Racconto

Introduction: Racconto (Leo) is an experienced show jumper and all-rounder who has competed in eventing, dressage, hacking, and showjumping up to 1.15m. He has been a reliable and safe horse for his last two junior riders, including his current 17 year old owner, who has been riding him for the last two and a half years. Leo is ideal for a rider seeking a no-fuss, kind and competitive horse for a variety of disciplines.

Bloodlines: Leo is by Rakti (GB) x Cafe Dal Mar (AUS). 

Education, skills and experience:  Leo is a brave, willing and reliable horse. On the flat, he is well educated and collects when ridden correctly. He is a pleasure to ride - he doesn’t rush and he isn’t lazy - he can win a jump off and leave the ring on a loose rein.

When eventing and showjumping, Leo always aims to please and is tolerant of a ‘miss’ and a rider who lacks the perfect eye for a distance. Leo is ridden in an eggbutt snaffle with a lozenge.

Leo is a ‘been there, done that’ experienced showjumper who has taken his last two riders from 60cm to 1.15m and 1.05m respectively.  He has scope, is adjustable and responsive. Leo is honest and brave - he willingly  jumps anything from planks to brick walls and water. He often wins and places at shows and Interschools. 

Leo is a wonderful interschool mount - he is happy to compete in all events from showjumping to team penning. He loves 6 bars, jumping 1.20m to reach the final round in the Northwest Expo Team 6 bar in 2024. He was also the 90cm Champion Showjumper at Northwest Expo, the same year.

Leo is also a fabulous pony club horse. His current rider has taken him to multiple Pony Club Camps; they have a fantastic time  participating in dressage, showjumping,  sporting, camp drafting, tent pegging, soccer, cross country, troop drill and working equitation - you name it he’s probably done it. 

General demeanor under saddle:  Leo is a lovely horse to have around and is always ridden and handled by his teenage rider. He has a fun, eager to please personality  and always tries his best. Leo is a ‘parent’s dream horse’ with his willing nature and heart of gold. He is brave, does not spook and is not worried by farm life, trucks, tractors, mowers, cattle and dogs.

Leo is forward and can do one or two ‘bounces’ with excess exuberance - occasionally - on landing when  jumping. This only happens every few months when he is fresh and is usually just one bounce but for the sake of full disclosure, he has pigrooted in the past. Therefore, he isn’t suited to an unbalanced rider or someone who would get tense and nervous with a forward or exuberant horse.

Current workload/ fitness: Leo is ridden 4-5 times a week and is currently competing. 

Handling and general behaviour: Leo is easy to catch, saddle, groom, wash, travel (load, float, unload), shoe, and handle for dental care. Leo is a fuss free bloke who takes everything in his stride.

Feeding and management: Leo can be kept in a herd situation or on his own without other horses in sight. He is currently fed copra, chaff and hay. He is not on any supplements other than electrolytes if needed. 

Medical history: Leo was a complete failure as a racehorse and only raced twice to win $270! However, this means that he didn’t sustain any wear and tear while racing or develop any racehorse habits. He doesn’t have any past or present medical issues.

Rider Suitability: Leo has a heart of gold and will continue to thrive with someone who is a confident and balanced novice to intermediate rider and appreciates his brave, fun nature and versatility. 

Reason for sale:  Leo is very reluctantly for sale as he is a much-loved family horse. He is only for sale as his rider is in year 12 and he is too talented and special to sit in the paddock. Only for sale to the best of homes.