Horses Past and Present
This page contains details of the horses I have had the priviledge of competing over the years, including the horses I am riding currently.
Current Horses
Four Square III (Retired)
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Stable Name: Felix
Owner: Donna Smith Height: 16.3hh Sire: Carrabawn View (ID) Dam: Lauries Girl (TB by Dock Leaf) Foaled: 1999 BE Points: 115 (foundation Points) BD Points: 238 I have owned Felix since a 4 year old and produced him myself from just backed. He is a super allrounder and has competed very successfully both BE & BD. He evented from the age of 6, competing for 11 consecutive seasons, winning 10 BE events and placing in many others. He has qualified for and competed at Badminton Grassroots Champs twice. With BD he has won or placed at Regional Championships at every level from Prelim to Elementary, winning a regional title along the way, as well as competing at the Winter Champs twice, finishing with a top 10 placing with a score of over 70% in 2015. He competed at the Summer regionals in 2019 and finishing 4th at the Veteran Champs in November 2019. He also competed at the Winter Regionals in 2020 - all at Elementary level. Now 25 years old, after all the success we have had, he doesn't owe me anything and therefore is enjoying a well deserved retirement. |
Past Horses
Strike Gold (SOLD)
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Stable Name: Sadie
Owner: Donna Smith Height: 16hh Sire: Golden Master (Master Imp) Dam: Slyguff Amber (Maltstriker) Foaled: 2019 I imported Sadie from Ireland in the summer of 2023. She was bred at the famous Slyguff stud and has a long list of full siblings who have been competed by professionals and amateurs alike. She has the most fantastic temperament, being completely straightforward in every way, combined with great breeding she would have a fantastic future as a broodmare when retired from ridden life. She was however a little small for me and therefore after 6 months of getting to see a bit of the world, she was advertised for sale and snapped up incredibly quickly. I look forward to following her progress. |
Tullabeg Majestic
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Stable Name: Rocky
Owner: Donna Smith Height: 16.3hh Sire: Dignified Van't Zorgvliet Dam: Tullabeg Hero (Cult Hero) Foaled: 2019 I bought Rocky directly from the Tullabeg stud in May 2021 as a 2 year old. He has fantastic breeding and has 3 full brothers who are all fantastic jumpers, and very exciting prospects - one of which was sold for 29,000 Euros at the Go 4 Gold sale. We lightly backed Rocky in the summer of 2022 as a 3 year old. He was incredibly straight forwards and a complete pleasure. Very sadly Rocky had started displaying a few issues and behaviours which led to us investigating at Newmarket. Amongst other issues he couldn't maintain canter - would change behind consistently, showed some intermittent fore limb lameness and was highly intolerant of having his shoes nailed on by the farrier, even with sedation. We discovered that he had severe arthritis in his neck which was causing a narrowing of the spinal column and an impingement of nerves. This as well as an issue in his lumbar-sacral junction and severe hind PSD meant his prognosis was pretty poor especially given his age and lack of work to date. The kindest thing was to end his pain and so heartbreakingly he left us on 18/09/2023. He was very special to me and we had a deep bond so this was incredibly tough and sad, but it was the right thing to do to prevent him suffering further and needing continuous veterinary intervention. |
Bonmahon Levy
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Stable Name: Ash
Owner: Donna Smith Height: 16.3hh Sire: Bonmahon Master Blue Dam: Bonmahon Ash Park (ISH by Clover Flush) Foaled: 2017 I bought Ash on my Birthday in Sept 2020 so I am hoping this is going to bring some much needed luck which has been somewhat lacking in recent years! Having bought him as an unbroken 3 year old, he was turned away until December before being backed early in 2021. He was lightly ridden away and then had a holiday from spring until mid summer to strengthen up and grow. He came back into work much stronger for the break and started jumping under saddle. He had 2 schooling outings in Autumn 2021 before having another holiday through the winter. Hopefully he will start his eventing career at some point during 2022 as a 5 year old. Having been a 'difficult' horse from the start, full of attitude and sass, unfortunately despite giving him loads of time, regular breaks and having lots of help with him, he only got worse and not better. After investigation at Newmarket vets it was discovered he had a catalogue of issues the most severe of which were Osteoarthritis in his vertebrae right under where the saddle sits, as well as an impingement further back into his pelvis which was giving him quite severe nerve pain. He was a competition horse through and through and as a result of his issues, could no longer be ridden. A truly beautiful horse but with a busy brain and he was never going to lead a happy life as a pet so I said a truly heart breaking goodbye to Ash on 06/01/2023.The hardest goodbye. |
Malts Cruise
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Stable Name: Leo
