Revisiting the legacy of Impello

Many show horse enthusiasts from Western Australia will remember Impello, a striking big Thoroughbred gelding who took the show ring by storm.

Queensland bred, Impello by Irgun raced for a total of five starts before his retirement. He had no success on the racetrack and instead retired into an off-the-track home.

During his career as a show horse, Impello loaned his beauty and presence to several riders to achieve many successes. From countless Champion titles and placings, Impello was the perfect show hunter for any rider to achieve their goals.

He achieved the highest of achievements for a show horse competitor in Australia, winning Small Show Hunter Hack at the 2011 Grand National Championships with owner/rider, Louise Fraser. He then went on to win the Childs Small Show Hunter Hack award at the 2013 Grand National Championships with young rider, Elizabeth Laycock, and Runner-Up Small Show Hunter Hack with Louise again.

He also claimed several wins at the Perth Royal Show in the Emily Pelloe Turnout class. Impello was the winner of this class for three years with three riders, starting in 2009 with Hayley Leonard, and continuing consecutively in 2011 and 2012 with Louise Fraser and her sister, Linda Brenzi.

Impello retired from the show ring earlier than anticipated due to Equine Metabolic Syndrome, also known as EMS. Thankfully, well cared for by Louise, he continued to live a fulfilled life of semi-retirement for many years on a special diet.

Sadly, Impello passed away in July of 2024 after a long lifetime of spreading smiles and helping riders achieve their dreams. He was a true icon of the show ring, as one of few Thoroughbreds who embodied the role of a true show hunter.

Impello was a horse who truly lit up the arena with his presence. He was safe for young riders and had the talent to dazzle judges. His legacy lives on in the hearts of many show riders still competing today, many who went on to achieve their own successes thanks to the boost in confidence Impello gave them.

Despite not having the speed or desire to win as a racehorse, Impello turned into the show horse of everyone’s dreams.

He will be remembered as one of many horses who excelled in their off the track career away from racing.