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HorsesCurrent Competition Horses
Ophelia is a 17HH Oldenburg mare by Pablo out of Joy born June 4, 2005. She scored a 7.7, just three-tenths from being premium, when inspected and is registered with the International Sporthorse Registration. She was purchased in August of 2008, shortly after the sale of Open Secret. Grace recalls how she literally found her in a friend's front yard. "A good friend of mine had a friend who needed to sell a horse. I loved how she was bred and how she looked in the photos, so I had her brought up to my farm. She had never seen a jump before in her life, and when she popped over Meter 1.10 confidently and in excellent style, I fell in love with her. The vet looked at her that same afternoon, and within a few days, she was mine!" says Grace. Ophelia, just turned three at the time of purchase, had not had any training. "We started her the right way - the way she would have been started if she was born in Europe. The Warmbloods thrive on that system." Ophelia started training in October, and was ridden undersaddle for the first time in November. Ophelia has learned how to lunge, long line and free school. She is currently free jumping to Meter 1.50, schooling Training Level Dressage and flying lead changes, and competing to Meter 1.10. Grace looks forward to perhaps showing her in the Four Year Old Dressage Classes, and moving her up in the Jumper ring. "This girl jumped one course at home, went to HITS Ocala, schooled twice over 2' to 3'6" in the hunter rings, and marched right around the Level 1's. In three short months she shot up from learning to jump, to brilliantly jumping Meter 1.10. We wrapped up HITS Ocala with the Tuesday Level 3 in the new Grand Prix ring. She jumped all of the World Cup jumps without blinking. She's incredibly athletic, and truly is international quality." In May, Ophelia wrapped up her second ever horse show at the High Prairie Spring Final with a 3rd in the $500 Meter 1.10 Stake. She then competed at the Colorado Summer Circuit Rocky Mountain Classic with top placings in the Meter 1.10 Jumpers and an impressive fifth place finish in her first ever Meter 1.15 Jumper - well above what the vast majority of four year olds compete over. Earlier this year, she showed at the Jacksonville Winter Series with top ribbons in the Five Year Old Young Jumper Championship Qualifiers, $500 Children's Jumpers, and $2,000 Children's Jumper Classic. In March, she competed at the RMI Tri-State Spring Show with a win in the Meter 1.10 Jumpers and in the Five Year Old Young Jumper Championship Qualifier. She then showed at HITS Culpeper Commonwealth National in April for a 2nd in the Five Year Old Young Jumper Championship Qualifier. Most recently, Ophelia proved herself against the the best of her peers at the Devon Horse Show in Pennsylvania. Only the top thirty in the country may compete in each division at Devon, and not only did Ophelia qualify, but earned top ribbons. "Riders included the winners of Open and Grand Prix jumper classes at Devon, and the horses were impressive," recalls Grace. Ophelia had a green moment and Grace made a nervous rider error on Tuesday, which cost them, but they still placed 5th - very respectable at such a top show. The experience in the show ring payed off the next day with a win. "She stepped up when it really counted. The second class was the qualifier, so she scored some huge Young Jumper points to pull her up in the standings even more. It was an amazing learning experience and I had a great first time at Devon. I can't wait to take her back!"
2009: Ophelia is by Pablo, and out of Joy. Pablo is a 16.2HH Westfalen stallion. He is approved for Hanoverian breeding, AHS and VHW, SWANA, German Oldenburg Verband, ISR/Oldenburg NA and Westfalen, and his offspring have been accepted by several other registries. He is also listed in the American Hanoverian Society's Jumper Breeding Program. He was Reserve Champion of 53 stallions at the 100 days test. He scored 8's for type, and 9's for conformation, correctness of legs, trot, canter, rideability, and jumping. His FN breedvalue rating is 113 dressage and 127 jumping. Pablo's pedigree is very well known for exceptional jumping talent through his sire, Pilot, and has dressage recognition through Graphit. He is a proven stallion in Europe with 16 approved sons, including Prinz Pablo, Pablito and Paparazzo. Pablo is both a very good mover as well as a superior jumper.
