My Saddlebred career started with one very special horse, he became my best friend, my mentor, my companion in hard times......
"Tokio Red Sun"
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Humble beginnings - Tokio Red Sun (1984-2006)
Red Sun arrives at our stables - April 2000 - finally, now he can become whole again.........
October 2000 - Red Sun wins the Namibian Grand Champion Single Harness !! He did, not me, I had never before driven a buggy in my life !!!
Red Sun in April/May 2001 - Fully recovered, 17 years old, but looking to be in the prime of his life......
October 2005 - Our last Single Harness Class.........
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Bred and raised 100% Namibian, Tokio Red Sun graciously retires to the sunny veldt of the Namibian grassland. From the first time we met, I somehow knew this horse would become my first true equine love.... We soared from success to success, I could truly sit back, relax and enjoy the rack..... Not only did we reap in the ribbons in the Single Harness Classes, we also took numerous places in the 5 Gaited classes and championships. Not many horses are shown in both divisions, but then again no other horse's name was Tokio Red Sun.
I salute you my friend and know that you are up there doing your rounds in the big arena... Thank you for your teachings!
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My 2nd Equine Love
22 November 2005. Del Monica arrives safely at home after a 3000km journey from Bloemfontein, South Africa...
"Who are you? And what do you want?" Those were the words I kept hearing just after Monica arrived...
"Ok, I'll come have a look at you..."
After a few rides and various vet checks, it turns out Monica has 6 vertebraes out of alignment. We travel to Windhoek and consult with an Equine Chiropractor, who is able to help. Vanessa Jacobs, also from Windhoek gives treatments with an electric blanket and for the first time in months, Monica is able to lie down to roll and sleep. We're on our way to healing and forging a bond, which will last a lifetime...
A bond is forming.
Slowly but surely Monica realises she can trust me...
Attending our first, small and informal show in Windhoek.....
The first, informal show in Windhoek. Considering what we had been through, I was very impressed with our progress...
A perfect ride, no wind, your horses and child, what more could a mother want??
After a ride through the dunes, there was nothing better than to go play in the Atlantic...
In transit to another show...
Yes, just checking that every hair is in it's place...
Look at me, competing for Champion Mare...
Class over ... And if that is not the smile of a proud winner !
... let them trot...
... slowgait your horses...
... sit back, relax and let them rack...
Lining up after our very last competitive ride together...
Collecting our well deserved 2nd place...
Thank you my beloved friend...
From hereon you are to enjoy life in a herd and become a mommy...
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Tango's Golden Girl
Tango's Golden Girl - who else has one of "those" horses you bought without your husband knowing? Well, she arrived in Namibia, all the way from South Africa on my birthday. 2 year old "Peaches" - little did I know how much Red Sun had spoilt me - but I was soon to find out.....
2 years down the track. Many falls, many arguments, plenty tears, and still that picture is just not perfect.... However, there is hope!
Mandreica Red Hot Chilli Pepper - Yip and I live up to my name !!
Sired by Radetzky's Sensation, and Tango's Golden Girl as Dam, I wreak havoc when entering the arena. As a yearling, I set out to win the coveted Champion of the Yard at the Grootfontein Show, making, no only starting to write Namibian history! The next year, I go on to beat my Sire at the Otjiwarongo Show, and win the Champion of the Yard title there. But, that is not enough, I go on to be Namibian Reserve Champion Filly... I hold a promising future indeed.....
Finally - at the age of 5 my blonde girl understands what it is I'd like.....
Yip, getting there, slowly but surely, and keeping it together in the arena as well......, which is good start...
That's the way to go.... 3 Gaited Grand Champion in September 2005, and we are expecting our foal in December!
Well deserved rest and now we wait - for rain and the foal..........
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Tango's Renegade
At the end of January 2005, we mated Tango's Golden Girl to a magnificent Stallion, Golden Stonewall. It proved to be a lot of Gold accumulated in one foal..... Mandreica Tango's Renegade - born 2nd January 2006. My first thoughts were, "and along came a spider......."
People, go away I'm tired.....
A wise breeder once told me - "look at your foal when he's 7 days old, you'll see what his future holds"
Renegade in May 2006
Who goes there???
Everybody looking at me.....??? Good.... !!
July 2007 - we have moved down to the coast. Sea, sun and salt really "bleaches".
September 2007 - groomed for a last photo session before we embark on a long journey....
I'm off to boarding school - In 4 months time I'm 2 years old, then I can start learning stuff.... YaY
I now live in South Africa.
Training has started and like all youngsters I need to learn to carry a bridle...
Tango has in the meantime suffered a bout of tick fever however, is fully recovered thanks to the loving care of Hannes.
A training program is in place to prepare him for the next South African National Championships in 2009.
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