THE NEXT CHAPTER For new owner Carol Phillips, Hera’s story is just beginning. The Atlanta based rider purchased her in early 2009 sight unseen while traveling on vacation. Now 17 years old, Hera continues to shine in the show ring and Carol, like Cheryl before her, has earned her USDF rider’s gold medal with the mare. Although earning


that medal was a lifelong goal, it was just the beginning of Carol’s partnership with Hera. “Yes, I got the gold medal but there’s been so much more learning since then,” she explains. “When I look at videos from six months ago and compare them with more recent videos, I see a transformation in our work together. Could there be another transformation that big in another six months? This isn’t the end of the story for us.” Her focus with Hera, Carol says with a chuckle, has been


Carol Phillips and Hera compete at Grand Prix in 2009. Photo by Alicia Frese Photo


“to make the changes I need in order to be an effective rider on such an exquisitely sensitive horse. It takes mental rigor and the determination to ‘get it right’ on my part, together with the help of an expert trainer and, of course, a superb horse.” Carol boards and trains with Atlanta trainer Karen Lipp who found Hera for her. In 2010, Carol developed a freestyle for Hera and the


pair successfully qualified for the USDF Region 3 finals, which were held in October, in both the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Freestyle. (At press time, results from these events were unavailable.) Modestly, Carol gives the credit for their success to Hera. “When we do well,” she explains, “it’s because I allowed her to do what she can do. One of my greatest joys is a happier horse. If our work together is ever a struggle, it’s because it’s my fault!” Carol, who at age 66 is a full-time faculty member at


Emory University Hospital’s department of pathology, says owning Hera and making the move to Grand Prix has been a dream come true—albeit one she has worked very hard to achieve. “It’s just been beyond anything I can describe. To have Hera and to do what we’ve done has been an unbelievable experience. Hera is a wonder, an absolute gem. She tries so hard to please—she’ll do anything you ask of her!” Not bad for a petite, plain bay mare from Missouri.


WT Warmbloods Today 25


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