debut at Deep Run in 1962, and starting with Rodney Jenkins and including such icons of the sport as Joe Fargis, the list of winners is impressive. Junior riders navigate a course of 3’6” jumps, this year designed by Glenn Moody, are scored on precision and discretion in the use of aids, correctness of riding and seat over obstacles and control of the horse. Contestants are then called back for a hacking test and the top four are called back for additional testing over fences.
This year, Grace Glover, 18, of Lexington, Virginia on board her 17.2 hand Holsteiner Copyright, earned the blue ribbon and her place in history. For Grace, who trains with Teddi Ismond out of Stone Bridge Farm, it was her 3rd attempt at the Bryan Trophy and coincidentally, her last chance as a junior. Struggling to find just the right horse, Grace only began riding Copyright, aka “Bobby,” three months ago.
“I’ve finally found my match!” she said.
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Brave and scopey, Copyright has proven himself to be a great partner. Already, the duo have qualified for the USEF/Pessoa Medal Finals, the Maclay Medal Finals, are a few points away from qualifying for the USET Talent Search and on the path to qualifying for the WIHS Equitation Classic Finals. After two weeks in Vermont, the pair will return to Virginia for the VHSA Medal Finals at the Lexington National and the USHJA Tad Coffin Zone III Equitation Finals at HITS.
Grace, who graduated in 2009 and is taking this year off to ride before heading off to Dickinson College, started her riding career in an unusual way. Like many girls, she began riding in the 4th grade, but at the time, the family was living overseas in Croatia where jumpers are the prevailing discipline, so Grace rode jumpers. The family relocated to Lexington after returning to the States.
When not horse showing, Grace enjoys hacking Bobby out on trails.
“I enjoy the hands-on part of riding,” she said, “I like the bond you form with your horse outside of the ring.”
Grace recalled what it was like knowing she was on top of the order, waiting to ride her test. The top four contestants were asked to wait their turn, facing outside the ring, remember a course based on instructions read over the PA system that sounded like a game of bingo, execute correctly and then proceed to the judges for further questioning.
“I trust Bobby,” said Grace, “I’ve been working on trusting myself too. Someone told me that if you know you’re on top and going to win, take a deep breath!”
Sound advice. Keeping her cool in spite of the heat, this was one competitor who handled the challenge with grace.
