The Rolex Kentucy 3-Day Event is the most well-known eventing competition in the US and is the only 4-star (highest level there is) eventing competition in the western hemisphere. Competitors come from all over the world, and this year there’s a total of 81 entrants.
 |
| Like a boss. 2013 Rolex Winners Andrew Nicholson & Quimbo Photo from COTH |
 |
| Photo from USEA |
Deborah Rosen
 |
| Weeeee! Photo from Facebook |
Bunnie Sexton
 |
| Through the famous London Olympics horseshoe jump. Photo from Eventing Nation |
Tiana Coudray
 |
| Photo from Eventing Nation |
Jolie Wentworth
From Martinez, CA
USEA Rider Profile
Facebook Page
Kismet Farms
This will be Jolie’s 3rd trip to Rolex, and 2nd time there aboard Ari (GoodKnight), a bay Selle Francais gelding. They won the 2012 Rebecca Broussard Endowment Grant and used it to compete at the Luhmuhlen 4-star event in Germany last year. I haven’t met Jolie personally but she sure is an elegant rider, and I’ve heard nothing but compliments from friends who’ve ridden with her and Tracy at Kismet Farms.
And our returning riders from 2013 Rolex…
 |
| Little horse. Big jump. No problem. Photo from Facebook |
Hawley Bennett-Awad
From Temecula, CA
USEA Rider Profile
Facebook Page
Hawley Bennett Eventing
Hawley is probably the most famous California rider, though she represents Canada at international competitions. She operates Hawley Bennett Eventing out of Kingsway Farm in Temecula. She and Ginny (Gin & Juice) are headed to Rolex for the 3rd time together – last year they placed 7th! They’ve done quite a bit of international competition – in fact, this is their 7th 4-star event! I had the privilege to clinic with Hawley earlier this year, and I’ve watched them compete numerous times. Ginny is an adorable bay Thoroughbred mare. Hawley lovingly refers to Ginny as her “pocket rocket” because she is small (15.3) but go-go-go!
Facebook Page
Kristi operates Kristi Nunnink Eventing out of Next Star Farm in Auburn, CA. This will be her and her horse Rosie (R-Star)’s 5th time at Rolex – last year they placed 8th! Rosie is a beautiful gray Holsteiner mare. They competed at Pau, France last year and are constantly in the top placings at West Coast events.
 |
| Photo from USEA |
James Alliston
From Castro Valley, CA
USEA Rider Profile
Facebook Page
James Alliston Eventing
James operates James Alliston Eventing and is a partner in East Bay Riding Academy. Last year James took 3 horses to Rolex, and this year he is returning solely aboard his horse Parker, a bay Thoroughbred gelding. This will be their 4th trip to Rolex together – last year they they finished 14th! James represents Great Britain at international competitions, and I’ve had the pleasure to watch them compete numerous times.
Woohoo California riders! I’ll be rooting for ya!!
Ohhh.. I liked the article on Bunnie! I hope she and her OTTB do well! Thanks for sharing this info, it makes me wonder who is coming from my part of the map.
LikeLike
Go Hawley! –
Sport Horse is Canadian Sport Horse – it just means they were approved and one of their parents is registered. Doesn't matter what. Anything can get in though, I have seen some pretty ugly horses that are CSH. Love the Alchemist though!
LikeLike
Yeah CA riders!!! :)
LikeLike
Yeah its nice to root for the home team, so to speak!
LikeLike
Hehe sounds like the American Warmblood situation. Pretty much everything qualifies.
LikeLike
Lots of West Coast action this year!
LikeLike