Revisiting the legacy of Danzastar

Many thoroughbreds in their off-the-track careers prove to have talent in the jumping department, but none were quite as talented as Danzastar.

Bred in 2003 by Arrowfield Stud, Danzastar had a pedigree worthy of a winner; unfortunately for his racing trainers that winning sparkle never translated to the racetrack.

By Danzero, a Danehill son, and out of Colour Me Lucky, Danzastar is a thoroughbred that never excelled in racing despite his breeding. In fact, he never officially started at all despite his connection to trainer, Neville Parnham.

After only three trials, this tall, dark gelding found himself looking for a new home. Sold for only $2,000, ‘Limo’ transitioned into an off the track career.

Limo’s new owners struggled with his transition, learning that the 17hh gelding had quite the mind of his own. Seeking the help of a local trainer, Limo was introduced to Sarah Dye.

Having done nothing since retiring from his race prep, Limo was green and uneducated. Regardless, Sarah fell in love. After arranging a swap of horses, Limo moved into Sarah’s stables as a permanent fixture.

Sarah quickly learnt that Limo had a jump to die for. As an eventer, Sarah was looking for something that could go the distance, and Limo had the scope to do just that. Unfortunately, it became clear that his heart lay in show jumping rather than cross country and eventing.

While competing at Bunbury Agricultural Show, Glen Bolger approached Sarah to enquire about purchasing the tall and talented gelding. Having an eye for talent himself, Glen knew a good horse when he saw one.

Glens daughter, Caitlin Bolger, a competitive show jumper and breeder following in her fathers footsteps, was also impressed by Limo and his jump. After a trial period and negotiations, Limo entered the Bolger’s jumping team under the expert guidance of Glen and Caitlin.

Despite his clear scope and talent, Limo wasn’t an easy ride. In fact, he tested the Bolger’s in those initial years of their partnership. He had a penchant for overjumping everything. This was where the decision to push him higher originated.

Moving Limo up to 1.30m classes, suddenly his overjumping turned into exactly what was needed. He progressed through these heights with Caitlin onboard, winning WA Jumping Horse of the Year in 2015 and countless other successes across the state. Following these local successes, Limo and Caitlin ventured across the country where they were met with further success.

“If I could describe riding Limo in one word, it would be power.”

Limo cemented himself as a World Class Show Jumper despite his born intention to become a racehorse. He remains one of very few Thoroughbreds who have achieved such impressive heights in Western Australia as a show jumper; a testament to everyone who worked with him to understand and develop his clear talent.

Thoroughbreds can shine under any spotlight if given the correct support and training. Danzastar is just one example of a horse who shone brightly in his off the track career thanks to the love and support of those around him who believed in his ability.