Eventer Allison Springer has purchased Kelly Pugh’s advanced mare Copycat Chloe in an effort to grow her string of upper-level horses.

Springer was familiar with the 11-year-old Trakehner-Thoroughbred cross (Stiletto-Copycat’s Dancer, Alezan Dancer) because she spent a year and a half in her barn while Pugh worked for her.

Pugh and Copycat Chloe earned individual gold and team silver at the 2010 Adequan FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships (Ky.) before moving up to the advanced level, where they completed the Dansko Fair Hill CCI*** (Md.) in 2011.

Springer, Marshall, Va., began evaluating her program and goals after spending the summer in Europe, where she finished in sixth place at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials CCI**** (England). When she began looking for upper-level horses, Copycat Chloe stood out to her. “I know Kelly loves the mare so much, and she’s done a lot with [her]. She’s had some great success with her and had the learning curve that we all have to go through at the advanced level,” said Springer. “She’s just a horse that I’ve always loved, and I get along with her really well. Her hardest part of it is the dressage, but I know what she’s capable of. That’s why I thought she was a perfect fit. It’s a pretty extraordinary opportunity.”

Springer plans to ride Copycat Chloe in a few intermediates to start the season and hopes to compete at the Bromont CCI*** (Quebec) in June. She’s also looking to syndicate the mare.