New Zealand Grand Prix rider Jody Hartstone has found herself a new FEI horse. After the sad passing of her Hanoverian stallion Whisper, Hartstone was without a top ride but she has now acquired a new equine partner, Wunders Tag.
The Raglan based Hartstone, who has been in Europe this autumn working for animal behavourist Andrew McLean, discovered the 1999 born chestnut Hanoverian by Wolkentanz I in Great Britain. Wunders Tag was previously owned and campaigned by Jacky Stolper.
"I’ve been looking for a new prospect for a while now to replace Whisper, and couldn’t believe my luck when I saw this one," Hartstone explained. "We clicked straight away. He is a nice horse to ride and doesn’t have too many training issues to fix. I’m pretty excited by it all.”
Hartstone has planned on returning to the UK in January where she train and compete Wunderstag with the help of Carl Hester. She has planned on riding at the CDI Vidauban and a several other international competitions.
The ultimate goal is the 2012 Olympic Games in London, though they may come too soon.
“It is a chance of a lifetime to do this really,” said Hartstone. "“London will be nice if it happens, but we need to get out on the international stage first to see what sort of marks we can get and just how we go together.”
Photo © Jan Milne
Related Links
Jody Hartstone's Whisper Euthanized
Hartstone and Whisper, 2010 New Zealand Dressage Champions