Owner: Donna Smith Height: 17hh Sire: Cougar (ISH by Cruising) Dam: Malts Delight (ISH by Maltstriker) Foaled: 2014 I bought Leo in Ireland in October 2017 as an unbroken 3 year old. He is a traditionally bred Irish sport horse and is a lovely model. His Dam is full sister to the 4 star eventer Polo Striker. Given his size and undoubted talent and ability, I produced Leo slowly, doing his first 2 unaff ODE's in the August of his 5 year old year which he thoroughly enjoyed and continued to show his enormous potential for the future. Sadly however, not only was he extremely talented but he was also incredibly quirky. In January 2020, Leo having just turned 6, it was decided to investigate the reasons behind these 'quirks'. It was discovered that he had at some point in his past endured huge trauma to his skeletal system and with numerous old fractures present in his vertebrae, ribs and pelvis I've had no option but to retire him to the field where he is now the most handsome and friendly pet/ lawnmower anyone could wish to have. He will always be 'the one that got away' as he was showing everything needed for the higher levels of eventing - despite his issues. For as long as he is comfortable, he will live out his retirement with me. After almost 3 years of field retirement I said a very sad goodbye to Leo on 29/09/2022. |
Diamond Clover Imp (SOLD)
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Stable Name: Teddy
Owner: Donna Smith Height: To make approx 16hh Sire: Killoughey Clover (Clover Hill) Dam: Glebe Imp (Master Imp) Foaled: 2019 I imported Teddy from Ireland in July 2022 as an unbroken 3 year old. He has fantastic, traditional Irish breeding and the most brilliant, easy temperament. He is currently only about 15.2hh and so may not be big enough to stay with me long term, but I shall enjoy backing and producing him for the moment and see how much he grows and fills out. Teddy has now been sold to a lovely new family home who are absolutely thrilled with him. |
Tullabeg Commander (SOLD)
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Stable Name: Archie
Owner: Donna Smith Height: 16.2hh Sire: Island Commander Dam: Tullabeg Heidi Foaled: 2017 I bought Archie directly from the Tullabeg stud in May 2021. He is backed, ridden away and has been out to schooling venues and to his first baby shows. He will have a holiday out in the field before continuing his education in the Summer. He has 3 siblings from the same Dam competing at the higher levels eventing, including Tullabeg Flamenco who was long listed for the Olympics in 2020, and therefore is a very exciting prospect! Archie has now been sold to a lovely new home. I look forward to keeping in touch with his new owner! |
Tremus
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Stable Name: Remus
Owner: Donna Smith Height: 16 hh Sire: Romulus (Westphalian) Dam: Welton Lady (SHGB by Welton Crackerjack) Foaled: 2013 I bought Remus in August 2016 as a rather raw, unbacked 3 year old, from Preci Spark Stud. He is sired by Romulus, a Westphalian jumping pony and out of Welton Lady, who is by the prolific eventing stallion Welton Crackerjack. He is a half brother to the 4 Star horse Treason, who is ridden by Sarah Cohen. Remus was backed in early autumn 2016 and then turned away for the winter to grow and mature. He did a short stint of mainly hacking in May 2017 before being turned back out again. He came back into work late July and worked until mid October before going out to grass for the winter, and has now been back in work since the end of March 2018. *Update Jan 2019* Very sadly, after a lot of niggling issues and feeling that there was something not quite right, Remus has been diagnosed with Osteo Arthritis at just 5 (rising 6) years old. he has the arthritish in his neck, thoracic veterbrae, both stifles and both hocks. Being described by my vet as an 'orthopedic disaster', we have been deemed 'unlucky' as his joints and the cartilage surrounding them just haven't formed properly as he has grown. *Update Oct 2019* I said a heart breaking goodbye to Remus with him being PTS on 02/10/2019. He went peacefully with the sun on his back, whilst munching carrots. A huge loss, he will be much missed. |
Blessington Power
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Stable Name: Freddie
Owner: Laura Burton Height: 16.2hh Breeding: Unknown Foaled: 2007 During the first half of 2016, I was lucky enough to compete Freddie at a couple of BE events as part of an arrangement to help to keep him fit and schooled whilst his owner was pregnant. Freddie has competed successfully with Laura both BE (BE90/ BE100) and BD (Novice). Freddie & I had great fun completing both of our events with top 10 placings! |
Mr Touch Wood
Stable Name: Woody
Owner: Philip Kelly
Height: 16.3hh
Breeding: Pure Bred ID by Holycross
Foaled: 2006
Woody was bought out of Ireland as a 3 year old and broken in by his owner and Carolyn Banner. He came 5th, jumping double clear in his only Intro outing as a 4 year old at Stafford. He was then turned away for the winter and had a quiet year in 2011 due to a lack of time and other commitments. He also spent the winter of 2011 turned away and I took on the ride in February 2012. We completed Stafford, Eland Lodge and Kelsall BE90's well, with a double clear and placing at the latter. However, after numerous cancellations due to the weather it was decided that he should spend the summer doing Working Hunters with Caz before possibly hunting with Phil.
