Gladstone, N.J. – Commando 3, a 10 year-old Holsteiner gelding (Connor 48 x R-Adelgunde) owned by Yankee Creek Ranch, was awarded with the 2024 Connaught Grant by the United States Equestrian Team Foundation, putting $25,000 towards the training and competition schedule for Commando 3 next year. The award is one of the most prestigious for up-and-coming international talent in the United States.

“It’s a huge honor and privilege to receive the Connaught Grant with Commando 3,” stated Martin. “In the last year, Commando 3 has burst onto the U.S. equestrian scene. We’ve worked very hard at building a partnership. I really feel like he is developing into one of the top horses in the nation,” said Boyd.

Boyd took over the ride on Commando 3 this year and has steadily formed a strong partnership with the gelding, building up through the levels and ultimately finishing with a win at the competitive Morven Park CCI4*-L this past fall. Commando 3 has notched four top-five finishes internationally with Boyd in the irons, as the pair will look to contest their first CCI5*-L together in 2024 and chase Olympic selection for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

“He’s an interesting character,” Martin said of Commando 3. “He’s a very good-looking horse and, sadly, he knows it. He struts around like a wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles. He has an amazing presence, and even when I watch him walking in the field, he has a championship look. I feel like we have an exciting future on the horizon with him. I’m really grateful for Yankee Creek Ranch getting behind me and owning Commando 3,” he continued. “We’ve developed a great friendship and partnership and it’s a fantastic feeling to ride a horse for people that have the same beliefs, goals, and aspirations.”