October 24, 2022 
At 28-years-old, American eventer Jacob Fletcher is still figuring things out.
Though he’s doing so quite quickly.
On Sunday at the CCI4*-S Event at TerraNova, Fletcher tackled the Mark Phillip’s cross country track with 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding Fabian, and the pair came out the other side victorious.
Their 45.0 point score is a reflection of an impressive first dressage day and a learning experience in the show jumping arena, where he collected a rail and some time faults.
“I got here a day early and kind of settled in, [so] he handled the dressage really well. He got quite excited for the show jumping. There was a lot of atmosphere, I think, for the show jumping, so it was good practice for that in the future,” said Fletcher.
It was the cross country where Fabian shined this week, and what ultimately clinched his second CCI4*-S win this year after jumping in Tryon in May.
“He handled the atmosphere really well on cross country…It’s my first time around one of the FEI tracks [here]. The courses rode great. Everything went really well with the show jumping track and the dressage as well.”
For a developing rider, it can be hard to keep your cool while in the running for a podium finish in an event of this caliber. But Fletcher has a good head on his shoulders and an unfailing philosophy; trust the process. He advises his peers to do the same.
“I think stick with one program until you know it in and out before you start bouncing around. And I know I’m saying that after I just said I’m riding with four or five people, but I have a good base system for myself, and so I can grab from other people. I think you should stick with one program until you know it in and out and not move too quick,” said Fletcher.
Mary Bess Davis (USA) sealed her silver place with nine-year-old gelding Imperio Magic on 45.5 points, marking a momentous return to 4* competition after taking a lengthy break from showing to raise two children. TerraNova proves Davis is back better than ever, and she has the horse to match her revitalized ambitions.
“I was thrilled with McColl’s performance today. He was incredibly brave and all business out there. The weekend was a great accomplishment for both of us,” Davis said.
In third was Saturday’s leaders, Sara Kozumplik (USA) and her longtime partner, 17-year-old Selle Français gelding Rubens D’ysieux with 48.1 points.
