Grand prix dressage rider Suzanne Dansby Bollman has returned to the FEI arena with her equine partner Cooper with great success. Bollman is a top international competitor that has been long- or short-listed with the USET for seven consecutive years. Cooper and Bollman have accumulated many impressive wins in their six years together. Two years ago, the pair was the U.S. team alternate at the FEI World Equestrian Games in Germany. This summer, Bollman and Cooper competed for the first time in over a year. At the Poplar Place Farm Dressage Show, the pair scored an impressive 68.958% in the grand prix and earned the FEI High Score—a fitting way for Cooper to return to competition.
Cooper has been recovering from a stem cell surgery that took place last fall. He returned to full training last spring, but Bollman decided she did not want to push him into the stress of showing before she was sure Cooper was strong enough. Cooper fans looked forward to the return of the large chestnut gelding. The 18.1-hand Holsteiner is often praised for his expressive passage and his elegant trot extensions. His powerful movement certainly aided him in earning the notable wins at Poplar Place Farm. When asked about the weekend, Bollman said, “The first day I rode him, he was so exuberant I could hardly control him. For our class on Sunday, I felt like he was right back where we left off.”
Known as Suzanne Dansby Phelps until this year, Bollman was recently wed to Brooks Bollman. While planning her wedding, Bollman decided not to travel to Florida for the 2008 winter show season. However, she does have plans to travel more in the upcoming season with Cooper and her younger mount, Rower BE. Rower competed last year at second level with an average score of over 72%. Bollman is looking forward to the future with Rower, who she believes has great FEI potential. Another famous partner of Bollman’s has recently found a new home. Lindsay Koffler-Cassidy will be showing Kasper, Bollman’s former longtime grand prix partner.
With Cooper’s return to the show ring, Bollman continues her legacy of giving. Bollman has pledged to donate all of the prize money she earns at shows to charity. Additionally, Bollman has donated a great amount of personal time to civic organizations with causes she believes in. For more information about the charities Bollman supports, visit her website at www.dhfdressage.com. On this site, there is also information about her horses and training.