The road to Leesburg, Virginia from Tamra Smith’s (USA) eventing stable in Temecula, California is long.

The road to success is even longer, and sometimes includes a galloping Derek di Graza (USA) track in between to ensure you’re short of breath by the end. Smith, 2020 Tokyo Olympian and reigning world number 13, masterfully negotiated both at the Morven Park Fall International CCI4*-L with nine-year-old mare Solaguayre California.

The pair took the lead after Saturday’s cross country phase and Smith had no plans of compromising their near impeccable 29.7 score. On Sunday, they delivered a clean effort over Chris Barnard’s show jumping track to secure the win.

It is Smith’s first time at Morven, though the victory is extra special because her partnership with the Holsteiner mare wasn’t all rainbows and butterflies in the beginning. They’ve been together over two-years now, but they needed time to work through some growing pains.

“We had a little bit of a rough start. I broke my ankle when I fell off of her at the beginning of the year, and then it just seemed to shake her confidence,” said Smith.

It’s difficult to imagine Solaguayre California ever having a rattled confidence while she was taking Sunday’s victory gallop. Especially considering that the 4* level is ambitious for a nine-year-old horse, nevermind winning the event with a three point margin.

Following in second place was William Coleman (USA) and 10-year-old gelding Chin Tonic HS on a score of 32.6. Rounding out the podium was Mia Farley (USA) who finished on her dressage score of 34.4 with nine-year-old gelding Phelps.

“I’m thrilled with [Solaguayre California]. To end on a sub-30 score is a brilliant result, so I’m very happy,” said Smith.

“It’s just really cool to be producing her because she was just barely starting to move up to preliminary when I got her. It’s been really fun. It’s so awesome, especially with a mare. They take another element of trust, and she’s just got something really special and exciting about her.”

Erin Gilmore Photography

Conversely, William Coleman’s partnership with Chin Tonic is anything but untested.

“Vicky [Castegren of Hyperion Stud] has owned this horse since he was two years old. We’ve had him together since the very beginning, and it’s been really cool,” said Coleman his exuberant partner of eight years.

“I would say [he’s] none the worse [after the cross country phase]. He had plenty of energy. I wish maybe [Saturday] had taken a little more out of him. He was pretty fresh!”

The horses from Morven have earned themselves a relaxing Monday with extra carrots.

Feature Image: Erin Gilmore Photography