#GoAlGo demonstrating that some experiences are worth far more than prize money, accolades or neck ribbons. After a seven year hiatus from eventing, Al had a last minute entry in the Open Novice division at Middleburg HT where he scored a 26.4 in the flat adding nothing to that score for the jumping phases to finish 🥈 (behind another impressive OTTB). Felt like only yesterday we were cantering down the centerline at Kentucky❤️❤️❤️ #GoAlGoforever
Posted by Lainey Ashker on Sunday, June 11, 2023
It’s been a few years since we last saw Laine Ashker’s well-known 5* OTTB, Anthony Patch, out competing. After retiring “Al” from top competition in 2017, Laine has generously given the reins over to students in the intervening years for lessons. At 24 years young, Anthony Patch loves to be ridden still and has remained in work in Laine’s program to keep him healthy and happy.
After Laine had to pull out of the Novice competition at Middleburg H.T. over the weekend, she found herself looking for a sub. With some encouragement from mom Val, Laine decided that Al would come out of retirement for a special engagement only: a fun romp around a horse trial for the first time in nearly six years!
Laine and Al finished second in their Novice division, but seeing Al relish the sport once more was worth more than any ribbon. We’ll be waiting for the cross country GoPro!
