Area II 2023 Year End Award Winner Recap

Carlin Keefe and Point Nemo - Photo Credit: Atalya Boytner for Erin Gilmore Photography

Carlin Keefe and Point Nemo
Junior Preliminary Champion | Wolf Run Farm Perpetual Trophy

• From Carlin:

  My relation to Point Nemo started when my dad, Tim Keefe, bought him at a sale as a yearling. He spent the next few years training and racing at Laurel Park in my dad’s barn. While Nemo had all the physical makings and speed of a great racehorse, he did not have any desire to be one. After a few races of last or near last finishes, my mom, Rumsey Keefe, took him over to retrain for eventing. She got him to training level and then handed the reins to my older sister, Ryan Keefe, who took Nemo 2*. I stole the ride June of 2021, and began to work on our partnership. He was definitely a tough ride for me at the time. I had been used to riding experienced mounts like Hoodwink and Flintstar, both of which had gone 3* and 5* respectively. I wasn’t used to a horse that didn’t automatically take over when I wasn’t sure about a distance or jump. Looking back on videos from the first time I jumped Nemo, I can see just how differently I used to ride. In the past two and half years, Nemo has taught me so much on how to be a much more effective rider.

  This year has been amazing with Point Nemo! Last year I struggled heavily when I tried to move up to Prelim. I questioned if Nemo and I were the right pairing, or if I was holding him back too much. I took the winter to make riding fun for both of us again. As the year progressed on, I began to find jumping him more fun than nerve wracking for the first time. I started to become more and more competitive at shows, and even completed my first 2*L with my sights set on a possible intermediate move up next year. I think a big piece of this shift has to do with also being able to ride Mr Candyman. Having two horses gave me double the time in the saddle, and double the chances to learn. I credit Mr Candyman so much when it comes to my success on both him and Nemo this season. I am also extremely thankful for having worked for the Laws this summer. They honed in on my eye and confidence, and it really shows. There are so many elements that came together this year that made it so successful. This season with Point Nemo has been so educational and I can’t wait to see what we will accomplish next year!

Kelly Beaver & Excel Star Pluto - Photo Credit: Atalya Boytner for Erin Gilmore Photography

Kelly Beaver and Excel Star Pluto
Open Preliminary Championship | Southern Pines Eventers & Organizers
Adult Amateur Preliminary Champion | Rigel Perpetual Trophy

• From Kelly:

  "How Pluto and my partnership started is a bit of a crazy story. My heart horse, Sempre Fino and OTTB that took me to my first Advanced in 2017, passed away unexpectedly from colic in 2018 while I was pregnant with my son. After my son, Benjamin, was born I wasn't really sure what to do so I bought a horse off a video from Courtney Cooper and imported her. Unfortunately that partnership didn't work out and Courtney offered to let me swap her out for one of her other imports. I went down and tried Pluto at Courtney's farm - I had never felt a bigger canter than Pluto's - he was popping me out of the tack at the canter! I told her to meet me at Windurra USA the next day and if he jumped around and got in the water I'd take him home and that's exactly what happened!

  Pluto's development has been interrupted a few times, first due to COVID and then due to a deep muscle injury to his shoulder in 2022. The silver lining is in both of these cases, we were able to take a step back and really focus on developing our partnership. Coming into 2023, I was really hoping this was going to be our year, we had moved up to Preliminary in 2022 before his injury and I was hoping for a full year without interruption. Most of our spring season was in Aiken and there were some bumps in the show jumping and I couldn't find any consistency on the flat. He's a big mover but also VERY sensitive so our scores can be anywhere from a 20 to a 40 which is super frustrating. We ended the Spring season with a win at Preliminary at Carolina Horse Park and a third place finish at the Virginia CCI2*L. He was feeling great and our confidence was high going into our summer break. Just as we were ready to come back into work in July, Pluto colicked and gave us a real scare and drummed up way too many memories. Luckily he didn't need surgery and was able to heal and come home quickly and recovered well. This delayed our fall season a few weeks but we were aiming for AECs and Plantation CCI.

