Tally ho! The first horse from Arkansas recently joined Team USA at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Owned by Carol Stephens, wife of Stephens Group CEO Witt Stephens Jr., the horse, QC Diamantaire, was ridden by Sydney Elliott, the first rider from Louisiana to compete on Team USA.
“It’s so exciting to be able to see someone that is kind of part of your family that can make it to the highest level she possibly can,” Carol Stephens said of Elliott.
Carol Stephens with Q
Growing up in northeast Arkansas, Stephens said she always had a love for horseback riding and entered the eventing circuit about 11 years ago. She purchased the 14-year-old Oldenburg, nicknamed “Q,” at age 5.
The horse was originally part of the traveling reserves for the Olympics but was selected to go to Versailles as a backup when another horse could not compete.
Sydney and Q in Versailles
“It’s a chilling moment,” Stephens said. “All of this that you worked for, and you know that he can do it, as well as Sydney. It’s quite a moment.”
Team USA placed seventh in team eventing. Although Q was not required as a substitute, Stephens said he will attend the Nations Cup in Belgium, a step toward helping the U.S. equestrian team qualify for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
She said Q, who will be 18, may be able to compete. Otherwise, she has a 9-year-old who may make a good contender. She added that it is impressive that her small, Southern eventing operation was able to reach the highest level of the sport.
“There’s lots of superstar riders,” Stephens said. “My girl knew she was kind of like the little underdog, and it’s just amazing that she’s been able to do what she does.”
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Publish date : 2024-07-30 16:28:43
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