Va.-based rider trains at Three Runs Plantation 3/21/2010 12:33 AM By BEN BAUGH Staff writer
Eventer Allison Springer's determination to excel has served her well throughout her life and career.
The Virginia-based rider, who winters in Aiken, is taking part in the U.S. Equestrian Federation's High Performance Training Sessions.
The 35-year-old eventer and her 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding Arthur have been working with U.S. Eventing Chef d'Equipe Capt. Mark Phillips, as well as Katie Prudent (show jumping), a three-time American Grand Prix Association Rider of the Year (1982, 1986 and 1988), and two-time World Equestrian Games participant Oded Shimoni (dressage) at Three Runs Plantation.
Springer had been working with Prudent prior to the High Performance Training Sessions and has developed and improved as a rider, she said.
"I'm thrilled that they're using Katie Prudent," said Springer. "She's one of the best horsewomen I've ever met. I started working with her about a year ago. Both she and her husband (Henri Prudent) came to help Jan Byyny and myself. I've learned so much in the year. I wish I would have known when I started with Arthur what I've learned in the last year riding with her (Prudent)."
Springer and Arthur's time with Shimoni has also been extremely productive. At the end of the day, you have to be a good horsemen and know what's best for your horse, she said.
"Oded takes it to a whole new level," said Springer. "I think he's used to Warmbloods and top-level dressage, so I think there's been a little bit of a transition in working with our horses. ... I've learned so much from Katie, Mark and Oded. You have to have the confidence and the horsemanship to know what you need to do and what to bring in (to the training sessions)."
Arthur placed 14th at the Rolex Kentucky four-star Concours Complet International in 2009.
Springer and the 17-hands gelding by Brandenburg's Windstar won the Zeppa International Award as Best Turned-Out at Rolex Kentucky in 2009.
"Arthur is here and is on track for Rolex," said Springer.
Her other advanced level horse, the 16.3-hands, 12-year-old Thoroughbred Destination Known - or Burger, as he's known around the barn - is nearing a return, she said.
"He's going to start his season a bit later," said Springer, who owns Destination Known. "He'll actually do Bromont or Luhmuhlen if I can get the funding. Burger and Arthur are great. Destination Known isn't ready to do Rolex, but he's ready to do a four-star. Bromont would be his fourth three-star. He's ready to do a four-star, but it will be a matter of funding."
Springer would like to have both Arthur and Destination Known considered for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games this fall at the Kentucky Horse Park.
"That's the goal - to have a good competition," said Springer. "All of my competitions leading up to Rolex have went well. Arthur was fabulous at Red Hills; he did the three-star World Cup class. The World Cup show jumping is tougher or just as tough as Kentucky show jumping. It was great for my horse to jump clean in the show, jumping because that's what I've worked on a lot with Katie Prudent. It's a great and huge opportunity to represent your country."
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