Reese Koffler-Stanfield Gets Ready for WEG

Wow – I’m so excited to be selected as the Kentucky Athlete Representative at the One Year Away Celebration for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. I want to introduce myself and my horse Goubergh’s Kasper.

I am a true Kentucky girl born and raised right here in Lexington. I attended Sayre High School and the University of Kentucky. I graduated from UK with a B.S. in Agriculture Economics and a M.A. from the Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce. My first experience on a horse was during my second birthday party which was held at the Kentucky Horse Park. Since that moment I’ve been passionate about riding.

For years I have dreamed of the possibility of representing my country in the sport of Dressage. That dream now holds extra special meaning for me as my hometown of Lexington, KY, has been chosen as the site of the World Equestrian Games in 2010. The World Games are considered the highest honor for any rider. I am currently a USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold medalist, a USDF Certified Instructor through Fourth Level, and the principle Trainer at Maplecrest Farm of Lexington. My husband Travis Stanfield, my parents Bruce and Margee Koffler, my uncle Dr. Michael Koffler, and all of my students and the staff of Maplecrest farm make up the most loving and supportive team that any rider could ever hope to have.

Kasper (aka “Kaspie” or “Goober”) is truly an amazing partner. His kind and witty personality never ceases to put a smile on my face each day. Kasper is a 16.2 hand Chestnut Gelding with a lengthy and prestigious resume. My parents and uncle purchased Kasper in 2008 and we became instant friends. Our goal for 2009 was to qualify for the United States Equestrian Federation Festival of Champions at the Grand Prix level. To achieve this goal Kasper and I began training with internationally known “S” judge, trainer, mentor, and friend Kathy Connelly, in Wellington Florida. Kathy and I have worked together for the past seven years with the goal of competing at the international level. This year Kasper and I competed in several international shows…. we made a huge splash! We won the Grand Prix Special at the Wellington Classic CDI ***, we were the leading Americans in the Grand Prix Freestyle CDI-W at the Wellington Equestrian Festival, and won the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle at the Lamplight CDI *** in May. We were thrilled when we received our invitation to compete in the United States Equestrian Federation Grand Prix Dressage Festival of Champions held at USET Headquarters in Gladstone, New Jersey. Kasper and I finished 4th overall!!! Our goal now is to again qualify for the USEF Festival of Champions which will also serve as the final selection trial for the WEG!

Kasper and I are working hard to prepare for the upcoming qualifying shows. We will be working very hard to secure a place on the 2010 WEG team which would truly be a dream come true. I am often asked what steps I am taking to prepare for the WEG. I have certainly modified my daily routine and am working to improve my strength and physical fitness with the same veracity that Kasper approaches his training each day. I visit my personal trainer, Matt Veigel of Body Structure, at least 4 days a week. After Kasper has had his breakfast and enjoyed a few hours of turnout on our beautiful Kentucky bluegrass, we get to work. After our daily workouts and a bit of lunch, Kasper settles in for a nice long nap (of which I am jealous). Then in the afternoon he goes for a walk and has a massage from Jennifer Oliver of Central Kentucky Equine Massage Therapy, before dinner. Kasper’s favorite treat is bananas. He will beg ALL day for one. I spend the rest of my day working with several horses that I am currently training, and having lessons with my many wonderful students. All of my students are hardworking and unique individuals so helping them reach their goals is definitely a priority.