 Terceira & Bernadien van Westuur IslandStats.com
And like every good show jumping rider, Jillian knows what it means to try and beat the clock in the ring – and to live with the knowledge that she is constantly trying to beat the clock when it comes to keeping a great horse in her string. Time ran out recently for Jillian and her Olympic partner, the wonderful BWP mare, Bernadien van Westuur, as the mare was recently sold to a young female equestrian.
Foaled in 2001 and sired by the renowned stud Toulon, Bernadien van Westuur aka “Queen Bee” truly helped Jillian realize her dreams. In addition to representing Bermuda at the Pan American Games where they finished 8th and the 2012 London Olympics where they finished 47th individually, the pair have earned many top placing's at the grand prix level throughout Europe including 5th in the 4 star GP in Treffen, Austria (2013), 7th 2* GP Valkenswaard, The Netherlands (2013), 12th 4* GP Fontainebleau, France (2013), 3rd 2* GP Drammen, Norway (2013), 4th 2* GP Vilamoura, Portugal (2013), 2nd Ladies Championship 5* Vienna, Austria (2012), 6th 3* GP Lamprechtshausen, Austria (2012), 3rd 2* GP Valencia, Spain (2012), 6th 2* GP Valencia, Spain (2012), 6th 3* GP Lamprechtshausen, Austria (2011) and 3rd 2* GP Moorsele, Belgium (2011).
Jillian bought a half share of Bernadien van Westuur in January 2011, and recalls that she “… had seen the mare for a couple of years on the circuit and always loved her way of going. She describes her as “brave and keen, simple but wanted the freedom to jump.” Jillian bought the mare because she “…believed she was a special mare who wanted to do everything for you! And she did even more than that for me! My goal was to compete at the Pan American Games in 2011 and to qualify Bermuda for the London Olympics in 2012 - she surpassed all my dreams and I give her all the credit for taking the Olympic journey with me...”
Few riders have the luxury of owning outright the horses they ride, and there is always the understanding between riders and owners that each horse they produce could be sold if a buyer came along with the right offer at the right time. What happened to Jillian is what most riders dread - having to say goodbye to the partner with whom they’ve experienced so much success. And although it is usually part of the plan, it is a difficult reality when it happens.
There is small consolation in knowing that the mare is going to be paired with a young female equestrian who will benefit from the mare’s experience and no doubt enjoy the same generosity from the special mare.
The iconic photo that ran on the cover of the New York Times sports section, the only equestrian photo to grace the pages of the newspaper during the 2012 Games, is of Jillian and Bernadien van Westuur making an incredible effort over a jump on the challenging track.
For Jillian, the next step is to focus on her string of promising young horses, including the offspring of her beloved stallion, "Chaka D" a South African Warmblood. She has already seen some excellent results from them and is looking forward to producing them at the highest levels. She must also concentrate on finding sponsorship and support as an elite athlete for her ongoing quest to represent Bermuda at the World Equestrian Games in Normandy and the next Olympic Games.
|
