I’ve done a lot since Morven—my favorite thing for me in April was going to Fair Hill with Storm. I walked the course and thought it was massive, but really well designed with great flow. I knew if I had a great run there, I’d be ready for Bromont because it was as big as the 4-star had looked at Bromont last year. Storm did not disappoint! Dressage is still work in progress and I had one down in the show jumping, but I had the best cross-country I’ve done with him yet. I was super excited because it made me feel like I was on the right track for my goal that I had set out to do last year—the 4-long at Bromont in 2024.
First, I had to go to Tryon in order to do the 4-short because I wasn’t qualified for Bromont. Our dressage test was fine, about the same as I have been doing, and I know it will be better than it is right now. I had 2 rails in the show jumping, #4 was mine because I got there too deep. The last one was unlucky, Storm barely rubbed it behind. We had a great cross-country, with a much better rhythm to start than I’ve had. We finished in the top ten, which was a nice bonus, and I’d finally got my qualifications for the Bromont 4-long.
First, I had to go to Tryon in order to do the 4-short because I wasn’t qualified for Bromont. Our dressage test was fine, about the same as I have been doing, and I know it will be better than it is right now. I had 2 rails in the show jumping, #4 was mine because I got there too deep. The last one was unlucky, Storm barely rubbed it behind. We had a great cross-country, with a much better rhythm to start than I’ve had. We finished in the top ten, which was a nice bonus, and I’d finally got my qualifications for the Bromont 4-long.
Shaena Putnam and Jan, photo by Kelty O'Donoghue Bromont has beautiful galloping tracks and country, and feels like a destination event because most people speak French. If you’re trying to make up a horse for the long run, it is the place to go in the spring. It will teach your horse how to deal with terrain, and the courses are designed by one of the best in world, Derek Di Grazia. I scored about same as I have been at this level in dressage. Storm’s balance was the right idea, but he needs to be more supple within that. He was amazing cross-country, he felt like he read everything we did. He lost a shoe when I landed from fence #4 and cut his heel, then lost the other front shoe landing from the skinny in the arena when he slipped on the second stride. The footing was great so he didn’t mind being barefoot but it wasn’t ideal.
 Photo by Sally Spickard |  Photo by Sally Spickard |
Video courtesy of RNS Video
I was super disappointed in myself in show jumping. I needed a better rhythm to start and had #2 and #3 down behind. Then, I hit the gas to #6 and pulled to a perfect 6 1/2 and went through it. After that, my round was amazing. I’m pretty proud to have a 4-long horse, and if you know me at all, you’ll believe I will be better in all three phases next time, because I always strive to be best I can be. I love my horse!
It was so nice to have Sara Schulman in the 3-long with her horse, Cooley Chromatic. She set the goal last year of competing again at Bromont when she won the 2-long in 2023. Sara ended up 4th in her first time at the level.
I can’t thank Shaena Putnam enough for helping me and making Storm look beautiful. It was amazing to have Mom, Dad and my sister, Kris, make the trip again to support me. It was even better having Nancy Winter’s horse win the 4-long with my friend Allison Springer, and great to have Annika and Susan come and cheer me on.
It was so nice to have Sara Schulman in the 3-long with her horse, Cooley Chromatic. She set the goal last year of competing again at Bromont when she won the 2-long in 2023. Sara ended up 4th in her first time at the level.
I can’t thank Shaena Putnam enough for helping me and making Storm look beautiful. It was amazing to have Mom, Dad and my sister, Kris, make the trip again to support me. It was even better having Nancy Winter’s horse win the 4-long with my friend Allison Springer, and great to have Annika and Susan come and cheer me on.
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