Have you ever just 'known'?

[Tasker]

(this entire post is in all seriousness as a breeder, rider and trainer)

Have you ever just known from the first moment that you were dealing with an extra-ordinary individual of the equine variety?

I freely admit to being one of the luckiest people on this planet...but each day I find myself giving thanks for a certain horse that is in my life. It is a given that there is an understanding that exists between you and your equine counterparts - some horses are extra special and they know it - they will go that extra mile for you, work just a tad harder without protest and give that extra effort without a second thought in times of pressure and stress.

From the first moment I throw a leg over a certain horse on my daily list, I know that (barring injury or catastrophe) THIS is the finest Grand Prix horse I have ever been around...from the first moment I interact with him, whether it be filling his water buckets or finally getting to tack him up. He is the best of his sire and all of his dam's sire (both successful GP horses that I was fortunate enough to ride as well) with that extra special something that sets his mind apart from the multitudes...he just gets it. Easy 2's, 1's, pirouettes, piaffe & passage...it is all there for the asking at not quite 4 years old.

I am curious how many other people out there in both breeding and riding have one that you just 'know' is the real deal? And not a PSG hopeful, not FEI Young Horse potential...the real, international Grand Prix horse mind and talent.

ETA --

I did assist in his delivery fwiw and was dumbstruck by his strong resemblance to his sire...and this horse has consistently proven to be like his pop, only just a little more special when it comes down to the minute details and undersaddle it is similar in some respects but more visually pleasing to the eye of the observer.

[YankeeLawyer]

Yes. I do think it is especially important to avoid rushing the prodigies even if it is tempting because of their talent. Is this horse really doing piaffe, passage, pirouettes and one tempis at age 3?

[Indy-lou]

Well, you will have to keep us all posted. It sounds like a dream come true!

[madoy]

Yes. As both a trainer (and this year, about to be a breeder) I knew the moment I saw this one horse as a two year old (who is now my horse) that he would go Grand Prix. After all the years of hard work, sweat and tears, he does just what you feel in your horse now, and what I felt then as a green baby who didn't on my first ride even always pick up his correct lead. But I could feel the changes, feel the canter pirouettes, and now I get to feel the ease at which he does them. Here is a link to a recent video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDv3msyT35Q

Now that said, I REALLY believe that you have to believe in your horse to get there. I have never given up on this horse, despite some difficult times, and he has rewarded me by being the most wonderful horse I have ever sat on.

Don't ever let anymore tell you different if you truly believe, he/she will be everything you ever wanted and more. ;)

[Thomas_1]

Yes indeed. Some horses just absolutely stand out. They know they're great and so does anyone catching a glimpse of them.

[camohn]

Yup. Twice. It's the first time you throw a leg over them and it just feels "right". You are on a potentially stupid 3 YO and you just feel the critter trusts you and is doing their best to understand what it is you are asking of them.Since that is 2 horses in 11 years of breeding........not a common occurance at all.Sadly both of The Special Ones died much too young at the age of 5 for me. One of a twist colic/didn't make it though the surgery and one of a broken leg from a farm accident.

[Marydell]

When I first met Don Principe as a long 2 yr old, I just knew he was going to be special. But he was not for sale until he turned 4. At that time, we had decided that we needed a "breeding" stallion, not a competition horse. Prince was the first of 13 stallions we looked at that trip. I knew and even told my husband- that Prince was "the one". But Wendell made me look at the others LOL! We bought him 2 days later.

Prince came to the USA as a six yr old and I have not missed an oppertunity to be with him since. He lives with his rider in NY/FL but I visit as often as I can.

His performance career has been nothing short of stellar. For a horse that I thought we would only campaign for a couple of yrs- only to PSG, then retire to the breeding shed, he has amazed all who get to meet him. This year, we have had hopes of qualifying him for the WEG selection trials. If not that, then he will go to Europe with Courtney Dye for traing due to the generosity of the Carol Lavell prize.
This horse is such a ham- he poses for the camera, knows when he wins, (I think he can tell it is a blue ribbon LOL) loves to lead the victory laps in the CDIs that he wins. He "hugs" visitors. Prince has such a refined sense of himself and is a consumate communicator.

