Courtney and Who’s a Star Complete the Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event

Who's a Star XC Drop into Head of the Lake - Rolex 2016 - Michelle DunnCourtney and the team recently returned home from Rolex and what a week it was! Talk about excitement, anticipation and fulfillment, last week was all about making dreams come true. Courtney completed her first four-star event with C Square Farm’s first homebred, Who’s A Star (“Tag”) in fine fashion–you would have never thought they were rookies to the event if you watched their cross-country round!

We’re excited to share with you all the highlights from the weekend! All of the phone calls, texts and e-mails of support were so greatly appreciated and really allowed the team to rock this past week. Thank you doesn’t even seem to cover it! And as always, a special shout-out to all our sponsors for making sure Courtney and Tag had everything they needed to make their weekend a success – we couldn’t do what we do without you!

Rolex 2016 Course Walk - Courtney & Sid - Kelly Beaver PhotoCourtney and Who’s A Star arrived at the Kentucky Horse Park last Monday in order to give Tag plenty of time to get settled in. The pair soaked up the atmosphere in the days leading up to the first horse inspection and you couldn’t wipe the smile off of Courtney’s face if you wanted to! Assistant and groom, Sidney Baughman was Courtney’s right hand woman throughout the entire weekend making sure both she and Tag were prepared for every phase of the competition.

Tag jogged down the strip during the first horse inspection like a seasoned pro and was instantly accepted!

Who's a Star Trot 2 - Rolex 2016 - Mike McNallyIt was then onto dressage for the pair where they put in a very workmanlike test to score a 50.9. Together they put in lovely trot work and had just a small bobble in the canter. Courtney was super pleased with her first four-star test and happy to be sitting on a competitive score heading into cross-country day.

Who's a Star Rolex 2016 Rolex Gallop - Mike McNallyCross-country day turned out to be a typical Kentucky spring afternoon with showers and heavy downpours most of the day. Luckily, Courtney rode before the footing became too heavy and turned in an impressive round. Besides a run out at the double brushes, Who’s A Star stepped up to the plate in less than ideal conditions to finish the course with just one stop and a handful of time penalties.

Every competitor mentioned that this year’s course was a true test of stamina and Tag never showed any signs of fatigue even as he neared the finish flags. Courtney came through the finish visibly elated giving Tag the praise he deserved for trying his heart out!

Who's a Star SJ Rolex 2016 - Amy DragooCourtney and Who’s A Star passed the final horse inspection with flying colors and went on to put in one of only a few clear jumping rounds! They incurred a couple of time penalties but left all the rails in the cups over a course that had an average of two rails down per horse and rider combination!

Finishing one of the toughest events in the world on a horse you bred yourself is one of the biggest accomplishments in the equestrian world that Courtney will never forget! Courtney is already looking ahead to next year and plans to be back in Kentucky and produce even better results.

Click on the images below for links to video of Courtney and Who’s a Star.

Video courtesy of USEFNetwork.com