The Legacy Cup Begins

Coverage and Photos by Diana DeRosa

A Real Magic Round for Rob Bielefeld

Rob Bielefeld, Wellington, FL, was still learning about Real Magic since the pair have only been together for a short time, but it is certainly a magical combination. 

“This horse is Quality with a capital Q,” explained the 44-year-old professional.  “He’s a beautiful jumper and mover  and he’s got great balance, but the most important thing is he is straightforward and sincere especially for being a pre green horse.   In the ring he was interested like a good show horse should be.  He was alert but quiet, which is hard to get.”

When Bielefeld entered the ring on a horse he was still getting to know, he wasn't thinking about winning.  However, after the six-year-old, brown, Dutch Warmblood, 16.2H gelding took over the early lead in the Pre Green Incentive Go Round Bielefeld knew that victory was in his reach. 

“I wanted to have another consistent round in the Finals.  I just wanted him to go well.  We (Rob and the owner and longtime friend Garry Duffy) thought he was a good horse when we got him but he's way better than we thought.”

The Legacy Cup - It's Good for the Hunters

When asked what they thought about the Legacy Cup all the riders echoed their approval. “I love it,” said Rob.  “The people that started it are horsemen.  They did it for the hunters.  The concept is a wonderful thing.  The indoor ring and great jumps make it really nice.  It is something different.

“I like that there are only two classes.  It's easier on the horses.  And the presentations, they put a little pomp and circumstance into the hunters and that's important.  Then they also recognize the grooms of the top three placed horses in each class.  It's nice to go back to the barn and hand them $100 bill.  They (the American Hunter-Jumper Foundation who hosts the Legacy Cup) are remembering what makes this possible.  No one else does that.”

For Mayer, this was her first time participating in a Legacy Cup and she was overwhelmed.  “It’s been amazing.  I feel really enthusiastic.  I’ve wanted to compete in this since its inception but I didn’t have a horse.  Now it’s a dream come true.  I’m even more excited now to come back next year.’

McKrell was also pleased with her first Legacy Cup.  “The experience of something like this in a pressure situation is nice.  And since the owners of Papillon don’t want the horse to show a lot, the Legacy Cup was the perfect answer.”