Patrionic Star | Rocky’s Venture into Western Dressage

Stunning chestnut gelding, Patrionic Star retired from racing in January this year. By Starspangledbanner, this Glen Sparkes trained gelding concluded his racing career after 19 starts.

Purchased straight from Sparkes, Patrionic Star entered into the loving home of Karen Hardy. When asked what drew Karen to purchase an off the track horse, she responded:

“I’m attracted to their never-ending resilience and the way they try so hard to please.”

When first introduced to ‘Rocky’, Karen was stunned by his striking markings and overall presence. Having known him since a two-year old after her daughter sent a photo of him from the track, Karen had her eye on Rocky from the start.

“His heart was never in racing. After his last race, he made it across the finish line, bucked his jockey off and took off back to the stables. That was when the trainer said to my daughter, when do you want to pick him up.”

From that point onward, Rocky traded the racetrack from a life off the track. Karen spent five months working with Rocky on groundwork before returning to any ridden training. This gave them time to build a bond and establish a firm foundation.

Now, seven months on, Rocky has established a relaxed walk and trot under saddle and trains in western dressage. Working in a swinging fender saddle and a bosal (bitless) bridle, Rocky enjoys his new career.

“I have introduced Rocky to Western Dressage, and he is like an old timer at it.”

“We did our first competition in August, and we placed well in all of our classes and won Champion Amateur Riders and Champion OTT.”

“All of his tests were calm, and he listened to everything I asked and had no spooky moment.”

Karen looks forward to working with Rocky further into their Western Dressage journey and looks to move up the grades and teach him the higher-level movements. She also looks forward to showing him the local hills and trails and simply enjoying their time together.

Rocky is currently one of very few off the track horses participating in Western Dressage. Despite this, he’s enjoying the experience, and we hope to continue to follow along with his development alongside Karen.

 

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