She Bangs the Drum | From Racing to Broodmare to Jumping!

She Bangs the Drum is a 2013 mare by American stallion, Pluck. This striking mare trained with Nick Cox for her brief racing career, with six starts and one second, earning $3,720 in total. In 2018, She Bangs the Drum was retired from racing and put in foal by the Knox family, producing 2023 racing debut, De Bang, by Demerit. This 2019 colt has recently begun his racing career in 2023, with two starts with Martin Knox as trainer.

Following her brief role as a broodmare, She Bangs the Drum (Narnia) spelled for two years. In 2022, Narnia was briefly owned by Kim Maclean who worked with the mare for a further two months, before selling her onto to Vanessa Davis. Vanessa recalls her first ride on Narnia in late 2022 as an instant connection and understanding, sealing the deal on their partnership.

“Narnia has been a very interesting mare to train, as she has legs for days and sometimes has no idea what to do with them. I call them spaghetti leg moments.” Vanessa commented.

Despite her long legs and occasional miscommunications, Vanessa describes Narnia as very smart, who has picked up lateral work quickly and has a lovely natural head carriage. Narnia is progressing kindly in her training, although still finds new places exciting and thinks small ponies and sheep are rather terrifying. Once in the arena Narnia switches into work mode and all insecurities are soon forgotten.

Narnia is a quirky mare, who will stick her tongue out the side of her mouth at liquorice snack time, and thoroughly enjoys a face brush and a cuddle. She has a slight roman nose from a paddock accident as a yearling, however, this has never been an issue for Narnia or Vanessa.

Together, Vanessa and Narnia have attended a handful of first events in their short time together, with a dressage day and a show jumping day already up their sleeves. The team placed first in her first showjumping round at 30cm and aims to enter the York Pony Club show jumping event in the 30 and 40 centimeter classes. Vanessa and Narnia also attended the March OTTWA Classic Clinic in Northam, showing off Narnia’s cool, calm, and collected nature within the arena with some beautiful work.
Vanessa aims to ride Narnia up through the show jumping grades. They have high hopes for a successful future and are in no rush to achieve their goals.

“This mare has definitely given me a few challenging moments and we are a long way off being a real show jumper, but I have thoroughly enjoyed our time together thus far and can’t wait to see what the future has in store for us.” said Vanessa enthusiastically.

Off the Track WA wish She Bangs the Drum (Narnia) and Vanessa all the best for their future and look forward to seeing them out in the jumping arena at future events!