Having known Sinead Halpin since she was a preteen, riding and training here in South Carolina, I can object to a few of the comments made by Jimmy Wofford in his pre Rolex commentary, in reference to Sinead’s chances of placing in the top ten (which he felt she would accomplish).
I remember her first “Event Horse” quite well. He was a flea bitten gray Arabian named “Jazz”, better known as the “Energizer Bunny” for his unique jumping style. Sinead and about a half dozen young riders, such as Michael Pollard for one and my own daughter, were very determined to become Olympic 3-Day Eventers.
As young riders, they were extremely focused on gaining the skills necessary to ride and compete at the top levels of competition. They all have been successful, both in competition as well as in their personal lives as maturing young adults.
Parents of young riders who have the interest and determination to become successful equestrians should understand that beyond the apparent costs of participating in equestrian sports, the return on their monetary investment, is that these young people’s determination and drive for the sport gives them the tools to become successful adults in their future careers, if not as Olympic level equestrians, then in the business world, no matter what career path, they eventually choose.
As young riders who were preparing for their first CCI* I can remember my daughter and Sinead watching the Video Series “Eventing with the Stars” and, as fate would have it, one of those top riders offering her advice on the series was none other than Mary King herself. I can remember my daughter watching these videos so many times that she could repeat Mary King’s comments, word for word, in her best interpretation of Mary’s English accent! So how unbelievable for Sinead to finish the 2011 Rolex Kentucky 3-Day Event just behind the legend, Mary King, and sitting there with Mary at the Rolex press conference, the person that these young riders had looked up to and followed, from watching her compete in Atlanta, GA at the 1996 Olympics and beyond, in her long and illustrious Eventing career. A surreal experience for certain!
Sinead, having chosen 3-Day Eventing as her career, has worked extremely hard toward her goal of competing at the highest levels of competition. She certainly is deserving of the recognition as the USEF National Eventing Champion for 2011. Sitting in the press conferences at Rolex, I was so very proud and excited for Sinead, as she kept shaking her head and saying, “I just can’t believe this has really happened!” and “I promise I won’t cry anymore!” William Fox Pitt, the 2010 Rolex winner, sitting beside her, told of Sinead working for him in 2008-2009 and how proud he was to have placed just behind her this year, in fourth.
Having sat in on the press conference at the USEA National Convention several years ago, when NBC executives were in attendance to discuss their possible coverage of the Rolex Kentucky 3-Day Event, it is now thrilling to see that the overwhelming interest and enthusiasm for the sport of Eventing has grown so significantly, that this year, the NBC coverage was LIVE for the Sunday’s Show Jumping phase. How thrilling it is to have been able to follow this evolution of the enthusiasm and support for Equestrian Sports! Not only are we able to watch these top level events now on television, but we are seeing top national and international companies, offering their monetary support, which is so crucial to the future success of Olympic equestrian sports. Much appreciation goes out to Rolex Watch, USA Land Rover USA, HBSC Bank USA, Ariat, and Bridgestone Tire for their continued sponsorship and support! Here’s hoping more companies will become aware of the possibilities!
In addition to this year’s Eventing competition, spectators were offered the chance to experience the New Ariat Sponsored Kentucky Reining Cup with the CRI 5* and The Tartar Farm and Ranch Equipment World Freestyle Championship, held in the fabulous Alltech Arena. Crowds of spectators were thrilled to see Lyle Lovett of Nashville music fame compete. Gold Medal Reining Olympians, Tom McCutcheon and Tim McQuay, were on hand for demonstrations and a Q and A session as well as poster signings. During Saturday night’s Freestyle, spectators were treated to David and Karen O’Connor trading disciplines to compete in the Freestyle Reining Competition along with Gina Miles, eventer from California, and Hamish Cargill, who had ridden Cross County during the Rolex Competition earlier in the day from Australia.
David O’Connor, current USEF President, who has long stressed the coming together of all of the equestrian disciplines, showed the audience that he could cross over from Eventing to Reining by actually finishing in the money at the conclusion of the Freestyle competition. The Ariat Reining Events were not only exciting and colorful but theatrical to boot!
All of the Equestrian Events which took place at the Lexington, Kentucky Horse Park from April 28 – May 1, 2011 were proof that Olympic Equestrian Sports are enjoying renewed public enthusiasm and attention, and they are even more thrilling to experience first hand.
Lindsey Perrow
Advertising Sales Manager
Southeast Equine and Horse’ N Around
www.equinemonthly.com
1 877-288-9960 code 1312
803 783-2946 fax