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Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF Dressage Festival of Champions

Lauren Sammis and Sagacious Rapid Rise to the Top

Hyperion Farm's Al and Judy Guden Along for the Ride

It may have been the idea of selling Sagacious that put Sammis and the gelding together, but there seems little doubt that this is a pair that won’t soon be broken up. “This horse is not being sold,” Sammis said. “The plan is to see how far he can go. It’s the process of where we’re going that’s the fun part. It’s great having the support of the owners and to be able to do this for them. It’s an incredible opportunity.”

For their part, the Gudens are as excited and pleased as is Sammis. And what they all share is a sense that what matters most in the showing of Sagacious is that they all have fun – the horse included. Guden said the horse had only a 20-minute break-in and he’s got the video to prove it. “He was just the calmest thing you’ve ever seen. It was like, ‘okay, it’s about time you got a saddle on me so let’s get going.’ He’s done fabulous ever since.”

Sagacious does have quite an impressive record. It includes being reserve champion stallion in the Netherlands, a regional championship, a second place at the prestigious Dressage at Devon, Horse of the Year for his breed and numerous competitive wins. Guden credits not only the horse, but also Sammis for the success.

“They are the most fabulous pair out there. They look like they were born together. They were just perfect from the time she got on the horse the first time. It’s just a marvelous pair.”

Sammis is more quick to give credit to Sagacious. “He’s easy because first of all, his confirmation is built to do this. So, there is no reason physically that he can’t do it. And he learns so quickly. And he loves it. If I don’t ride and I give him a day off, he’s upset. He loves to work. He loves it every single day. I’ve never ridden a horse that has been this trainable. He’s virtually without limitations.”