Lambre and Hip Living, a 2009 Swedish Warmblood gelding (Hip Hop x Quite Easy) owned by Aurora de Alba, have been partnered together since this past March, and the duo have placed consistently in international competition up to the CSI 4* level. The pair made an efficient effort around the track set by Michel Vaillancourt (CAN) and Lambre was aware of the time they needed to beat to secure the win.
“The course was very good today. This course designer always asks a lot of questions. You can do one more stride or do one less,” explained Lambre. “I saw the first two horse and riders complete the jump-off and knew their times were roughly between 32 and 33 seconds. I knew I had to beat that. I was lucky to go in third in the order because typically when I go in the beginning of the class I don’t go as fast.”
The duo were able to edge a competitive class that boasted a number of speedy combinations and Lambre executed his quick plan in the jump-off round to perfection. Lambre included a major leave out, which is where he felt they shaved the remaining time off of the clock.
“I took one less in the jump-off to jump two. I think I was the only one to take that risk and I think that’s how we won the class,” Lambre detailed.
Lambre plans to continue competing Hip Living in international ranking classes while their partnership solidifies. Lambre has taken his time to get to know the gelding and feels that there is significant potential in the pair’s future together.
“He is only eight and I bought him at the end of the winter circuit in Wellington, FL. Next week he will jump a little bigger in the 1.50m class and we’ll see where he goes,” Lambre said. “He’s a fantastic horse and I thought he performed very well today.”
Click here to view final results for the $6,000 1.40m Nutrena® Classic CSI 3*.