Wednesday, April 20, 2011

So I haven't talked about Rolex yet...

Bob and I will be there from Thurs through Sun--the whole enchilada. As I watched the entry list there were no real "Oh goodie!" horse/rider combos, but I knew it was just because I hadn't done my research. Case in point, Amateur rider Frankie Thierot and her Selle Francais gelding Fric Frac Berence -- with her name, you knew he had to be French, right?


So why are they special? 
The things we overcome make us special. As Frankie and were rising up the ranks, Fric lost an eye. At one time one-eyed horses were not allowed to compete in eventing after a certain level. Frankie worked to get 'clearance' to go beyond Prelim and now the one-eye rule has been changed.

Frankie works full time as a Communications Director, Part-time as a correspondent for USEA, and she trains and competes in the most time- and resource-consuming disciplines in equestrian sports. Hats off to you Frankie! You can read more about her, and see a gorgeous photo of her galloping Fric on a California beach, if you check out some of her recent coverage...  USEA Eventing; her Web sitehttp://www.frankiethieriot.com/; and the Rolex featured rider series. You can also see them in action on this Youtube video, about 2' 30" or shortly thereafter...


12 comments:

  1. ElenaApril 20, 2011 at 2:53 PM

    You should check out Tiana Coudray and Ringwood Magister while you're there:) She competes in my area and "Finn" is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful horses I've ever seen. Their dressage is especially lovely!

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  2. Stacey Kimmel-SmithApril 20, 2011 at 3:01 PM

    I saw Tiana (and did a coursewalk with her) during her first ride at Rolex!

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  3. Emily M.April 20, 2011 at 3:10 PM

    I was excited about that too because she is an amateur, but I thought I read on EN that she has withdrawn?

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  4. ValApril 20, 2011 at 3:44 PM

    Fric comes back for a fence really nicely. How do they have enough power to jump after galloping uphill out of the water? I am always amazed by these event horses, one eye or two!

    My horse would probably love this discipline, especially the galloping between fences. I might be up for a low cross country school just to indulge his inner event horse.

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  5. AustenApril 20, 2011 at 5:13 PM

    I love the fact that Fric competes with one eye! It's so inspiring, especially since I know people competing with blind horses!

    Unfortunately, it looks like Frankie withdrew from Rolex. At least, that is according to Eventing Nation: http://eventingnation.com/home/2011/04/monday-news-and-notes-from-ecogold.html

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  6. BizApril 20, 2011 at 5:17 PM

    I totally agree with you Elena!! That horse is a textbook example of engagement and uphill movement, not to mention totally beautiful.

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  7. JeanApril 20, 2011 at 6:06 PM

    You know, every time I watch a bit of cross country, I get a little "pang" of longing. Not that I'd EVER ride a course that size, but galloping a well designed cross country course with nice little jumps well within my skill level was always such fun!!

    That being said, Rolex level is downright intimidating...and positively amazing when one of those talented horse/rider combinations makes it look easy!

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  8. KateApril 20, 2011 at 8:39 PM

    I'm really excited to see Frankie and Fric compete. Unfortunately all of my favourite horse/rider combos will not be there. Selena O'Hanlon and Stephanie Rhodes-Bosche will both be competing at Badminton this weekend along with Hawley and her mount, Gin N Juice. Henry Jota Hampton and Peter Atkins will also be missing from the scene, but for different reasons.
    I'm one of the few people who enjoys watching every single competitor do their dressage test. I know very few people who truly enjoy watching each and every one, and then re-watching them all on DVD! Only 8 days left! Oh, and for all you eventers, don't forget about Badminton this weekend; vet check's tomorrow!

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  9. Stacey Kimmel-SmithApril 20, 2011 at 8:51 PM

    Ack -- I prep a lot of my posts several days in advance, and missed the news they won't be there. Who should I root for????

    SEK

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  10. AustenApril 20, 2011 at 11:22 PM

    You should root for Arthur and Allison Springer! Arthur would make a fabulous dressage horse, if he wasn't such a wonderful eventer!

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  11. ChristelApril 21, 2011 at 9:10 AM

    I was really hoping to get to Rolex, there look to be some good riders this year, but the barn fire really screwed things up. The car I'm borrowing can't make the trip, and I need the personal property loss money to cover expenses for a while. So I'll just live vicariously through you and the blog. Maybe we can meet up next year :)

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  12. HeidiApril 21, 2011 at 9:37 AM

    I am going to be there, too! This is my third year and it's so addicting!

    I'm rooting for Debbie Rosen and The Alchemyst. Al looks exactly like my horse and Debbie is awesome because she's a cancer survivor!

    Of course, I always cheer for Boyd ;-)

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