2018 AGDF Program - 33
during the 2017 winter season, and began their first Open European Tour this past summer . "I attended my first Nations Cup™ with him this summer in Europe as an Open rider," said Hicock . "We were the highest placing American combination on both of the teams that we competed on . We got to do the Freestyle in Falsterbo and ended up finishing in second place behind Patrick Kittel . We'll take that! At Hickstead we were second in the Grand Prix and third in the Grand Prix Special, so I was very happy with the placings . It was nice to go over with a few more years of experience under our belts, and with our relationship being that much better as well . We felt a huge improvement from the last time that we were over there so it was an honor to go, and was very rewarding ." Back at the barn, Kitty is as opinionated on the ground as he is under saddle . Not being one to embrace the element of surprise, the gelding has a routine and is privy to sticking to it . Hicock elaborated, "He's not a morning horse . He likes his beauty rest . In the mornings he will go on the treadmill if one is available, if not, he gets hand walked . He gets out at least twice a day, that's very important . We then ride, usually around lunch time, that's his preferred hour, so he can have his afternoon siesta before dinner ." C M Y CM MY CY CMY K According to Hicock, those that have been accepted into the gelding's "inner circle" know that it's his barn, and they're just riding in it . "He's a funny guy," she said . "He's quirky, and he's very serious about a lot of things . He's been around the world a few times, so he kind of knows the drill . One of his favorite things is when you're bridling him, it takes seven or eight tries to do the curb chain, because every time, he shakes his head at the perfect moment ." For Hicock, the support from owner Al Guden and his wife, Andrea, means everything . "Al is the first owner that I've ever ridden for, and I honestly think that he is the dream owner . His faith in my partnership with this horse has been wonderful to have . This has been such a cool story to be a part of, and it is going to be a great year ." With another year of experience under her belt, and with the opinionated gelding on her team, there is no doubt that 2018 will be a memorable year for Hicock and Sagacious HF . 2018 ADEQUAN® GLOBAL DRESSAGE FESTIVAL * 33