Marilyn Litte and Udonna at Pine Top in 2011. Photo by Kate Samuels.
It’s been three years now since Udonna evented, but she left quite an impression on fans of the sport — anyone remember that gutsy derby cross performance where she left out a stride between those angled brushes? I always liked this mare, especially her bold — maybe sometimes too bold! — style over fences, and Horse & Style Magazine has a great story in this month’s issue on what Udonna is up to now.
Gabriela Mershad, 18, leased the mare for a year before buying her in 2012, and they’ve been successfully campaigning together in the jumpers ever since. “It feels amazing to ride her,” Gabriela told Horse & Style. “I’m always wanting to go clear, and I’m a big one on trusting the animal. With Udonna, I never feel nervous. No matter what happens I know she has my back.”
Gabriela and Udonna competed in the $95,000 Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix series earlier this year at the Winter Equestrian Festival, and Marilyn watches their rounds whenever her schedule matches up: “In the moments when Gabriela wasn’t as confident, Udonna’s confidence has carried her. And in the moments when Gabriela was ready to win, Udonna was there for her,” Marilyn told Horse & Style. “It’s a great partnership.”
Click here to read the full story in Horse & Style Magazine.
