Endel Ots: "Bohemian Doesn't Owe Us Anything"

Focus

U.S.A.

For American Grand Prix rider Endel Ots 2024 has been a whirlwind year where the opportunity of a lifetime presented itself. He was offered the ride on renowned Grand Prix horse Bohemian who took him to the 2024 Paris Olympics as alternates.

Although the pair did not go down the Olympic centerline as U.S. team reserves, they shared the Olympic experience in Versailles with their three team mates, a momentous occasion that must have left an indelible imprint on the rider's mind.

Whirlwind Year

Heidi Humphries of Zen Elite equestrian center saw Bohemian for sale in an ad on Eurodressage and purchased the 14-year old Westfalian gelding (by Bordeaux x Samarant) in December 2023. Under Cathrine Dufour (DEN) the liver chestnut was fourth at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and won freestyle silver at the 2021 European Championships.

At their CDI Debut in Wellington in March 2024

It was Heidi's first big purchase with other major horses - Lars van de Hoenderheide, Helix and Indian Rock - to follow. She allocated the ride on Bohemian to 39-year old Endel Ots.

Ots made his show debut in the national show during the 2024 Palm Beach Derby at the start of March and at the end of that much made a winning CDI debut in Wellington with 72.761%. The pair secured its spot on the Olympic short list after consistent score of 70-72% in Ocala and Myakka and consolidated its spot as U.S. Olympic team reserves on the European team after similar scores in Hagen, Kronberg, and Aachen.

Ots and Bohemian were on standby and relished the experience of being in Versailles, getting to meet Snoopdog in person behind the scenes. Unfortunately team USA got eliminated after Marcus Orlob and Jane were rung out due to blood on the horse's hindleg from knocking itself.

"Bohemian Doesn't Owe Us Anything"

Ots and Bohemian at the 2024 CDIO Aachen

Ots and Bohemian have not competed since the CDIO Aachen in July 2024. They also seem not to be contesting any qualifiers in the North American league for the World Cup final of 2025.

Eurodressage caught up with Endel and inquired how his heart horse is doing.

"We gave him some time off after Paris to relax after the 6 months of qualifying and traveling," Endel told Eurodressage. "I was looking forward to doing World Cup, and maybe the U.S. Open. Bohemian has always struggled with his sinuses. We keep very much on top of it, but he ended up developing a sinus infection, and we aggressively treated it right away, but we are going to give him some time to feel better and let him tell us what he feels up for."

Ots added, "he doesn’t owe us anything and Heidi is 100% on the same page. Having someone like Heidi always putting the horses first is such a blessing."

Go With the Flow

Endel explained that Bohemian has no obligations to further perform in the competition arena, but if he's healthy and feeling up for it, they will return.

"We’re taking things week by week for now to see how everything progresses. Typically, his weekly schedule includes three days of focused work, with the remaining days dedicated to trail riding, treadmill sessions, and turnout to keep him balanced and happy," said Endel. "I’d love to aim for shows in February, March, and April, but it will ultimately depend on how he’s feeling and progressing during this time."