- British Warmblood
- Bay
- Gelding
- 9 years
- 17hh / 173cm
- Competing BD novice level
- A real pleasure to hack alone and in company
- A genuine safe allrounder with quality steps and a great attitude
Rio is a seriously eye-catching horse with all the attributes needed to make a very exciting dressage prospect. Combining exceptional breeding, outstanding movement, a wonderful temperament and a genuine workmanlike attitude, he is the sort of horse that is increasingly difficult to find.
By Flammengold, a stallion renowned for passing on elasticity, expression and rideability, and out of a mare by Epernay, a sire highly regarded for producing athletic, trainable horses with excellent temperaments and quality paces, Rio boasts a pedigree packed with proven performance bloodlines. The result is a horse that not only looks the part but has all the ingredients to progress through the levels.
Rio is a horse of genuine class. He has correct conformation, a beautiful frame and a presence that immediately catches your attention. More importantly, he has the ability to back it up.
His movement is quite simply outstanding. He possesses three phenomenal paces with natural rhythm, balance and elasticity. The walk is relaxed and purposeful, the trot is expressive and extravagant with plenty of suspension, and the canter is uphill, balanced and naturally adjustable. He has the sort of movement that consistently catches the judge's eye and earns marks. Watching him work, it is easy to see why he has been so successful in competition so far.
Having competed at unaffiliated dressage, Rio has consistently scored above 70%, winning virtually everything he has been entered in. He is now ready to begin his British Dressage career, and we have absolutely no doubt that he will climb the levels quickly. Horses with this combination of quality, temperament and trainability are exactly what riders spend years searching for.
One of Rio's greatest assets is his attitude towards work. He genuinely enjoys having a job to do and approaches everything with enthusiasm and honesty. He never says no, never becomes sour or bored, and takes every day as it comes. Whether schooling, hacking, pole work or trying something new, he simply gets on with it. He is the definition of a willing partner and has the sort of work ethic that makes training both enjoyable and rewarding.
Despite his quality, Rio is not sharp, silly or complicated. He is more "whoa" than "go", although there is plenty of engine there when you ask for it. He is sensible, genuine and forgiving, making him suitable for an ambitious amateur rider wanting a horse to progress through the levels with, whilst still possessing all the quality required to be seriously competitive.
He hacks happily alone and in company, is good in traffic and is a pleasure to take out and about. He enjoys popping a fence and working over poles for variety, taking everything in his stride with the same willing attitude he shows in all aspects of his work.
Rio is easy to handle, easy to live with and has a fantastic character. He is good to do in all routine ways and is a horse that quickly becomes part of the family.
In the interests of complete honesty, Rio has previously had a poor experience with a farrier and can occasionally require a little extra reassurance when being shod. We have successfully managed this using patience, understanding, a Likit and allowing him time to relax, and he has been absolutely no trouble. No IV sedation has ever been required, but it is something prospective purchasers should be aware of.
We firmly believe transparency is important, and in every other respect he is as straightforward and genuine as they come.
His full history is known, there are no hidden surprises, and opportunities to purchase horses of this calibre are exceptionally rare.
A truly heartbreaking sale on behalf of his owner due solely to lack of time.
Rio is a horse with a very bright future ahead of him, and we have no doubt whatsoever that he will make a serious dressage horse for a very lucky rider.