"This girl is really sweet," says Grace. "She learns everything very, very fast. Better than that, she wants to be good and enjoys being worked. Every time she jumps, she turns and looks at you like, 'Go on, put it up, I got it. This is easy, I'm fabulous!' She trots over to you in the paddock, and she has the most kind eye. I halter lead rope barebacked her to the farrier in Ocala, and that involved crossing a road and walking through the entire show. She simply has the brain, the body, and the heart of a real star. She's the full package." Grace points out that not only is Ophelia a true competitor, but she's fun. "I look like the 'Life is Good' character when I'm writing her. Big, beaming smile every second. What can I say...she's my dream horse!" SALE HORSES
*Asking Negotiable $100,000 Sale or $35,000 Lease. SOLD HORSESOPEN SECRET
2007: 
2008: 
Open Secret was bred to be a race horse, but was too slow for the track. His father, Secret Savings (1991 stallion by Seeking the Gold), had a successful "I was so looking forward to meeting this guy, and learning more about him. I found he's a total sweetheart. He's going to be something very special! Aside from his performance in the ring, he is so intelligent. I gave young students cross rail lessons, and he took care of them. I full body clipped him in the dark at a show and he stood perfectly still. Nothing ever upset him. He studied, understood, and continued to the best of his ability." Grace's greatest accomplishments with Opie were their many top ribbons in the Level 3, 4, 5, Modified, and Low Junior Jumpers, and winning the Horsemanship, USEF, and WIHS Medals. *Congratulations Rachael Buddrus on the purchase of this wonderful horse! We wish you the best of luck! PAST HORSES
Endeavour, a 16.2 HH New Zealand Thoroughbred Gelding by Heroicity, was Grace's partner in her first year of serious Eventing. He was purchased and imported in February of 2006. "He got off the truck at our Winter location in Ocala, Florida, at 3:00 in the morning. I was out at 10:00 riding him. I remember my trainer saying, ’He flew here from New Zealand, spent three days in quarantine, got on a truck to a lay over in Texas, only to get back on and come all the way down here. Are you SURE you want to ride him now?’ Of course the answer was, 'Yes!'" Grace and "Mint" soon developed a relationship, and completed their first Training level event at Rocking Horse Trials just two weeks after his arrival. Shortly after, the team moved up to Preliminary at the prestigious Poplar Place Horse Trials and Three Day Event in Hamilton, Georgia. "It was one of the toughest places you could choose to move up a level, and we did really well! I owe it to Mint. He totally showed me the way!" In addition to Poplar Place, the pair went to three other events, all counting as qualifiers for the North American Junior Young Riders Championships 2006."I had this ’impossible’ goal to take two horses for two different disciplines to Young Riders'. I would be the first. We accomplished that goal, and all thanks to Lanny and Mint's big hearts!" Grace and Mint finished off their season at Hagyard’s Midsouth CCI* Three Day Event
"He was a snot on the ground. If you were in front of his shoulder, he'd try to bite, and if you were anywhere near his hind quarters, he'd try to kick. It was always worth the ’battle’ on the ground. Once tacked up, he loved to work. He'd always immediately pick up the bit, swing through his back, and say, ’Let's go!’ The only thing he loved more than being ridden was eating food, which he made quite clear." Sadly, five days after colic surgery, Mint passed away on December 27, 2006. " He fought hard. He wanted to stay with us, but his body just wasn't as strong as his heart. We'll always love and miss him!"
Grace and Steve are most proud of their winning the $500 Oaks Blenheim Junior Hunter Handy, taking the blue in the $2,500 Colorado Summer Circuit Junior Hunter Classic, and placing First in Grace's United States Equestrian Team Talent Search debut.
