YourDressage.org

Would you or someone you know love a portrait of a beloved horse? Equine artists share secrets to successful commissions. By L.A. Sokolowski

Eye Candy (Escudo II x Goldstern by Grenadier), a 1999 Hanoverian bred by Hans Hosp of Ottendorf Germany, began his classical dressage training in Vechta, Germany, with Catherine Haddad Staller in early 2003.  Eye Candy was purchased by Robin Mattson in October of that year.  Eye Candy remained in Germany in training with Staller until the fall of 2005, when Robin  imported him to the United States.  Over the next 17 years, Robin and Eye Candy progressed through the levels to Intermediate I, earning their USDF Bronze and Silver Medals.

But he was kind and gentle, and didn’t take advantage of the fact that I had only 6 months of riding under my belt when I tried him out.  He must have had a good feeling too, because he hung out with me at his stall when the rescue director and I were talking particulars. “Funny, he must like you, he typically stands in the stall with his butt facing the door.”  So home he came with me.

An “unsung hero” is defined as someone whose contributions are unacknowledged or little-known. In this series, we will feature and recognize some of these heroes from throughout the dressage community. To nominate your own Unsung Hero, visit the USDF website.