Paxton found Sangmelima while she was training in Germany last fall. She saw the Grand Prix mare ridden several times by a friend of Nelson’s while visiting his barn, and though she was not actively looking for a new horse, she said, "We are always keeping our eyes open." Paxton was allowed to try the mare and liked her immediately. "I said, ‘This is the coolest horse. She is great’." Arrangements were made to purchase Sangmelima and import her to the United States. Sangmelima is an 11-year-old bay, 17-hand Oldenburg mare (Sacramento Sox x Pik Bubes Lady H). "She’s my back-up horse," said Paxton. "Cinbad is 15, so she is my ‘after Cinbad’ horse."

The WEF Dressage Classic CDI was Paxton’s first show with Sangmelima. "She was great. She’s a little hot. I was expecting her to shy, but when she got in the ring she was totally focussed. She listened to everything. I was really pleased."

Paxton’s immediate plans are to "go for the gold" at the NAYRC. This year will be her last year as a young rider. "My long term goal is the Olympics," she said. "That’s what I’m training for."