Belgian team junior rider Alexa Fairchild has acquired the 12-year old Dutch warmblood gelding Tum Tum as a future Young Riders and Under 25 horse. The KWPN gelding arrived at his new home in Brussels, Belgium less than two weeks ago.
Tum Tum, who is officially registered under the name Timor, is by Matterhorn out of Odessa (by Indoctro x Joost). Previously owned by Kim Ferwerda the bright bay gelding was competed by Dutch Peter de Boer.
The 18-year old Fairchild has been a steady member of the Belgian youth riders dressage teams. She competed at the 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 European Pony Championships and in 2011 and 2012 she was member of the Belgian Team at the European Junior Riders Championships aboard her Dutch warmblood gelding Totall Tip Top (by Metall). At three of these European Championships Alexa made it into the Finals.
Aboard the Grand Prix schooled Tum Tum Fairchild aims to make the transition to young riders' level with the Under 25 Grand Prix classes as a long term goal. "I plan to compete him in the young riders and small tour initially and eventually start the Under 25 Grand Prix when we are both ready," Fairchild told Eurodressage. "He has been very well trained and knows all the GP movements."
Alexa and Tum Tum made their national young riders' show debut at the CDN Hasselt last weekend, which served as proof of the horse's excellent training and rideabilty.
Trained by Virginie Deltour the American born Alexa loves Tum Tum's rideability along with his three overall outstanding gaits.
"I love his willingness to give it his all," Fairchild explained. "As I have been riding him the past few days, he is always ready to give the most and always willing to work. He is a very honest horse. He has tons of quality in his gaits and I love the way he moves. He also has the sweetest character. He is so much fun to ride," she added enthusiastically.
With her International Baccalaureate exams approaching in May 2013, Fairchild will be competing on a tight schedule with only a few shows planned. "For the moment we are thinking of competing in Vidauban in March, in Addington in April and possibly Compiègne in June," said Alexa.
Photos © Private - Hippolywood
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