Antigua!
Photo used with the kind permission of his justifiably proud rider Will Faudree, (and Courtney’s friend, see Comments, thank you!) who was kind enough to update us on “Brad’s” retirement.
From Will:
Antigua “Brad” is doing great and enjoying his retirement. After he officially retired in 09′ he continued to teach the working students, and I did a couple of bareback puissances on him! After coming back from England, (which he was extremely upset he didn’t get to go) there was something different. It was the first time he would look at me with not the look of “…come boy get on and lets go” but more of one like “…are you sure you’re doing that right?” Brad and his pony Duncan are turned out together in the front field with a bunch of shoeless babies. He, I think, is telling them stories of all the incredible places he got to take me, and the wonderful dream catching memories we made. His gallop is forever imbedded in my mind, he was the true definition of a cross country machine. From a racehorse in Australia to the horse who closed an Era in Eventing and help open a new one. He did 10 four stars in his career, five long format, and five short. I am the person I am today in all aspects of my life from the incredible partnership I have with him to the places he took me in the saddle. Thank you Brad’
Thanks to Will for the picture and the update which was a lovely Christmas present, and gave me goosebumps each time I read it. I’m not sure I will ever be able to stump the Eventing Nation but hope springs eternal! For bonus brownie points, can you name any other four star event horse that, like Antigua, never had a single cross country jumping penalty?
Now, please enjoy the rest of the holidays, and Go Eventing!
