The Florida show season is well underway with sunshine, warm weather and great competition. The ISF horses are enjoying their winter pastures, as well as the great shows. Kaiman earned two scores in the 70s at his first show of the season, including a 73.158% in Fourth Level Test 1 at Welcome Back to White Fences I. Johnny Walker CLB and Absolute ISF also collected blue ribbons during their first two outings.
“Kaiman is so levelheaded and really straight-forward,” said Kaiman’s rider, Melissa Velix. “These were the first two shows we have done together. Every test we did he became more confident and therefore more expressive. It was really fun feeling him become more confident with every movement and want to show off a bit.”
Although Kaiman had shown in the young horse classes in the Netherlands, Welcome Back to White Fences and the Adequan Global Dressage Festival were his Fourth Level debut. “Kaiman really depended on me in a nice way to lead the way for each show,” said Velix. “He really tuned into me. He wanted to do a good job and really enjoyed the experience.”
While the excitement of the horse show environment can be overstimulating for some stallions, Kaiman takes it all in stride. “He does not get interested in other horses while we are working,” Velix explained. “It’s really a conversation between him and I. He’s aware there are other horses, but he pays no attention to them. Even after our class we hung out and grazed for a while and he was more interested in grass than other horses. Kaiman really likes his people and as long as they are around he’s happy. He’s so personable and just a joy to work with.”
Kaiman
Kaiman is by Dark Pleasure and out of Franciska, Elite/Preferent, by Gribaldi, Preferent. He’s schooling Prix St. Georges and comes from a long line of successful FEI horses known for their good temperaments.
Kaiman is the sire of 1st Premium and KWPN-NA Champion offspring. His son Ohio is licensed OLD and HAN and finished 7th in the 2023 Pavo Cup, four-year-old division. Kaiman will be available for breeding this spring.
The Lusitano gelding Johnny Walker CLB received four blue ribbons with scores as high as 71.324% at Welcome Back to White Fences I and Adequan Global Dressage Festival 6. “Johnny is a kind soul who tries his best,” said Catheine Malone, Johnny’s owner and rider. “I always look forward to riding him and our journey together.” Johnny is by Diamante Negro Do Juliana and out of a mare by Xirineus Da Paixao.
Johnny Walker CLB
The Friesian gelding Absolute ISF, made his recognized show debut at Welcome Back to White Fences I and went on to score a blue ribbon at Adequan Global 6. Absolute ISF is sired by the Grand Prix Friesian Hedser 465, Sport and out of the Brend 413, Sport daughter Nynke Ris, Model.
“Absolute is really enjoyable to show,” said rider Angela Sasso. “He is a very rideable horse with a high quality canter and is naturally uphill. He always tries his best to do what he is asked. I think he has a big presence and is curious about the show environment, but follows the rider’s direction well. I’m really excited for his future.”
Absolute ISF
Complete Results
Kaiman, ProK
Dark Pleasure x Franciska, Elite/Pref. (by Gribaldi, Pref)
Owner Iron Spring Farm, Breeder J.A. & B. Naber, Rider Melissa Velix
1st place, 73.158%, Fourth Level Test 1, Welcome Back to White Fences I
1st place, 70.000%, Fourth Level Test 1, Welcome Back to White Fences I
3rd place, 66.842%, Fourth Level Test 1, Adequan Global Dressage Festival 6
Johnny Walker CLB
Diamante Negro Do Juliana x Desiree Da Paixao (by Xirineus Da Paixao)
Owner/Rider Catherine Malone, Breeder Coudelaria Luso Brasileira
1st place, 67.794%, Prix St. Georges, Welcome Back to White Fences I
1st place, 68.824%, Prix St. Georges, Welcome Back to White Fences I
1st place, 64.265%, Prix St. Georges AA, Adequan Global Dressage Festival 6
1st place, 71.324% Prix St. Georges AA, Adequan Global Dressage Festival 6
Absolute ISF
Hedser 465, Sport x Nynke Ris, Model (by Brend 413, Sport)
Owner/Breeder Iron Spring Farm, Rider Angie Sasso
2nd place, 64.167% First Level Test 3, Welcome Back to White Fences I
1st place, 64.444%, First Level Test 3, Adequan Global Dressage Festival 6
Photos by Susan Stickle Photography
