Locally-Owned horse competes in Rio Olympics

Spring Branch Equestrian Center horse competes in Olympic cross-country jumping

SPRING BRANCH, Texas – The horse’s name is Blackfoot Mystery, and when he was the first horse to compete in the cross-country jumping competition in Rio de Janeiro, his owners at Indian Creek Farm were watching. 

Chris Turner and her husband, T.J., are part of the 12-member syndicate that owns the thoroughbred jumper.

"He was wonderful.  I would do it a hundred times again,” said Olympic newcomer Chris Turner. She is a former chairwoman of A Night in Old San Antonio. She said she’s an accidental newcomer in the arena of world-class jumping and dressage. Her discipline has always been western pleasure, so this journey is very exciting.  

"I am so proud of him. They came in 16th out of 65. It was wonderful. He did a great job,” Turner said.

The big brown gelding has already competed around the world. He is owned jointly by 12 members of the syndicate, ranging from Kentucky racing families to a cousin of Australian tennis pro Rod Laver. They all split the costs for Blackfoot Mystery to be a part of the Olympic dream.

The rider is Boyd Martin, and he is already tuning up several other of the Indian Creek Farm prospects for future competitions. 

Mounds of ribbons hang in Turner’s barn office. She’s looking forward to providing Martin with a mount in the next challenges of the jumping world.

"He has another horse that he rides for me, Kyra. He is in love with Kyra and so is the team coach, so I expect her to go to Japan in 2020," Turner said.

For more on Indian Creek Farms, visit indiancreekfarm.com.


About the Author:

Ursula Pari has been a staple of television news in Texas at KSAT 12 News since 1996 and a veteran of broadcast journalism for more than 30 years.