On Thursday, world number four Conor Swail (IRL) and his top horse, 15-year-old gelding Count Me In, snagged another win; the CSIO5* Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ 1.60m CANA Cup.

Coming hot off their hometown victory in the CSIO5* Longines Aga Kahn Nations Cup at the Dublin Horse Show last month, Swail is well adjusted to the spotlight by now. Yet he’s not quick to take all of the credit at the podium, or even very much of it at all. Instead, he points to his team behind the scenes who get him to the ring in winning form.

“I get on every day and ride for an hour or two, but they’re the ones putting in all the hard work, making sure he [Count Me In] is healthy, ensuring he’s traveling from A to B correctly,” said Swail.

“We’re obviously very good at what we do but it’s the team behind you that makes it all work and makes the success happen.”

If you’ve ever visited the FEI area in the hours before and after a class, you’d find stables from more than a dozen nations all in a perfectly choreographed hustle. Comprised of grooms, flat riders and wellness professionals, teams have their routine timed down to the minute. They each perform an hours long regime of prep and aftercare that involves ice, massage elements, wraps, exercise and grooming.

For the Irishman, you’ll also find a charming puppy called Ralph bounding up and down the aisle, or later evaluating the course on Swail’s heels.

While each system varies by stable and individual horse, any winning professional will echo the same sentiment: It takes a village (and often a good barn dog/mascot).

On Thursday, Swail’s team bested 37 combinations from 17 nations when Count Me In, aka “Crosby,” negotiated the Leopoldo Palacios designed jump-off in a blistering 43.46 seconds. Following just under a second behind was Daniel Deusser (GER) and 11-year-old Stallion Bingo Ste Hermelle in 44.50 seconds. Rounding out the podium was Frenchman Marc Dilasser and 10-year-old gelding Chamann Has in 45.20 seconds.

SM Media/Tony Lewis

Swail’s result in the CANA Cup qualifies him for Sunday’s Rolex Major, and after riding a wave of career highlights he’s already chomping at the bit to have a crack at the class.

“I’m very excited because my horse is on good form. He’s already jumped here during the summer and he’s been second in the Grand Prix [CP ‘International’, presented by Rolex] here. He always gives me good chances, so if I have a bit of luck on Sunday we’ll hopefully be knocking on the door in or around the top spot,” said Swail.

In any case, Swail might not need much luck. With a 58% top ten finish and 42% clear round rate at 1.60m according to JUMPR App, Crosby has the record to jump clear over that threshold. But we’ll have to wait until Sunday to know for sure.

Feature Image: Rolex Grand Slam / Ashley Neuhof