“Pablo made my dream of racing GP come true!”
Owner: Lori Bell
1. Why did Pablo speak to you when you bought him?
“I bought Pablo twelve years ago as an eight-year-old through Egbert Kraak. I import and sell horses, but bought Pablo as a training horse for myself. He appealed to me because he was good, nice to ride and he was already trained to almost Prix St. George level.
2. Did Pablo live up to your expectations?
“Pablo made my dreams come true. He was my first horse that I rode Grand Prix dressage with, a wish I had for a long time. I drove it myself for ten years; of which three years in the Grand Prix. For the last two years, Ava MacCoubrey has competed him internationally among the juniors. Pablo was not spectacular in his movements, but has a heart of gold. He always does his best for you and that's why he reached the Grand Prix. Together we climbed the road to the Grand Prix. Pablo has always been a patient and cooperative teacher for me. In competitions he was very reliable and in the ring he always gave his best. We have only raced the Grand Prix at the national level in Canada. We always scored very consistently around 60% (scores between 58 and 62%) in over thirty tests. Very nice scores for us together. I was eager to learn and he patiently tried his best every time. He really has a fantastic character”.
3. Do you have a special bond with Pablo?
“Pablo is very special to me for several reasons. Obviously because we spent a lot of time together over the past twelve years, but also the way he came into my life. My father unfortunately died in a car accident and with his inheritance I was able to buy this fantastic horse. That is why Pablo has always had a very special place in my heart.”
4. How is Pablo in the stable?
“He is a sweet horse, who is a little bit of a spoiled little prince. He has a nice character; cheerful, but he does want attention as if he knows he is very special.”
5. What is the most beautiful thing you have experienced with Pablo?
“The best thing about my driving career with Pablo was that we reached the Grand Prix together and drove at this level for three years. Thanks to him I have learned so much in dressage that I have now trained my fourth horse to Grand Prix level. Pablo gave me the skill to now successfully ride at an international level with different horses. A few months ago, Pablo returned home after two years with Ava in the juniors. Ava learned a lot from him and Pablo finished his career with a 7e place (out of 35) in the North American Dressage Junior Championships. He is now retired and enjoys spending whole days in the meadow with his new mate, a quarter horse.”
Click HERE for the interview with breeders Jan and Greetje Nijhuis
sound HERE for the special story of Amazon Ava MacCoubrey
