Olympic Show Jumping Gold Medalist Will Simpson Dubbed a “Premier Equestrian”

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Photo: Olympic Show Jumping Gold Medalist Will Simpson wins the Premier Equestrian Award at the Colorado Horse Park (Photo courtesy of JRPR

Olympic Show Jumping Gold Medalist Will Simpson  Dubbed a “Premier Equestrian”

Parker, Colorado (July 1, 2016) – U.S. Olympic Show Jumping Gold Medalist Will Simpson has been ruling the Rockies this season, with victory after victory in the Grand Prix ring at the Summer in the Rockies show series at the Colorado Horse Park in Parker, Colorado. The iconic horseman has been adding accolades to his already elite resume with his top mount, The Dude. Simpson claimed repeat victories in the $20,000 Open Welcome Stake and the $50,000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix earlier this month, and then added another title to the list when he was officially dubbed a “Premier Equestrian.”

Premier Equestrian – an industry leader in manufacturing world-class footing and stylish horse jumps – strives to recognize competitors whose efforts in the ring match their exceptional attitude and top-notch horsemanship. As an Official Sponsor of the Colorado Horse Park, Premier Equestrian took notice of Simpson’s grand presence on the show grounds and rewarded him with the Premier Equestrian Award. Simpson received an engraved plaque and tricolor ribbon along with the title of “Premier Equestrian.”

The Malibu, California native has coupled his speedy trips around the ring with quality time spent with his equestrian-devoted family. When asked how he stays so energetic through his many competitions year after year, Simpson credited, “I think I am just trying to keep up with my kids! I have two great kids and they inspire me.”

A tried and true horseman of elite caliber, Simpson is rarely one to take all the credit for his vast accomplishments. He is quick to praise his support system lead by his wife and fellow international Grand Prix show jumper Nicole Shahinian-Simpson, and his “once in a lifetime” ride The Dude.

Simpson conquered the HITS Desert Circuit in 2015, where he piloted The Dude, a now 10-year-old Oldenburg gelding owned by Nicole Walker, to victory in two separate $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prixs and the $50,000 Horze Equestrian Grand Prix. Then he continued his west coast winning streak aboard Katie Riddle, a now 16-year-old Brandenburg mare owned by the Von Heidegger family’s Monarch International, in the $50,000 Equine Couture/Tuff Rider Grand Prix.

Simpson is now preparing The Dude’s owner Nicole Walker to take over the ride on him. With 2016 being Simpson and The Dude’s final summer season together, the pair is going out with a bang by continuing their domination at the Colorado Horse Park.

Premier Equestrian is proud to have presented the Premier Equestrian Award to Simpson, and wishes him the best of luck throughout the entirety of the Summer in the Rockies show series.

The company hopes that the Premier Equestrian Award will help competitors know that their outstanding attitudes are noticed and appreciated, and will encourage all riders to enter the show ring in winning spirits. Premier Equestrian not only recognizes exceptional riders with the Premier Equestrian Award, but also is the title sponsor of the 1.10m jumper division throughout the summer and fall series at the Colorado Horse Park. Premier Equestrian provides its first-rate Sundance Dressage Arenas to the venue’s dressage shows, including the upcoming Dressage in the Rockies on August 5-7. The company also sponsors the North American Junior and Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC) presented by Gotham North, and is delighted that this year’s event will be showcased at the Colorado Horse Park show grounds.