2007 Rolex CCI**** Report - Karen’s Big Ride
Theodore O’Connor, bred and owned by Wynn Norman and Sportponies Unlimited, made history
this past weekend as the first pony to compete at Rolex since its inception in
1978. A record number of fans turned out this year to see Karen and the bionic
pony go head
to head with some of the best horse/rider combinations from around the world.
They weren
’t disappointed, as Karen and Teddy thrilled the crowds during all three phases
of this four star event.
With the sky threatening on Thursday morning, Karen and the super pony were the
first to go in the dressage phase of the 2007 Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event.
Teddy’s fans were delighted to watch a lovely test that received good marks from the
three judges. With a consistent and relaxed test, the pair started the day by
proving that all their hard work through the winter had paid off. Completing
their test just before the heavens opened up, they received a score of 55.7,
which placed them in a tie with John Williams and Sloopy for 7th place at the
end of the first day of competition.
Cross country day dawned much better in the weather department - dry with cool
temperatures and excellent footing. The course, designed by Mike
Etherington-Smith for the 15th time, was HUGE. It followed a similar route to
last year, with many familiar features in play again, along with some changes
to keep things interesting.
The pressure was on with Karen and Teddy leading off the competition. Karen used
her talent and years of experience to produce just the right kind of warm-up,
and the pony was calm and confident as they set off on their history-making
four star run. The ride was nothing short of amazing.
Teddy absolutely soared over every obstacle, making it look easy. Whether it was
a maximum spread or a complicated combination, this 14.1 hand pony and his
three time Rolex champion/two time Olympic medallist rider showed the rest of
the competitors how it should be done. It was incredible to watch as Teddy had
to jump a course of solid fences that were over his head.
He has a tremendous length of stride, great springs and a big jump - all of
which come together with his huge heart to make what seems impossible become
possible. The fans were elated to watch Karen and Teddy cross the finish line
with only 4.4 time faults added to their dressage score!
Sunday was a beautiful day and the anticipation was great coming into the
stadium jumping phase. Theodore O
’Connor and Karen were standing in 9th place, and jumping in reverse order of
placing would mean they were near the end. The previous competitors had many
rails falling, along with trouble making the time, and it would be a challenge
to have a clean round with Teddy. Once again, the fences were enormous, but the
pony was up to the challenge The crowd cheered as Karen and Teddy entered the
arena, but was hushed as he began his round. You could hear a pin drop. With
each clean jump the excitement continued to build, as spectators were amazed
with Karen
’s precision and Teddy’s scope. As they crossed the finish line the fans erupted into wild applause,
realizing that Karen and Teddy had accomplished one of the only two double
clear rounds!
At the end of the day, Theodore O’Connor and Karen were in third place, and Teddy also received the Best
Conditioned
“Horse” award. What a way to end this historic performance. “Never in my wildest dreams,” said the human O'Connor after show jumping. “It’s been like a fairy tale. I’ve never had more fun than I had this weekend with this pony. He feels like a
giant out there.
“I’d love to take him to the Pan Ams,” she said. “He’s only just getting started.”
Stay tuned for future adventures of the amazing bionic pony!
