October 22, 2022 
“One line that I heard a long time ago that I really love, and I think applies to all disciplines, is ‘if you didn’t bring it to the horse show, you’re not gonna find it here,'” said Sara Kozumplik (USA).
Living up to her favorite equestrian proverb, Kozumplik and her career partner, 17-year-old Selle Français gelding Rubens D’ysieux, arrived in Myakk City, Florida at TerraNova Equestrian Center for the CCI4*-S well prepared. On Saturday, during the show jumping phase, the pair jumped into the lead. They’ll depart from the start box on Sunday and challenge Mark Phillip’s cross country track on a score of 35.7 points.
By nature, eventing riders are the adrenaline junkies of the horse world, so you might expect they’re busy getting fired up before they step in the stirrups. Kozumplik, though, prefers a more meditative experience to prepare herself for the task.
“I walk the course, then I like to have a little quiet time to think about those things. I don’t do a ton of jumping in the cross-country warmup. I’m on good horses and they’re prepared,” said Kozumplik.
Kozumplik can say that with certainty. She’s had the ride on Rubens D’ysieux since 2016, there’s no question that Kozumplik knows her horse better than anyone.
“He’s very secure in his soul. He’s an exceptional horse and in many ways, he’s very smart. He’s gifted, he is kind and he’s lovely to have around but doesn’t need anyone to tell him he’s good. He’s already quite aware,” gushed Kozumplik.
Though education in the saddle never ceases no matter how well acquainted the pair, whether they’re able to remain leaders after closing out cross country is still to be determined.
Trailing just behind is Mary Bess Davis (USA) with her nine-year-old gelding Imperio Magic. They rose from seventh place after dressage but skyrocketed to second on a score of 36.7 points after show jumping. TerraNova marks his second 4*, and Davis’s return to this level on account of a lengthy break from competition.
“I had two kids and took a break. And so, coming into this weekend, it was all about just doing the best we can do at this moment and trying to put together three strong disciplines. It’s all a gift to me [and so much fun] to be back at this level that I go in very excited, but also relaxed because I’m happy to be back here and I’m on such an incredible horse,” Davis said.
Imperio Magic has had his share of mixed emotions this week, and he’s still learning how to ‘read the ring’ per se. But that doesn’t bother Davis in the slightest. She welcomes his spirited character, no matter the phase.
“[He was] a little excited in dressage, but that wouldn’t be uncommon for him. He’s coming into his own in the dressage arena. For the show jumping, he was a little bit wild in the warmup,” Davis said.
“He is such an amazing animal. He comes in and he uses all that energy in all the right ways. It was such a fun time because he was focused and he was all about his job.”
Currently slated for third, and only 0.3 points off (37.0), is Jacob Fletcher (USA) and his 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding Fabian. The Brit is one to watch, winning the CCI4*-S in Tryon in May, and we can expect he’s hoping there is another win in the cards.
Kozumplik, Davis and Fletcher aren’t relying on any Hail Marys or magic to seal their podium finishes, just good preparation. But of course, a little bit of luck never hurts.
