Competition Horses
Top Carrera – “Cappy” is a 2017, 16.1 hand Hanoverian gelding by Carridam. Cappy was sourced in Germany through Alex von Beverfoerde of Pegazon Horses as a 4 year old for a student of Gabby’s. When that student decided to pursue other interests, Roland Millican stepped up to help Gabby secure the ride. Cappy’s personality is a bit introverted and shy, but he does love a good cuddle! He and Gabby were 3rd in the Young Event Horse 5 year old class at the Maryland 5 Star in 2022, and finished out 2023 with a 2nd place finish in the 6 year old 2* Championship at Stable View and a top 10 finish at Cappy’s first 2*L at Virginia Horse Center Eventing.
Cappy in the press: https://useventing.com/news-media/news/the-future-for-u-s-eventing-is-promising-following-2023-usef-usea-developing-horse-eventing-national-championships
Gortglas Lupin – “Lupin” is a 2017 ISH gelding by Luidam x Master Imp. Longtime mentor of Gabby’s, Nicola Wilson, sourced Lupin from the Monart sale as a 3 year old, and with the help of Roland Millican, Gabby was able to acquire Lupin in the fall of 2022. Personality wise, Lupin is more sensitive than his massive Irish frame lets on, but Gabby has loved getting to know him and form a partnership. Lupin’s favorite things are getting groomed, clipped, braided, and generally fussed over. In 2023 he was 3rd in his first 1* at Plantation Field International and ended the year with a successful move up to preliminary at Virginia Horse Center Eventing.
Casalto – “Klaus” is a 2013 German Sport Horse gelding by Casalito. Owned by Cathryn Brodie and originally purchased for her daughter Cate Lowham, Klaus had much success with Cate through training level before Gabby took over the ride in the fall of 2023. An incredibly powerful horse, Klaus finished the year with a 2nd place finish in the 2*L at Virginia Horse Center Eventing. A cross country horse through and through, Klaus is fast and bold, while having the power and movement to be top of the leaderboard in dressage, and the scope required for today’s technical show jumping tracks. Gabby is looking forward to continuing to produce him, with a planned move up to 3* in the spring.
Top Rox – “Roxy” is a 2016 KWPN mare by Freeman VDL. Found in the Netherlands in the winter of 2021 with no eventing experience, Roxy quickly became a barn favorite. Though small and unassuming, she has a ton of power and the absolute best work ethic. She loves people, and is the kind of horse you pull out when someone’s mom comes to visit and wants to go for a hack. In 2023 she had a 3rd place finish in the 1* at TerraNova before successfully moving up, placing 5th in the 2* at Stable View and having a solid finish in the 2*L at Virginia Horse Center Eventing.
Cooley Easy Trip – “Biggie” is a 2015 ISH gelding, purchased for and by Roland to teach him the ropes of Eventing. Talented in all 3 phases, Biggie has proven to have the indispensable ability to be the consummate professor for Roland, yet be competitive with Gabby at the same time. He most recently won the 2* at Plantation Field International with Gabby before getting Roland back in the show ring after a 5 year hiatus, jumping all clean rounds at CVSJA.
Past Competition Horses
Cheeky Girl – “Gemma” is a 2013 Holsteiner mare imported from Dirk Schrade in February 2019 and is owned by Arnold Sekreve. Gemma has a great demeanor and has shown a smart willing personality under saddle. She made her Eventing debut in the spring of 2019 and has had many top placings, with a move up to Training level in the Fall of 2019. Gemma is on the smaller side of our string but makes up for it with a large presence. She’s a complete gem to handle and takes everything thrown at her in stride, always loving a good scratch when being tucked in at night. Gabby plans to aim for the 2* level in 2021 with Gemma.
Royal Sempatica: “Tika” is a 2015, 16.1 hand Oldenburg mare by Puissance. Tika was purchased in 2019 by GDE client Stephanie Bajo as an Amateur eventer for herself. Steph has trusted GDE to produce and compete Tika so that they can successfully learn the ins and outs of the sport as a partnership together. Tika is a fan favorite with her striking coloring and has the heart to match. She has come along so well this season and is competing at the Training level. We look forward to continuing Tika’s progress in 2021 and will see Steph out on her at some events as well.
Fernhill Fearles “Sparky” – “Sparky” is a 2000, 16.0 hand Irish Thoroughbred gelding. In August 2016, Gabby announced that she was extremely excited that she was given the ride on Kim Severson’s 4* and 2014 Normandy World Championship horse, Fernhill Fearless. She was truly humbled by Kim’s generosity and beyond grateful for the opportunity. Just as the Ligon family graciously gave Sparky to Kim after Nina Ligon competed him in the 2012 London Olympics representing Thailand, Kim had passed him on to Gabby at a time in her Eventing career where she will be able to benefit infinitely from Sparky’s experience. Gabby completed the end of a short 2016 season with Sparky at the Virginia CIC 2* and had an active start to the 2017 season at the 3* level. In May 2017, Sparky suffered a fatal stable accident at home and although Gabby only had him for a brief period, she learned so much from him and loved and respected every bit of who he was, every day. He was a true Fearless champion, and was sweet and kind while being a tough little fighter through and through.
Governor SGS “Governor” – “Governor” is a 2011, 17 hand KWPN gelding by Idocus Crown out of Jaermeester Ster, owned by GDE. Governor debuted his Eventing career with Gabby in the Spring of 2016 and continued to excel in his new profession through 2017 by moving up to the Preliminary level. Governor finished his first CCI2*-L in the fall of 2017 and trained up to the 3* level with Gabby through the fist half of 2019.
Infinite Truth “Harry” – “Harry” is a 2006, 16.2 hand Thoroughbred gelding by Salute the Truth, bred and owned by Anne Riley. Harry has competed through the 2** level under Liz Riley while completing his first Advance horse trial at Millbrook in August 2015. Gabby spent the remainder of the 2015 season competing Harry, finishing up competing him at the 3* level in 2016.