Wilsonville Equestrian Rich Fellers Finishes 8th in Olympics Individual Equestrian Jumping

Richard Fellers of the United States riding Flexible competes in the first qualifier of Individual Jumping on Day 8.

London, August 8th. Wilsonville’s Richard Fellers and his 16-year-old Irish Sporthorse, Flexible (who has his own website flexiblegrandprixjumper.com) came to London on August 1st from their training farm in Holland. Flexible’s owners, Harry and Mollie Chapman report, “Flexible is bright and happy and ready to go…so is Rich.” The 52-year-old was the first American to win the World Cup show jumping finals in 25 years and it’s his first time competing in the Olympics. Steve Guerdat of Switzerl won the Gold medal.

Steve Guerdat of Switzerland celebrates on the podium after winning the Gold medal, Gerco Schroder of Netherlands (L) the Silver medal and Cian O’Connor of Ireland (R) the Bronze medal in the Individual Jumping Equestrian on Day 12 of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

In this Olympic team photo, World Cup champion Rich Fellers is on the left. He's pictured with Reed Kessler, Beezie Madden and McLain Ward who will return to the show jumping team looking for their third-straight Olympic gold medals in the team event. In the second row are staffers George Morris and Elizabeth Parker.

In this Olympic team photo, World Cup champion Rich Fellers is on the left. He’s pictured with newcomer, Reed Kessler. Beezie Madden and McLain Ward are returning to the show jumping team and looking for their third-straight Olympic gold medals in the team event. In the second row are staffers George Morris and Elizabeth Parker.

Despite all of Feller’s success, including taking home the FEI Rolex World Cup Championship in April, Fellers isn’t letting it go to his head. “People ask me, how many wins, how much prize money, but none of that really matters to me,” said Fellers. “I just take it day by day, and focus on keeping moving forward,” according to Spruce Meadows Media.

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.