46 SIDELINES FEBRUARY 2013
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
Lauren Tisbo and Crème Brule
Photo by Spruce Meadows Media Services
By Jennifer Ward
Lauren Tisbo may compete as an amateur,
but her results are something most professionals
dream of. In 2012 alone, Lauren earned top
ribbons in several CSI5* events, the highest caliber
of competition sanctioned by the International
Equestrian Federation (FEI). In March, she guided
the grey stallion, King Kolibri, to ffth place in the
$500,000 FTI Consulting Grand Prix at the Winter
Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida. From
there, it was on to Spruce Meadows in Calgary,
Canada, where both the Canadian and U.S. Teams
were holding their fnal Olympic observation events.
Competing against the best riders in North America,
Lauren again excelled, posting impressive results
throughout the summer series, culminating with a
fourth place fnish in the $200,000 ATCO Power
Queen Elizabeth II Cup riding King Kolibri. With
her derby specialist Crème Brule, Lauren was third
in the $175,000 Nexen Cup Derby during the opening week of
competition and closed with a ffth place fnish in the $140,000
Cenovus Energy Classic Derby.
Growing up in the Chicago area, Lauren graduated from Lake
Forest College in 2006 with a major in communications. Show
jumping sport has now become the 28-year-old’s dedicated
focus, and Lauren rides the mounts owned by her family’s
Tequestrian Farms. Roundthorn Madios, formerly competed by
Andrew Bourns of Ireland, most recently joined the stable, which
also includes several young horses from Tequestrian Farms’
breeding program.
Lauren’s parents, Tom and Jeannie Tisbo, are extremely
supportive of their daughter’s riding career, and are also generous
sponsors of the sport through their company, Suncast Corporation.
How did you begin your riding career?
I had a friend whose entire family rode horses; they had an
extra pony at the time and were generous enough to let me come
to the barn and ride with them.
What do you consider your biggest riding accomplishment
to date?
The last week of the 2012 Spruce Meadows summer series,
the “North American” tournament, was a great week for me. On
Saturday, I jumped two clear rounds and then had the last fence
down in the jump-off to place fourth in the $200,000 ATCO Queen
Elizabeth II Cup with King Kolibri. The next day, I was ffth in the
$140,000 Cenovus Energy Derby with Crème Brule.
What are your plans for the future in the horse world?
I hope to represent my country in future Nations’ Cups and
championship events in the years to come, and I aspire to reach
the top of the rankings list, both nationally and internationally.
What was your most embarrassing moment with horses?
In 2011 at Spruce Meadows, while showing in the 1.60m
division, Crème Brule hit me and knocked me out with her head; I
was out cold before I even hit the ground. While it could have been
much more serious, the pictures are pretty hysterical.
What traits do you look for in a horse?
Intelligence, athletic ability and a good canter.
If you could ride any horse, living or dead, who would it be
and why?
McLain Ward’s Goldika. Every time she entered the ring, you
knew she wanted to win as much as her rider did.
What profession other than your own would you like to take
part in and why?
I am lucky enough to get to do what I love every day. I wouldn’t
change it for a second!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Focus on riding well, and the results will come.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I would love to spend some time in Italy and visit Bari, the area
where my grandfather’s family came from.
What’s the most delicious thing you know how to cook?
I think I am a pretty good baker. Whenever I bring treats to the
barn, they seem to disappear quickly!
Who are your heroes?
My parents, Tom and Jeannie Tisbo. I also admire the entire
team at Castle Hill.
e