A Mare Called "Carrots" Takes Rowan Willis to 12th in WEG Jumping Final

Australia’s Rowan Willis has finished 12th in the Individual Jumping Final at the FEI World Equestrian Games in Tryon, USA.

Riding his chestnut mare Blue Movie, fondly and aptly known as “carrots” around the stables, he went into the competition ranked 10th.

In the opening round he had a rail and backed up in the second round with two down to place him 12th in the final finishing order.

After a huge week of competition including playing an integral role in helping the Australian Jumping Team qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Willis was reflective today.

“I am thrilled with my mare but disappointed that I let her down, they were both my fault,” said Willis.

“She’s been fantastic all week.”

“Carrots” is renowned for not being an easy horse with her share of quirks and Willis holds the key to bringing out the best in her ability. She has been a talking point of Tryon this week with her super performances.

“It’s like riding a nuclear bomb she’s incredible and tries so hard and puts everything into it so when I get there it makes it easy.”

The mare will now go home and have a well earned break.

“She’s got a big grassy paddock waiting for her now,” he said.

Billy Raymont and Oaks Redwood were Australia’s other representatives in the final. They retired after two rails and a refusal.

“He actually felt really good again from the first fence. But when he gets a bit close if you are hanging onto him he can get a bit tangled up behind,” said Raymont.

“It’s been amazing and that’s not quite how I wanted to finish but something to take away from this is that he got into trouble and he kept digging and fighting every time I faced him up. In general we walk away pretty happy."

Article courtesy of Equestrian Australia