Not only does he shine in the arena, his offspring have been USDF Champion HOY or Reserve 4 out of 5 yrs at stud. Under saddle they are showing the same work ethic and desire to please their people.

There is a filly, Duet, that Prince sired out of our Rotina (Rotspon/Argentinus). She is the best horse I have bred in 19 years. Now 2, she also has that "look of eagles" and self awareness that her sire posses. She was doing one tempis on a curved line as a 3 week old. Piaffe or passage??? how long and how much she does it daily in her play with her pasture mates. Canter pirouettes are also seen from time to time, all done in joy and play. So yes, a Grand Prix horse that was born, not made.
She was for sale as a weanling- as a breeder, I can't keep them!, but I have since convinced my husband that she is the "one" to keep. I only hope I can help to fulfill her potential when it is time to place with a trainer.

[Lesley Feakins]

Yes, indeed. We have a 2 yr old by UB40 and I've never seen anything like it.
Very exciting isn't to have something so special in your barn... but along with that comes great responsibility!

I'm so thrilled for you and look forward to seeing you and your special guy someday soon.

[elly]

I bred my favorite mare Noteable (2 time USDF Cosequin Champion Mare, successful thru GP) to Regulus (sire of my Raison d'Etre and Raison de Joie) and got more then I ever hoped for.

..........and being allowed to compete Don Principe as a catch rider many years ago still makes my mouth water !

[VirginiaBred]

Absolutely.

I "knew" that Otteridge Foxtrot was an extremely exceptional individual the day he arrived. There is an "air" about them and other ways you can tell as well. We've breed a lot of mares over the years, but only a few have given us that feeling.

[EqTrainer]

Of course.

The horse we got from Mountaineer last year is special. I am not one for all that old soul business, but this horse is not an old soul - it's his first time around. The entire world is new and fresh to him and he's not afraid of anything about it. His rideability and trainability are over the top and he's a fantastic mover. On top of it all, he's just plain gorgeous to look at.

He is an exceptional individual - I suspected it when I saw his picture, I knew it when I met him. Every day when I handle him, or just look at him, I know who he is. It is wonderful!

[magicteetango]

I've owned four horses. I still own three out of the four. Two of them I knew were special right away, and to be honest the other two aren't that special (no offense, love them anyway).

My first horse gave me chills the first time I met him, after I'd driven 13 hours just based on photos of him on the lunge, and at liberty. And I knew when I sat on him that he was a great horse, who I absolutely needed. He unfortunately died of colic nine months later.

During that time I'd rescued a horse, whom I still have. I never could get that "into" him, even on the ground, I had thought it was because my heart hadn't healed yet. I had gotten him a week before my first horse passed away. He wound up not being sound mentally to ride, and later physically. He's been retired for close to six years.

I still remember the first time I met Casey. She was standing in the cross ties of my barn, and her owner had sent her for me to try and sell for her, as I'd helped her with one of her other horses. I knew the moment I saw her that she was something else. When I sat on her, as much as I told myself no, she and I instantly connected.

It took me three years to finally purchase her, and in the mean time I had seen her but tried not to touch or handle her, because I was really upset that I couldn't afford the mare and it was just too hard on me. When I bought her, we picked up where we left off... and she's never disappointed me. We're battling Uveitis now, but she's still as special as she ever was and we will find a way to manage this.

So yes, you just know sometimes. I've tried to force it with two other horses, and... you just cannot. Now this isn't coming from a breeder, just an aspiring one, but I definitely feel you are correct, and I'll be going with my gut from here on out, it has yet to steer me wrong when I remember to listen :D

[VarsityHero4]

When I first met Don Principe as a long 2 yr old, I just knew he was going to be special.

