Dundee, a son of famous sire Medaglia d’Oro, was one of two Thoroughbreds to perform at the US Dressage Finals at the Kentucky Horse Park this past weekend. Photos by Christine Siegel
One of only two Thoroughbreds to compete in the US Dressage Finals at the Kentucky Horse Park last weekend, Dundee, the tall son of famous sire Medaglia d’Oro, stood proud among the Warmbloods.
The ex-racehorse Thoroughbred and his owner/rider Jill Stowe finished 16th in their Level 2 class of 26 competitors. The amateur pair received a wildcard invitation to the show after they placed 8th out of 41 in the USDF Region 2 Championships in August. In that earlier show, they finished with a score of 66.7. On Friday, their score was 63.9.
Dundee
Sire: Medaglia d’Oro
Dam: Krakowviak, by Tale of the Cat
Foal date: March 8, 2007Scoring and finishes aside, the fact that Dundee was one of only two Thoroughbreds to compete at an event that attracted 447 total horses, and that he handled the big atmosphere with professionalism, filled Stowe with pride.
“Dundee was amazing! In spite of the chilly, chilly temperatures, the wind, the sideways rain, he handled the environment like a pro,” she says.
He glanced briefly at the Jumbotron in the corner, and the exuberantly decorated corners, spilling over with flowers, and delivered a steady, consistent performance, she says.
Though their trot work continues to challenge them, as they strive for engagement and collection, Dundee, when he is on his game, can deliver a great medium canter.
Dundee glanced at the Jumbotron, then got down to business.
“Because he was so consistent, I felt I could go for things. His medium canter is one of his strengths, but I can’t always ask for it, because if he’s not in the right frame of mind, I might get a buck,” she says. “But I was able to go for it this time, and I’m just so proud of how steady he was.”
Stowe adopted Dundee from the New Vocations Racehorse Adoption program four years ago, and the nonprofit charity sponsored him at the weekend event.
Future goals for the pair include working toward Third Level, doing more jumping, and staying happy and healthy, says Stowe who notes she couldn’t be happier with her gorgeous, 17-hand T-bred gelding. ♥
Thanks for posting a follow-up to the first story about Dundee, Susan. I’m sure many fans of this site were cheering for Jill and him. They’re a great team.
Alice,
You’re welcome!!! 🙂
BRAVO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Congratulations Jill and Dundee!
Fantastic! The Warmblood world needs to see how TBs can excel at dressage. Contrary to the opinion that they’re too hot, their sensitivity actually works in their favor, meaning the rider’s aids can be more subtle. I truly hate watching a dressage competition and seeing an international rider at FEI levels using over-obvious aids. The judges should mark down for that, but they never do, because Warmbloods (with the exception of a Lipizzan) aren’t going anywhere without them.