get on her to see how she feels. This is what has helped this horse. She was very quiet and humble when we fi rst got her, but she is a totally diff erent story now,” Stacey explains. As Katie sees it, “Cylana is a really rare
combination of things. Cylana is a very big, very powerful horse, but also very light on her feet which usually don’t come together in the same package. She is also a very quiet, calm horse but has a lot of energy and blood with the ability to go the distance. Usually we see horses with a lot of blood as hot and high strung. She truly is a rare mix of black and white.”
What Lie Ahead For many show jumping enthusiasts, the question will
be where Reed will go next. Katie, with an abundance of experience and wisdom at this intense level of the sport, knows that although it’s a dream come true competing in the Olympics, in light of Reed’s young age, this is not her magnum opus. “This is the beginning and not the end for her. In her career there will be many highs and many lows, but we have been able to stay on a high and hopefully on through the Olympics. Everything has gone just as we have hoped,” Katie explains.
Above: Reed and her parents, Teri and Murray Kessler.
In light of the intense pressure,
Katie views part of her role of trainer and mentor as trying to help keep life as normal as possible for Reed and her family. “She’s as cool as a cucumber, but she’s young and has had a lot of attention. That can be a weird situation for anyone,” Katie continues. To fans, Reed seems to take all the attention in stride, both on and off course. Such composure when thrust into the dazzling glare of the
spotlight is a rare and invaluable asset. The pivotal constant in Reed’s show jumping career has been her choice to act boldly. Her willingness to step out of the norm has helped her develop extensive capabilities at a young age. In so doing, Reed’s enterprising actions off er a fresh paradigm for success. Her premier at the Olympic Games as the youngest rider is a testament to her and her team’s determined eff orts and approach. Our sport, at its very heart, embodies the essence of courageousness. Reed stands tall in both courage and boldness—something we can all applaud.
(Editor’s note: As we go to press we learn that in London at the Olympics, luck wasn’t running strong for Reed or the U.S. Team, who unfortunately came home without any medals. Reed states that she “loved being here,” and adds, “I have a long way to go.”)
40 September/October 2012
Photo coutesy Murray Kessler
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