Thursday May 19, 2005

Accomplished Dressage Athlete Carol J. Plough Passes Away in Riverside, CA

May 5, 1955 – May 16, 2005

Accomplished dressage athlete and Olympic hopeful Carol J. Plough suddenly passed away in Riverside, California on Monday, May 16, 2005. The United States Equestrian Federation and its members join the equestrian world in expressing deepest sympathy to her family and friends.

Known as an accomplished horsewoman with a natural gift for putting people at ease, Carol was well-loved in and out of the dressage ring. In 2004, Carol was long-listed for the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Olympic Dressage Team with Komo (1997 KWPN chestnut Gelding, owned by Kathy Pavlich), and the pair continued to compete internationally with mounting success.

“I have known Carol for several years and consider her to be one of my true great friends,” said Olympic medalist and former World Cup Champion Debbie McDonald. “She was a dedicated and hard working rider, trainer, clinician and judge. She lived life everyday and had a great sense of humor. Carol was so grateful to have Kathy and Tom Pavlich and the opportunities they had given her. She gave us all a run for the money with the horse she loved and trained from the beginning, Komo. The Dressage Community has truly lost one of the best in our sport. She will be greatly missed.”

“It was such a thrill for so many of us to watch Carol and Komo, as they developed as a team,” says Marilyn Adams, High Performance Director of Dressage at USEF. “She worked hard and she etched a real place for herself in the grand prix rankings in this country. Her progress with Komo was exponential. To be listed in the top seven American dressage riders in only three years time is something most riders only dream of. We will miss her.”

A USEF licensed “S” judge, Carol judged all levels of her discipline through grand prix, and trained students to compete in such prestigious events as the 2003 Pan-American Games in Santo Domingo and the USET Intermediare I Championship.

Carol is survived by her husband, Bill and a much-loved Jack Russell Terrier named Phoebe.

There will be a memorial service at Shadow Ridge Equestrian Center on May 27 at 10 am. The address for Shadow Ridge is 7256 Weaver St., Highland, CA 92346. The family has asked that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association in Carol's name. Dress comfortably, because Carol would have wanted you to.

Rest in Peace Carol, we will all miss you!

Photo copyrighted: Terri Miller

Related Link
Who's Who: Carol Plough