OLEX T’bred shines at Royal Winter Fair

Caliburn, whose show name is My First Car, gave a level-headed performance at the November Royal Winter Fair in Toronto

Caliburn, whose show name is My First Car, gave a level-headed performance at the November Royal Winter Fair in Toronto

Alysha Kadar braced for impact.

Cantering into the path of a spooking chestnut, Kadar expected to become pinned between the nervous animal and the wall of the show ring as she and her Thoroughbred Caliburn neared the commotion.

But as the jumpy animal’s powerful hind end came closer, and before Kadar could take evasive action, her Thoroughbred, a castoff horse purchased from the OLEX auction the year before, proved that in tight spots, he had control.

“Just as we were riding up beside (the spooking horse), and his bum came right toward us, Caliburn collected right up, changed his gate, and got us out of the way,” she says. “We just cantered off.”

Caliburn
Barn name: Mateo
Show name: My First Car
Sire: Wonneberg
Dam: Smart Amy
Foal date: June 23, 2004
And at the conclusion of the Royal Winter Fair horse show in Toronto this past November, they made off like bandits! The pair took 9th in the Hunter Under Saddle division and 3rd in Dressage, a tremendous feat for a horse she paid less than $1,000 for the year before. But more impressive than the score at his most significant show, it was his attitude the bowled her over.

“When we first got there, I was scared,” she admits. “We hadn’t ridden in the ring with that many horses for a while, and we’ve only been together for a year. But he has this amazing ability to size up the other horses, and it was like he could predict which horses would spook, and get out of their way.”

She theorizes that because her gentle gelding is always “low man on the totem pole” in the herd, that he has a heightened survivor’s instinct.

He had already survived so much.

Caliburn has shown a natural balance and ease required for dressage movements

Caliburn has shown a natural balance and ease required for dressage movements

The year before, Caliburn was run through the OLEX auction, where horsemen, rescues, and kill buyers, each for their own purpose, bid on horses like Caliburn. Jennifer Cutting of Justice Love ‘n Care Animal Rescue had the winning bid, and got him out of there.

And while Kadar, 18, had owned Thoroughbreds before, she had never purchased a horse from an auction. But when her friend Cutting showed her Caliburn’s picture, she “had a good feeling” and decided to go for it.

“I was a little nervous after I purchased him. I can handle crazy horses, but I didn’t want to end up with a horse beyond repair,” she says. “So when he came off the trailer, I was surprised. He was such a kind and gentle horse. He was quiet, in good health and had great feet.”

But he wasn’t perfect, not yet. He had an unusual twisting action in his hindquarters, which caused him to move in a crooked line. But X rays were clean, and with steady, consistent strengthening exercise and schooling, the twist diminished and eventually disappeared. “I got him in January last year, and by the time summer came around, my vet came out to take another look at him and I remember her saying, ‘He’s sound! I’m glad you kept him because he’s so sweet.’ ”

Indeed, at the Royal Winter Fair, he proved to have one of the best dispositions, shrugging off the antics of other horses to demonstrate his strong, collected trot and his constantly improving canter.

Alysha Kadar and her OTTB Caliburn (Show name: My First Car) have formed a fast friendship since she purchased the OLEX OTTB

Alysha Kadar and her OTTB Caliburn (Show name: My First Car) have formed a fast friendship since she purchased the OLEX OTTB

Though the canter still needs work in its collection and extension, he carries himself in good balance, and his honest personality makes him a great partner, even when the work gets tricky.

“I believe that his temperament and racing background kept us out of trouble that day in the show ring,” Kadar says. “He was able to read the other horses while I was a bundle of nerves!

“I never dreamed of placing at the Royal. My goal was simply to be in the top ten for the Dressage Suitability Class. Instead, we got two call backs and were ninth in the Hunter Suitability and third in the Dressage Suitability classes.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better horse.”

13 responses to “OLEX T’bred shines at Royal Winter Fair”

  1. Jon

    Caliburn took care of the person that takes care of him. They really do know who cares for them and loves them. He returned the love in caring for his rider.

  2. Suzie Birks

    How lucky you found each other! He sounds like a gentle spirit.
    I just love these feel good stories!

  3. LL

    Whenever I read these stories I am amazed at the similar characteristics these horses have. They’re kind, sweet, willing to learn and turn out so beautiful with a little TLC.

  4. Shannon

    Love these stories. I’ve had my rescue OTTB for almost 6 months and he is the love of my life. So glad to read of others taking the same leap of faith. Way to go Alysha!

  5. Susan Crane-Sundell

    You two have already accomplished great feats…keep on going! Mutual trust makes for the greatest partnerships. Congratulations Alysha & Caliburn!

  6. Alysha Kadar

    These comments are all so sweet! It’s hard to believe it will be our one year anniversary at the end of the month! I am so happy we got him, he is worth every penny 🙂

  7. Jen

    He looks like such a kind, sweet horse! I’m overjoyed that he ended up in great hands! Keep up the good work Alysha and Caliburn!

  8. Marti

    So happy to read another heartwarming story of a TB saved and his new career. Thanks to a patient owner/trainer and an intelligent TB, they will be a great team for years to come. Good luck in every way.

  9. julia

    he looks beautiful, kind and intelligent.. wonderful!!

  10. Judith Ochs

    Once again, lucky girl and lucky horse. Alysha was smart enough to do what she could do in terms of training – and smart enough to let Caliburn take care of her when he knew what was best. A happy partnership.

  11. sharon

    Well done Alysha & Caliburn , aka ‘my first car’ !!
    Much continued success together.

  12. R.A.C.E. Fund, Inc.

    Another wonderful thoroughbred saved and happy ending. Bravo!

  13. Jody

    Congratulations, Alysha! I loved reading your story about the instincts, wits and bravery of your handsome TB Caliburn. Your partnership is obvious and will continue to pay dividends. Keep going!

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