Grace's most memorable moment with "Fizzy", aside from their many Championships, was winning at HITS Indio 2004. SIMPLY MAGICAL Harley was sold during Pennsylvania National. Since then, he has been Champion at the Pony Finals along with many other top placings at very prestigious shows. OTHER HORSES CATCH RIDES
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He qualified for the Bundeschampionat twice and was selected for the Programm Hannoverian Springpferdezucht. Over 52 of Pablo's offspring placed at Grand Prix level (at least 10 in dressage, 1 driving and 42 jumpers ), several competing in international classes. In 2005 in the US, Pablo is the top producer of offspring winnings(>$475,000), placings, and more offspring competing at Grand Prix level than any other stallion currently standing in the US. Pablo produces serious talent for both dressage and jumper breeders. Pablo and Orlando's sire Peter Pan are brothers, both being by the famous Pilot, who has produced countless top international performers. Ophelia's dam sire Legend is by Rampal. Rampal has been awarded the prestigious Crown Predicate by the KWPN. He is a Dressage Grand Prix Champion with fourteen wins including the Royal Dressage Festival CDI and USET Festival of Champions. His son Ovation is a winning international Show Jumper, his daughter Valerie won the Filly Class at the Dressage at Devon Breed Show, and son Beaumont was Reserve Champions in the Colts and Geldings Champions at Devon and a KWPN-NA Top Ten Colt. Rampal is by the world famous Ramiro who is known widely for producing Show Jumping champions. He is called the "Stallion of the Century", which is very fitting. He was Horse of the Year in 1992. Ophelia truly is bred perfectly. 
Orlando, called "Lanny" or "Mr. O" is a very talented horse. It has been a long road getting him confident and competitive like he is today. "When we got him, he was just doing the 3'6". The year we evented made him very brave, and it allowed him to just be a horse. Shortly after that, I started 'self training', which, much to everyone's surprise, allowed him to improve. Unlike almost all junior riders, I school, train, and prepare my own, but that doesn't mean my horses are easy. It means I spend plenty of time doing what trainers do during professional rides when their clients aren't around. It's hard work, but it builds a relationship. He gives me more in the ring because I'm the only one who's taken care of him and ridden him in almost five years." Though his ride can be difficult, the results are always excellent. "There's an old Russian proverb, ’If you throw your heart over the fence, your horse will jump after it. Orlando is the definition of that phrase," says Grace. "He loves performing for crowds. The more eyes on him, the more he shines. He's gorgeous, there's no denying it, and he knows it all too well!" In a competition setting, Grace's team mate is much like her. "He's stubborn, just like me, which gets us in a lot of trouble at home on some days. But at the shows, it's to our advantage. Neither of us will quit until we've done our absolute best. He's unbelievably competitive, and crafty enough to get his toes out of the way, even in the hardest places." Opposite to his personality in the ring, Orlando is very quiet and pleasant at the barn and at home. "Lanny's an absolute love around me. I do a lot for him on the ground, and he appreciates it, which shows when I'm on him. He likes knowing you and has to make sure he can trust you. It took me a long time to earn the relationship I have with him now, and I'm still learning about him every day. He has a tough past, and he only comes to like certain people who make him feel safe. He'd never be mean or rude to anyone, but he will be shy. I suppose that's part of the reason our friendship is so special."
Open Secret, a 17 HH 2001 Australian Thoroughbred gelding by Secret Savings, was purchased in April of 2007 and sold in August of 2008. "I wanted something young and talented to bring along that I could have a relationship with," says Grace. "This was the third horse I purchased off of video alone. Most would call me crazy! I don’t mind it, though, because it teaches you to learn how to ride something that you may or may not like the feel of. The reason I liked 'Opie' so well is because of his tight jumping form up front, and his incredible hind end. I have a picture of him at an Australian jumper show, and his hind feet are over the top of the six foot standards! The last thing he wants to do is touch the rails, and, furthermore, he desperately wants to go to the other side!" Grace and "Opie" had many top ribbons in the Level 4 and 5 Jumpers, and Modified and Low Junior Jumpers throughout 2007. In 2008, "Opie" showed in the Level 5 Jumpers, and Low Junior Jumpers. The young horse also showed plenty of versatilty, and crossed over into the Hunter and Equitation rings. He had many top placings in many prestigious Medals, and qualified for the 2008 Horsemanship Medal Regional Final with Grace. "There's nothing this horse can't do. He's athletic enough to jump Grand Prixs, but looks very sharp in the Hunters and Equitations as well. He amazes me!" 
racing career with winnings of $161,250. He now stands at stud in Emirates Park. 
