Briggs Surratt and Corture Shine Again at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event
At just 14.2 hands, Corture—nicknamed “Haute”—might be small in stature, but she’s proven to be a giant in heart, talent, and grit. Partnered with 28-year-old Briggs Surratt, this powerhouse duo recently made their second consecutive appearance at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, finishing 35th out of 55 starters in the prestigious CCI4*-S division. The team’s return to the Bluegrass State was a testament to resilience, growth, and the powerful role that preparation and support, including StressLess® Horse Supplement, play in achieving peak performance.
Briggs owns Brick Field Farm with his husband, Rick Wallace. Originally from Tallahassee, Florida, he has been riding since the age of 11. With roots in hunters and equitation, he transitioned to eventing at 13 and has steadily climbed the ranks ever since. He competed in the 2014 NAJYRC at the 2* level and has earned his place among 4* riders. His commitment to classical horsemanship, shaped by mentors like Lucinda Green, Dianne Grod, Ronnie Beard, Dougie Hannum, Karen O’Connor, Peter Gray, and Elisa Wallace, is evident in every aspect of his riding philosophy.
Corture, a 12-year-old Thoroughbred/Holsteiner mare bred by Elisa Wallace, came into Briggs’ life as a 2 1⁄2-year-old. “Elisa sent her to me because she was going to be too small,” he recalls. What began as a practicality quickly blossomed into a deeply bonded partnership. Built from the ground up, their connection is rooted in trust, tenacity, and time. “She’s very opinionated and forward-thinking,” says Briggs, describing Haute’s spirited personality. “Control has always been a challenge—we’ve had to work hard to find the right balance of equipment to manage her strength.”
Despite her size, Corture has an elite pedigree. Her dam was Leap of Faith, Elisa Wallace’s 4* Star Holsteiner/Thoroughbred mare, and her sire was Cor Magnifique, a Thoroughbred whose bloodlines trace back to legends like Cormac, winner of the Maryland Hunt Cup, top Thoroughbred sire, Bonne Nuit, and even Rick Wallace’s 4* horse, Ultimate Trial. In 2024, their first appearance at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event resulted in a breakout performance, finishing 26th out of 60 starters and completing 10 FEI events that year with zero cross-country penalties. A 4th place finish at TerraNova capped off a stellar season.
“Fitness is of utmost importance,” Briggs emphasizes. “I prepare Haute like I would any top-level horse. Nutrition and the right supplements are key.” That’s where StressLess® comes in. “StressLess® has always been the best calming horse supplement for Haute, making it part of our performance regimen,” he says. “It helps Haute stay focused and on task, especially in high-pressure environments. It’s a no-brainer to use it to increase performance in all three phases.”
While the lead-up to the 2025 Kentucky event was more challenging — Briggs admits his own focus wavered at times—the team still achieved big improvements. “Our best dressage to date, and even with a blip at 4B on cross-country, Haute felt amazing. Show jumping was also better—any rails were on me, not her.”
Haute’s fierce determination and Briggs’ thoughtful horsemanship continue to turn heads. Their Kentucky journey has also resonated with fans online, with the Team Wallace Eventing community on Instagram and Facebook cheering every stride. Despite the intensity of the week, Briggs finds balance through quiet hacks and downtime with Haute to ensure she peaks on the right day.
When asked what motivates him to keep striving, Briggs doesn’t hesitate: “Eventing is the most exciting and difficult of all equine sports. It’s incredibly satisfying reaching the top of my sport on a 14.2-hand spitfire.”
From their early days together to conquering one of the biggest stages in eventing, Briggs and Corture are a powerful reminder that size is no limitation—and with the right mindset, mentorship, and support from products like StressLess®, big dreams are well within reach.
If you’re inspired by Corture’s fierce focus and Briggs’ ability to keep his talented pony attentive under pressure, StressLess® is a key part of that success. To celebrate their Kentucky journey, you can now experience the StressLess® difference for yourself! StressLess® promotes a calm mind without dulling your horse’s natural spark, making it an essential part of any performance regimen, whether you’re tackling your first event or galloping across Kentucky’s biggest stage.
Enjoy 25% OFF StressLess® Equine Supplement
Purchase from our U.S. distributor Centerline Distribution and use code LR25 at checkout — valid through May 15th, 2025.
Prefer shopping on Amazon? StressLess® is also available here for convenient, reliable delivery right to your barn.
Help your horse stay calm, focused, and ready to perform in any environment—just like Corture aka Haute the Super Pony!