Catherine Pasmore heads second WEF challenge round

Catherine Pasmore and My Boy.
By sportfot.com

Catherine Pasmore claimed victory in the second WEF Challenge Cup leg, sponsored by Equine Couture/Tuff Rider and worth $31,000, with Pasmore Stables' My Boy.

Competing over Belgian Luc Musette's course, just eight of the original 45 entrants were able to jump clear in the first round of competition to advance to the jump-off.

Catherine, 18, of Charlottesville, Virginia, produced the opening clear of the class and was also first to return for the shortened course with her 15-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding My Boy. The pair set the standard with a fast, clean round in 35.02 seconds, which would held up for the win through seven more combinations' trips.

Eric Lamaze (CAN) earned second and third place honors for the day, riding Artisan Farms' Sidoline Van De Cantaur with a jump-off time of 35.66 seconds and Derly Chin De Muze, owned by Ashland Stables, in 36.03 seconds.

Catherine considers today's win the second biggest of her riding career, ranking just behind a $40,000 victory in the Old Salem Farm Grand Prix this spring, also with My Boy. Although that class had more prize money, she noted that today's class was definitely the biggest win over the field of riders that were in attendance.

"I was just happy that I made it to the jump-off with the riders that were here," she said. "I was definitely nervous, but I was happy that I went first because I was able to just go in and ride my best and I did not have any pressure behind me.

"I was not sure if my time would hold up for the win, but I knew that I would be quick because I was able to leave out a stride to the double. I knew he was going to back himself off in the middle of it perfectly. I had to add in the last line, but he just turned so quickly and made up for it."


Catherine has owned My Boy for just over a year and bought the chestnut from her trainer, US Olympic gold medalist Laura Kraut. Laura found the horse when he was with Lance Whitehouse at Nick Skelton's Farm in Britain.

"He is pretty awesome," Catherine said. "We have a great bond and he tries so hard for me. He has a shorter stride, which actually helped me for today's course because the lines were a little shorter. The course ended up riding nicely for me whereas everyone else had to fight a little bit. He is also very quick off the ground so I can open him up in the jump-off and he just lands, goes right to the next jump and is always looking where to go."

In addition to earning the top prize in today's WEF Challenge Cup, Catherine was also presented with a $3,000 bonus for riding in her SSG gloves during the class.

"I have never shown at WEF all circuit without having to give a cheque to the office; this might be a first," she said. "I will never forget to wear my SSG gloves because they are obviously lucky for me."

The SSG Go Clean for the Green promotion will be offered weekly in the WEF Challenge Cup Series. If the winning rider is wearing SSG Digital riding gloves with the SSG horse head logo clearly visible on the wrist, they will be presented with a cash bonus during the awards presentation.

For full results, click here