  AECs were definitely a highlight of the year and, quite frankly, my entire riding career. We started the week with a solid dressage test to sit in 4th and then he stormed around the cross country to take the lead and eventually win the whole thing! Riding at the Kentucky Horse Park is every eventers dream, but to win on that stage is just indescribable. We then had a very good weekend at Plantation finishing in the top 20 and then had a successful move up to Intermediate at Maryland Horse Trials. I am so incredibly lucky to have this athlete as my partner - he LOVES his job and definitely knows when it's competition time. He's a funny, quirky horse but also a real puppy dog. He's a worrier and a bit high maintenance, but I enjoy "maintaining" him. I very grateful to have my husband, Seth Beaver, who helps to condition and care for our horses and also competes himself with his ISH Excel Star Jupiter. I also have amazing coaches in Courtney Cooper and Cindi Stephens. There are also other countless friends and families that help out along the way to make all this possible. I cannot thank everyone enough for the love and support to help Pluto and I reach our goals and dreams!"

Shona Ensign and Emmelie

Shona Ensign and Emmelie
Open Modified Champion
Adult Amateur Modified Champion

• From Shona:

  "Emmelie is a now 15-year-old 16.2 KWPN who has brought me my dream year! She came to me end of 2021 and had successfully shown through Intermediate. Her transition back to Novice was a challenge for us as we were just starting to build a bond and I wasn't ready to trust her yet. But in 2023 our hard work started to show. Every day I woke up to a plan that encircled her. She is the partner that holds my hand and says "Let's Go!" When I used to pee my pants before XC, I now laugh at her excitement in the startbox. I have met so many wonderful people through the experiences her talent has brought me to. Growing up in an apartment in NJ with a family that had no idea what a halter was let alone how deep my passion became, it took years of bartering services and accepting any job or discipline ( from harness racing to carriage driving) to find a way to learn and develop as a rider and a horseman. Back then I hustled just to get a chance to be around the smell of a barn and I thank my husband who supported and encouraged me from the moment he met this horse-crazy girl. He bought me my first OTTB in 1996 and 20 years and 3 horses later we bought a small farm in Chesterfield, VA. Having competed in NJ Hunters back in 2001 - 2003 achieving many year-end awards, we moved to VA in 2006 and continued growing our family. I have proudly raised 3 young men and I also breed Irish Water Spaniels that have many National Awards in Confirmation, Obedience, Agility, Rally, and Hunt.

  Eventing has been my lifelong passion even when I couldn't ride - I read and watched - sometimes with a baby on my hip. It was never something I could give up, even during the hard times. Just the smell of their neck will make any day bearable. 2023 was the year we were able to push ourselves forward, past recent personal challenges, Emme truly saved my life and my will to keep onward. I will always crave the thrill of being as one with this mare as we run our courses with the rhythm of our breath and hooves. We finished this season running Prelim and winning at CDCTA and I can't wait to see what 2024 will bring!"

Claire Allen and Crazy Choice - Photo Credit: Erin Gilmore Photography

Claire Allen and Crazy Choice
Junior Modified Champion

• From Claire:

Leeci Roswell and Man of Conviction

Leeci Rowsell & Man of Conviction
Open Training Championship | Fozzy Bear Memorial Trophy
Junior Training Championship | Ashley Stout & Avant Garde Memorial Jr Training Trophy

• From Leeci:

Cindi Moravec and Holloway - Photo Credit: Brant Gamma Photography

Cindi Moravec & Holloway
Adult Amateur Training Championship | Area II Organizers Trophy

• From Cindi:

  "This year I was very excited and honored to win the Training Amateur award. 2023 was the 7thyear that Holloway (Sawyer) and I have competed in Eventing. In 2014, I moved out to Virginia from Petaluma, California. I can still remember when I found this young OTTB 4 year old and based on a picture, video and faith purchased him with PayPal. Who knew that this $2,500 purchase would be the beginning of our partnership and journey together. And what a journey it has been. 2023 was no exception. Every year I make a few goals and this year they included qualifying for the AECS. We accomplished that goal and even though our performance at the AECS on paper looked like a fail, there were many moments of exceptional partnership and brilliance. Our highlights this year included a win at Southern Pines, lowest dressage score 26.2, dressage average for year 30.5, numerous bold XC clears and under time. We also participated in some Adult Rider Challenges, and we had fun meeting new riders and cheering on our team. Eventing can be a very challenging discipline because it always seems like there is always one phase that needs more practice. My goals for 2024 include working on our stadium and that elusive clear round.

