30 SIDELINES SEPTEMBER 2012
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
Kelcie and Sun Man
Photo by Diana Hadsall
By Jan Westmark-Allan
Kelcie Brophy loves to paint the town – on a fashy paint
named Sun Man that is! Kelcie, an 18 year old from Wellington,
Florida, made the paint world – as well as the equitation world
– proud when she cruised to victory in the ASPCA Maclay at
Devon aboard Sun Man, known as Eric, a 10 year old Oldenburg
owned by Sweet Oak Farm. Sidelines caught up with the
talented rider to learn more about her life and what it was like to
win a prestigious Big Eq class on a “horse of a different color.”
How did you paint the town at Devon?
By winning the ASPCA Maclay at Devon, section A. I don’t
own any horses, so I just catch ride. Most of the horses I ride are
owned by Sweet Oak Farm, including Eric. I love showing Eric. I
feel like he catches people’s eye because he is so fashy. Some
judges have penalized him because of his color; but it doesn’t
phase me, I love him!
Did you feel confdent riding into the ring for the Maclay?
I was nervous because it was my last year as a junior to show
at Devon. I trust Eric 100 percent. He is never spooky or wild, so
I had confdence in our partnership.
What did if feel like when you won?
I was shocked! I was called back in 4th after the jumping
phase, but Eric is amazing on the fat, so we moved up to 1st.
Who do you train with?
I train with Shane and Ali Sweetnam at Sweet Oak Farm and
with Michael DelFiandra, Missy Clark and John Brennan at North
Run.
What are your goals with Eric?
I have qualifed for three of the Big Eq fnals so far, so I am
hoping to put in solid rounds at those and also to do some
hunter derbies on him. We were 5th in our frst $30,000 derby at
Country Heir in June.
What are your riding goals?
I would love to fnish off my junior career by getting some fnals
ribbons. I also have been getting to do some really cool high
junior jumpers lately and really enjoy that.
What are your plans now?
I am going to the University of Florida in the Spring.
Do you have any “lucky” items you wear when you show?
I have one lucky shirt that I love.
What’s your biggest pet peeve?
When the clasp on a necklace is twisted in the front instead of
the back of a person’s neck. I don’t know why; but that makes
me crazy!
Who has inspired you the most in your life?
My trainers have. I have ridden with Shane and Ali Sweetnam
since I was seven and have been so lucky to be able to train with
Michael, John and Missy for the past two years. They really have
all believed in me so much and inspired me to become the rider
I am today.
If you weren’t a rider, what would you be?
I would be a lion tamer. Just saying!
Painting The Town
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