The New Year is off to an exciting start for Hilltop Farm with owner Jane McElree's decision to purchase a young FEI horse for Head Trainer Christopher Hickey to compete.
Chris's show string includes of course Douglas Hilltop, recent winner of the Grand Prix Special in Wellington, as well as a number of very promising homebred youngsters, but with the passing of Cabana Boy last fall there was a gap left between the age groups.
Using the Dutch agent who has found many horses for Chris and his students including Regent (Chris's 2007 Pan Am Gold Medal partner) and Piet (who later sold to Ulla Salzgeber), Hickey found his new FEI ride and Pan Am potentialist in Witness (by Hamlet x Burggraaf), an 8-year old gelding bred by Rene Franssen.
Hamlet was the clear standout from Chris's recent trip to see horses. Witness has shown through the comparable of Fourth Leve. It's interesting to note that Witness's breeder Rene Franssen also bred Leslie Morse's Kingston.
Chris comments, "I'm happy to have found such a quality horse that's had one rider so far in his career. He has a wonderful temperament, enjoys his job, and is eager to learn. This is due to the wonderful job Jonna has done developing and showing this horse to this point." Chris feels that Witness shows a lot of potential for the demanding FEI exercises and is looking forward to developing Witness into a top FEI mount. Jane is excitedly awaiting Witness's arrival in the US, "I can't wait to meet him!"
Photo © Dirk Caremans
Related Links
Hilltop Farm Buys Douglas as 2010 WEG Hopeful for Hickey
Hickey Wins Individual Gold at the 2007 Pan American Games
Cabana Boy Euthanized after Field Accident