National Sunshine Series 1 marked Ben Asselin and NKH Carrido’s show debut, but watching the pair clinch the win in the $30,000 Marshall + Sterling 1.40m Open Classic, one would never guess it was a new partnership.
Asselin just began riding the 14-year-old Danish Warmblood stallion, now owned by Asselin’s Attache Stables, a month ago, but on Sunday, November 3, at the Desert International Horse Park, they looked every bit a veteran duo.
Ben Asselin and NKH Carrido. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
After navigating the first-round, Anderson Lima-designed course without fault, Asselin and NKH Carrido joined 11 other entries in qualifying to come back for the jump-off.
There, Asselin had the advantage of returning to the Grand Prix Arena as the penultimate rider and knowing that Shawn Casady and Castelissimo had just moments before set the time to beat at 40.408 seconds. Asselin also had the advantage of NKH Carrido’s sizeable stride.
“I think I did one less from one to two than anybody else,” said Asselin. “I could leave out a stride going to the double, and then the last three jumps were on a big gallop, so I just utilized the massive stride that he has and tried to stay out of his way.”
Ben Asselin and NKH Carrido. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
That plan worked as “Carrido” crossed the finish in 40.012 seconds to narrowly take the victory. With Casady and Castelissimo ultimately taking home second place, third place went to Kyle King and Diamond on a time of 40.748 seconds.
“[Carrido] really just makes my job so easy,” said Asselin of the horse that had previously been competed successfully by Christian Heineking and Brooke Rose Morin. “I show him just in a plain snaffle. He’s very adjustable. So every time you get in the ring, you have many different options as to what you can do. I can just stick to a plan and try to stay out of his way, because he knows what he’s doing out there. I’m just so thankful to my support at Attache Stables and my family for helping to support my career and providing the backing to ride such an incredible horse.”
Ben Asselin and NKH Carrido. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
With his first win with Carrido under his belt, Asselin will now look at continuing to step the stallion up through the levels, beginning with the 1.45m and the $100,000 FarmVet Grand Prix during next week’s National Sunshine Series 2.
For full results of Sunday’s $30,000 Marshall + Sterling 1.40m Open Classic, click here, and for more information on all competition at the Desert International Horse Park, visit deserthorsepark.com.