Riders from Knoll Farm of Long Island, New York, Andrea Mercier (co owner of Knoll Farm), Chrissy Boudreau and Matti Oenema were invited to represent the United States of America at Equus 2003-Costa Rica. The show was a CSI international show jumping competition held at Club Hipico, La Carana in San Jose, Costa Rica. Carolyn Denson of Boca Raton, Florida and Equine DMV Jennifer Platt of New Jersey, a student of George Morris, were also invited to be members of the team.

The competition was held over three days and the team competed each day in various jumper classes, at different heights. Classes consisted of speed, power and speed, and time first-jump off. Several competing countries brought their own horses. Other teams borrowed horses from private owners. Every horse had to compete twice in each class, once with the owner and once with a rider from a team that did not bring their own. This insured that no horse had an advantage. Horses were chosen by lottery and had to undergo a mandatory vet check before the competition. Two days prior to competing we were assigned our horses and permitted a short warm up. At this time we were allowed to only school over a total of six fences. We competed on that horse for the duration of the competition. We were the only all women team. The competing teams were mostly men from Central and South America. "Those guys are crazy!" Was the mantra repeated by all of the American riders. It was difficult to go fast on a horse you didn't know.

The show was well attended with classes of 20-30 riders per class. There were many sponsors, and the presentation was comparable to our Hampton Classic. The show is one of Central America's largest show jumping competitions. Although it was a serious event, the atmosphere was friendly and festive, and the people were gracious and hospitable. Many of the riders stayed with Costa Rican families. Cocktails and dinner were offered to all competitors at different restaurants or at private homes. The organizers arranged a volcano and canopy tour for all exhibitors. The Costa Rican Federation members were fabulous hosts. They opened their homes and hearts and allowed us a view into Costa Rican "horse people" culture. In the end everyone went home with a truly great experience, and even some ribbons.