Kim Gentry and Leonardo, a Danish Warmblood, competed at the Markel/USEF National Young Horse Dressage Championship 4-year-old division. To qualify for Championships, a horse must have two scores over 7.2. “Leo” went into the Championships with a 7.96. Only 15 horses in the country are invited to compete, and Leo finished tenth. Leo is also currently in third place for USDF Horse of the Year in the 4-year-old division.
“It’s a big environment for youngsters,” Kim said. “So they can be quite unpredictable in the test. Overall, he handled the experience very well. I’m very proud of his accomplishments!” Kim started his training in January last year when he was a 3-year-old. “Horses that finish in the higher ranks are generally further along in their development, i.e., they look like 5- and 6-year-olds. Judges are looking for steadiness in how the horses go,” Kim continued.
The Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Program (for 4-, 5-, and 6-year-old horses) promotes the importance of selective breeding and correct training of horses. Leonardo is from Oak Hill Ranch in Fulsom, LA. His sire is Landtinus and his dam is Rambala, by Rambo.
(photos by Chuck Swan / Swan Studios LLC)
“It’s a big environment for youngsters,” Kim said. “So they can be quite unpredictable in the test. Overall, he handled the experience very well. I’m very proud of his accomplishments!” Kim started his training in January last year when he was a 3-year-old. “Horses that finish in the higher ranks are generally further along in their development, i.e., they look like 5- and 6-year-olds. Judges are looking for steadiness in how the horses go,” Kim continued.
The Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Program (for 4-, 5-, and 6-year-old horses) promotes the importance of selective breeding and correct training of horses. Leonardo is from Oak Hill Ranch in Fulsom, LA. His sire is Landtinus and his dam is Rambala, by Rambo.
(photos by Chuck Swan / Swan Studios LLC)
