One Horse, Big Dreams

Noelle Floyd

"Ask Lindsay Douglass to describe her horse Butterfly Tibri Z, and she is more apt to show than to tell.“You have to meet her,” she’ll say.Never has a truer statement been spoken. While the 13-year-old Zangersheide mare may have a nickname reminiscent of an adorable small palomino pony – “Butters” – she has a personality larger than life.The dynamic duo, who skyrocketed into the spotlight with their performances at the four- and five-star level this year, has a pretty special relationship. Lindsay is often her own groom, and at the Washington International Horse Show, she could be found plaiting Butters’ mane a few hours before jumping in her first indoor World Cup qualifier. When she stepped off her ladder, Butters rested her head on her owner’s shoulder, and her lips quivered in delight while Lindsay scratched her withers. Earlier in the day, they could be found walking the streets of downtown D.C., where Butters eagerly introduced herself to the young children participating in the morning’s “Kid’s Day” event."