BY BRYLEE BENZEL
When people find out that my horse, Pharaoh (known in the ring as Verdico Imperio Egipcio), used to be an international Grand Prix jumper, they usually want to talk about the heights he cleared or the famous arenas where he competed. They ask about events like the Land Rover Puissance in Dublin, where he jumped the big red wall at 2.18 meters, or the massive Grand Prix oxers from his career.
While his résumé is legendary, his history isn’t what matters most to me. What matters is who heis today.
Pharaoh had a long and successful career, giving his best to every rider and every class. Likemany elite athletes, he carries the normal wear that comes with years of competing at the highest level. As he moved into the next stage of his life, a quieter routine became the best way for him to stay comfortable, happy, and confident in his work.
When Pharaoh came into my life, he wasn’t “finished.” He was simply ready for a new chapter. Together, we’ve adjusted his routine to fit this stage of his life, with a carefully managed workload, plenty of daily turnout, and time just to be a horse. Watching him relax into this rhythm has taught me that great horsemanship doesn’t always happen in the show ring.
Pharaoh has taught me how to ride, but even more importantly, he has taught me how to listen. Most days, he feels strong and confident. On other days, his body language tells me he needs an easier ride, a lighter jump school, or simply time to walk and stretch.
Learning to notice and respect those signals has been my biggest breakthrough as a junior rider. Sometimes, the most important “training” we do happens during quiet moments, with no pressure at all. Learning to respect his “not today” has made me a better equestrian than pushing through ever could.
Recently, Pharaoh and I jumped our first meter. It was a huge milestone for me, but it didn’t come from riding a “push-button” horse. Pharaoh is my teacher. He doesn’t just carry me over fences, he shows me how to ride thoughtfully and correctly to get there.
I am deeply grateful to the riders, trainers, and owners who cared for Pharaoh before me. It is clear that he was loved and well cared for at every stage of his life, and their dedication gave him the strong foundation that makes him such a wonderful partner today. I feel incredibly lucky to be the one learning from him now.
There is a common belief in the horse world that when a horse steps down from the biggest circuits, their value decreases. My experience has shown me the opposite. Horses in their second careers are priceless teachers. They help junior riders learn how to feel, how to adapt, and how to always put the horse first. They don’t have anything left to prove. They are ready to share what they know with riders who are excited to listen.
When I think about our future, our goals are simple. We hope to do a little bit of showing later this year, but what matters most is that Pharaoh stays sound and happy. I’m learning that success is about becoming the kind of rider your horse can trust.
Pharaoh may not jump the biggest courses in the world anymore, but he has shown me that being a great rider isn’t about how high you can jump. It’s about listening, adjusting, and learning from your horse every step of the way.
Brylee is an 11-year-old junior rider who competes in the hunter/jumper discipline. She is currently learning from her horse Pharaoh, a former international Grand Prix jumper, and enjoys focusing on horsemanship, listening, and thoughtful riding.
