Lucy Davis – Filling Some Tall Boots

California-native Lucy Davis is living large – equestrian style. Moving back to the states after several seasons in Europe, she will be completing her senior year at Stanford before pursuing her goals to be competing in Rio in 2016. 

Lucy and Barron at the World Equestrian Games. Photo Credit EqSol

Lucy’s been on the back of a horse since age two, and started lessons at five.  The small but mighty equestrian always had a natural feel and a calm, cool and collected demeanor. She spent many successful years in the pony, junior hunter and Big Eq arenas training with Archie Cox.  With a solid background in those famously American disciplines, she moved into show jumping with ease and style.  She won the Youngsters Cup in Europe in 2009 and forged ahead to the big time.

Lucy Davis wins the Danhakl Lifetime Trophy at the 2007 Del Mar National. Photo Credit Ed Moore

Lucy Davis and Red Rooster Winnnig at the 2008 National Horse Show. Photo Credit Reflections

The last few years have been a whirlwind mix of a serious commitment to International show jumping and semesters at Stanford University.  Working with top class trainers Markus and Meredith-Michaels Beerbaum, Lucy has reached new heights in her riding.  She competes in the same league as the world’s best show jumpers, and has earned some big wins. However as all riders who aspire to greatness, she is continuously faced with the challenges and has learned to take the ups with the downs with grace and determination.  Similarly, she plans to complete her college education at an institution that is also top notch, requiring commitment to her studies. 

Lucy Davis on course at the World Equestrian Games. Photo Credit EqSol

Chosen for the team at the World Equestrian Games in Caen, Lucy had to rise to the occasion not only due to the intense level of competition, but also to overcome a rough start on Day One where she and Barron had a mishap at the big wall.  In her other two rounds, Day Two when only 20 horses of 144 were clean, Lucy had only 4 faults and also had only one rail on Nations Cup Day. As a fierce competitor she would have preferred no faults, but for her first Games she fared quite well.

USA on the podium earning Bronze at the World Equestrian Games. Photo Credit EqSol

I was able to connect with her directly after the Games, before she went to compete at Lausanne and back on home turf at the L. A. Masters this weekend.

What inspires you…

Each morning?

The prospect of breakfast, especially Huevos Rancheros. 

Before you enter the ring?

The energy from a big crowd.

When you have a bad day?

 The challenge to rise up against adversity (everything has to be a competition).

What about horses inspires you the most?

 Horses are unpredictable. They inspire you to always be on your toes. You never can learn enough about the sport and these amazing animals.

How do you receive inspiration?

 By watching the accomplishments and experiences of others.  And family support.

How do you give inspiration?

Hopefully I can lead somewhat by example!

What is next for you?

 My plan is to finish my final year of school at Stanford, starting end of September, and then figure out what I want to do from there.

What is your major?

Architecture

Can you talk a bit about each of your horses?  

I have a couple of really great horses right now. My main mount Barron has been with me for eighteen months now and is a "once in a lifetime" horse. He has everything you need in a top mount: scopey, careful, brave, quick, etc. I also am now riding Barron's full brother, Curtis, who is similarly talented but a bit greener, at age 9. Cassis is another 9 year old, even a bit greener than Curtis, but another one I truly believe has every quality to become a championship horse.

Lucy and Curtis at Aachen

Lucy and Cassis at Aachen

Are you speaking German now?  Any other language?

I understand most German, especially after living in Berlin last fall. I also speak Spanish and took French in school.

Your favorite part about living in Europe?  

The heterogeneity of places found within short distances. And the french fries are just better for some reason.

Wishing this California girl all the best this weekend, with school and in her certain-to-be successful international show jumping career.   Thank you for the interview!