SANDRIGO | 5 YEAR OLD HANOVERIAN | ARGYLE, TX.
Rio, Sandrigo, is a five year old dark bay Hanoverian by Sonntagskind who was by Sandro Hit. Grandsire on his dam’s side is Donnerhall. He was bred by Naani Baker. He is owned by Kelly who keeps him at Valiant Farms where he is trained by Lauren Eisele.
Kelly shares, “I bought him on July 2nd, 2016. I have been very seriously looking for a horse for about 3-4 months. I had vetted 2 horses prior to him, both of which failed for various severe reasons, such as kissing spine. I instantly loved him when I first saw him- but was scared to get excited. I never thought I could own a horse as nice as him. I loved how soft he felt at the trot. His canter was still very unbalanced, and I couldn’t even get him to pick up the right lead. I saw the potential though, and after about a week made an offer. After going back and forth, we basically agreed to almost the asking price (which was way above my budget) but I knew I had to make it work. Vetting wasn’t perfect, he has a grade 3 bone spur in the right hock, but my vet felt it would be fine with maintenance. I still feared getting too excited- until we loaded him in the trailer. I would rate that moment as good as the day I got married.”
She continues, “Rio is the best horse ever! He is my first horse as “an adult”, and I’m head over heels for him. He had no jumping experience when I bought him- but he was the right size and seemed to have a nice temperament, and he was the right price. My ownership at this point has been plagued to a certain degree by a vet saga, but he is on this mend and back in full training. I am the luckiest girl alive, because as it turns out Rio has the best brain ever. He went to his first show at TRHP in Tyler and was perfect- fearless and 100% calm. Rio paws for treats and attention, loves naps, and adores having his muzzle curried after a ride. He has the biggest ears ever, but I adore them. He is the calmest 5 yr old ever under saddle, and jumps anything we put in front of him. I even take him into the big pastures on the property and jump the cross country jumps sometimes. He has a roach back, which is a turn off for a lot of people, but I wouldn’t change him. Due to his confirmation, he has to work extra hard to stay off his forehand and collect in the canter, but he is so incredibly willing, and gets better every day. I cannot wait until he is a hunter superstar and can show people that it doesn’t take perfect confirmation to be a great horse.”
Kelly is trying to show Rio in the hunters as jumpers is not for him. She explains him as ‘special’ and says his favorite treat is carrots and “Lick Its.” Kelly says that she’s a penny pincher, being that horses are expensive and all! If she wants high end tack/apparel she buys from European dealers as it’s always significantly less then US retailers. She also mentioned she’s a huge proponent of getting outside the arena. She thinks it helps not only your show ring ride, but developing a true partnership between horse and rider. I had to share her little tips so others may benefit from them!
Kelly also has her own blog where she shares her adventures with Rio, The Hunky Hanoverian. Make sure you go follow their blog and keep up with their journey!
Kelly shares, “I have been lucky enough to have has 3 different horses growing up, a pony at 6, Arabian at 9, and palomino paint at 13. Horses have literally taught me the value of hard work and money. I thank them for teaching me how it feels to work hard for something and succeed, and also that you may work very hard and not always come out on top. I have learned to gracefully accept critique and when to take someone said about me with a grain of salt. I am one of those girls that never grew out of the horsey crazy stage. I can’t rarely read a book or watch a movie about horses without bawling- I’m just so emotional about them. Owning my own horse as an adult is literally a dream come true, as horses are part of my soul. I cannot imagine my life without them. Cheesy, but true! I have not owned Rio for a year yet, so I know I have many more memories to make. To this date my favorite memory so far would be the day he came home, as it was such a milestone for me. Handing over the check and getting to load him in my trailer. Seriously the best feeling!”
