Tag Archives: Savannah Fulton

Meet Four First-Timers at the 2017 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event

Jenny Caras with Fernhill Fortitude. (Libby Law Photography)

The USEF’s Eventing Emerging Athlete Program is an age-restricted program that identifies and cultivates talented young riders ages 18 and under and 25 and under with the potential to evolve into future United States team candidates. They’re coached by USEF Eventing Emerging Athlete Coach Leslie Law. This year, four of the program’s riders are among the entries for the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by Land Rover.

Madeline Backus

Horse: P.S. Arianna. “She’s a joy to be around and has so much personality. She’s so loving in the barn. She loves treats, and if you scratch her, she’ll groom you back. She licks you after treats. She’s super-sweet, but as soon as we need to get serious, she puts on her game face and takes on anything in front of her.”

Recent success together: 4th at 2017 Red Hills International CIC3*

Hometown: Larkspur, Co.

On Rolex: “I was a spectator when I was seven, and it’s always been a dream of mine. I’m definitely looking forward to cross-country. It will be challenging, but I can’t wait gallop up to Weldon’s Wall.”

On the Emerging Athlete Program: “It’s been really helpful not only to train with Leslie Law but to get to know the great riders that made the list. Being from Colorado, I hadn’t met the East Coast riders, so it’s great to spend training sessions with them.”

Jenny Caras

Horse: Fernhill Fortitude. “He’s an attention-seeker who wants to be the only one in the barn getting attention. Anybody could get on him and hack him around.”

Recent success together: 9th at 2016 Bramham Under 25 CCI3*, 6th at 2016 Fair Hill International CCI3*

Hometown: Marietta, Ga.

On Rolex: “I’m just looking forward to being there and doing my first 4*. The cross-country’s going to be a lot more technical than I’ve seen and a lot bigger, too.”

On the Emerging Athlete Program: “All the extra lessons and camaraderie between the riders – it all sets you up for good performances.”

Savannah “Woodge” Fulton

Horse: Captain Jack. “I know that if anything goes wrong, it’s my fault. He’s not going to let me down. He’s pretty much a pirate. He’s small and scrappy.”

Recent success together: 7th at Bromont CCI3*, double-clear cross-country at 2016 Fair Hill International CCI3*

Hometown: Finksburg, Md.

On Rolex: “My focus will be on trying to get the cross-country. It’s crazy to look at the fences… they look massive. I’m hoping when I’m there on Captain Jack they won’t look as monstrous! But I’ve prepared myself.”

On the Emerging Athlete Program: “Riding is a really easy sport to make it be about the individual and your horse, but the Emerging Athlete Program reminds you that the ultimate goal and the ultimate accomplishment is a team gold medal. It’s about what we have going forward as a potential team for the country.”

Caroline Martin

Horse: Spring Easy. “His nickname is ‘Child.’ He really is a kid, but he’s a good athlete and tries really hard. He definitely likes to joke around, but he’s a cool competitor.”

Recent success together: 2nd at 2016 Richland Park Horse Trials CIC3*; 8th at 2016 Jersey Fresh International CCI3*

Hometown: Springtown, Pa.

On Rolex: “Completion – that’s what I look forward to the most.”

On the Emerging Athlete Program: “If it wasn’t for the program, I wouldn’t be in the position I am today. It’s done more than just for my riding – it’s helped me on the business aspect, too. And to be able to build camaraderie with the other under-25 riders is great.”

The only place to catch all four days of the action-packed competition is the USEF Network live stream.

© 2017 US Equestrian Federation

USET Foundation Awards Amanda Pirie Warrington Grant to Savannah “Woodge” Fulton

Savannah Fulton and Captain Jack (photo by Shannon Brinkman)

Gladstone, N.J. – Nov. 21, 2016 – The United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation is pleased to announce that it has awarded the 2016 Amanda Pirie Warrington Grant to up-and-coming eventing rider Savannah “Woodge” Fulton of Ocala, Florida.

The Amanda Pirie Warrington Grant is awarded through the USET Foundation Amanda Pirie Warrington Fund. Fulton, this year’s winner, has demonstrated her talent at many of the nation’s top CIC3* and CCI3* events. At just 20 years old, Fulton piloted Captain Jack to a number of impressive finishes, including a seventh place overall finish at the 2016 Bromont CCI3* and double clear at Fair Hill International CCI3*.

The Amanda Pirie Warrington Fund was established by Pirie’s family in her memory with the purpose of helping to provide financial assistance to an eventing rider who has been identified as a rider with great talent and ability to represent the United States in the future. The recipient of the grant is a person who will benefit from the opportunity of continuing their training with top coaches and competing against the world’s best horse and rider combinations in Eventing, one of three Olympic equestrian disciplines.

“I feel really honored to receive this grant,” Fulton said. “I think it’s even more special because I grew up watching Danny Warrington ride. I never had the pleasure of knowing his late wife, Amanda, but I’ve heard nothing but good things about her. It’s cool to know that there are people who believe in you, and do what they can to help young riders and our future teams be successful.”

As the recipient of the grant, Fulton, who trains with Buck Davidson, will receive up to $5,000 to help offset expenses associated with her training over the next year. The young rider said her main goal will be to focus on her training and to continue to improve in dressage and show jumping. Captain Jack, a 13-year-old thoroughbred gelding, is Fulton’s main 3* mount, but she also rides a number of other horses who will benefit from the grant.

“A very good friend of Buck’s got Captain Jack off the track,” Fulton explained. “I’ve had him for just over two years, and he’s just been fabulous. I’m in an awesome program in my fifth year here with Buck, but I’m hoping this grant will allow us to get even better. I owe all of this to Buck. He was super proud of me for this.”

Looking to the future, Fulton hopes to be a part of the U.S. team internationally during her eventing career.

“I’m hoping that I can make the United States very proud someday,” Fulton said. “And make the people behind this grant proud, as well.”

Thanks to the Amanda Pirie Warrington Grant, Fulton can focus continuing her training and preparing for competitions as she aims toward one day representing the United States on the international stage.

Contact: Rebecca Walton
USET Foundation
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
rjw@phelpsmediagroup.com
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