May 20, 2005 — Accomplished dressage rider and Olympic hopeful Carol J. Plough suddenly died in Riverside, Calif., on May 16 at the age of 50. She had incurred a pulmonary embolism during minor surgery.
In 2004, Plough was long-listed for the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Olympic Dressage Team with Komo (1997 KWPN chestnut Gelding, owned by Kathy Pavlich). She finished second in the Offield Farms Las Vegas Invitational during the 2005 FEI World Cup Dressage Final.
“I have known Carol for several years and consider her to be one of my true great friends,” said Olympic medalist and former World Cup champion Debbie McDonald. “She was a dedicated and hard working rider, trainer, clinician and judge. She lived life everyday and had a great sense of humor. She gave us all a run for the money with the horse she loved and trained from the beginning, Komo. The dressage community has truly lost one of the best in our sport. She will be greatly missed.”
A USEF licensed “S” judge, Plough judged all levels of dressage through grand prix and trained students to compete in such prestigious events as the 2003 Pan-American Games in Santo Domingo and the USET Intermediare I Championship.
Plough is survived by her husband, Bill, and her Jack Russell Terrier, Phoebe.
There will be a memorial service at Shadow Ridge Equestrian Center in Highland, Calif., on May 27 at 10 a.m. The family has asked that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Carol’s name.
