Jane Clifford
I have been showing horses for about 25 years. I was living in Sale, Victoria when I started showing and got the bug bad and pretty much stepped into royal show level with a beautiful big chestnut called Shivorne who I purchased from Shelley Penny. Eventually I attended Canberra and Sydney royals by this time I had a new big hack I was showing called Monarchy that I purchased from Vince Corvi and he sure didn't disappoint. I was approached by several people who wanted to purchase the horse but I was doing so well I could not part with him. Sadly he injured himself whist still in his prime only making it to one royal being Sydney where he got 3rd in the novice 2 in the open and carried me to 6th in the turnout. I came across a tb of the track who I called Reverence and we had good success at the Hoyt's and royals. I had only been back in the saddle for a few months after having a baby when I was approached with an offer to buy the horse. Knowing with a young baby I would not do the horse justice I caved and sold the horse and just showed the old educated horse for a bit.
hen ready for a new challenge, I took on a new off the track horse and he went in to also be a Hoyt and Royal winner. Sadly he fractured his radius and was out for quite some time. I got a few horses but none lived up to the level I wanted ANC then I purchased a grey from Shelley Penny called Zanardi. We went on to place at the royals and win at Hoyt but I had a passion to get a wb and aftermuch searching Mark Lilley offered me Gucci (pictured above). I had no intention of getting agreen broken horse but when I saw Gucci it was love at first sight. Lucky for me Mark and Paul were keen to show the horse for a year and so the horse was purchased on the basis he stated with them for the first year. And what a year Show at Hoyt events, A class Arab shows, agriculture shows and of course the royals - Gucci pulled many titles being in the top 5 at all Hotys, winner both EA newcomer and SHC rising star titles many broad sashes and the big one of champion hunter hack ay Brisbane Royal. He was just as good in his second year of showing (with me on board this time) adding numerous titles to his name and us now a multi royal champ winner and again qualifying for grand nationals this time in open hunter and child hunter. We will attend grand nationals to be held in Sydney in March 2014 and we look forward to attending the ag, royals, Hotys and Arab shows again in 2014. I would like to add Sydney Royal to my bucket list to attend again and we may even venture into some dressage as well. Paul Mark and I have a joint interest in Gucci's half brother (from same dam) and from one show led one champion so good start so far. He is only 2 so will be. Little while before he comes out under saddle but certainly shows potential. Liking the bloodline so much, I have also breed a wb foal by Gucci's dad (Royal Gregor from the Dicavalli stud) and he looks set to follow in Gucci's hoofprints being a very nice type but at only 2 months old will be a while off yet, but big expectations.