ANNETTE KIMBALL DEFENDS HER TITLE WITH KELVAN GOGH.
BY LARRI JO STARKEY, COPY EDITOR
In 2007, Annette Kimball won equitation over fences, hunter hack and working hunter with Kelvan Gogh at the Bayer Select World Championship Show. This year, she came back in those classes at the 2008 Bayer Select World, defending her title in working hunter and picking up reserve world championships in the other two classes. When Annette finally had time to pause for a moment, she shared her thoughts on showing at the Amarillo National Center.
Q: Congratulations. It was nice of you to come back to defend your title.
Annette: I’ve had a wonderful time. This show has been so much fun with all the other Select people. We went to dinner one night, all of us together with our trainers. It’s been a great time. Beautiful show.
Q: Does world champion feel just as good the second time?
Annette: Oh, it does. I tell you what – I’m just so thrilled and feel so blessed. I’ve a wonderful horse and a wonderful trainer, Kathleen O’Shea, and "Big Bird" just makes it so easy for me. So many blessings – you can’t even begin to say what they are, but yes, I’m very, very thankful, and it does feel good! It feels good because everybody did well this year. My competitors also won different awards and so it’s great! Everybody has done great.
Annette Kimball guides Kelvan Gogh through the working hunter course.
Q: Tell us about the run. How did the course ride?
Annette: The course rode beautifully. Mike (Christian) did a super job on the course. It rode great – smooth. (In) the equitation course, I really enjoyed the turns. Lots of fun. It just challenges us a little bit, and the lead changes. But Kelvan Gogh just made it so easy for me. He was right on everything. Beautiful courses – everything. I have no recommendations for changes, because everything was perfect.
Q: Will you be back next year?
Annette: Oh, absolutely. I can’t wait!
Fun Fact: Annette already has a second horse, Highest Form Of Art, qualified for the 2009 Bayer Select World Championship Show in working hunter.
WINNER STATS
Horse name: Kelvan Gogh Pedigree: 1999 chestnut gelding by Kelvis x Perfect Word (TB) by Fire Dancer (TB) Exhibitor: Annette H. Kimball, Ransom Canyon, Texas Owner: Annette H. Kimball, Ransom Canyon, Texas Trainer: Kathleen O'Shea
