Caroline and Spring Easy at the 2017 Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event / Shannon Brinkman Photography
My first CCI4* has been completed! Rolex has come and gone just as quickly as every other show this spring. Although it was not the weekend I had envisioned, I gained a new understanding and respect for our sport. It only fueled my desire to compete at another four star in the near future and gave me insight on how to be more competitive at the top level.
Cristiano Z at Jersey Fresh International CCI2* / Callie Heroux Photography
As soon as we came home from Rolex, we packed our bags for Jersey Fresh International. Although Jersey Fresh has always been a hometown event for me, pulling into the park this time, since the decision to base in Florida for the year, gave the competition a whole new feel for me. I came with two green horses, Danger Mouse, who contested and finished his first CCI***, and Cristiano Z, who was the only horse to finish on his dressage score. He was in the CCI** and it was only his third intermediate event ever. I was very pleased for both of them to finish in sixth place and to come home better than they left.
Danger Mouse at Jersey Fresh International CCI3* / Callie Heroux Photography
I am writing to you all from England! I just arrived last week, and after a few minor flight problems I finally made it. I am just gearing up to compete this weekend at Houghton Hall International. Both Pebbly Maximus (Rory) and The Apprentice (Dirk) are here with me. This will be my first CICO***, which is a Nations Cup. I will be representing the USA this weekend and at Bramham International, which serves as the international CCI*** Under 25 Championship. As I said in my last letter, I received the Karen Stives European Emerging Athlete Tour Grant, which aims to encourage up-and-coming eventers in the US Equestrian's Developing Rider Program to step up and prepare themselves to represent the United States internationally in the future, strengthening the pipeline of qualified riders to create future medal winning teams.
I am hoping to make my country and huge team of supporters proud in the upcoming month on my European tour! All of my horses are just now enjoying a much deserved vacation at home, and will be brought back into work for the quickly approaching summer and fall season! As always thank you to everyone for their tremendous support of my horses, my team and I.
Sincerely,
Caroline Martin