February 9, 2016—Grand prix show jumper Simon Nizri isn’t sure what his horse’s name, E Muze Yek, means—likely something to do with music, he says. The 12-year-old gray Belgian Warmblood is better known as “the Boss” anyway, and Simon is sure he’s the right partner going into Saturday’s Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Thermal class, the final qualifier in the West.

Simon Nizri and E Muse Yek | Photo Copyright Kim F. Miller

Simon bought the For Pleasure/Carthago son three years ago and describes him as “made for me. He is very sensitive and a strong character who needs a very soft, quiet ride.” He credits Irish rider Darragh Kerins and dealer Maarten Huygens for producing a great horse.

The Boss is also just plain “cool,” says Simon, who hails from Mexico, represents Israel and is based in Southern California. From their first rides together, the Boss has been a consistent and careful jumper no matter where they are—Europe, Florida, indoors and outdoors. Simon is hoping for more of the same in Thermal’s big grand prix arena on Saturday. As for prep for the 3 p.m. (PST) class, the Boss will get a nice flat work out in the morning. “He’s a very fit horse, so he needs that, but that’s all. He’s an uncomplicated horse in that way.”

The Boss nickname stems from E Muze Yek’s attitude around the stable. “He’s not the most simple horse in the barn, but he’s the best one at the show.”

Ranked fourth in the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping™ North American West Coast League, Simon and the Boss are fresh off double clear rounds and a third-place finish at the league’s previous qualifier, Jan. 23 at Ville De Bravo, Mexico.

Simon is excited about the possibility of returning to the World Cup™ Final where he debuted 20 years ago, in Geneva. He was just 17 and one of the youngest riders ever to tackle those tracks. The final will be March 23–28, 2016 in Gothenburg, Sweden. He believes that E Muse Yak is the right horse for an Olympic bid, too, but unfortunately Israel is not qualified for Rio, so they’ll focus their future plans elsewhere.