Posted, February 1, 2006

Ocala Winter Horse Trials 1 at The Florida Horse Park

Carol Ogden — A Leader In Her Own Right
By Text and photos by Shaneen Kohler

Ogden said competing at the horse park has been interesting. “Every time we come here there is something new. This time, it was the footing, which was wonderful.” She said they didn’t have to drag the new footing all day, and it held up. She also said the event was well run and well organized, which is quite a compliment coming from Ogden, who has been to multiple events in England.

“In England, the whole town gets involved. Here, it is pretty localized,” said Ogden. The shows over there are huge. They can run a lot of horses in one day, in addition to entry fees being lower and prizes more substantial (on average), said Ogden.

When in England, she visit her friend Cindy Rawson, who was long-listed for the Olympic team, rode in the World Equestrian Games in Rome and competes at Burghley. “She used to be my student, and now I am her student,” laughed Ogden.

When training, Ogden believes in broadening her outlook. She competes in dressage and jumper shows, in addition to three-day events. She also foxhunts when she gets the chance. She credits her success to In Rhythm being a “real ‘tryer.’ He likes people and likes to go out an do different things.” Plus, every time she rides, she tries to do something new.

Carol Ogden may not be on the top of the leader list at events, but she is a leader and every day she proves it either through her support of the industry or her support of all the other riders around her..