The Legacy Cup Is On
Special Coverage by Diana DeRosa

Manolo Wins Restricted Pro 3' Finals and Pulitzer Wins Go Round

Just like Tammy, Kristi Cardalico also had a first and second place finish in her division. On the grey Manolo she was 1st and on the bay Tycoon 2nd in the Restricted Pro 3’ Finals.

“He is very nice to ride,” said Kristi about Manolo. “He's got a beautiful jump and a very nice canter. He was good when he entered the ring. He walked in and perked up a little like he knew this was a special class.”

While her horses energy level was rising to just the right height, Kristi had to be sure hers didn’t rise too much. She had won the same class last year on Say the Word and was feeling a little bit of the pressure to do it again.

“I was second going into today. But when I got into the ring I focused on the riding.” Kristi knew that if she allowed the pressure to control her she might override so the key was not to allow herself to get distracted on the horse that she has only ridden a few times and hadn’t ridden all winter.

For the Go Round (the first phase of the two-round Restricted division) Manolo was second to Pulitzer. In the Finals Pulitzer finished 3rd after Kristi’s two mounts.

Pulitzer, whose barn name is Noah, is a 10-year-old, 16H, grey, Warmblood gelding.

“He is so easy to ride,” commented Chrystal Knight after his win. “He is a perfect Adult Amateur Horse. He knows his job and does it and he likes it inside (the Legacy Cup takes place in the indoor arena). He rose to the occasion.”

Pulitzer was also feeling fresh because he hadn’t competed since November. During those months off he was enjoying the life of a pleasure horse going trail riding and relaxing.

“I was really excited to win. I don't get a lot of opportunities to show a nice horse like that. So many of them are green and young and so it was nice to go in on one that knows the ropes. You don't have to worry about anything you can go in and have fun,” she continued.