Tina Irwin's GP Ride Fancy That to Continue as Schoolmaster

Dressage

Canada

A new page has been turned for Tina Irwin's internationally competed Grand Prix horse Fancy That. The 18-year old mare will continue as a GP schoolmaster for Canadian Ella Johnston.

Fancy That is an Oldenburg mare by Donnerschwee out of Falaise (by Freiherr x Traumdeuter x Duellgraf). She is bred by Clemens von Merveldt.

Start in Canada

Fancy That moved to Canada as a youngster and was first competed as a 4-year old by Joan Johnston in 2010. She showed her at Training and first level through 2011.

In 2012 the 6-year old mare joined Tina and Jaimey Irwin's barn, Stoney Lake Equestrian, in Stoufville, ON. Tina premiered the bay mare at Third level in the spring of 2013 and moved her up to Prix St Georges level in 2013.

"She first came to us as a 6 year old to be sold, and after working with her for a few months, we knew that she had something special and worked on creating a partnership to purchase her," said Tina. "I am forever grateful for the owners that made this possible!"

Tina and Fancy That's international show debut was in 2014 at Dressage at Devon at small tour level. She was listed as owned by Christina Faux at the time. In 2015 they campaigned at small tour at the Global Dressage Festival and booked their first international win in the Intermediaire I Kur to Music on 15 March 2015. The pair continued at small tour level through the 2016 Wellington season. That year she was listed as owned by Jaimey Irwin and Rocket One LLC.

The Road at Grand Prix level

In January 2017 Tina premiered Fancy That at Intermediaire II level in Wellington and rode her in three Inter II tests.

A two-year break from competition followed and the pair went down the centerline in their first Grand Prix test in January 2019 in Wellington. Their first CDI at Grand Prix level was in Ottawa in May of that year, winning the Kur to Music. They also campaigned at the CDI's in Caledon and Saugerties, where they won another freestyle.

As of then Fancy That was only competed sparingly at international Grand Prix level. She did two CDI's in Wellington in 2020, a year later showed up for the CDI Tryon and another year later did one at the 2022 CDI Ottawa after some national classes in Wellington.

A two-year show break followed due to an injury but Fancy That recovered and returned to the international scene as an 18-year old at the 2024 Global Dressage Festival in the Olympic year and booked mixed results. Her last show was the CDI Ottawa in May.

"It was a long journey to International Grand Prix," Tina explained, "but I am proud of our accomplishments! We did some great things and I will always treasure our bond, her talent and incredible work ethic."

Schoolmaster

Tina Irwin has now announced that Fancy That has started a new chapter in her life.

"Fancy is now going to take her experience and teach the next generation. Ella Johnston is leasing Fancy from us and I can’t wait to see what they will accomplish together," said Tina. "I am thrilled to continue on this journey together as their coach and help them reach their goals."