Owner: Philip Kelly
Height: 16.3hh
Breeding: Pure Bred ID by Holycross
Foaled: 2006
Woody was bought out of Ireland as a 3 year old and broken in by his owner and Carolyn Banner. He came 5th, jumping double clear in his only Intro outing as a 4 year old at Stafford. He was then turned away for the winter and had a quiet year in 2011 due to a lack of time and other commitments. He also spent the winter of 2011 turned away and I took on the ride in February 2012. We completed Stafford, Eland Lodge and Kelsall BE90's well, with a double clear and placing at the latter. However, after numerous cancellations due to the weather it was decided that he should spend the summer doing Working Hunters with Caz before possibly hunting with Phil.
News Buff
Stable Name: Onky
Owner: Terri Danesevich
Height: 15.3hh
Breeding: American TB by Core Buff
Foaled: 1984
I looked after and competed Onky on behalf of Terri while she was out of the country for a year. Onky is as tough as old boots! He came to me when he was 20 years old with plenty of life experience having travelled half way around the world. Terri produced him while she was still living in America and brought him over with her when she moved to the UK. He previously evented up to Intermediate level. Onky and I completed 2 events together at Marchington and Somerford but our season was a bit hit and miss due to Onky suffereing a few issues with his feet. Onky sadly passed away at 30 years old in 2014.
To view a video of Onky and I eventing, click here.
Owner: Terri Danesevich
Height: 15.3hh
Breeding: American TB by Core Buff
Foaled: 1984
I looked after and competed Onky on behalf of Terri while she was out of the country for a year. Onky is as tough as old boots! He came to me when he was 20 years old with plenty of life experience having travelled half way around the world. Terri produced him while she was still living in America and brought him over with her when she moved to the UK. He previously evented up to Intermediate level. Onky and I completed 2 events together at Marchington and Somerford but our season was a bit hit and miss due to Onky suffereing a few issues with his feet. Onky sadly passed away at 30 years old in 2014.
To view a video of Onky and I eventing, click here.
Looking Logical
Stable Name: Badger
Owner: Donna Smith
Height: 16.1hh
Breeding: 7/8 TB by Looking Glass
Foaled: 1994
I bought Badger in the spring of 2003 out of a hunting home. He had also done a few Pre-Novice's with mixed results. Badger was a very talented horse but being quite long in the back he found it hard to engage and therefore struggled with the SJ phase. However, after working really hard on his weakness we were getting somewhere and we finally got our first placing at Pre-Novice level with a 5th place at Aske Hall. Unfortunately (and slightly ironically) Badger sustained an injury on the XC at this event which was to end his eventing career. He was re-homed to a lovely lady in 2005 where he enjoyed a fabulous retirement as a lawn mower and occasional happy hacker. Sadly, Badger was put to sleep in December 2012 aged 18, after an episode of colic.
Owner: Donna Smith
Height: 16.1hh
Breeding: 7/8 TB by Looking Glass
Foaled: 1994
I bought Badger in the spring of 2003 out of a hunting home. He had also done a few Pre-Novice's with mixed results. Badger was a very talented horse but being quite long in the back he found it hard to engage and therefore struggled with the SJ phase. However, after working really hard on his weakness we were getting somewhere and we finally got our first placing at Pre-Novice level with a 5th place at Aske Hall. Unfortunately (and slightly ironically) Badger sustained an injury on the XC at this event which was to end his eventing career. He was re-homed to a lovely lady in 2005 where he enjoyed a fabulous retirement as a lawn mower and occasional happy hacker. Sadly, Badger was put to sleep in December 2012 aged 18, after an episode of colic.
Point Blank II
Stable Name: Queenie
Owner: Donna Smith
Height: 16.0hh
Breeding: Irish Sports Horse by Kings Servant
Foaled: 1993
Queenie was the first horse that I evented at BE level. I bought her from a dealer as a very green 4 year old - I was also very green at the time being only about 14 years old! She was a very sharp, buzzy mare and I was often told that she was a 'professionals horse'. She had an amazing amount of scope but had a somewhat unconventional technique over a fence, to say the least! After a few unaffiliated one day events we completed a few BE events together including jumping clear around Osbaldeston and Tetton Hall Pre Novice's, which was the lowest level of BE in those days. Later the same season she went on loan as I went off to work as a groom for a professional event rider and was unable to take her with me. She was later sold to Guernsey as a show jumper where she has had much success.
Owner: Donna Smith
Height: 16.0hh
Breeding: Irish Sports Horse by Kings Servant
Foaled: 1993
Queenie was the first horse that I evented at BE level. I bought her from a dealer as a very green 4 year old - I was also very green at the time being only about 14 years old! She was a very sharp, buzzy mare and I was often told that she was a 'professionals horse'. She had an amazing amount of scope but had a somewhat unconventional technique over a fence, to say the least! After a few unaffiliated one day events we completed a few BE events together including jumping clear around Osbaldeston and Tetton Hall Pre Novice's, which was the lowest level of BE in those days. Later the same season she went on loan as I went off to work as a groom for a professional event rider and was unable to take her with me. She was later sold to Guernsey as a show jumper where she has had much success.
CONTACT: 07887 904395
