Most Versatile Appaloosa Award at the ApHC UK National Show 2003 - TUSCANY TALOS

At the APHC UK National Breed Show 2003 there was a competition for the most versatile Appaloosa.  Talos had to enter a set combination of the following various classes: 1 Dressage test, 1 Show jumping class, 2 In-hand classes, 1English Ridden and 2 Western classes.  He had to be ridden and handled by the same person in all the classes but was allowed changes of tack. His main rider is Shelley Waldock. Talos is homebred (By First Draft, out of Capital Edna) and backed and brought on by ourselves. He is seven now so has been ridden "English style" for three years. He has never gone "western" but we were confident he could turn his hoof to anything new and we were spurred on by the fabulous and very generous prize of a 3-day holiday to the Philadelphia Hotel in Blackpool donated by Beverli Rhodes and Tina Pitcher.

Knowing nothing about western riding we attempted to mimic what we had seen. It immediately became apparent that there was an awful lot to it! On the day Sally Chamberlain kindly offered us some western tack to borrow and Tim Keeley put it on and gave our rider, Shelley, a quick lesson. Many thanks to both of you.  With Talos exceptionally relaxed and happy we entered Novice Walk Jog and WON! He had already won the Novice Riding Horse in English tack and went on to win the Show jumping too. Shelley is keen to continue with some western lessons with Talos as she enjoyed it that much, so we will have to fit that into his busy schedule and hopefully enter a couple of western classes at next years show.  

For us it isn't just within that set competition that Talos proves his versatility. He has a really happy outlook on life, his expression always seems to be "Well come on, what's next?". Even on day four of the Pony Club Camp Rally he came out of the lorry all keen and perky!  On the day of the National Show he was also ridden in the youth classes, wore fancy dress in the musical ride and gave "pony rides" to two young boys who had never sat on a horse before!  All year long he is out competing at unaffiliated shows and taking part in local club events from cross country to dressage and showing classes to beach rides where, tack off and in his head collar, he goes right in and really swims!

It hasn't always been plain sailing with him as he wasn't gelded until late and took some time settling into concentrating on his new routine.  He also had a set back last April, as he needed a tooth removed. So at his young age his achievements as a reliable good all rounder are remarkable. Thank you to our instructor Denize King BHSI who helps us to achieve the full potential from all our horses.  Talos is a loudly marked leopard, so a really clear and eye-catching advert for Appaloosas.  His personality contains the essence of the true Appaloosa breed, I believe he is a shining example of his breed and that's mentally, physically and visually. Whatever your chosen discipline or speciality, chose a beautiful versatile Appaloosa.  They are also good fun!

Karen Sands