Australian Grand Prix rider Brett Parbery cleaned up the small tour classes at the 2016 CDI Boneo on 20 - 24 January 2016 on a brand new ride, the 9-year old Danish warmblood Larenso. The duo scored 69.132% in the Prix St Georges, 70.421% in the Intermediaire I, and 74.125% in the Intermediate I kur, to sweep the small tour.
Besides achieving a hattrick Brett was particularly pleased with the gelding's temperament at the show. He noted that this was the most settled the horse has ever been in competition.
“He hasn’t competed very much so he is relatively inexperienced at shows,” Brett told Eurodressage. “In all three tests he was very attentive, but still a little green in some areas.”
Owned by Jane Farrell of Mulawa, Larenso is by Bogegardens Laurino out of Lacosta (by Solos Landwind). Brett acknowledged that that Julie, Greg, Kate and Jane Farrell are his biggest owners and supporters. Daughter Kate is competing at Grand Prix level with the Hanoverian Luxor and is Brett's "No. 1 student."
“The story of how we found the Larenso is a really good one. I was contacted by Grete Baracke who told me that she had seen a very good six year old at the stable of her new partner, Alexandre Ayache. Julie Farrell and I then flew to the south of France to look at the horse. Anyone who's been to Alex's stable will know that just getting there from the airport is an adventure in itself as he is based at the top of the mountains behind Nice. Alex had had a car accident so the horse had been a month out of work and after the first ride I said to Julie, “I think we are wasting our time”.”
However, by the fourth ride the horse had improved incredibly and they had both fallen in love with him. Ater fending off some overzealous horse dealers who came late into the picture, Larenso made the trip down under.
“He is relatively inexperienced at FEI level but he has a wonderful temperament and is accepting everything very well. If we have to make the trip to Europe this year, I would dearly like to bring him for the experience but that is something I would have to discuss in depth with his owners," said Parbery. "Until then, we will just progress steadily as there is no need to push him. He is turning nine in April and knows everything for the Grand Prix, but still has a lot of strength and confidence to build.”
Larenso was purchased in 2014 by the Farrell's and Brett hopes that this year they can do a full season at small tour level and build up a show routine whilst also preparing him for the big tour.
“As far as a horse goes I think he is the most talented horse I've ever worked with. I have always said to the owners that this horse will go as well as I can ride. So now it is up to me to keep improving as a rider," said Parbery.
by Sarah Warne - Photos courtesy Mulawa Stud
Related Links
Scores: 2016 CDI Boneo
Maree Tomkinson and Diamantina Win 2016 CDI Boneo Grand Prix
Parbery and DP Weltmieser Strong Australian Rio Contenders After 2016 CDI Boneo Kur Victory