Kylee Arbuckle, winner of the Karen Healey Open Equitation Challenge. PC: Alden Corrigan Media
Karen Healey is one of the most recognizable and iconic trainers and judges in the United States – starting out at Hunterdon learning under George Morris in the early 1970s and going on to build her own business on the west coast, where she developed riders like Mia Wood, Lauren Kay and Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum. As a USEF R-rated judge, she’s pinned some of the biggest shows in the world, including Devon, the Hampton Classic, Pony Finals and more.
This past Saturday at Sonoma Horse Park, organizers decided to honor the legendary Karen Healey, and in true Karen form, she insisted the occasion was an opportunity to for riders to grow, learn, and compete by designing the course and judging the Open Equitation Challenge herself.
Karen Healey at Judges Table in Sonoma. PC: Alden Corrigan Media.
No small feat considering what she has been through recently: Karen underwent a back surgery in early December which had significant complications, and because of blockages in her spinal column, left one of her legs partially paralyzed.
She’s had additional surgery and extensive physical therapy and continues to fight a battle for mobility, but she has remained absolutely unwavering in her commitment to the sport. The Open Eq at Sonoma was a great opportunity for her to get back out there with the community she loves.
“First of all it was very emotional for me to do this class because (Sonoma Facility Manager) Ashley Herman has done so much to try to help me when my leg was paralyzed,” Said Karen. “She has really been trying to help and it was a huge honor for me.”
Karen Healey and Scott Starnes putting finishing touches on Open Eq course. PC: Alden Corrigan Media
Karen used a modified version of the course she used at the USET Finals last year to fit the Sonoma ring, and was really pleased with the challenge it laid out for the riders and the ultimate result.
“For the most part they rode pretty well, the top ones were very, very good. It was tough but it was supposed to be a champions class and I kept it 3′ 3″. I don’t think anything was impossible, but it tested them. It asked them to go forward, it asked them to come back, jump off a turn, to be able to hold out and do the correct bend; so everything I teach was in the course.”
Kylee and Cocon in their winning presentation. PC: Alden Corrigan Media
The class winners of this singular occasion were Kylee Arbuckle and Cocon 4, who happened to be making their inaugural outing at this level of competition.
“The mare I rode was actually Ned Glynn’s jumper that we are now going to turn into an equitation horse,” Kylee said. “It was her first time ever doing equitation or jumping flowers, so it was really fun. Ned let me ride her we wanted to see what she was going to be like and she was awesome! We knew she was going to be brave, and so it was just fun for me to go out and do that.”
Kylee also shared that it was a really emotional and important win to succeed in a class honoring Karen, with whom she has a history from her junior years. “It is really special to me, since I rode with Karen when I was a junior. Karen Healey is an amazing horse woman and she has always been an inspiration to me.”
Addyson Cord and Zidane, Reserve Champions. PC: Alden Corrigan Media
Alexa Leong and Cintas, Third Place. PC: Alden Corrigan Media
Addyson Cord and Zidane took a close second place in the course with a smooth and calculated ride, followed by Alexa Leong aboard Cintas in third place, who also put in a top notch round together.
Full Results:
- Kylee Arbuckle and Cocon 4
- Addyson Cord and Zidane
- Alexa Leong and Cintas
- Anna Lisa Ericson and Bullwinkle
- Ransome Rombauer and Gaston
- Sophia Silveiera and Arezzo
- Audrey Poole and Rivercross Nobility
- Sabrina Jain and Kocu
In an effort to help Karen cover the considerable costs of her recovery, the California Professional Horsemen’s Association Foundation has established a fund to accept tax-deductible donations on her behalf, and members of the hunter/jumper world have responded generously with much-appreciated donations. For information on contributing to this fund, contact Ruth Frazier at info@cpha.org or visit cpha.org.