Bogue Sound: From Racetrack to Cross-Country Star

Jessica Phoenix’s partnership with Bogue Sound, a 13-year-old Thoroughbred gelding owned by Amara Hoppner, has her very excited for the future. Last year was a banner year for the pair who, with a 15th place finish, were the highest-placed Canadians at the 2019 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event in Lexington, Kentucky; it was also Bogue Sound’s first five-star competition.

The Basics

Barn Name: Bogie
Breeder: James M. Herbener, Jr., KY
Sire/Dam: Crafty Shaw x Carolina Blue
Racing Record: 7 Starts: 1 win, 1second, 1 third, earnings of $11,358
Likes: Galloping, cross-country, treats
Dislikes: Dressage
2019 Results:
2nd, Ocala Jockey Club CCI4*-S
5th, Bromont CCI4*-S
15th, Land Rover Kentucky CCI5*-L
12th, Chattahoochee Hills CCI4*-S
Celebrity Doppelganger: Blake Shelton

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What is Bogie’s background and how were you introduced?
He was born in Kentucky and trained for the track before Dorthy Crowell purchased him as a sales horse. One of my young riders was looking for a horse and we went to try Bogie. We immediately fell in love with his personality and athletic ability. The young rider took him to the prelim level and then switched to straight jumpers, and that’s when I took over the ride.

What was your first impression?
Immediately I loved him! He has the most beautiful eyes and character. He has a big, bold jump that really gives you a great feeling of power in the air, and I love that in an event horse.

Bogie at home.

Does he possesses any uniquely Thoroughbred traits?
I love seeing Thoroughbreds at the top. His gallop and willingness to go forward are definitely a Thoroughbred trait. He possesses incredible scope in both his gallop and his jump. He fully encompasses the heart that Thoroughbreds are known for. He is always willing to dig deeper when you need him the most and never lets me down.

How would you describe your relationship?
He has always been a very trusting horse. The more you work with a horse, the more they feel your love and admiration for them, and I truly believe that is why our partnership has been so exceptional.

How would you describe his personality?
He is hilarious!! He is so loving and laid back, but a real jokester, and has an awesome sense of humour. He always has time for my kids when they come to the barn. He will lower his head and spend time not moving a muscle so that they can love up on him.

Does he change from home to the event?
Yes. He definitely know when he is at a show and can really turn it on.

What are you most proud of for him?
Kentucky 2019 – he was phenomenal. To see him have such an incredible weekend in all phases at his first time at that level was inspiring.

Plans for the future and your partnership?
Top ten at the Olympics, WEGs, and five-stars!