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Fiyero and Elizabeth Boyd Win in Front of A Record Crowd

at the 12th AHJF Hunter Classic Spectacular

February 29, 2008

Wellington, FL --- It was superstition, sibling support, music and a great horse that guided Elizabeth Boyd and Fiyero to the top place under a record crowd at the 12th annual AHJF Hunter Classic Spectacular on Saturday night, February 23rd at the CN Winter Equestrian Festival. She managed that same feat for the very first Classic 12 years earlier.

“It’s very different. I feel like this time I really won. I am a better horsewoman now. Back then I hopped on and went into the ring, rode and then ran off with my friends. It means a lot more now. I understand the hard work, the preparation, the time and am extremely appreciative of the owners.”

The 11-year-old, 16.1H, chestnut gelding, which is owned by Molly Gardner, Charlotte, NC, impressed the audience with his consistency in both rounds. Fiyero took over the lead in the first round with a score of 89.75 ahead of Angelo with Tim Goguen in the irons (89.083) and Kirsten Coe on Genuine (88.666). The scores in the second round combined with their first round kept the leader the same but Angelo and Genuine played musical chairs (Fiyero-89/178.750, Genuine-89.833/178.499, Angelo-87.666/176.749).

A SINGER – A FRIEND – A BROTHER - A TALENTED HORSE

While some may think that Fiyero’s win came from pure talent of both horse and rider. Boyd, Camden, SC, credits James Taylor; her friend, competitor and second place finisher Kirsten Coe’s lucky bridle; her brother Hardin (Towell) and a fabulous horse for that ultimate victory.

When the 28-year-old left the barn at 5:45 that morning headed to the horse show it was a James Taylor song that was playing and when she was entering the ring it was perfect timing as well. Taylor was on again.

“It really inspired me. I just felt that we were going to do this. I know that sounds creepy, a little nerdy but it really gave me that extra oomph.”

Kirsten Coe, who used to ride Fiyero, also timed things perfectly by giving Elizabeth the bridle she used to ride Fiyero with. “At about an hour before the class this magic bridle showed up for the horse that she didn’t tell us about when we bought him. It was very nice and I have to say it was a very appropriate combination for the horse.”

Even though Kirsten was second she was just as pleased knowing she’d done the right thing. “Everyone was giving me a hard time earlier for giving the bridle to Liza and all I could hear in the back of my mind was my mom telling me, you young professionals have to stick together.”

For Liza while both the song and the bridle were instantaneous inspirations and Boyd admits to being “a little bit superstitious,” another factor in her victory was all about her brother.

“I have to really thank Hardin because he has been so supportive and through this whole week he has been my backbone. Hardin prepared the horse for me. Hardin was amazing. He’s a great brother.”

Add to that the talented Fiyero and for Liza it was a sure thing. “He just has the best brain, nothing fazes him. He’s very quiet and always tries.”

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