As Tough As Steel | Staying in the Family
As Tough As Steel is a Jet Laag USA gelding from Western Australia. After 86 starts, Dusty retired from racing with trainer and owner, Darryl Stead. Accumulating a career total of over $65,000 and seven wins, Dusty was ready to explore a new lifestyle.
Dusty remained in the Stead family, beginning his off the track career with Darryl’s daughter, Chloey.
“Dusty was my dad’s pacer. I couldn’t drive him as he was very strong in the cart, so I broke him into saddle while my mum and dad were away.
Determined to turn Dusty into her show horse and dressage mount, Chloey began putting in the hard yards to train Dusty to a new career.
“He had a great trot, and I love my greys. I thought Dad better find a different pacer as I’d fallen in love with Dusty’s movement.”
With trot poles to help his balance and persistence, Dusty transitioned well into a ridden career. Chloey is happy and proud that his canter and balance is coming along. With his cheeky personality, Dusty and Chloey have developed a strong, loving partnership.
After the sad passing of her nana, who had been a huge supporter of Chloey and Dusty, Chloey was thrilled to take Dusty out to his first competition and have him behave and perform so sweetly.
“My nana was my biggest supporter, and it meant so much to take Dusty out and do so well with him.”
Chloey and Dusty competed at the SPPHAWA Dual Code Spectacular for great success! As Tough as Steel won the Intermediate Show Hack class, along with Champion and Supreme Ridden. With his flashy trot and striking appearance, it would have been hard for the judges to look away from such a lovely horse. Chloey has her sights set on the SPPHAWA State Standardbred Championships next, hoping to follow up her previous success with another win.
At fifteen years old, Dusty is settled into his off-the-track career with Chloey. Her long-term goal for Dusty is to move into novice dressage and attend more shows. We are sure that together, Chloey and Dusty will enjoy their time together regardless of what they end up doing.
