First Apple and Sarah Lockman catapulted into the international dressage spotlight in 2019 as their breakout year began with strong outings in CDI competition in California. The dynamic duo remained unbeaten at Small Tour and amassed nationwide high scores for their performances in the FEI Prix St. Georges, FEI Intermediate I, and FEI Intermediate I Freestyle. Lockman and First Apple, a 2010 Dutch Warmblood stallion owned by Summit Farm, were named to the U.S. Dressage Team for the Lima 2019 Pan American Games, where they anchored the three-combination team to a team silver. Lockman and First Apple continued their undefeated streak at Lima 2019, earning competition-high marks and personal bests, and unveiled an energetic FEI Intermediate I Freestyle to secure the individual gold medal with a score of 78.980.

The partnership between the pair continues to develop, as Lockman only started to compete First Apple in early 2019. The pair concluded their season having amassed an impressive record of 10 consecutive wins, with First Apple topping the 2019 Adequan®/United States Dressage Federation Year-End Awards for Dressage Horse of the Year.

Prior to his partnership with Lockman, First Apple was highly successful with Dutch rider Patrick van der Meer during his campaign as a young horse. Van der Meer and First Apple were the 2016 Pavo Cup reserve champions and won at the CDI's in Sint Truiden. They also represented The Netherlands at the 2017 World Young Horse Championships in the 7-year-old division, in which they finished in fourth place.

Following his campaign as a young horse with Van der Meer, First Apple was sold to the late Gerry Ibanez as a Tokyo Olympic hopeful for Sarah Lockman. The spark between Lockman and First Apple was immediate and unquestionable. "It was an instant connection with this incredible horse. I don't think I had gone even one time around the arena when I felt the butterflies. By the time I had been in the saddle for 15 minutes I had tears in my eyes because I knew he was the horse for me," shared Lockman.

Lockman and First Apple have transitioned to the Grand Prix level and have their sights set on continuing to represent the United States at the highest levels of international competition. As of recent, Lockman and First Apple have seen success competing in FEI Grand Prix competitions at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, Florida, and at the Palm Beach Dressage Derby.