ESH ALLIOCHA | 12 YEAR-OLD SELLE FRANÇAIS | NEEDVILLE, TX
Al, ESH Alliocha, is a Selle Français Gelding. His sire is Corofino I who is by Corrado I. His dam is Liouba de L’Elfe who is by Vicomte De La Loge. He was bred at SCEA del Colle in Bernay, France. Al lives and trains at Quantum Hunters and Jumpers in Needville, TX with Merrily Quincoces. Al is currently being leased by Hannah Brenner.
Al is a beautiful chestnut horse with distinctive markings: he has three white stockings, one coronet, and a perfectly symmetrical blaze. But his looks are just the beginning of what makes him unique. Al has a friendly and endearing personality that sets him apart from other horses. When he gets treats, he can’t help but smile and show his appreciation. He also loves getting face scratches after a ride and will use his strength to let his rider know if something is bothering him.
One of Al’s favorite activities is swimming in the pond in the back paddock, even though he’s lost a fair share of horseshoes to the mud. Although he’s not a big fan of hugs, he’ll show his affection in other ways. If he likes you, he’ll rest his head on your shoulder and relax, and he absolutely loves getting nose kisses.
Hannah’s journey with Al began unexpectedly when he was imported from France as a jumper for another girl at her barn. Unfortunately, he needed tendon surgery and had to come back slowly after the operation. When the girl who originally wanted him moved away, she suggested that Hannah give Al a try. Despite some initial hesitation, Hannah was encouraged by her friend to take a chance on him, and it was one of the best decisions she ever made. They started at a modest 2′ in May 2021, and over the course of two years, they worked tirelessly to improve their skills. All of their hard work and dedication paid off when they scored an impressive 81 at Pin Oak in April 2023! It’s clear that Hannah and Al have a special bond that will continue to thrive for many years to come.
Al is not too picky when it comes to food, he will eat just about anything that is given to him. But, like all horses, he does have his favorites. His two go-to treats are apples and peppermints. Whenever he gets a whiff of these goodies, his ears perk up and his eyes light up with excitement. Whether it’s a whole apple or a handful of peppermints, Al can’t resist these tasty treats. Hannah knows that she can always make him happy with a few slices of apple or a handful of peppermints, and she loves seeing the joy it brings him.
Despite being a horse who was only recently trained in hunters and equitation, Al has already achieved some impressive accomplishments. He may not be the fanciest hunter out there, but he’s a hard worker and has come a long way in just two years. At Pin Oak 2022, he scored an impressive 83 in the Hunters, and this year at Pin Oak 2023, he scored an equally impressive 81. Hannah couldn’t be prouder of Al’s dedication and hard work. Walking out of the arena after their latest competition, she was grinning from ear to ear, and even the photographer captured the moment perfectly. It’s clear that Al has a bright future ahead of him, and Hannah can’t wait to see what they accomplish next.
Hannah developed a love for horses at a young age and expressed an interest in riding when her family moved to Texas when she was just five years old. She also wanted to play guitar but eventually focused on horse riding lessons at the age of 15. She began with one lesson a week, just as COVID hit, and it became one of the only activities still open due to being outside and socially distant. From there, she increased her riding to 4-6 times a week and now competes on the A-circuit. Hannah’s favorite part of riding is the partnership and love she shares with her horse, Al, and she wouldn’t want to go through the ups and downs of competition with any other horse.
Hannah’s favorite memory with Al was during Winter Series I when they had a long wait between her over fences and flat rounds. Instead of taking Al back to the barn, she loosened his girth and put a tortilla-like blanket on him, calling him “Taco Al.” They stood in the warm sun and watched other rounds in Mega I, and Al rested his head on Hannah’s shoulder. When Hannah opened a bag of popcorn, Al mistook the crinkling for a treat and almost knocked her out of her chair. Despite the stress of horse shows, that moment reminded Hannah of the bond she shares with Al, and she now prioritizes finding more moments of fun and playfulness with him.
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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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