Tina Bodnar and Chagall (VA)
Team #916: Tina Bodnar and Chagall
From: Chesapeake, Virginia
Ages: 71 & 29
Combined Ages: 100
Test: Introductory Level Test C
I purchased my Connemara/Thoroughbred cross, Chagall, as an unstarted three-and-a-half-year-old with hopes of eventing him. He is just 15.2 hands but full of jump. Connemaras are athletic and love to jump. We started eventing at Beginner Novice and gradually moved up to Training Level, where we won a couple of events. In 2004, we qualified for the first Eventing National Championships, where we finished 14th out of 89 competitors on our dressage score. We then moved up to Preliminary Level. This was a challenge because he would get really strong on cross-country. We finished 3rd and then 1st after an amazing clinic with Lucinda Green. However, I decided he was just too strong on cross-country to continue at that level, so I retired him from eventing.
During this time, we also competed in jumpers and even won a high-jump competition at 4’6”. Then we shifted to dressage, and while it took a while, we achieved our Bronze Medal. Over the years, he has taught a number of students about jumping. He has an amazing canter—very adjustable—and he loves to jump.
Now, at 29, he enjoys trail rides and light work, and he still teaches kids about riding. I adore his personality, even though he can be quite challenging. He is truly my athletic little heart horse, and I will love him until the end.