  I absolutely love this horse and he keeps me young at heart. This year I was reminded that it has to be fun for both of us. We both love the competitions but what makes me happy is seeing him try to do what is asked of him and improve. He can be a bit spooky but as a team we are brave. It is often quoted, if you’re not winning, you’re learning and this seemed to be so true for us this year. My other favorite quote is from Jimmy Wofford, “The worst horses sense our fear and take advantage of us, the best horses sense our dreams and take us there.” That’s my Sawyer." #goodboysawyer

Kendal Fansler and Delilah’s Boy - Photo Credit: Hannah Ljubli for Erin Gilmore Photography

Kendal Fansler & Delilah's Boy
Junior Novice Championship | Full Moon Farm Memorial Trophy
Open Novice Championship

• From Kendal:

  2023 has been a year I will remember! I started the season on Curioso “Curry” who has lots of experience and was able to show me the ropes at the Novice level of eventing. (Curioso finished Reserve Champion Open Novice and Junior Novice for Kendal.)

  Early in the season, my cousin Emma outgrew her pony Delilah’s Boy “Sammy.” Sammy is Curry’s best buddy and another barn favorite. Emma found a new horse and I was very happy to take on the ride and take Sammy Novice. Sammy had a great previous year at Beginner Novice and I felt confident we were ready to compete Novice together. My first time out with him at Novice at Plantation Field, we brought home the win- earning my best dressage score ever. This set the stage for our winning season. We won 5 shows together, including Junior Novice- 15 and Under at AECs in Kentucky! I am looking forward to another great year on this unicorn.

  These boys are competitive, like me! It’s kind of funny they look so alike and have the same energy too. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to show them and earn top spots at the Area II Awards this year. Thank you to my trainer John Secan who helped us to succeed in each phase. Thank you to my family for all your support along the way. Looking forward to the 2024 season.

Lillian Goeller and Amy’s First Love - Photo Credit: Jessica Duffy for Erin Gilmore Photography

Lillian Goeller & Amy's 1st Love
Junior Beginner Novice Championship

• From Lillian:

  My story of me and horses started when I was five, in 2016 when I was diagnosed with Leukemia. During treatment there were many times when my immunity would be so low that I would be quarantined away from my friends and couldn’t go to school to avoid getting sick. A common cold could have been really bad for me and many times I was so sick I didn’t want to get out of my bed. My mom knew it was important for me to socialize and also to keep my body moving as much as possible. The thing that would motivate me were horses and the doctors didn’t worry about me getting sick from horses like they did people. Sometimes when I didn’t feel well my mom would say “would you like to go see the horses” and I would find the strength to get up and go to the barn. Sometimes I would just walk from the car to the fence to give them a carrot and go back home. My family prayed a lot for me and thankfully I didn’t have a lot of bad side effects from treatments. But one of the side effects were that my legs would get sore and my achilles tendons would get tight, making it really hard to walk. So riding horses would help me move around without having to walk and “heels down” would help stretch my achilles tendons out making it easier to walk. My mom and I didn’t really know much about horses at this time and I was just learning to ride on a lunge line when my parents bought our first horse, Malibu. My mom always says that she bought her for me but in time my mom realized that Malibu was much for her as for me. Malibu gave her something to focus on other then leukemia and the treatments.

  Over two years later I finished treatment and we wanted to move Malibu to our home, so we bought a pony and then another and another! I was a much better rider by now and eventually started competing and got involved with Pony Club. In 2022 my pony Birch tore his front right suspensory and was on rest for 6 plus months. I was really sad. In the meantime I could ride my mom’s horse Malibu but she was green and strong for me. I was taking some lessons from a trainer named Shannon and her friend Amy would sometimes watch my lessons. Amy was fighting cancer at that time but doing well. She had a set back and since I had some extra time on my hands, because Birch was still healing, she asked if I could ride her pony Bongo, a rescue pony, to keep him in work for her. Amy’s fight with cancer suddenly turned for the worst and she asked me if I could give Bongo a good home and take care of her pony forever. That week that I had told Amy I would love her pony for her she passed away. This is why I named Bongo, Amy’s 1st love, I wanted to keep her memory alive. Amy loved riding and her horses even though she did so many amazing things in her life, had a husband Wayne and was a really awesome pilot.

  Bongo and I got down to fun right away to get to know each other. We did barrel racing, bareback jumping, fox hunting, swimming, trail riding and xc schooling. Bongo did not have a ton of experience in eventing but I quickly found out he really loved to jump. This was the start of our 2023 eventing season together. Then Bongo and I had a set back because I got kicked by a horse and broke my elbow. Sadly no more jumping for the two of us for at least 6 weeks but I was happy my doctor said I could at least do flat work. When I got my hard cast off we got back to eventing with a stronger foundation in dressage! We did a lot of competitions throughout this season but one of my favorites was the 3 day classic at Waredaca. One thing I have learned is that there is always a silver lining, God is good and what knocks you down makes you stronger if you stay positive. I am so thankful for all of my trainers that have invested in me. Especially this year with Bongo and I, Arianna Almeida, Anthony Forrest, Rebecca Lee …and especially to Shannon Bossung and Amy Parson for bringing Bongo and I together.