I was actually about to post about my 2 yr old Don Principe gelding! I've known him since the day he was born and from the moment I saw him I knew he was going to a really good egg. At 4 days old he jumped out of the breeding shed (and cleared it! It was about 2'6''/2'9'') Everything I've taught him it's like he already knows. He walks right onto the trailer, never tries to get on top of me when I'm leading him. Out of all 6 of my horses he is the BEST for the blacksmith, vet, etc. I can't wait until I can ride him, I have a feeling he's going to be a couch! He'll follow me everywhere, doesn't try to nip me or beg for food constantly (AHEMMM his sister who's not really his sister, but they were weaned together) I'm hoping he's half as fabulous as Prince seems, I'm loving seeing him in magazines all the time now.

[sunnsideup]

I had one of those early in life, when i was about 16-17. He was a western pleasure stallion that i groomed and rode for the owner, he was so special. I remeber one time he got out and got hung up in some wire, he was freaking out and wouldn't be still for the BO and other people that were trying to get him out. When I ran up to them, all i had to do was call out his name and he instintly became calm and quiet. Thankfully he was fine, just a few scratchs . I would spend more time with him than my first horse I got around that time :lol:. He passed a couple of years ago from a brain tumer, not a day goes by that i dont think about that horse. Starting to get misty eyed as I type lol.

I just hope I find another that means so much to me again one day.

[camohn]

(this entire post is in all seriousness as a breeder, rider and trainer)

Have you ever just known from the first moment that you were dealing with an extra-ordinary individual of the equine variety?

I freely admit to being one of the luckiest people on this planet...but each day I find myself giving thanks for a certain horse that is in my life. It is a given that there is an understanding that exists between you and your equine counterparts - some horses are extra special and they know it - they will go that extra mile for you, work just a tad harder without protest and give that extra effort without a second thought in times of pressure and stress.

From the first moment I throw a leg over a certain horse on my daily list, I know that (barring injury or catastrophe) THIS is the finest Grand Prix horse I have ever been around...from the first moment I interact with him, whether it be filling his water buckets or finally getting to tack him up. He is the best of his sire and all of his dam's sire (both successful GP horses that I was fortunate enough to ride as well) with that extra special something that sets his mind apart from the multitudes...he just gets it. Easy 2's, 1's, pirouettes, piaffe & passage...it is all there for the asking at not quite 4 years old.

I am curious how many other people out there in both breeding and riding have one that you just 'know' is the real deal? And not a PSG hopeful, not FEI Young Horse potential...the real, international Grand Prix horse mind and talent.

ETA --

I did assist in his delivery fwiw and was dumbstruck by his strong resemblance to his sire...and this horse has consistently proven to be like his pop, only just a little more special when it comes down to the minute details and undersaddle it is similar in some respects but more visually pleasing to the eye of the observer.

Oh......I potentially have Special One Number Three here now. She is 2 years old now so one more year til we see what happens under saddle. She is also a "sister" to Taskers dude. (Same sire).
At 3 days old
http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j276/camohn03/?action=view&current=Windlass3days3.jpg
And at a bit under 3 months old at inspection
http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j276/camohn03/?action=view&current=IMG_6436.jpg
http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j276/camohn03/?action=view&current=IMG_6472.jpg
Potential for that third or fourth spot is also in the coming 3 YO colt I have (son of Special Horse Number Two)...which is why he is still intact. He goes to the trainers in April to be started under saddle so I hope he is as easy to start as his dear old dad was. He is very people oriented and shows good listening skills to date, so so far so good!

[MagicRoseFarm]

I have had three like this, and none of them ever disappointed me ONCE, for even a second..
One lived to be 20. the other two are still in my life.

I am fairly certain I have another one weedling her way into my life, that I overlooked as a youngster. I could never tell anyone at this point which horse it is, as they would probably send me to the loony bin... She is gangly and long and to the average eye looks like 6 different horses as she turns three,, but every moment she takes my breathe away with her inner constitution and quiet athleticism. She very much KNOWS she is destined to greatness ,yet presents herself with the most content reserve.

