Mary-Haskins Dressage Takes CBLM Championships in Stride
New Bern, NC (November 13, 2013) – At the Autumn Leaves Dressage and CBLM Championships, October 30-November 3, in Williamston, NC, Mary Haskins Gurganus rode an emotional roller coaster, taking her stallion, Richmond, to the highest (75%) individual judge’s score of their career and CBLM Open Prix St. Georges Championship title (72.70%), before rushing him to NC State Veterinary School Hospital when colic struck shortly after their ride.
“After Friday’s CBLM class, Richmond gave us a huge scare,” said Gurganus of her 2013 Open Small Tour and 2012 Wellington Cup champion. “Needless to say, I scratched all horses showing Saturday. Ramone went in ‘cold’ to his CBLM Open First Level Championship on Sunday.”
Gurganus and her 16.1 hand chestnut son of Richmond still managed a game Top Ten finish. “Ramone was tenth. I’m really proud of him because he is only four and ribboned among a huge group of top older horses and top riders.”
Gurganus is grateful that she can look back at what both achieved that weekend and still hug them now. “Initially, the high point was receiving our highest scores to date and winning the championship, but all that was trumped by our scare and learning – thankfully – that Richmond was going to be okay.”
“I’m so very proud of my horses. Richmond was a trooper and battled his colic, and required no surgery. Ramone stepped up, in the worst of circumstances and with not much schooling, to ribbon in a huge championship against top riders and horses much older and more experienced than he is.”
Good riding – and recovery – will have their reward. Back home at Bethanna Perry’s Rollover Downs in New Bern, she has “lots of hacking and R&R” planned for both horses before the winter circuit starts. Meanwhile she’ll also be refining Haskins-Dressage sales prospects for the new season, including a “super fancy” FEI Grand Prix candidate, and current rising star, Ramone.
For complete information on dressage sale horses and Haskins-Dressage, visit www.maryhaskinsdressage.com.
Photo: Mary-Haskins Gurganus and Richmond at the Autumn Leaves Dressage and CBLM Championships. (Courtesy of WNC Photography)
Contact Mary-Haskins Gurganus mhgurganusdressage@yahoo.com (919) 306-9617 www.maryhaskinsdressage.com
