Shame N Scandal | No Shame for Shamus

Following his racing retirement, “Shamus” was retrained and competed by track rider, Lucy Spittle. Having ridden Shame N Scandal during his race career, Lucy continued with Shamus through to elementary level dressage and jumping one metre heights. Lucy owned Shamus for several years with great success before selling the handsome gelding in 2021 to young rider, Ava DeBrito.

Ava knew Shamus was the horse for her after viewing him only once. Knowing that retired thoroughbreds are incredibly versatile, the decision to purchase an off the track horse proved to be a success. Together, Shamus and Ava compete in eventing and show jumping whilst also attending Pony Club. Thanks to a solid foundation from Lucy, Shamus and Ava began their partnership confidently in show jumping and dressage. In 2022, Shamus was competed in his first eventing start with Amelia Radford who helped guide the gelding around the course despite some nerves.

Shamus is described as having a loveable nature with a quirky attitude. Thanks to his kind nature and easy-going attitude toward work, Shamus and Ava make a successful team. Ava described her greatest accomplishment so far with Shamus as winning the 80cm AM7 class at the 2023 Pony Club State Show Jumping Championships. They were the only combination to have a clear round and a clear jump off. This was also the first rug Ava and Shamus had won together as a team, making it even more special.

Ava and Shame N Scandal hope to be competing in show jumping at one metre heights, and consistently finishing at 80cm in eventing in the future. The pair also hope to improve their dressage scores at Novice, and eventually move up to Elementary level.