As a 5’2″ woman who recently decided to retire from big horses and buy myself a 14-hand pony (check out my “The Princess Diaries” blog series over on Bloggers Row), I can’t sing the praises of “fun-sized” horses loudly enough. If you’re petite like me it’s like the difference between driving a yacht and a jetski — I still can’t get over how quick, sporty and maneuverable she is. It’s all I can do from squealing “whee!” every time we jump a jump.
The OTTBs we’re featuring in this week’s Wishlist all have one thing in common: they’re 15.3 hands tall. Which, to me, is a pretty perfect size if you can manage it. (And considering 6’2″ Mark Todd managed two individual Olympic gold medals on his 15.3-hand Charisma, you probably can.)
Have a look!
Photo via New Vocations.
El Gran Turismo (Arch – Cambiocorsa, by Avenue of Flags) is a 2012 15.3-hand well-packaged athlete! He is balanced, correct and oozes potential. Known as “Gizmo” around the barn, he is described as being “a spunky little dude” and “so stinkin’ cute.” He was recently gelded so while he is currently out with four other gelding, his new owners will want to keep an eye on group dynamics and choose buddies wisely. His current group is balanced and happy. He is lovely to work around and handle and he does not have any stable vices.
Under saddle, he is so cool! He has suspension and a spring to his step. He takes quite a bit of leg to keep going forward but you know you are sitting on plenty of horse to conquer anything. Gizmo feels like he will excel at eventing or jumpers and is destined for the show ring. This guy will be a competitor in his second career after retiring from racing without any apparent injuries after three unsuccessful starts.
Gizmo comes by his athleticism honestly. His dam, Cambiocorsa, was a Graded Stakes winner who excelled at sprinting on the turf, particularly the downhill turf course at Santa Anita. At one point she went on a seven-race winning streak with four of those wins coming in stakes races, including one Grade 3. She finished her career with earnings of over $520k. El Gran Turismo is like a mini-me of his handsome sire, Arch, who passed away earlier this year. He won the Grade 1 Louisiana Super Derby as well as the Grade 3 Fayette Stakes at Keeneland.
View El Gran Turismo on New Vocations.
Photo via Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds.
Punch It (Girolamo – Winning Punch, by Two Punch) is a 2013 15.3-hand filly who is pretty, well-bred and sizzling with class.
She is lightly raced with only 11 starts and is not showing much promise. Her trainer is ready to retire her sound, clean-legged, and with much potential to be successful in another career! She has a great pedigree for sport — she is by AP Indy’s young son Girolamo, out of a Two Punch mare, which is a sire much coveted in the eventing world. Her second and third dams are graded stakes producers.
She has a gorgeous build, a natural topline and a floaty, ground covering trot. At only 3 years old, Punch It will continue to grow in height and will definitely fill out. She was a bit nervous during her photoshoot, but was not naughty. Her trainer reports she is sweet and good to work with and settles quickly at the farm. Finger Lakes Finest was told that her exercise riders love riding her as she is always well behaved and “classy.” A good home is a must! There has already been a lot of interest in this fancy girl, so call quickly if you are seriously interested in bringing her home!
View Punch It on Finger Lakes Finest.
Photo via CANTER California.
Wild Ruler (Tribal Rule – Our Wildest Moment, by Event of the Year) is a 2010 15.3-hand mare who won $23,683 in 23 starts and is now ready for a send-off to a new career.
“Rey” has proven herself to be quite the catch: very sweet and athletic with a fantastic mind and willing attitude. A quick learner and not spooky, this horse just screams athleticism! She can be a forward ride and sensitive at times and needs a very quiet, calm rider. Still green but has been started over jumps. She is game for anything and figures out obstacles in front of her quickly and with ease. Cleared for any discipline, but her trainers would love to see her go into an eventing and/or competitive home. Quiet enough for an experienced adult amateur but talented enough for a professional.
View Wild Ruler on CANTER California.
