The move paid off in spades, with Lindsay and the 11-year-old Hanoverian mare (Fidertanz 2 x Rubin Royal OLD), known simply as “Flora”, helping the Canadian Dressage Team bring the gold medal home from Peru on July 29. But how did Chloe, Lindsay and Flora find each other before finding themselves on top of the podium? Equestrian Canada (EC) spoke with Chloe to find out more.
Chloe Gasiorowski (right) of New York, NY, gave the ride of her horse Floratina (“Flora”) over to Lindsay Kellock (left) of Wellington, FL, for the 2019 Lima Pan American Games.
Photo Credit: Ashley Holzer
EC: When did you start training with Lindsay?
CG: I met Lindsay about a decade ago when she was working with [four-time Canadian Olympian] Ashley Holzer at Riverdale Stables in the Bronx, NY. I was training with someone else at the time, but I am Canadian and always admired Lindsay, her talent and the Canadian support group she had built around her. I always knew that, as a Canadian, I wanted to be a part of that team.
I started training with Lindsay in early 2017. I walked up to her in the parking lot of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival in Wellington and surprise-attack asked her. I don’t think she had much time to consider it! She has an incredibly busy schedule and chooses her students carefully, so I felt very lucky.
We were first training out of Riverdale Stables and I was commuting from New York City. A few months in, it I bought my own small barn, Marengo Farms in Bedford Hills, NY. Now we keep the horses there in the summer months. I have three kids aged six and under, and it is pretty magical being able to walk into my back yard, close the door on the sound of squabbling kids behind me and jump on top-level dressage horses.
Chloe, pictured on Flora, has been training with Lindsay since 2017.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Chloe Gasiorowski
EC: What do you love about training with Lindsay?
CG: Lindsay expects the best out of everyone and every horse. She encourages her students to dream big and work hard for that dream; I’ve seen firsthand those dreams come true. Lindsay knows how to unlock an idea and bring it to life in her teaching. She can explain the concept of how to get a movement and improve on that movement, bringing it from a five or six to an eight.
She also works harder than anyone else I know. She’s never missed a day of work since I’ve known her. It doesn’t matter what is going on outside of work, when she is in the ring it’s all business and she is laser focused on achieving the goal of the day, whatever that may be.
I’ve learned more in my two years with her than I have in an entire lifetime of riding.
EC: Can you describe your relationship with Lindsay?
CG: I think it’s a partnership built off of mutual respect. We both want the best for each other. I trust her completely and know that she is always looking out for my best interests. We talk a lot about the business and riding and bounce ideas off of each other – she is very level-headed. But it isn’t all business: we live next door to each other during the summer months, so we see each other a lot and have become good friends. She’s great company and my kids love her.
Lindsay and Chloe have become good friends – and neighbours!
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Chloe Gasiorowski
EC: When did Flora enter the picture?
CG: We bought Flora in November of last year. All the credit goes to Lindsay. We almost bought a horse in Europe, but she didn’t pass the vetting. We were both disappointed, but then one day Lindsay texted me about Flora. She had always liked the horse and had heard she was for sale. I flew down to Wellington, FL, a week later to try her and loved her, too. Ashley also tried her and loved her.
Lindsay has always had a soft spot for the bay mare.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Chloe Gasiorowski
EC: Flora and Lindsay have never scored below 70% competing together at the FEI level. What makes Flora such a special mount?
CG: Her brain and work ethic. She has the beautiful, elegant movement a horse needs at this level of competition, but her temperament sets her apart from the rest. At the [2019 Wellington] Nations Cup, [Canadian Olympian] Jacquie Brooks opened up a giant Canadian flag right in front of Flora after the awards ceremony and started waving it around. Flora’s eyes were as big as saucers, but she didn’t flinch and continued cantering straight towards the flag.
In addition to her remarkable athletic abilities, Flora’s brain and temperament set her apart.
Photo Credit: Cealy Tetley
EC: Why did you decide to give Lindsay the ride on Floratina?
CG: It really was a no-brainer. Lindsay called me one day and proposed declaring her [for the Pan Ams]. I said yes without thinking, but looking back there are three main reasons:
- I wanted to support Lindsay. There is no one more deserving – she works around the clock and has been driving towards this her whole life.
- I wanted to support Canada. This sport has been so important to me throughout my life. I don’t currently live in Canada, but my roots are there and all of my family lives there. I’m bringing some of my young horses to Canada. I am Canadian through and through.
- I have three kids and, at the time Lindsay had to declare, my youngest was five months old. I didn’t have time to get to Florida and show Flora. There was absolutely no downside in my mind to having Lindsay take over the ride. No matter the outcome, she would know my horse inside and out by the time I was in a position to ride more.
EC: How did it feel to watch Lindsay and Flora help Team Canada win gold?
CG: I am incredibly proud and happy for both Flora and Lindsay. It was nerve racking and exhilarating, but Lindsay cantered in the ring and you could see the determination on her face. Once the test started, it was clear that she was going for it. I think the most special part about watching was knowing that this is just the beginning for her. I have no doubt that Lindsay is going to be in many, many more international competitions representing Canada. It’s pretty special to witness that type of talent right at the beginning of her career.
Lindsay and Flora strut their stuff on the way to the top of the Lima podium.
Photo Credit: Cealy Tetley
EC: What did it feel like to be a part of the Canadian Dressage Team as an owner?
CG: I grew up admiring and cheering for all of the Canadian Equestrian Team riders. They were superstars to me. To be able to be a part of a team is very special, and I hope to continue being part of that team.
Chloe (far right) alongside fellow Team Canada supporters at the Pan Am Games.
Photo Credit: Cealy Tetley
EC: After returning to Canada with a team gold medal, what’s next for Flora?
CG: Now that I’m done having babies, I’m looking forward to getting back to showing with Flora… this time in the saddle. Right now she is back in my barn after her long journey, getting spoiled, and re-asserting herself as the queen mare.