by Shelby Allen
Galloway Sunrise has been a horse of many firsts for 24-year-old Fylicia Barr. She was the first person to sit on “Sunny” after she and her mother found the mare listed on Craiglist for $500. Since then, they’ve tackled it all together: from their first Preliminary to their first International win, which they accomplished today in the CCI4*-L at Jersey Fresh.
Only one rail came down in an otherwise masterful ride to give Fylicia and Shannon Barr’s 10-year-old American Warmblood a final score of 38.2.
“We’ve always struggled with the show jumping, but my eye was in and she was just jumping out of her skin for me. I’m really pleased with her,” Fylicia said.
“Despite the weather, she came in and put down nearly a foot perfect show jump round. I’ve brought her along from the ground up. It’s been a long time coming, and I feel like all the pieces came together this weekend.”
Once she gets over the butterflies from this fairytale weekend, Fylicia plans to keep chipping away this year with eyes on Kentucky in 2020.
Four-star long debutants, Arden Wildasin and Il Vici, a 15-year-old Thoroughbred (Galileo x Ladyeri, by Salieri), who is owned by Arden and Sarah Wildasin nailed a second place finish. They tapped one rail for a three-phase score of 43.2.
“Coming into today, that rail is my fault — I have so much more to learn, and I didn’t have my balance, so I slipped the reins and he tried. That was just unfortunate, but he was amazing. I am so grateful to have him, and I’m so grateful to have my mom and dad who have supported all my journeys in eventing,” she said. “I’ve learned to enjoy every moment. That’s the biggest thing: no matter what happens you enjoy it, because you never know when it’s going to end.”
Meghan O’Donohue had one rail and one extra second of time for third place with Palm Crescent on a score of 45.2.
Jacob Fletcher and Van Gough finished on a score of 51 for fifth place, and Caroline Martin was sixth with Danger Mouse on 57.9 points.
Of the 11 finishers, only 2 jumped clear over Chris Barnard’s track: Emily Beshear with Olney Uncle Sam, who finished 6th, and Allison Springer with Sapphire Blue B, who finished 7th.
A massive thank you is due to Amy Flemming-Waters for her beautiful photos this weekend.
This article originally appeared on Eventing Nation and is published here with permission. Find our more in our sections on Recreation & Lifestyle and Eventing.
