We all know the immortal horses of the past–Snowman, Touch of Class, Nautical, Bally Cor, Kilkenny, Roemer, Man O’ War, Phar Lap–but what about the champions of today? Will these horses live on in the pages of history or fade away as the years pass?
Show Jumping
Authentic
I had the pleasure of seeing this outstanding jumper win the 2004 Olympic Selection Trials at the Oaks Blenheim in Southern California. This Dutch Warmblood is piloted by veteran rider Beezie Madden, and has competed at the 2004 Olympics (where he earned Team Gold), the Pan-Am Games, numerous World Cups, and the World Equestrian Games. Authentic was also named USEF Showjumping Horse of the Year.
Shutterfly
Over the past few years, Shutterfly has vaulted rider Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum to the pinnacle of equestrian sport. This big bay Hanoverian has earned two World Cup victories, one in 2005, and the second in 2008. Shutterfly has won over one million Euros in prize money, and has won medals at the World Equestrian Games and European Championships. Now a 15 year-old, he has become a seasoned veteran of the world’s most challenging courses, and continues to proudly flaunt the red, gold, and black colors of Germany.
Ideo du Thot
Last year’s World Cup winner, Ideo du Thot is a stunning little bay horse ridden by Switzerland’s Beat Mandli. The Selle Francais gelding is an outstanding jumper with a unique style that allows him to keep the rails in place and get in well under the time. Mandli describes his mount as a sensitive ride but a great confidence-giver, which he says allows them be such a successful team.
Racing
Curlin
There is little doubt that Curlin is an incredibly talented horse, and may be the best we have seen in years. After a modest showing in the 2007 Kentucky Derby, he bounced back to win the Preakness two weeks later. He finished an outdone second in the Belmont, then third in the Haskell, before beginning his steady rise to the international power he is today. After a win in the Jockey Club Gold Cup, Curlin set his sights on the elusive Breeder’s Cup Classic, which he won. Then, it was on to Dubai, where he smashed a global field to capture the six million dollar Dubai World Cup at Nad Al Sheba race course. Currently, this powerful chestnut is headed towards the Arc, and possibly Japan.
Lava Man
This dark bay menace began his racing career as a low-level claimer before being picked up by current trainer Doug O’Neill. Lava Man then began improving rapidly, and soon became one of the best stakes horses in California, if not the nation. He won the Hollywood Gold Cup two years in a row, as well as the Santa Anita Handicap and 2006 Pacific Classic.
Barbaro
Whether or not this valiant colt could have finished his incredible winning streak will never be discovered, yet his thrilling Kentucky Derby win and tragic national breakdown have secured his spot in the history books. After his Derby win, he gave the racing world hope. People began to believe that the long Triple Crown drought would end, but the 2006 Preakness proved otherwise. Barbaro’s consequent struggle for life captured the imagination of America, and even beyond his death, he is immortalized.
Dressage
Keltec Salinero
Anky van Grunsven certainly has a superstar in her dark bay Hanoverian. Together, they are revered as masters of the musical freestyle, and have captured wins at the World Equestrian Games, the World Cup, the 2004 Olympics (Individual Gold), and numerous international competitions.
Blue Hors Matine
This high-stepping star became an internet sensation when his World Equestrian Games freestyle performance was spread across the web. Danish rider Andreas Helgstrand and his 9 year-old mare won silver for their now famous WEG performance, and they continue to impress judges at international shows.
Eventing
The Foreman
Phillip Dutton’s veteran eventer is an American Thoroughbred that has proved himself on the world stage. The Chronicle of the Horse named The Foreman 2005 Horse of the Year, and he definitely earned his title with impressive showings at Rolex, Burghley, and the Red Hills horse trials.