[Tasker]

Yes. I do think it is especially important to avoid rushing the prodigies even if it is tempting because of their talent. Is this horse really doing piaffe, passage, pirouettes and one tempis at age 3?

The short answer is YES.

The long answer and the reason I started this thread is because there are moments of pure terror with having a really talented youngster (how do I not negatively impact his training/riding/upbringing/etc). FWIW this youngster has always been able to canter across a field doing a straight, clean line of 2's, do a full pirouette in the standardized 6-8 strides and return to his starting place after completing another line of clean 1's...and I'm not talking about 2-3 changes! Try 15-20 with no mistakes! We have all watched him from the first day in amazement as it has not happened many times for me (or at least in my lifetime). Mom & Dad have been in horses longer, so it is not such a big deal to them.

We did our first undersaddle (requested) flying changes in our lesson on Sunday. Clean, balanced and when I asked - no big deal to him! It was one of the most amazing feelings, really...not something I would normally expect from a young horse at this point in his training. All of the hard things are easy...he can truly sit, lower his haunches, carry the full weight and lift his forehand for a true piaffe - it is not a stressful or intense moment - he regards it as a bit of fun and it doesn't upset him. The passage is there as well - and believe me - I am sooo not testing him or attempting to 'secure' these movements - he's a BABY who offers these movements because they are just easy for him, sort of like another gait, rather than a movement that will need to be taught. The professional who was coaching us freely admitted to being jealous to 'only be watching and not riding'.

I'm honestly terrified that I will mess him up...goodness - what a talent to waste!!! There are also plenty of moments of self doubt - do I deserve to have such a good horse, etc? A well known equine painter was here a few weeks ago taking photos for her WEG exhibit and was shocked to watch him canter around the indoor doing a series of changes over and over with a pure count and no mistakes...I'd call him a freak but it implies that there is something wrong with being gifted and in my eyes, well, this guy is the most magnificent creature, not a flawed bizarre being. His half brother (same dam) has one heck of a piaffe! He shows this off regularly - another one who just thinks this is both easy and fun(photo is from 4 days).

YL - if you'd like to come see him in person...I'm game. :) Nothing to hide with this one!

And hey Elly - the offer from our conversation stands! Any time you are in the area or if I bring him to Aiken next year...just let me know when you'd have some time to sit on him. I'd be honored to 'share' him for 15 minutes or so...you just have to promise to give him back to me after a few minutes. :winkgrin: I get all sorts of antsy and crazy jealous watching him with another rider. :D But I will share. Briefly. :lol:

Lesley - I think you were at his foal inspection with Figment actually...seems like eons ago but he's an '06 model.

[NancyM]

Yes. The really special one I had, we bought him as a yearling from his breeder. I was 13. Thoroughbred colt. The local show trainers that were instructing me were apoplectic. He was gelded and broke by a family friend, a race trainer. It took a year, he had been ridden four times when I got my first leg up onto his back. I started riding him at the end of his two year old year, when I was 14 years old. This doesn't often happen any more in the horse show world. He went to horseshows for some flat classes as a three year old. He is still the craziest horse I have ever met, and I have met quite a few since then, in the last 35 years. But it began to dawn on me in my teen years that he was indeed a superstar. You touched his hide, and could feel the sizzle. He and I jumped up to the Grand Prix division eventually. It was like being mounted on a rocket, being led into the ring and lighting the fuse. I was the pilot, but he was the star. It was all I could do to stay with him. We jumped against the big guys, who are still very visible and successful on the international circut. He was my "ticket to ride". I was very fortunate to have him, even if only for a relatively short time. I could not campaign him like the international riders could and did, due to economic limitations. But when they came to my location, they had to deal with us if they wanted into the placings. He gave me the opportunity to play the game at that level, just for a while. A coming together of opporutinities. One never forgets going around a 5 foot course, being taken around by a superhorse. It lasts a lifetime, long after he is gone.

I have some film of him, as a young horse, as a competition horse. It makes me cry to watch him again. I tried my best at the time to appreciate him for what he was, while I had him. I knew it was a special time.