Luddington, aka Paddy, is by Lacoste, from the Ladykiller Holsteiner line. His mother is a Thoroughbred. He's a 16 year old Holsteiner gelding, 17.1 hh. I've owned Paddy since 1994. I'm an Adult Amateur and have trained him myself from Training level through Grand Prix.
We were Adult Amateur USDF HOY at First Level and the Midwest Champions that year as well. We've been KCDS champions from First level through I-2. I've earned my USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold medals all with Paddy. Paddy's been to two CDI's at PSG representing Australia and Axel Steiner gave us 8's on our tempi work. Paddy's earned two 9's in piaffe and once earned a 10 for the "stretchy" circle.
I've worked with the patient Carlie Beisel, the Master Karl Mikolka (Oberbereiter from the Spanish Riding School), the positive-reinforcer and eagle eye Linda Landers, and for the past four years with the incredible Michael Beining. When Paddy was beginning PSG we started training with Michael, and his knowledge and teaching method of the German Scale of Training is what really pushed us through to Grand Prix.
We've had our share of obstacles along the way: When Paddy was 7 he almost bled to death from a tear in his knee. Luckily my mother found a stain on the ground and we followed the trail to Paddy at the end of the field. When he was 10 he developed severe abscesses resulting in the loss of a 1/3 of his hoof, and just three years ago he kicked out in a stall and sustained a stress fracture that meant 8 months of stall rest and recovery.
Paddy lives on 10 acres and we have a small three-sided barn. I ride out in our field and taught Paddy his flying changes cantering in and out of a pond. We're often seen in the Fall running the turkey off and dodging deer or low flying geese. The cows next door literally line up along the fence and watch us! I have a motto for riding in the middle of winter: "Complain, but complain while you're riding." That has kept us going on many cold, windy days.
On the days the field was too wet, I did have one small area of drier ground which is where we practiced voltes and piaffe. Linda Landers has been very gracious allowing me to ride in her indoor with the mirrors. The first time I rode a half-pass in front of the mirrors I remember how shocked I was that Paddy was actually crossing!
Finally, the biggest obstacle for us has been financial. Last year I had reached a point where I had to sell Paddy. Luckily Sarah Strnad, a new member to KCDS, purchased Paddy and then allowed him to remain in training with me so we could reach our goal. One day Sarah will take Paddy as her schoolmaster, but until that time Paddy and I are still together. Sarah's altruistic behavior is practically unheard of in today's world, and I am honored to have her as a friend.
As far as quotes about my journey with Paddy --
Achieving my Gold medal on a horse I've trained myself means more than I can say. I could not have done it without the love and support from my family and friends. Anyone who rides seriously knows the sacrifices involved, but the reward is certainly worth the journey.
When someone purchases a horse, it's often with childhood hopes and dreams. For me, that dream was just to ride. My mother always said, "Climb till your dreams come true," so Paddy and I just kept climbing. I knew Paddy had a talent for piaffe, but I never thought we could earn our Gold Medal. I have a new appreciation for the discipline and dedication it takes to ride at Grand Prix, and I only NOW feel I'm ready to work the basics correctly. Paddy and I are looking forward to playing more in the future and who knows, we might even try a musical kur. I think we've earned the right to ride to Mission Impossible!