ENDEAVOUR
Championship held in Lexington, Kentucky. 
Endeavour, much like Open Secret, was bred to be a racehorse. He proved too slow, even with his breeding. Heroicity (1988-2005) was a grey Australian Thoroughbred stallion by Cheraw. His name is defined as inner strength, heroic virtue, denotes a degree of bravery, fame, and distinction which places one high above his peers. "I'm not sure about Heroicity himself, but he absolutely passed on his ’definition’ to Mint. There is no way I could have gotten so far in Eventing without him!"
STEVE MCQUEEN
HEAVEN SENT
Simply Magical was the medium pony that became famous with Grace in the irons. Purchased in Fall of 2000 from Mindy Darst, he was the first pony or horse Grace owned. "I had leased three ponies to that point, but never owned one. I can't tell you how excited I was. It might seem silly now, but buying that pony was so cool!" "Harley" and Grace competed at The Capital Challenge Horse Show and The Pennsylvania National Horse Show in Fall 2001. They placed fourth in an over fences class and under saddle at Capital Challenge, and sixth in an over fences at Pennsylvania. "Winning the under saddle at Harrisburg topped it all off!" 
Grace has had many "catch rides" (showing a horse that the rider has seldom if ever ridden or even seen before) in her career. At the 2004 Colorado Summer Circuit, she showed the young Copy Cat ("Tommy") in the Children's Hunters under the training of Bobby Dryer. "Tommy" was Circuit Champion with Grace. Grace says, "It was good experience for me to ride Tommy. He was really nice to ride, a fantastic mover, and stylish jumper. He got my confidence up, and believing that I could ride an unfamiliar horse to top places in a very competitive division. If I had been looking at the time, he would have been one I would have liked to have bought and brought along myself." At HITS Ocala 2005, Grace rode a mare named Phyllis to top placings in the Modified Junior Jumpers. "Phyllis was pure fun. She wanted to win, and so did I. It worked perfectly, and she was easy enough to ride. Your only job was to gallop, and then let her bounce to the base." In July of 2008, Grace rode Gee Gee, trained by Glee White, in the Children's Jumpers. When asked about Gee Gee she said, "This mare is truly one of the nicest eight year olds I've sat on. She's not very big - roughly sixteen hands in comparison to my boys at the time being just under eighteen - so that took some getting used to." Grace's horses are custom built to her because she did largely all of their training. "Gee Gee, more so than I remember with Tommy or Phyllis, forced me to adapt to the way she asked to be ridden. She likes to go fast, whereas my boys at the time liked going slow and using their step to cover the ground and make time. Also, she likes being overidden a little and either kicked or bounced up to the base. However, she is similar to Opie in how forgiving she is when you miss - they are the opposite of Orlando." August of 2008, Grace rode Chatterbox, called "Punch" in the barn, for Jane Schweiger at the Estes Park Summer Festival. "I rode Punch in the Baby Green Hunters," laughs Grace. "Basically...he was an eight year old quarter horse who had sat in a field his entire life. He barely knew how to steer or even pick up the correct lead. The up side was that he did have a flying lead change and he was athletic and wanted to jump good. I prepared him for the kid, and he was great for her. It was good seeing to see her smiling!" Most recently, she trained and schooled Center Stage "TJ" at HITS Ocala. The owners were trying to sell, and Grace agreed to jump him and market him at the show. "TJ was a sweet guy, but he wasn't educated or fit. Granted, he hadn't jumped in a year and we expected quite a lot from him. He had a good brain and when he got tired, confused, or overfaced, it was obvious he was still trying. We got him to canter around 3' courses very pleasantly before I left and that was a big accomplishment. He'll be a lovely Junior or Amateur Owner Hunter someday." Grace explains how catch riding is great for any rider. "Whenever I have an opportunity to ride any horse I jump at it. It is how you learn. Now I can get on certain horses and say oh, this one wants to be ridden like Orlando or Opie or Gee Gee or Tommy...and so on and so on. Of course, each horse is different from all others, whether in big or small ways. You must always get on the horse and ask, 'How do you want to be ridden?' This is how I have so much success on my catch rides. I listen to them."