Lauren Sumner is a three-day event rider from Area II. She grew up with a background in Pony Club and was taught the value and importance of top horsemanship. As a member and graduate of Redland Hunt Pony Club, Lauren achieved her HA rating. As a competitor, she reached the CCI* and Intermediate levels of eventing, with notable placings at the VAHT Three-Day and Bromont Three-Day. All of her accomplishments in Pony Club and eventing were won in partnership with her horse-of-a-lifetime, Golden Memories (Ella). After Ella’s retirement, Lauren was then gifted her adopted Off-the-Track Thoroughbred, Crossfire (Eddie). She is now working adamantly on building his training and trust while they move up the levels of eventing. Lauren has goals to reach the top level of the sport with hard work and dedication to horsemanship.

Golden Memories
Golden Memories will forever be Lauren’s “heart horse.” Ella, as she is called around the barn, has helped Lauren achieve some of her biggest goals and accomplishments. She is a 15.2 hand Morgan/Mustang/Saddlebred, and full of attitude. Lauren was gifted Ella on her 11th birthday, and quickly acquired a reputation for being a bit… unruly. Nevertheless, Lauren persevered against many opinions and odds and Ella reached the CCI* and Intermediate level of eventing. She was infamous as a tiny XC machine and a spectacular show jumper. While Lauren and Ella often struggled in dressage, they made their mark by delivering it in the jumping phases. They placed 16th overall and 5th place Jr Young Rider, at their first CCI* at Bromont. And at their swan song CCI*, they placed 2nd at the VAHT Three Day. At Virginia, they were one of only two pairs to jump clear stadium and finish on their dressage score.

One of Lauren’s favorite memories, is when after Ella jumped a clear round at Southern Pines… A man came up to her and told her, “You have a FABULOUS jumping horse.” And as she said “Thank you!!” and walked away, her trainer laughed at her for not realizing that it was the legendary Bruce Davidson.

Crossfire
Crossfire, affectionately known as Eddie, is an ex-racehorse venturing into his new career as an event horse. His JC name is “Excess Liquidity” but Lauren felt that name was a bit too ironic after his lack-luster career on the track. He is by Malibu Moon out of a mare named Spring Rush, bred at Hinkle Farms in Kentucky. He was the pride and joy of their crop selling for 160k at Keenland, but didn’t turn out after a disappointing 10 races.

Eddie now enjoys the luxury of being a pampered event horse and seems to really enjoy his training. He is as sweet as he is intelligent and brave. Since he is still young, Lauren spends most of her time outside of the ring. He loves his gallops and jumps through the hunt fields. He has begun his first season at recognized training level and has received two reserve champion TIP awards. Eddie seems to know his job in each phase of competition. Lauren has a great deal of faith and respect in his talent. Eddie isn’t always the easiest horse to keep organized but he is tremendously talented on both the jumping and flat. Her 2016 goals are to complete the Waredaca Training Three-Day.