Madison Goetzmann & Prestigious. ph: Barre Dukes/Phelps Media Group.
It’s one thing to have veteran U.S rider Beezie Madden as your coach, but it’s a completely different ball game when your style of riding becomes a reflection of her own.
On Thursday, November 2, 2017, this was the scenario for 17-year-old rising talent Madison Goetzmann of the United States, victor in round one of the USEF U25 National Championships at the CP National Horse Show in Lexington, Kentucky, USA.
As seen in the video, Goetzmann took a page from Madden’s book when approaching the oxer, opting to leave a stride out in the race against the clock.
Aboard the ten-year-old Westphalian gelding Prestigious (Con Cento x Corofino), who doubled as Superman, Goetzmann crossed the timers in 61.968s to end her high-flying round atop the leaderboard.
“Being that it’s the first day of the championship, our plan was to go into the first phase and be assertive and quick enough, but still at a comfortable pace so you’re not risking too much,” said Goetzmann. “You want to be able to put a little bit of pressure on other riders, while still being within your comfort level and that worked out perfectly.”
The two have competed together on the rated circuit since June of 2016, and this marks their first win together.
“I think our partnership has really grown a lot these past few months and I’m really excited for our future,” commented Goetzmann. “He’s kind of been my main horse throughout the spring and summer. I’ve just had the best results on him so we decided to bring him to this Championship and he’s proven himself many times.”
For those of you wondering what it’s really like training under Madden, Goetzmann gave us the inside scoop following her June 16th win in the Canadian Utilities U25 Winning Round at Spruce Meadows.
“I’ve been training with Beezie now for almost three years. It’s incredible, and words can’t describe what it’s like just being with her day to day,” said Goetzmann. “Once I started riding with them I saw show jumping in a completely different way. There are so many things that I’d never thought of before or would even think to practice. She is so inspiring, and really makes me want to excel in this sport.”
The full results of the class can be viewed here.