Country Vogue – Showhunter HOY 2013
Super-star Vinnie; the all round horse that is talented at everything he does. He realises this too and is known for being a bit “special’ – even his mane behaves perfectly!!
He was a winner before he was even born. The service fee was a prize sponsored by Seattle Stud’s Fred Cornege for leading rider at a Young Horse show by Voltaire II. Home-bred by Mels out of a top class TB mare called “My Sweet Patriot” with Sir Tristram bloodlines. Vinnie was exactly what Mels ordered a bay colt with 4 white socks and a blaze – the perfect amount of bling. He then had a fun few years siring 3 lovely foals before being gelded and professionally started by Abderry courtesy of a scholarship that was acquired through a Horse & Pony competition.
A slow career start due to Mels starting her own family (3 children under 5 keeps one a tad busy!), however, Vinnie quickly establishing himself as one of New Zealand’s top Show Hunter horses in his first season competing. He came in 3rd at the title class at HOY with only a few starts to his name and having never jumped 1.15m until the class!!! This was followed successfully in 2014 with Runner-up in Show Hunter of the Year and an uncharacteristic error (rail at the very last fence) costing him the Amateur Show Hunter Title of the Year. (argh horses!!) During his HOY 2015 campaign, with 4 starts for 4 wins in lead-up classes, he was on target for this years titles, only to be distracted by mounted games in the ring next door galloping towards him as he came around the corner upsetting his rhythm and softness. He still finished up in the winning lineup but not at the front as hoped!!
Vinnie has plenty of talent on offer and in 2016 we are now mixing some show jumping in. This rising star is loving bigger fences and getting the odd gallop in with the jump off, much to the delight of all his supporters.
Rock on this season.
Melanie Dudding Equestrian 