38 SIDELINES JUNE 2012
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
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Show Jumping World Cup!
It was a historic moment for the United States when American
Rich Fellers and Flexible, the little stallion that could, won the 2012
Rolex FEI Show Jumping World Cup in The Netherlands. Their
victory marked the frst time in 25 years that the United States
placed frst in a World Cup Finals. Flexible is a talented 16-year-
old owned by Harry and Mollie Chapman. Sidelines caught up
with Rich and asked him for the FIRST thing that came to mind on
his historic FIRST place win!
FIRST thing that went through your mind when you realized
you had won?
I thought, “What a great horse.”
What was the FIRST thing you said to Flexible after the win?
I reached down and patted him and said, “That’s my man!”
How does it feel to be the FIRST American to win in 25 years?
It feels kind of funny because it seems odd that it has been
so long for the United States. We have so many top horses and
riders. It’s great to win a World Cup Finals no matter what country
you are from.
FIRST thought you had as you held the trophy above your
head?
My frst thought was that I was sad that my wife, Shelley, and
Flexible’s owners weren’t there. They are always with me and this
was one time they weren’t.
What was the FIRST thing you did after you left the show
grounds?
I went back to my hotel room and sat down and answered about
40 texts. I’m not a big texter so that was quite an ordeal.
When you got home, what was the FIRST thing you did?
My wife picked me up at the airport and I gave her a big hug and
kiss and then she broke down and cried. (Rich and Shelley have
been married 25 years!)
Photos by Susan Stickle