1. Home
  2. USDF Hall of Fame
  3. Inductees

Rocher (2016)

In recognition of her competition record, having shown extensively across Europe, in Oldenburg, Munich, Goteborg, Hagen, and Wiesbaden, and for her character and inspirational performances that made her an ambassador for the sport of dressage.

Press Release:

Rocher is a dressage icon in the United States, for those that witnessed her in competition before her retirement in 2009. Owned by Charles and Joann Smith, of Richwood, OH, this German born 25-year-old Westfalian mare (by Rolls Royce and out of Fraenzi) touts a long and successful competition record, including 59 Grand Prix tests on file with USDF. In 2002, Rocher, and rider George Williams, played to the crowds winning the Grand Prix Freestyle at Dressage at Devon as well as the Grand Prix for the Region 2 Championships. In 2003, Rocher added international competition to her repertoire, finishing fifth in the FEI World Cup Freestyle. That same year, Rocher was named the USDF Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle Horse of the Year, as well as The Chronicle of the Horse Dressage Horse of the Year.

Rocher competed extensively across Europe, in Oldenburg, Munich, Goteborg, Hagen, and Wiesbaden with George on board and showing off her floppy ears and flashy extended trot. She was poised to be a strong contender for the 2004 Olympic Games, but was temporarily sidelined by tendonitis as the event drew near. In 2005, Rocher returned to competition sweeping all three classes of the USEF Grand Prix Championship, as well a putting in a valiant and crowd pleasing performance for the US Team in Aachen, Germany. Rocher moved on to break records, by being the first horse to win the Grand Prix Freestyle at Dressage at Devon three times. Rocher had a long and impressive showing career, but it is her character and inspirational performances that truly set her apart.

Her owner Charles once said "Rocher took a dream and made it a reality. She took us all over the world and filled us with pride. She has incredible character and inspired her fans wherever she showed."