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.