At the 2025 US Equestrian Open Eventing Final, a new partnership became the talk of the weekend. Will Coleman and Very Dignified delivered an impressive performance in their CCI4*-L debut, finishing third in a highly competitive field. After a bold and efficient cross-country round vaulting them from 18th place to 6th, the duo sealed their podium finish with a fault-free show jumping round, proving their fresh partnership had already started to find its rhythm.
To spectators watching from the ropes, Coleman and Very Dignified appeared to be a polished, long-established team dominating the cross-country course. What many didn’t realize, however, was that “Dora,” as the mare is known in the barn, had only joined Coleman’s string earlier that year. She arrived in the United States after competing successfully at the four-star level with Ireland’s Robbie Kearns.
Very Dignified (Dignified Van’t Zorgvliet x Kateys Gem) is a 2015 Irish Sport Horse mare owned by Jerome Broussard, Elizabeth Lendrum, and Gloria Callen. She began her FEI career with Kearns in 2022, making her international debut in the Cirencester Park Horse Trials CCI2*-S, before earning a win in the Ballindenisk Horse Trials CCI2*-L. Her natural talent and drive quickly established her as a horse to watch.
Coleman’s longtime head groom, Erin Jarboe, remembers the moment she first saw the mare shortly after she arrived in the U.S. and entered quarantine. “She was very sweet, but understandably a little reserved,” Jarboe recalled. “I could tell she wasn’t showing us her full personality yet. She also had this incredible forelock, something most people never see because it’s usually tucked under a bonnet, but I love it!”
As the first mare in Coleman’s string in more than six years, Dora brings a distinct energy to the team. Her strongest phase is undoubtedly cross country, where her intensity and drive are most evident.
“She is definitely an alpha mare,” Jarboe said. “She’s very confident and independent and that really comes through on cross country day. Her passion for it is one of my favorite things about her. Once she gets it on her mind, she turns into a machine and shows everyone just how much she loves it.”
Because of that enthusiasm, managing Dora’s excitement before she heads out on course is a carefully honed routine. Coleman and Jarboe stick to a consistent plan that helps channel her energy in order for her to perform her best.
“She can be strong in the warmup,” Jarboe explained. “We’ve learned that she usually needs a small jump school in the morning, and then her actual warm up before her ride time has to be as far away from the start box as possible. Will takes her from that point pretty much straight down and out of the start box when it’s time.”
Building trust and understanding with each horse is essential to Jarboe. With Dora, that process has taken on its own unique shape. While she isn’t the most outwardly affectionate mare, Jarboe developed a relationship that works for them both.
“We have a mutual understanding of each other,” she said. “I think she enjoys my company, but she wants it on her terms and that’s totally fine with me. She’s not a cuddly horse, but she is extremely sweet and kind.”
One other thing about Dora is that she will never turn down a treat. According to Jarboe, the mare happily accepts just about anything, but has a sweet spot for apples and carrots. At shows, Jarboe pays close attention to the details that help Dora feel grounded. One non-negotiable part of her routine is giving her time to absorb her surroundings before she goes to work.
“She likes to be able to take in her environment,” Jarboe said. “She loves to be able to stand and process when she’s in a new place. Allowing her this time, both on the ground and under saddle, really helps her to be able to relax and perform with focus.”
One of Jarboe’s standout memories with Dora came during the US Equestrian Open Eventing Final CCI4*-L at Morven Park in Leesburg, Va.
“Morven was her first four long with Will,” Jarboe said. “She really showed us just how impressive she really is.”
Dora and her team will return to the Kentucky Horse Park for the Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*-S at the end of April.
“I am so excited to see her compete this year,” Jarboe said. “She thrives at the big events and is such a beast on cross country. Hopefully she will do a 5* later this year so this will be a great event to prepare her and see where she is.”
As Coleman and Dora continue to build their partnership, her standout performances feel less like a breakthrough and more like an introduction. With her confidence and competitive fire, paired with top care and understanding from Jarboe and the rest of her team, she has already proven she belongs among the sport’s top horses.