EL DORADO | 14 YEAR-OLD DUTCH WARMBLOOD/SELLE FRANÇAIS | NEW CANEY, TX
Dorado, El Dorado, is a Dutch Warmblood/ Selle Français cross Gelding. He is trained by Will Roberts at Pine Hollow Farm in New Caney, TX.
Dorado is a charming chestnut gelding with a distinctive long white stripe running down his face and adorable white socks adorning his legs. But it’s not just his looks that make him stand out; he possesses an array of unique characteristics that make him one-of-a-kind. Quirky and endearing, he has a special affinity for Evan’s fiancée, which may be attributed to her knack for showering him with treats. As much as Dorado adores his favored human, he harbors an inexplicable fear of plastic water bottles, particularly the crinkle sound they emit when squeezed. This curious phobia has led to countless near-death experiences for Evan, courtesy of Dorado’s skittish reactions. Despite this peculiar fear, Dorado remains an incredibly lovable and captivating equine companion.
Evan, Dorado’s owner, has a heartwarming story of how they stumbled upon their beloved equine companion. It was their former trainer in Austin who first discovered Dorado, and ever since, Evan and Dorado have shared an inseparable bond for nearly seven years. Reflecting back, Evan vividly recalls the day they went to try out Dorado. Initially scheduled to ride him, fate took an unexpected turn when the seller abruptly changed their mind and suggested a different horse for Evan to test out instead. Intrigued, Evan found themselves drawn to the alternate horse and promptly requested for it to be sent to their barn. However, when Evan arrived at the barn the following day, they were taken aback by a delightful surprise: Dorado was waiting there, standing proudly. The switch remains a mystery to this day, but Evan is forever grateful for the serendipitous turn of events that brought Dorado into their life.
The lovable chestnut gelding has a clear favorite treat that never fails to make his eyes light up with delight: German Horse Muffins. These delectable goodies have captured Dorado’s heart, and he simply can’t resist their irresistible charm. Whenever the familiar aroma of these muffins fills the air, Dorado’s excitement reaches new heights, and his eagerness is palpable.
Dorado, the talented chestnut gelding, boasts an impressive collection of ribbons and a career filled with remarkable achievements. From the very beginning, it was clear that Dorado possessed a unique combination of talent and charisma that set him apart. Evan, Dorado’s devoted owner, couldn’t be more grateful for the incredible journey they have experienced together. The countless ribbons they have earned are a testament to Dorado’s exceptional abilities and the strong partnership they have forged. Along the way, Evan has received unwavering support and guidance from their former and current trainers, especially Amy Gangstad and Will Roberts. Their expertise and patience have played a crucial role in Dorado’s success, allowing him to shine and reach his full potential. With Dorado’s remarkable talent and the unwavering support of their trainers, Evan’s career with this extraordinary and enjoyable horse has been nothing short of exceptional.
Evan’s journey into the world of horse riding began with a touch of serendipity. It was Evan’s mom who initially “drafted” them into riding when they were just in 1st grade, and little did they know that this would be the start of an enduring passion. As time passed, Evan’s love for horses grew exponentially, and by the time they reached the summer between 5th and 6th grade, they were fortunate enough to welcome their first horse into their life, Tucker. From that moment on, Evan’s bond with horses only deepened. However, it wasn’t just the thrill of riding that captivated Evan. What truly touched their heart was the remarkable connection that forms between rider and horse while in the saddle. They discovered that horses become the most incredible teammates, fostering a unique bond that words alone cannot capture. This extraordinary connection is what Evan cherishes the most about owning horses, and it continues to fuel their passion for riding.
For Evan, every day spent riding with their beloved horse, Dorado, is a treasured experience. It may sound cliché, but the bond they share truly makes each day a great one. However, if asked to pick a specific memory, one particular moment stands out vividly in Evan’s mind. It was two years ago when they triumphantly won a class in the Highs division. The previous year had brought a challenging setback when Evan experienced their worst fall ever while riding Dorado in the same division. Rebuilding their confidence took time and effort, but this victorious moment showcased the incredible journey of resilience and hard work. It served as a poignant reminder that the dedication and partnership between Evan and Dorado had paid off in the most rewarding way.
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Karinda K. is a Houston, TX based equine photographer that travels around the United States photographing equestrians and their horses. Karinda specializes in Outdoor Horse & Rider Portrait sessions that bring to life the magical relationship equestrians share with their horses, Senior Portraits, and Fine Art Black & White Background Portraits for those that want a piece of art featuring their very own animals.
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Portraits for Charity was an idea Karinda dreamt up to help give back to families impacted by Childhood Cancer in memory of her husband’s sister Jessica. During the 2023 Pin Oak Charity Horse Show Karinda photographed around 150 Horses and Dogs and was able to donate just under $15,000 to Candlelighter’s Houston.
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