It is hard to put in words the way I am feeling at the end of this weekend.
I am so incredibly grateful for my horse Devy, my trainer Kyla Makhloghi, as well as the rest of the Rosemont team, and my family. My win with Devy today could not have been done without any one of these people. They give me the strength to be confident in my abilities and stay calm in situations like today.
Kisses for Davide after an amazing day. SAS Equine Photography Photo
Heading into the day I was focused on my plan and hopefully staying in the top 10. Devy and I got scores of 88 and 91 and ended up winning the jumper phase. This put us in third heading into the work-off.
I got to ride Dominic Gibbs’ horse Cent 15 for the third round. I have never switched horses with someone at a competition, so this experience was all new and exciting for me! For this round, riders repeated the jumper round course, but without a time allowed. We all got three minutes to flat the horse we would be riding and were only allowed to jump four fences in the schooling ring. I was so excited to get the chance to ride Cent that no matter what else happened, I was already having such a fun day.
After talking with Dominic about our horses we found many similarities between the two. Once I finished my warm-up, I felt ready. I took a breath and trusted myself, and although I didn’t get to ride Cent for long, I trusted him. I cantered down to the first jump at a great pace, and that set the tone for the rest of my round. We ended up scoring a 91 and 92.
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That “I can’t believe I just won” moment. Shawn McMillen Photography Photo
I walked into the ring, side by side with Ellie Ferrigno and Sophee Steckbeck, two very accomplished riders who deserve all the success they have had. When they announced Devy and me as the winners, I had no words. All I could do was hug Devy and Kyla and take in this unforgettable moment. I am so happy that I accomplished this aboard Devy and with Kyla by my side.
Thank you again to The Chronicle of the Horse for inviting me to blog about my week and congratulations to all the other competitors!!!
Tessa Brown is 15 years old and hails from Jamaica, Vermont. She trains with Kyla Makhloghi at Rosemont Farm LLC. She finished fourth in the Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Finals (Pennsylvania) last year in her second year competing in the big equitation finals. In 2020, she finished 13th in the Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals—East (North Carolina) and won the WIHS Equitation Final (North Carolina).
