Molly jumping with Kroon Gravin

Kroon Gravin

Sex, Age: Mare, 1992
Breed: Dutch Warmblood
Discipline: Show Jumping
Stabled In: Ancramdale, New York / Wellington, Florida
Owner: Sandra O'Donnell
Trainer / Rider: Molly Ashe
Veterinarians: Dr. Timothy Ober, Dr. Rick Mitchell

In 2002, the high-flying duo of Molly Ashe and Kroon Gravin dominated the American Grand Prix show jumping circuit, soaring to victory at the $200,000 American Invitational in Tampa and finishing in first place at the USET World Equestrian Games Trials in Del Mar, California.

It was the second year in a row Ashe piloted her explosive mare to the prestigious American Invitational title. And to the casual observer, Ashe and "Kroon" make clearing the five foot six inch grand prix fences look almost effortless. But getting to this level has been anything but easy.

After purchasing the mare as a five-year-old prospect, Ashe struggled to gain Kroon's trust and build her confidence. "She's always been very of afraid of people," Ashe said. "She worries, not so much about jumping, but about being in control and being handled. It's been a constant source of stress for her. Any time she gets scared or doesn't like a situation, she just bolts."

Although it was difficult at times, the two made positive strides working their way through the intermediate level competitions. An accomplished and highly capable horsewoman, Ashe could manage the mare's complicated personality. But ultimately, an unexpected set of new problems presented her with even greater challenges.

"Something was bugging her and it got progressively worse," Ashe said. "She started locking her jaw on one side or the other and I couldn't turn right or I couldn't turn left. Eventually, she would just panic and start running. At that point, she was completely unmanageable and covered in sweat after only 10 minutes of work."

Kroon's behavior in the barn started to change at about the same time. She only nibbled at her breakfast and would have an occasional bout of diarrhea.

Fortunately, fate was on their side, as it was right about this time when Dr. Rick Mitchell, a noted equine sports medicine specialist and USET Olympic veterinarian, was conducting a study on equine ulcers.

Through his practice, Mitchell had discovered that Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) was affecting a large number of dressage and hunter/jumper horses. With the study, he hoped to document the prevalence of EGUS, as well as the wide variety of symptoms and performance ramifications associated with the condition. Mitchell had already found that complaints of recurring colic, back soreness and other common equine aliments were frequently the result of ulcers.

When Mitchell examined Kroon Gravin's stomach with an endoscope, Ashe saw for herself what had been causing the mare's behavioral and training problems. "The diagnosis was obvious," she said. "When you see the ulcers first hand, it's really very distressing."

Mitchell prescribed a 28-day treatment with GastroGard® (omeprazole) knowing that it provides fast and highly effective treatment. "Most horses respond to GastroGard with a noticeable improvement in performance within 5 to 7 days, and the gastric lesions are completely resolved during the treatment period," Mitchell said. Kroon responded quickly as well.

"After Dr. Mitchell checked her for ulcers and we started treatment with GastroGard, it was like she took a huge deep breath," Ashe said. "The difference is so quick. Within a few doses of treatment we saw an enormous improvement. She was calm, the sweating died down and I was able to reason with her again. Of course, this made our training more productive and we started to make progress again."

In fact, Ashe and Kroon Gravin have progressed far enough to become the most formidable team in Grand Prix show jumping today. Although the mare still has her trademark explosive personality, Ashe has kept the ulcers from coming back by keeping her on a maintenance dose of GastroGard.

"If you don't continue treating with GastroGard for prevention, the ulcers do come back," Ashe said. "It's essential, especially during any stressful situations like shipping, competition or when the horses have to be on medications, which can be hard on the stomach."

Currently, Ashe is preparing Kroon Gravin for their 2003 Grand Prix campaign. Free of the ulcers, which almost derailed her career, Kroon Gravin is jumping well and will soon be doing what she loves the most - stadium jumping in front of big crowds.

"She's such a natural competitor and just loves the crowd," Ashe said. "She stands bolt still for the national anthem but I have to hold on after that!"