FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
SIDELINES AUGUST 2012 73
By April Leonard
D
uring the 2004 and 2008 Summer Olympics, Beezie
Madden and her equine partner Authentic proved their
show jumping talent by bringing home gold medals. The
2012 Summer Olympics will be a different story, however, as the
much loved Olympic horse is now enjoying a life of retirement in
Cazenovia, New York. But his great accomplishments will never
be forgotten.
There is something about the presence of the Dutch Warmblood
gelding that serves as a reminder of his incredible achievements.
From the moment the Maddens met Authentic 13 years ago, they
knew that he was not a horse they could simply pass by. “He
lets you know he’s very special,” said John Madden, Beezie’s
husband. “We could tell by his expression, by the look in his eye.”
Even as Authentic spends his days happily munching grass in a
pasture, John’s words still hold true.
Authentic, who is owned by Abigail Wexner, moved to the
Madden’s stable 11 years ago, as a six year old. It quickly became
apparent that Authentic and Beezie would be a spectacular pair
in the show jumping world. In 2004, the duo helped the United
States Olympic Show Jumping Team win gold. In 2006, they won
individual and team silver medals at the FEI World Equestrian
Games. Beezie and Authentic were triumphant again in the 2008
Olympics, where they won the team gold medal and bronze
individual.
Sadly, Authentic’s reign in the arena came to a halt in September
2009, when he suffered a tendon injury. What exactly caused the
injury is unknown, but it changed the amazing horse’s life forever.
According to John, Authentic (called “Bud” at home) has adjusted
quite well to life in retirement. “There’s a time for everything,” John
pointed out, as he explained that Authentic seems just as happy
now as he was while showing. He describes Authentic as smart,
athletic, inquisitive and happy.
Authentic has a few little quirks, too -- he sometimes gets
hiccups when he is excited and he can be rather mischievous. His
favorite place to spend time has always been out in his paddock,
so now that he is retired he enjoys being turned out as often as
possible. He shares his large, green pasture and run-in barn with
his buddy Green Peace and loves racing Green Peace across the
feld, occasionally pausing to remind his friend who is boss! Once
a day, he is brought inside for a good grooming and Authentic
still enjoys spending time with his human companions, including
Beezie and Clark Shipley, his groom from his showing days. He
especially loves it when they bring him carrots and mints.
While Authentic enjoys the sunshine and freedom of his well
earned retirement, the Maddens hold on to the lasting impression
his talent made on their lives. When describing the difference
between Authentic and Judgement (Beezie’s previous mount),
John commented, “Authentic would be more like a ballet dancer
and Judgement would be more like a heavy weight boxer.”
Authentic’s graceful talent is not something found in every horse.
As the Maddens work with other horses to fnd Beezie’s next
teammate, John feels that it is important not to expect them to
become “new” Authentics. “Each one is special in his own way,”
John said. If Authentic could give veteran advice to these new
young hopefuls, John thinks that he would say, “Just do what
Beezie says. Have confdence in what she says, and do it. It
makes life easier!”
As the 2012 Summer Olympics approach, the Maddens and
Authentic’s fans will miss him in the show jumping ring. Although
John believes “Bud” would be excited if he were able to show
again, the horse is content with waiting to hear the Olympic results
while grazing in his beautiful pasture.
About the writer: April Leonard is spending the summer as an
intern for Sidelines Magazine before beginning her senior year
of college. She is working toward a degree in Equine Business
Management at Cazenovia College in Cazenovia, New York and
recently traveled to the Maddens farm to meet Authentic.
All Photos by April Leonard, except where note
d
Authentic and Beezie at the Syracuse Invitation
Photo courtesy of John Madden Sales
Authentic enjoying his golden years
The Olympic Horse
Enjoys His Golden Years