Richard Spooner and Big Red. Photo By: Anwar Esquivel.
Xalapa, Mexico – May4, 2016 – After a two year absence, California born and raised Richard Spooner, near the top of the list of America’s most successful grand prix riders, has brought his winning ways back home. Spooner plans to spend more time focusing on helping the United States win Championships and Nations Cups, and he thinks he has just the horse to make that happen.
A longing to compete for the red, white and blue has brought Spooner back to American shores and a pairing with the aptly named, Big Red, a new mount that Spooner feels is championship caliber. Big Red, owned by Gerardo Pasqual, “is the real deal,” according to Spooner.
On his first United States team assignment this year, the FEI Nations Cup in Xalapa, Mexico, Spooner and Big Red were double clear for the home team to earn a hard-fought second place tie for the United States.
Big Red jumped brilliantly and was very consistent as the partnership continues to grow and get stronger. Just a couple of weeks after gaining the ride on Big Red, Spooner galloped home with an exciting third place finish in the $200,000 Longines World Cup Grand Prix at the Wellington Masters in South Florida.
Big Red is a horse with unlimited potential and with championship ability according to Spooner, who said after his double clear in Mexico, “He has all the scope and all the talent. I haven’t sat on many horses like him, and I am very excited about where this partnership could go. He is the type of horse that can really excel at a championship event.”
“On Friday, we knew the stakes were high and Big Red was ready to perform,” added Spooner. “There were a few tough questions on the track and he answered them all perfectly. I am thrilled with the way he jumped and excited that our scores were able to help the Team. I only brought one horse to this event and we were totally focused on the Nations Cup, ready to deliver a great performance.”
As United States Show Jumping continues to develop into one of the strongest and most consistent programs in the world, having a veteran superstar like Spooner mounted on fresh, new and exciting horses, could be a perfect fit. Having competed at almost every major international show across the globe, Spooner’s ability to communicate and impart his vast experience to his teammates is a valuable asset as the United States program continues to grow.
The next goal for Spooner and Big Red will be the Nations Cup event during the Spruce Meadows Masters Tournament later this year.
“I want to help America continue to be at the top of the sport and I am excited to contribute to that by participating in Nations Cups and other team events,” Spooner said. “I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work!”
Rebecca Walton for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
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