USET Foundation Presents Pinnacle Cup to Allison Springer

2012/06/06

On May 2, 2012 the United States Equestrian Team Foundation announced that this year's recipient of the Pinnacle Cup Trophy at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI**** is Allison Springer of Upperville, VA. Springer and her horse Arthur were the highest placed U.S. pair, finishing in second place at the top event, held April 29-29, 2012. Her remarkable score earned her the Pinnacle Cup Trophy, the red ribbon finish and the prize for best-conditioned horse.
Springer was thrilled to take the second place honors, especially since she has been working diligently with her 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse, Arthur. The pair performed beautifully throughout all three phases, taking the lead during the dressage phase. Springer and eventual champion, William Fox-Pitt of Great Britain, went neck-to-neck as they fought for the top spot.

Springer rode Arthur through a careful track on the cross-country course, taking a long route through the angled brushes to assure themselves no jumping faults. Her conservative approach did incur time penalties, but she concluded the phase with a score of 43 and only 3.2 time faults. A four-fault total in the show jumping arena meant that Fox-Pitt, secured the top spot, but Springer's overall performance was right at the top of the leader board.

“I have been coming to this event for many years with Arthur, and I have always believed in his talent and his ability,” Springer described. “It would have been great to have won, but what we were really working for were three solid phases, which we accomplished. It is a great feeling to have worked so hard and then come out here and achieve it.”
Springer represents the best of America's growing equestrian talent in many ways. As an athlete and a rider, Springer continues to pursue her career through dedication and consistency, and aspires to represent the United States in the Olympics.

“I cannot thank the USET Foundation enough for the honor of the Pinnacle Cup. With it being an Olympic year, the Rolex event really proved that America has the riders and horses to bring home the individual and team medals. Hopefully the team will call on me, and I will be able to support our country in London,” she stated. “I've kind of had a different approach this year. I think I have always been so focused on the year-end result. This year I have really concentrated more on the path to that end goal and what I need to do every day. It's hard when it is such a big deal and my goal is to go to the Olympics, but I am just working one day at a time.”

Photo: USET Foundation Trustee Bruce Duchossois presents Allison Springer with the USET Foundation's Pinnacle Cup Trophy as the highest placed American rider at the 2012 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI**** with her mount, Arthur. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)

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