CANDY DU VALON | 12 YEAR-OLD SELLE FRANÇAIS GELDING | PROSPER, TEXAS
Introducing Candy du Valon, affectionately known as Candy. This magnificent 12-year-old Selle Français has captured the heart of his owner, who shares a special bond with this striking horse. With his stunning coat and charming personality, Candy truly is a sight to behold.
Candy resides at Fairway Farm, where he trains under the expert guidance of Colleen Acosta. Colleen has been instrumental in shaping the partnership between Candy and his owner, helping them grow as a team.
Choosing a favorite memory with Candy is no easy task, as every moment spent together in the ring is a treasure. His owner cherishes each time they step into a competition arena, whether cruising through the divisions or tackling the challenges of the Grand Prix ring. With Candy by her side, she feels invincible, as they face whatever jumps come their way. There’s a unique magic in their partnership, and it’s a joy to see them thrive together.
Candy was discovered through his owner’s trainer and Richard Cheska at Twin Lakes Farm in Wisconsin. In the summer of 2023, she decided to lease him for a few weeks while he was up for sale. The first time she met Candy, as he stepped off the trailer in Michigan, her immediate thought was, “Wow, that’s a big ole horse!” By the end of the lease, with encouragement from Colleen, she managed to convince her dad to bring Candy home, marking the start of their beautiful journey together.
Candy’s background adds to his allure. He is out of Nouvelle du Valon (by Quidam de Revel) and Kannan. Before joining his current family, Candy had spent his career as a professional’s horse, which left him feeling a bit awkward at first. However, over the past year, he has blossomed into a more confident and affectionate companion. Witnessing his transformation into a personable and funny horse fills his owner with joy, as it’s clear that he feels loved and happy in their bond.
Every horse has their quirks, and Candy is no exception. His absolute favorite treat is Sunkist Fruit Gems, and he gets excited every time he sees them. It’s a delightful experience to watch him light up over this simple snack!
His owner has been riding since she was six years old, receiving her first pony at seven or eight. With older cousins who rode, she was surrounded by horse enthusiasts growing up. Owning horses has always been her dream, and she is incredibly grateful to her parents for supporting her passion. The best part of owning horses, she believes, is the profound connection one can build with them. No matter what challenges life brings, stepping into the barn and seeing Candy instantly lifts her spirits. Their unconditional love and companionship mean the world to her.
Candy du Valon is more than just a horse; he’s a partner, a confidant, and a source of endless joy. The adventures that lie ahead for them are sure to be filled with love and unforgettable memories!
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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. With the help of the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show family, Karinda has raised over $30,000 for Candlelighter’s Houston since starting this project.
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Information shared in this blog is based on information collected at the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show, if for any reason this information is incorrect and you would like your horse’s blog post updated, please notify us via email.
