Press release from Desert International Horse Park

Canada’s Samantha Buirs-Darvill and Maria 111 (Shadowfax 111 x Chopin van het Moleneind) cranked up the heat to win a prize designed to cool down in Friday’s $10,000 YETI CSI3* 1.45m Speed at Desert Circuit 6. With a time of 67.27 seconds Buirs-Darvill rode away with the victory – and a new set of YETI coolers.

The early time to beat was set at 67.68 seconds by the USA’s Vani Khosla and her own Orlando van de Afspanning (Kartouzo van't Kathof x Flamenco de Semilly), and they ultimately held on to second place. Finishing in third place with a time of 67.83 seconds were Ireland’s David O’Brien and Fairson TS (Emmerton VDL x Caretino), owned by Keepin’ It Simple LLC.

Buirs-Darvill has been partnered with the 9-year-old Anglo European mare Maria 111 for the past three years, and she has taken her time in carefully developing the horse.

“I never really have tried to go that fast,” said Buirs-Darvill, who has also given birth to two children – now ages 1 and 3 – during her years with Maria 111. “After I had my second baby, I started to go a little bit faster every time in the ring with her, and now I’m like, ‘Okay, we’re confident.’”

Buirs-Darvill continued, “I thought [the speed class] was really fun. [Maria 111] has just kind of touched into some CSI2* grand prix classes and then the CSI3* second classes. I kind of try to push myself a little bit, and today I was like, ‘Let’s go, girl!’ She was great. She has always been a very wild woman. We’ve grown together. I’ve just had a really good time producing her.”

Buirs-Darvill is also quick to acknowledge Maria 111’s owners Bryony and David Reid for their support of her, Maria and their development as partners.