Press release from Thunderbird Show Park

Tiffany Foster (CAN) is a household name at Thunderbird Show Park, but her new partner, Anton, is still getting acquainted with the place. The pair took their first win together in the tbird CSI4* Challenge 1.45m on Thursday of the Canadian Premier, proving they’ll be ones to watch as their partnership grows.

“This is a new horse that we just got at the end of [the Florida winter circuit],” Foster said of the 10-year-old Zangersheide stallion (Arko III x Quintero). “He’s with my owners, the Cox family and 5 Roosters, who I’ve been working with for a few years now. They are amazing. They recognized that I had a few horses that retired and we were looking for another one.”

Anton came into Foster’s string in April and made his FEI debut with her that same month in Wellington, FL. She knew from the start that they’d found something special.

“I call him a luxury purchase because I don’t often get to buy a 10-year-old horse,” she explained, as a rider who typically brings along younger horses. “He was developed by Max Kühner in Europe. He’s already jumped some big classes, so we’re just getting to know each other but I’m really excited. He’s got a great heart, he’s always with me, and I feel like every class we get a little bit better.”

In Thursday’s 1.45m competition, Foster was the first to produce a clear round, so she came back first for the jump-off. Having jumped only two international classes together prior, it was her first opportunity to test the speed gears on Anton. 

“He’s new so I don’t totally know his stride,” she shared. “In hindsight, I probably could’ve done eight [strides] from [fences] one to two. Same thing after the double, I could’ve done five [strides]. Once I get going with him, I’ll be able to drop those strides, but I made a decision after those two lines to opt for six in the last line. He ate up that line really easy. As Conor Swail said, ‘You did six, no bother.’ I never drop a stride so I was proud.”

The pair came home on a clear effort in 37.64 seconds, and the next four riders had at least one rail down. The final rider, Samantha Buirs-Darvill (CAN), was the only other double-clear but finished nearly a second off the pace with Bryony Reid’s Maria 111 (Shadowfax 111 x Chopin van het Moleneind). Buirs-Darvill also claimed third with Chic D Emma Z (Cigaret JV H Z x Unique II Drum van het Juxshot).

Foster grew up competing at tbird and spends part of the year based in Langley. She routinely has horses that can tackle an expansive Fort Grand Prix arena. Anton is no exception, however that is not his primary role in her string.

“He’s very careful, and I have a lot of horses that really suit big grass rings with bulky jumps, so I bought him more as not that horse,” she went on. “But I live in Langley so he’s going to have to jump at tbird and go to Spruce Meadows. I’m going to give him a little time and let him get used to this kind of material. I’ll let him tell me what he wants to do over the next little bit.”

The three-time Olympian has high hopes for Anton’s future. 

“I’d love to aim for some of the big indoor shows in the fall with him,” she said regarding what the rest of the year might look like. “A lofty goal would be to try to go to the World Cup Final with him next year. He’s super easy to ride. He’s agile and nimble and easy to navigate around a small ring, so I think that’s a bit more his thing. He’s also pretty awesome in the grass ring.”

As the day wound down, Foster was very pleased to be in the winner’s circle yet again in her hometown. 

“I bought a house recently here so we’re laying roots down,” she shared. “I’m really excited to have a farm [in Langley] and I love showing here, especially on a sunny day like this.”

International athletes will compete Friday in the $62,500 CSI4* Grand Prix Qualifier 1.50m for a chance to enter into Sunday’s $116,050 USD CSI4* Grand Prix 1.55m.