(Centurion x CopperKing's Lady (Bobcageon Copper King)
Karen shares the following:
"(These photos show us at) a Halloween Hunter/Jumper Schooling show at Crosswinds Stables in Dutchess County, October 1998. Gladiator and I got 4th and 6th place out of 12 entries in 2 English (Hunt Seat) Pleasure classes. My placings in this show were especially significant to me for the judge is reknowned for hating all breeds of high-stepping horses. Going in, everyone (including the show photographer) told me not to be upset if I didn't place because she had never been known to place a high stepper.
I got gutsy and asked her why she placed me after the show was over. She told me she
'had no choice because your horse was well mannered and your transitions were right on the money BUT I STILL DON'T LIKE THAT KIND OF
HORSE!' Backhanded compliment.
People felt bad that I did not get the 1st and 2nd they felt we deserved but I was VERY happy with what we got and proud that just perhaps we have changed this judge's opinion just a tiny bit. BTW - I have shown before this same judge again at a later show and placed in the top 6 again.
The collected trot is my favorite pix (above) because it shows a Hackney in a shot that is rarely seen - the moment of suspension in collected trot. This is the photo the dressage people have loved because it shows near perfect balanced movement between the front and the hind legs (he does step nicely under himself, doesn't he!)."