Mark Todd and NZB Land Vision at Badminton in 2011. Photo by Samantha Clark.
As a special countdown to Christmas this year, Keyflow UK is honoring horses from different disciplines as “horses of a lifetime” on Facebook, and several event horses are represented in the countdown, along with some fond memories shared by their respective riders.
Among the horses honored are NZB Land Vision, Mark Todd’s Badminton-winning mount who led his comeback from retirement. “‘Ben’ will always hold a special place in my heart for winning Badminton for me after my sabbatical from the sport,” Mark said. “Ben is superbly talented; he loves competing but can be a bit grumpy in the stables and likes to be the king pin!”
There’s also Mazetto, Jonelle Price’s mount first four-star mount. Jonelle and “Eric,” a 17-hand Cleveland Bay gelding, competed at Badminton in 2004, finishing a very respectable 17th place for their debut at the level.
“He instilled in me a feeling that jumping the biggest and scariest tracks in the world was easy!” Jonelle said. “Easy being a long way from the truth … but I’m sure it has contributed enormously to my confidence and ability in this phase today.”
Jonelle Price and Mazetto. Photo by John Britter Photography.
Tim Price’s Vortex is also honored in this countdown. The New Zealand Thoroughbred gelding was purchased sight unseen for a grand total of $500 and went on to win the New Zealand National Three-Day Event. Tim ultimately sold him to a Swedish rider for six figures, using the money to get his business off the ground. Three years later, Tim was able to purchase Vortex back for himself, and they went on to complete three CCI4* events.
“Most importantly, he taught me how to ride accurately, and if not accurately, then to be decisive and committed but with balance,” Tim said. “If I did these things well enough, then this little horse who truth be known was never really designed for top level would accomplish anything I asked of him with style.”
You can visit Keyflow UK on Facebook to view all of the horses being honored as they countdown to Christmas with a new post each day.
