One of the world's top eventing horses, Tsetserleg TSF is a 2007 Trakehner gelding out of Thabana by Windfall II. "Thomas" (as he's known colloquially around the barn) began his eventing career with Michael Pollard, competing in 2-star and 3-star level events. In 2016, Thomas was paired with Olympian rider Boyd Martin and in the years since they've shared numerous successes and countless top placings at national and international eventing competitions.
When he first arrived at Boyd Martin's barn, Martin admits that he "didn't think much" of the 16.1 hand Thomas. Fast forward to 2019, and the pair has conquered some of the biggest eventing competitions in the world, including a win at the CCI4*-S at The Fork Horse Trials in Tryon, North Carolina, and a second place in the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day CCI5*-L.
As a result of their accomplishments, Tsetserleg and Martin were selected for the U.S. Eventing Team for the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru. The pair proved to be in excellent form at the Pan American Games, earning a 25.6 in the dressage phase and delivering one of only two rounds inside the optimum time on cross-country. A clear show jumping round on the final day clinched the individual gold medal for Tsetserleg and Martin, while team gold for the U.S. Tsetserleg's performance in Lima secured qualification for Team USA at the 2020 Olympic Games.
Though Tsetserleg is a star for Boyd, his owner, Christine Turner of Indian Creek Farm, says that he doesn't perform for just anyone: "Thomas would do anything for his rider... if he likes them - and he loves Boyd. His heart is bigger than any horse I've ever seen. He'll do anything in his power to please."
Martin says that Tsetserleg is a favorite at his barn and a completely different horse at competitions, only revealing what he's truly capable of when he steps off the trailer at a show: "He doesn't 'wow' you at home, but when he gets to a competition he grows to 17.2-hands and jumps as high as you want to jump." Turner attested to Tsetserleg's change in attitude at competitions, saying, "He loves his job and really turns it on at shows. Everyone who meets him loves him because he projects something special. He's truly the best horse you've ever seen, and I hope you get to meet him someday because then you'll know. When you look in his eyes, you can see his inner soul."
Tsetserleg's favorite treat is a crisp carrot, and his best friend is Martin's 2006 Oldenburg/Thoroughbred gelding, Long Island T. Stephanie Simpson, Martin's head groom, helps him feel his best by catering to therapies including Magna Wave sessions and regular visits from a chiropractor. Thomas is a bit claustrophobic, not liking trailering or crowded warmup rings. Despite his quirks, Martin says that Tsetserleg is like a big pony and that he's a favorite in the barn, especially with children, who he is the friendliest with.
