54 SIDELINES AUGUST 2012
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
By Lauren R. Giannini
H
eather Blitz earned a ticket to London as the US
Olympic dressage team alternate, but is quick
to acknowledge that it has taken many years to
become an “elite” equestrian. Despite the excitement of
traveling to London, Heather remains focused on Paragon
(Don Schufro x Pari Lord), the 18-hand Danish Warmblood
gelding, bred by Richard Freeman, Jr. of Oak Hill Ranch,
Louisiana. Her horses always come frst, and it’s interesting
to note that their partnership began when she helped the
foal to be born.
At the 2011 Guadalajara Pan Am Games Paragon and
Heather earned team gold and individual silver. This year, albeit
his frst year at grand prix, Paragon and Heather partnered to
fnish sixth in the USEF’s National Grand Prix Championship
at the Festival of Champions at Gladstone in New Jersey and
sixth in the fnal selection trial. In an ironic twist, the withdrawal
of Todd Flettrich and Otto, trained by Heather to grand prix
level, moved Paragon up one vital place in the standings, which
led to the duo being invited to join the team for London.
Heather expressed heartfelt gratitude to generous sponsors,
donors and people who helped with fund-raising to make her
Olympic campaign possible, adding: “It takes a huge effort to
make this journey and I’m very fortunate to have this support.
The next few weeks will be a great adventure and I’m so proud
of Paragon for getting this far already. He is a wonderful partner
with a great personality, and he’s also a bit of a ham who enjoys
the attention.”
Without further ado, here are a few insights into this
remarkable rider, trainer and clinician who grew up riding
western on her parents’ farm in Kansas.
How were you able to handle the pace and pressure
of Olympic Selection Trials?
I don’t have a big pace, because I have only Paragon. It’s
kind of a good thing, but it’s stressful. I have such a young
horse, nine and it’s a bit of a challenge to keep your head
straight and in the same place that you would be if you weren’t
in such a position. I have to ride Paragon as he deserves to be
ridden and not over-push him.
How do you relax?
I read. My four dogs are with me. They’re family, I don’t have
kids. We go on walks, play Frisbee. They keep me sort of real.
I talk on the phone with friends and family, who are all curious
about what’s going on. I’m in a committed relationship with Rob
McKean. He rides, owns a few horses. His mother has been a
dressage rider for years. They understand.
e
Olympics
Living Up To His Name
Heather Blitz and Paragon
Heather Blitz and Paragon
Photo by Susan J. Stickle.com
“Proud sponsor of Heather and her four dogs. Best of luck
to her and Paragon in London.”
– Euro Dog Designs
Continued on page 58