Zen Elite Equestrian has done it again.
The stable that bought Helix, Adrienne Lyle’s U.S. team Paris Olympic mount, and Bohemian, who was reserve for the Paris Games with Endel Ots, has purchased Indian Rock for Adrienne’s 22-year-old student, Christian Simonson.
Ridden in Paris by the Netherlands’ Emilie Scholtens, the 11-year-old KWPN stallion by Apache (hence the inspiration for his name) finished eleventh in the Olympic freestyle with a score of 81.750. Emilie has competed the horse throughout his career.
Christian, tenth on the FEI’s U25 ratings, recalled his first ride on Rocky, who has not yet arrived in the U.S..
The rider’s initial impression was “Wow,” followed by “holy cow. He gave me this unbelievable feeling, like nothing I’ve ever felt.”
Christian explained, “From the very first moment that I rode him, I realized he has so much heart and power that I was a little speechless.”
While he found the horse “expressive,” he noted that even with his innate power, “he’s so harmonious and so beautiful. It gives you a goosebumps feeling, and he’s just so honest, he feels like he wants to try for you as a rider.”
Emilie Scholtens and Indian Rock. (Timo Martis Fotografie)
Christian had watched Rocky since he was a young horse, because he’s a fan of Emilie.
“She’s an incredibly kind person and more important, is a really amazing horsewoman. I thank her for all her kindness.”
Although the horse will be stabled in Wellington after he arrives in the U.S., Christian explained that Adrienne will weigh in on when he should start to show Rocky at Global as their relationship develops.
“I can’t wait to learn more about him as a horse,” said Christian.
“I’m over the moon and so, so excited and grateful,” he continued, effusively thanking Zen Elite’s Heidi Humphries for the opportunity.
“It’s one thing to be able to ride such a once-in-a lifetime horse and also to do it at my young age. It just feels extra special. I also have to thank Adrienne. I feel like the luckiest person to have this opportunity, and I feel even more lucky to be her student and be under her guidance.”
Christian Simonson and one of his own horses, Son of Lady. (Photo © 2024 by Nancy Jaffer)
A statement from Zen, based in Ft. Lauderdale, said, “We’re eager to see this promising partnership thrive and accomplish amazing thing.” Micha Knol of MRK Dressage arranged the sale of the stallion.
Zen does more than buy horses. It also is emerging as a big time sponsor. In addition to its group of dressage riders, Zen sponsors one jumper rider, Jill Briggs, and has been a sponsor of the Annual Series of Equestrian Sport Productions’ spring, summer, fall and holiday jumper shows for the last few years.
However, this year Zen is branching out even more and will be an official Winter Equestrian Festival title sponsor, backing the 1.30 meter jumper division.
“At Zen, the mission is to support equestrian sport at all levels, and they felt that this class was the perfect way to connect with both sides of the sport,” observed Zen’s spokeswoman, Kimberlyn Beaudoin.