American Saddlebred at Grand Prix

[lindac]

I know many of you have heard me talk about my American Saddlebred gelding over the years, Harry Callahan.

Saturday, he showed in his first Grand Prix and scored a 65.2%.

I am grateful to his trainer Chrissa Hoffmann, who 5 years ago welcomed me and a skinny little Saddlebred gelding to her barn. Chrissa and Harry clicked from the beginning and he has been a Champ throughout the levels. I am so very lucky to have such a wonderful trainer and horse.

So for all the nay-sayers I have to say, Yes they can!
and for all the Harry fans I can say HE MADE IT!

There have been other ASB’s at GP over the years. Lois Aller and Student Prince in the 1970’s. Dr Dale Dedrick (a student of Chuck Grant) and Peavines Magestic Heritage in the 1980’s, Emma Dye and My Privateer made it to I-2 in the 1990’s before he died suddenly, and now Harry Callahan.

What a wonderful, often overlooked breed for Dressage. More people should condider them as serious Dressage mounts.

www.cfhdressage.com

[not_again]

Congratulations!!!

[Trakehner]

Congrats!! What a lovely guy. I’m glad to have a Saddlebred doing dressage.

I had a big Saddlebred mare, toughest horse I ever had, she had more heart she’d give you if you asked. She was great at upper-level work, absolutely terrible at the lower-level tests…we never competed, it wasn’t her thing…but when she was “on”, she’d give any horse a run for his money.

Good for you for going against the stream of warmbloods and bringing out Saddlebred talents. Sure wish mine would have gone back to the walk after trotting.

[Steif]

Congratultions

I’d get another in a heartbeat. A wonderful breed for dressage and they love to jump too.

Your boy looks lovely!

[Ridge_Runner]

Congrats to you! Good Job! I hope I can say the same some day for my “off breed” stallion.

[Bayou_Roux]

YAY HARRY! YAY CHRISSA!

I posted Harry’s picture next to Roux’s stall, and I tell her every day, “Honey, there’s our hero!”

Congratulations; we’re just thrilled for you!

[FancyFree]

Congratulations! You both look great.

[Holly_Jeanne]

Congrats

Congratulations!! Are we going to get to see him at the KDA spring show? If so, any ideas what days and times yet?

[Remarkable_Shadow]

Congratulations!!

I’m such a fan of Saddlebreds They are one in a million… and athletic to boot! I currently have a Saddlebred cross! Not sure why so many people frown on them.

Oh well! Can’t wait to hear more from you about your awesome saddlebred!

[PiaffePlease]

thats great, congrats!

Do we get to see a video of his GP debut?

[AMDressage]

How wonderful Linda!!!

Was his debut at the Meadowlake Equestrian Center show???

If you go back, tell Vicky we miss her down here in Texas!

[kansasgal]

Congratulations!

That is just so inspiring. Do you have any videos on-line?

About 10 years ago, I had the chance to ride an ASB mare for the summer. (My (lower level eventing) instructor at the time said… “She’s really stiff, like riding a board, but very sweet, and she could use some work”… her owner was a beginning huntseat pleasure rider. The horse had been trained for fine harness, and sat in a field for 8 years.

I had ridden saddleseat as a kid, so that helped me to understand this horse a little better.
It took about a month to teacher her to halt square, and not “park out” every time.
By the end of the summer/ early fall, I was able to take her to a few schooling shows at into level, and we won top scores every time. I think because of her breed, and background, she was actually BETTER at the shows, very up and forward, but not at all spooky. SUCH a blast.

It was also my first opportunity to work with a horse and show dressage.
Bobbie had one of the best work ethics, and she was SO smart and willing.
Her trot was just heaven to ride.
We moved at the end of that summer, and I always compare every horse since then to her.
I thank her for introducing ME to the wonders of dressage.

Congratulations and best wishes from Kansas.

[WB_Mom]

Congratulations! I was a h/j person growing up, and knew virtually nothing about Saddlebreds. In college I was lucky enough to be able to ride some - they are AWESOME horses! I never knew I would be so impressed by them. Just goes to show that there are special horses out there that can excell in the ‘non-traditional’ things. You have been blessed to have one of these very special horses. Enjoy him and take the opportunity (which it seems you are) to educate everyone on this wonderful breed - you lucky dog!

[WBLover]

That is AWESOME, here’s to “off-breeds” succeeding in dressage!!

And that score is something to be proud of as well, for any breed!!!

[veezee]

Congratulations!!! You two looked beautiful. You should be very proud of your accomplishements!

[Auventera_Two]

That is excellent, congratulations!!! How elated you must be! Harry is a lovely stallion. Your hard work and dedication have paid off!!

For those who asked, this page http://www.cfhdressage.com/wst_page3.htmlhas a video and another photo.

Watching the video, there were a few times when I went “Good Boy!!” out loud to the computer. LOL!

[Bayou_Roux]

Linda,
Okay, now you guys have my BO’s attention. She’s a died-in-the-wool “foundation Morgan” woman who glances somewhat askance at Saddlebreds. She finds them a fine breed, but don’t be crossing them with her Morgans is sort of the thing…

But this Grand Prix thing, plus Harry in the USDF Connection, well… you’ve got her now~

She asked this morning if Harry is coming to Devon in September? Are ya? Please-please-please?! We’ll be there cheering him on!

[pintopiaffe]

Congratulations! What a fabulous, solid score for your debut!

You and Harry are role models not just for ASBs, but for all ‘non-traditional’ horses and their riders who have hope to climb the levels.

That is just such wonderful, exciting news. Good for you! D:

[AnotherRound]

How wonderful. Your pic on the profile is outstanding. What a lovely pair, and what a wonderful outcome for your work. Congratulations!

[DressageGeek_Ribbon]

CONGRATULATIONS!!! WAY TO GO!!!