I’M LOOKIN ROYAL | 10-YEAR-OLD AMERICAN SADDLEBRED | FOLSOM, LA
Henry, I’m Lookin Royal, is an American Saddlebred Gelding. His sire is RWC I’m Lookin’ For You who is out of Callaway’s Satin Doll. He was bred by Kay Bowles-Durnell in Louisville, KY. Henry is trained by Jeremy Granier at Hidden Creek Stables in Folsom, LA.
Henry is a beautiful chestnut gelding with a unique set of characteristics that make him stand out from the crowd. One look at his face and you’ll notice his large star connected by a thin strip that widens above his nostrils and a snip to his upper lip that adds to his charm. Henry’s left hind pastern is white, which makes him even more distinctive. And if you take a closer look, you’ll see that he has a roached mane that adds a touch of rebelliousness to his appearance.
But don’t let Henry’s looks fool you – he’s not just a pretty face. When you ride him, you’ll experience what it’s like to drive a performance sports car like a Ferrari or Lamborghini. Henry is all about power and performance, and he demands your full attention every time you ride. He’s an absolute blast to ride, but he also requires your total focus and best effort every time. You have to give it your all because he always gives his.
Ashley, Henry’s owner, has a wonderful story to tell about how she found her beloved horse. It all began when her trainer took her horse shopping in Kentucky. There, at Ray Yoder’s barn, Timberlane Farm, they stumbled upon a three-year-old chestnut gelding who caught their eye. They called him “Rooster” because of how he used to strut around the pasture as a colt. Ashley’s husband was impressed by Rooster’s raw talent and potential, and they ended up purchasing him as a five-gaited prospect in 2016. However, it soon became apparent that Henry’s true talent lay in being a trimmed three-gaited “walk-trot” horse, which is the top three-gaited performance division of their breed. Despite this unexpected turn of events, Ashley is thrilled to have found Henry and considers him to be an exceptional horse.
If you’re ever looking to spoil Henry, his favorite treats are carrots, apples, Purina’s “Apple & Oat” flavored horse cookies, and peppermints. Although he enjoys all kinds of peppermints, Henry definitely has a preference for the puffy ones over the regular ones. He’ll eagerly nibble on these treats, savoring every last bite and relishing the flavors. It’s always a joy to see Henry’s eyes light up when he sees his favorite snacks – he truly has a sweet tooth!
Henry is quite the accomplished horse, having won several prestigious awards over the past few years. In both 2021 and 2022, he was awarded the American Saddlebred Horse & Breeders Association (ASHBA) High Point Award as the “3-Gaited Open – Region 8 Champion”. This is an incredible achievement that speaks to his natural talent and exceptional training. But that’s not all – Henry also holds the title of 2019-2022 High Point Champion “Three-Gaited Adult Amateur/Junior Exhibitor” for the Texas American Saddlebred Horse Association (TASHA). These impressive accolades are a testament to Henry’s hard work and dedication, as well as the skill and expertise of his rider and trainer. It’s clear that Henry is a true champion and a remarkable horse in every sense of the word.
Ashley’s love for horses has been a part of her life for over 25 years. It all started when she, her mom, and her younger sister began taking lessons together in 1995 at a local barn’s summer riding camp. They quickly fell in love with riding and showing, eventually purchasing their own show horses as a family. Ashley continued to pursue her passion for riding as an adult, and it has since become a shared hobby with her husband for the past 15 years. For Ashley, horses are more than just beautiful animals – they have unique personalities and are true partners with whom she has formed incredible bonds. She loves the process of working with her trainer to bring out the best in each horse, and respects and admires their athleticism and heart. Spending time at the barn with her horses always puts a smile on Ashley’s face, and she feels grateful to be able to share her life with these amazing creatures.
Ashley’s favorite memory with Henry was when they won the 3-Gaited Open Ladies class at the Cleveland Tri-State Charity Horse Show. This was a big accomplishment, especially considering they were competing against trainers in a division known for its emphasis on class and elegance. Henry rose to the occasion, impressing Ashley with his manners and performance. The ride was so incredible that Ashley was moved to tears and didn’t even realize they had won until their number was called. When Ashley gave Henry a pat on the neck to celebrate, he had a look of pride on his face as if to say, “Why are you so surprised?” Seeing Henry so happy and proud of himself was an amazing feeling and a moment that Ashley will always treasure.
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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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