Ebony Park Abe

This article by Natasha appeared in the September 2011 issue of The Friesian (which is published by the ANZFHS). It was in recognition of Natasha and Abe achieving a long-time goal of Natasha’s – competing a Friesian in Grand Prix Dressage (she and Abe became the first Friesian pair in Australasia to compete and win at GP – so a big congratulations to them!)!! …

As I sit down to write this it’s a little emotional. To achieve a goal is always a great thing. But to achieve it with a horse, an animal, who has no idea what you are aiming for, but will come along for the ride is something to be treasured. I have been lucky to ride some amazing horses in my life so far, and I know there are many more to come, but Abe is a very special horse, and my life is very very blessed to have him as part of it.

In 2005 I set a goal to get a Friesian to Grand Prix. In 2011 I achieved it. The journey began with me spending some time in America with an amazing horsewoman – Sabine Schut-Kery – who had already taken two Friesians to Grand Prix. This led me to persuade my father, with a pretty sketchy business plan, to go ahead with importing a Friesian stallion and mare into Australia. We travelled to Holland – my father, mother and I – and saw over 200 Friesian horses. I had made up my mind about the stallion and the mare, but we still had one more place to go … it was nearly dark, and we were led to a dark stable block and in the last stall was an amazing horse. The guy put his halter on and led him out, and the stallion did not stop prancing and snorting the whole way to the arena, when he was let loose he looked wild, cantering around, mane streaming behind him. I had never seen anything more beautiful. We came back the next morning, and I couldn’t believe it – this wild creature with so much attitude and personality and strength was effortless to ride and control. I knew this was my horse. It was love at first sight. It wasn’t the smart move, the other stallion was much more suited to dressage, and would get higher scores and be much more competitive, but I knew I had to go home with Abe. For those who know the story, know that I actually came home with both stallions… but that’s another story.

To take a Friesian out in dressage I knew I had to be good. No, not just good, exceptionally good. I was also scared of what Abe would do – visions of him bucking me off, and going to serve Mary Hanna’s newest dressage imported mare flashed before my eyes! But after the very first competition, I knew I was safe. Abe is strong and loud and extremely stallion-like in his behaviour, but when you are on his back you are safe. He is yours, he is listening, and ready to do what you ask.

I had struggled up through the grades of dressage with my first horse – a Friesian cross. We eventually got to Inter II, but it was though hard work. We never won, we never had high scores. With Abe everything was different. He won 3 consecutive Novice Dressage Championships, then moved straight into Elementary – winning there too. I have won a dressage test in every level up to and including Grand Prix. That’s not me … that’s him.

It’s hard to put into words the bond I have with Abe. He is an amazing horse and the word that comes up is forgiving. He is so forgiving of my mistakes and misjudgements. He is always trying for me, and even when I think he is not, he is. He makes me a better rider, a better trainer and a better person every time I have the pleasure to be on his back. Our philosophy at Ebony Park is to help make our clients dreams come true. That comes from Abe. As he is my dream horse, and I am the luckiest girl in the world to own and ride him, and have him help me make all my dreams come true.

To Your Success,

Natasha Althoff