|
Remington XXV |
While driving home from Lexington,
it is a fantastic feeling knowing that all the hard work and preparation paid
off for this year's Rolex Kentucky three-day event.
Otis stepped up this weekend and confirmed my belief in him being one
of the best horses in the world. He showed resilience, speed and heart on the
cross-country to prove to me that he can jump any cross-country course put in
front of him, anywhere in the world. Eighteen months ago when I first saw this
horse in France,
I had an inkling that this was an awesome horse. I'm truly blessed
that ten people put their money up, believing in my evaluation of his potential.
So I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the shareholders for standing
behind me and supporting me and this horse, and I can't tell you how excited I
am knowing that his illustrious career is just beginning.
|
Syndicate members, from left: Boyd, Fernanda Kellog,Gloria
Callen, Silva Martin, Lindsey Taylor, Kirk Henckels, Craig Callen.
| | |
Remington once again showed how important it is to have a horse at this
level that won't give up and keeps trying and trying and trying. Over the
years, certain experts had questions marks on him, but you have to admire a horse
that keeps dancing around four-star after four-star. I believe that I had the
little guy fitter than ever this year, which contributed to his eighth-place
finish. Ron and Densey Juvonen have been exceptional owners and supporters
of mine since I stepped foot in America.
They are unbelievable owners that show their support and understanding not only
when things are going right, but also when you are overcoming hurdles and
setbacks.
|
Press Conference (Boyd, left, and winner William Fox-Pitt, right) |
There is a massive team around these horses that contributed to this
great result. First and foremost, I'd like to thank my wife, Silva, who not
only trained me and the horses in the dressage phase, but also prepared very
healthy meals for the last two months, making sure the boys weren't luggng
around too much weight on Saturday.
Also, my head groom/manager/organizer, Lindsey
Taylor, who spends hours and hours ensuring that these horses are in peak
condition. My staff at the farm: Caitlin, Sara, Emily and Beau, have helped in
the fitness work and the care of these athletes. The veterinarians Dr. Kevin
Keane and Dr. Mary Griffin and the horseshoer Doug Neilson have also
contributed to the amazing condition that we saw these horses in on Sunday
morning.
Over the winter I had instruction from Bettina Hoy, Captain Mark
Phillips and Lauren Hough who have all been instrumental in fine-tuning these
horses' performances. Lastly I'd like to make big cheers to one of the greatest
influences of my life, Phillip Dutton. This man keeps contributing to my
understanding of conditioning, training and strategy for events at this level.
He is a true example of a completely unselfish person, always willing to help his
students and fellow competitors at these massive events when he is trying to
concentrate on his own horses. Phillip, you're a legend.
-Boyd