Kelly O’Brien and B E Never Say Never - Photo Credit: Amy K Dragoo Photography

Kelly O'Brien and B E Never Say Never
Open Beginner Novice Champion | Catoctin Sporthorses Night Magic Memorial Trophy
Adult Amateur Beginner Novice Champion | America Rising Perpetual Trophy

• From Kelly:

  After a 30 year equestrian hiatus, in 2022 I began riding again under the expert coaching of Susie Beale at Cairn O'Mount Stables in Malvern, PA. My goal was simply to be back in the saddle again. Having come from an Arabian horse and saddle seat background as child/young adult, jumping was a new and scary activity that I thought I might like to learn.

  As with many eventers, the thrill of my first cross country schooling gave me the eventing bug and a desire to compete.

  I began my partnership with Susie's B.E. Never Say Never (Connor) in the fall of 2022. Connor is an 18 year old Dutch Warmblood who always keeps me on my toes!

  We entered my first recognized event in Jan 2023 at Stable View and had a pretty thrilling Beginner Novice season. Connor has been a wonderful ride and we have truly had so much fun in 2023.

  I am so appreciative of Susie and Amanda Beale Clement of Cairn O'Mount for the top-notch coaching, unending support and the opportunity to ride such an amazing horse.

Rebecca Barber Tyler and Bondi Beach - Photo Credit: Alison Green for Shannon Brinkman

Rebecca Barber Tyler and Bondi Beach
Young Event Horse Champion | The Merlin Memorial Trophy Donated By Dr. Elizabeth Callahan

• From Rebecca:

  "Thank you for offering a Young Horse award. I’m obviously biased, but I do believe that Bondi Beach (or Midget Mare, as we call her) has the potential to be something quite special.

  Midget came into my life during the hardest 6 months that I have ever experienced. Between cancer and loosing the ride on two incredibly nice up and coming horses; to say that I was at a low would have been an understatement. When Kim sent me her ad, I giggled…. While, I love little horses, would 15 hands be too small for my build? I tried her, at Ema Klugman’s, while actively going through chemo, and there was something about her that caught my attention. Even incredibly green, she is one of the most natural horses over fences that I have been privileged to worked with. She loves jumping! The more footwork you throw out her the better. And her brain is unmatched. Midget is the type of horse that can country school one day and hack alone bareback in a rope halter the next. Did I mention that she also thinks she is a puppy dog? Midget is the definition of an “in your pocket” personality.

  Less than a year later, I’m in remission and she has a top 10 YEH Championships finish to her name; having held her own against some very nice horses. Midget also finished second in the US Young Event Horse Futurity. To say that I am proud of how far she has come would be an understatement. She completed her season with multiple competitive finishes at Novice and not a single cross XC penalty.

  After the Championships we gave her a well earned vacation. She has come back into work feeling better than ever. I’m excited to see what she can accomplish this coming year!

  Thank you so much to Debbie Rodriguez, Kiki Osbourne, and Kim Severson; whose mentorship has helped her to get to this point. It takes a village and we have a pretty impressive one!"

Emerson Kasley and Global Venture - Photo Credit: Alison Green for Erin Gilmore Photography

Emerson Kasley and Global Venture
"It's The Luck of the Irish" Area II Irish Event Horse Memorial Trophy donated by Tully Cross Farm

• From Emerson:

  "My family purchased Vinny (Global Venture) as he was turning 6. He is by Mountain Pearl (ID) out of Rolling Star (ISH). He has evented some in Ireland with his previous owner.

  Vinny and I have steadily and successfully moving up the levels in the two and a half years we have been together. I am so proud of our 2023 season. Some highlights of our year include finishing 13th at the AEC’s abs 2nd at the Area II Champs both in JRTR. For the Area II Year End Awards we finished 1st Irish Horse, 2nd JRTR, and 3rd TR Open. Vinny and I also placed 6th on the USEA Interscholastic Eventing League Training Leaderboard.

  Of course all of our success could not have been possible without the support of those around us. My family has cheered us on, groomed and driven us countless miles to compete. The coaching of my trainer, Kelley Williams at A Bit Better Farm, has gotten us to where we are today. Her unconditional belief in us will get us to where we hope to be in the future. Vinny and I are planning a move up to Modified in 2024."