While in Mexico recently, a group of us got into a discussion of just what distinguishes “the best from the rest” in show jumping or other equestrian sports. It’s funny the number of times the same names will be mentioned as “greats,” no matter where in the world this conversation takes place.

Horsemen recognize quality when they see it, but it’s nearly impossible to design a system that will unfailingly find it.

The adjective “great” is seldom bestowed on the basis of a single victory, no matter how spectacular the performance or how prestigious the event. Acknowledged greatness is based far more on an individual’s “body of work”