El Machine | Mac of Many Talents

El Machine by Elsu NZ is a 2008 standardbred gelding who earnt $282,156 on the racetrack. Trained by Debbie Padberg, El Machine had 150 starts for 22 wins, 14 seconds and 12 thirds. El Machine retired from racing in 2018.

Following retirement, Debbie rehomed El Machine to Meg Botha, who turned the attract gelding into a competitive show horse, winning Champion of Champions at the Beverley Agricultural Show in 2019. After a handful of years with Meg as an adult rider’s mount and show horse, El Machine was returned to Debbie after circumstances changed.

El Machine was then rehomed to young rider, Ella Robb in 2021, who organized to meet “Mac” the day he returned to Perth.

“I rode him around the Padberg’s pacing track in a stock saddle and western bridle. He took a while to get used too, but he felt safe, and I loved his cool dude attitude,” Ella said.

Ella describes Mac as the safest and most reliable horse she has ever met. Although his canter is still coming along, Ella is confident he shows a lot of potential. Working together to improve his fitness, Mac has now become a strong and balanced individual who is improving with his jumping. The pair competed at the Yalambi Easter Show Jumping Classic, where they gained a wealth of experience and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. El Machine and Ella also attended the SPPHAWA Scorecard Showdown in 2023 where the pair won Champion Horse and Rider, calling back to El Machines former hacking days. Ella describes this as one of their greatest accomplishments so far together.

Together, Ella aims to continue improving Mac’s jumping and canter, with the hope to continue show jumping and dabble in eventing. Ella also hopes to try out more dressage and hacking as she believes Mac has great potential to be quite competitive. Ella stated that for as long as Mac lives, he will remain within her family. Once he begins to slow down, he will transition into a trail horse and companion.

OTTWA wish Ella and El Machine all the best for their future.