April 7,2015
It’s hard to believe that the Thermal circuit is already over, but I’m really happy with how my horses developed throughout the weeks there. Being in one place with them for a few months has really set them up well for the upcoming year and some of the big shows that are coming up.
Hester Equestrian Horse Report
Wender (2003 KWPN gelding) got more and more consistent throughout Thermal and I’m happy with all the progress he’s made. He won two consecutive MortgageCall 1.35m Jumper Classics but a cheap rail in the third week of the class kept us out of the winner’s circle again.
Abigail (2003 Holsteiner mare) was unfortunately injured and had to undergo surgery. However, the surgery went really well and the doctors are optimistic about her recovery. In the meantime, after she gets a little time off, she is going to be bred and become a mom to a very lucky baby.
Warinde B (2003 KWPN mare) showed significant growth every time she stepped in the ring. Our biggest class was the AIG Million at the end of Thermal; Ella got a little bit nervous and we didn’t end up with the best ribbon results, but the ride overall felt great. She gets some well-deserved rest before we go for the National show at Del Mar and Showpark Ranch & Coast in May. I’m hoping to also take her and few of the younger horses to the new show in Paso Robles at the end of May.
Daister L (2008 KWPN gelding) pulled off lots of clear rounds in the Young Horse classes after competing in the 1.35m division during the first weeks. He was very consistent in the 7-Year-Olds, ending up with top ribbons to finish off the circuit.
Lorstakov (2009 Holsteiner gelding) started out in the 1.10m division and moved up to the 6-Year-Old Young Horse classes by the second half of Thermal. He has progressed with huge strides and finished with first and second place ribbons in the division by Week VIII.
Dalmerette (2008 KWPN mare) has been trying really hard in the 1.10m and I’m pleased with her steadiness and effort in the ring. She’s still young, but I’ve got a lot of hope for her this year after seeing how well she did at Thermal. I think she’ll be ready to move up at Del Mar & Showpark and tackle some bigger challenges there.
After Thermal, I went to Europe to look for new prospects and a replacement for Abby so Ella won’t have so much pressure on her in the Grand Prix classes. I found a 9-year-old mare named Clueless who has been doing the 1.50 – 1.55m and we really clicked when I tried her. She’s actually even smaller than Ella, but looks so much like her – a slightly lighter bay coat and a different sock are all that differentiate them – that I think I’m going to have a tough time getting people to tell them apart!
While I was over there, we also got to free jump my three-year-old stallions for the first time as well and they were fantastic. Paul Hendrix is really excited to see how they progress, so we’re going to aim for breaking them under saddle later this year and will try getting one of the stallions, I Love You, approved in October.
It’s been a busy start to the year but I’m confident the spring is going to be even better for all of my horses. I’ll be back in a few weeks with an update for you all.