Splash of Color – Part Two

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Submitted by Rose G.

December is Splash of Color month on YourDressage!  Whether your horse is a registered Paint, Appaloosa, Knabstrupper, or Gypsy Horse, sports a patched or spotted coat, or wears lots of chrome, this month is for you!

Dressage enthusiasts who ride colorful horses have the opportunity to earn special awards through the Adequan®/USDF All-Breeds Awards as the American Paint Horse Association,  Appaloosa Horse Club, Knabstrupperforeningen for Danmark (KNN), Gypsy Horse Registry Of America, and Gypsy Vanner Horse Society are all Participating Organizations.

We recently asked our social media followers to share photos of their loudly colored horses, and let us know what makes these horses so special. Below, you can see some of their photos and stories, and check out Part One!  Keep an eye out for more galleries and exclusive stories featuring these incredibly special horses through the end of December 2021!

Do you want to share a photo of your colorful horse? E-mail us at yourdressage@gmail.com for your chance to be featured!

Submitted by Jayda D. – This is Devika, a 6 year old Friesian x Dutch Warmblood mare that my mother and I have had since she was 6 months old. We always envisioned her and I doing the Grand Prix one day and we are steadily working towards it! Adiah is actually Devika’s aunt, so it has been super cool to see her doing so well competing at Grand Prix! Nicole Langfield
Submitted by Nina J. – Valentina QH mare. Used to do lane racing and had no left canter. Currently hitting 70s in dressage with this little girl.
Submitted by Nina J. – Inuadino A buckskin PRE gelding imported from Spain
Submitted by Lori N. – My Four Oaks Eureka “Rico” and me. Our first show season this summer! He is an 8 year old Swedish Warmblood who came into my life as a yearling. I started him as a 4 year old and I am so grateful for the opportunity to take him down his first USDF centerline this summer. Looking forward to so many more years together!
Submitted by Ann S. – Maverick Impression – Appaloosa gelding out of Impress Me Shannon. The moment that I heard Maverick was for sale, I knew that I needed him in my life. I had never rode him and only saw him under saddle a few times but somehow I knew. We were meant for each other. We have been together for exactly 4 years now. He’s has taken care of me in ways I never imagined possible. He taught me to trust myself, trust my friends, trust horses more in general. That is a dear friend of mine riding him in the photo. Once upon a time it would have pained me to see someone else ride my horse. And when I had undergone a major surgery in which the left side of my colon was removed, I knew Maverick would keep me safe when I was back in the saddle 2 weeks post surgery. He’s a once in a lifetime horse and I hope we have many more years together to continue our relationship.
Submitted by Vanessa M. – Splash of Kahlua, QH type mare, warming up for Second Level.
Submitted by Christine B. – Sophie, a Paint/Percheron cross mare, ridden 1st level, schooling 2nd, by my daughter Wren Brandel, age 16.
Submitted by Marsha S. – Full Moon Rising USDF all breeds reserve champion for OTTB
Submitted by Maureen K. – My 20 year old APHA gelding Mr T A Charisma. Started showing western dressage 4 years ago and now show traditional dressage as well.
Submitted by Tammy H. – Eifa 1st premie star mare a Barock Pinto learning Working Equitation .
Submitted by Holly M. – My half Arab half grade paint. He was purchased by his prior owner off Craig’s List for $700. She brought him through to I1 and is now teaching me all of the things.
Submitted by Shannon H. – De Leap Fidei, aka “Mister” – draft cross ex bucking horse. He is 6 years old, a certified search and rescue horse that plays in dressage a little bit. Hoping to show him someday ☺
Submitted by Kate W. – My most special “pony” man – Alak (“Alive & Kicking”) of unknown breed but he makes up for it in personality!
Submitted by Virginia G. – This is Lakota (show name A Boy Named Sioux). I bought him as a gangly barely broke 3y/o.
He’s a Belgian/Paint cross from a PMU farm in Canada and he was run through auction as a weanling.
He’s now 14, and we are working on finishing up my USDF bronze medal. After that, we will be out on the mountain trails of Colorado and he’ll also be my part time school horse.
He wasn’t bred to be fancy, but he has the biggest heart and he puts all his try into everything I ask of him! 💙💙💙
Submitted by Sabine W. – Zappoli, owned by Barbara Brown. Percheron/ Paint gelding scoring 70% at his first show at TL a few years ago.
Submitted by Jane H. – Splash O Blue Montego, APHA.
Submitted by Leah S. – Shawnee, pinto pony that was free off a farm because she was the last horse they were trying to sell and she had an attitude😂. Now schools first level and absolutely loves going to shows and showing off.
Submitted by Lesley M. – Sirius the Warhorse, a Friesian Sporthorse. When I first got Siri he was afraid of his own shadow and the trailer. Now we are getting ready to show first level in 2022!
Submitted by Lynnette W. – Dandy Van Aston M is a Friesian Cross. We ended up second place in USDF year end awards 4th level freestyle AA and reserve champion region 3 GAIG 4th Freestyle. Dandy was a trick/ exhibition horse in Spain before I bought him and a video of him doing his show made it to me online by accident the first day I saw him in a barn here in Florida. It was strange and wonderful! And meant to be!
Submitted by Kristen H. – My Dear Watson aka Moose, 9 y/o Georgian Grande gelding. Competing 1st level and planning our move up to 2nd in 2022.
Submitted by Kristen H. – I bought him as a barely broke 2 y/o who had already had a rough start in life. He lost his dam as a weanling and was already looking for his 3rd home.
Submitted by Kristen H. – Safe to say he has a forever home with me ❤️. I am hoping to get my Bronze with him one day.
Submitted by Melissa K. – Creekside Titan.
Gypsy Vanner Pintaloosa gelding.
Jack of all trades, master of most.
Submitted by Karen R. – Future dressage pony…
Submitted by Summer E. – Royal Salute Aka Hank! Purchased at an auction as a ranch/ trail horse who had done it all. Played in hunters for a while now competing second level and working on 3rd.
Submitted by Britney H. – Friesian x Appaloosa
Submitted by Jennifer M. – JD’s Image 4 year old Dutch Harness Horse gelding!
Submitted by Jennifer M. – JD’s Image 4 year old Dutch Harness Horse gelding!
Submitted by Sari W. – In horrible heat and humidity, this guy gave me my two scores towards our Silver medal. We’ve had quite the journey going from barely broke to schooling PSG over the past 17 years. My many injuries (not horse related) and his almost career ending accident leaves me incredibly appreciative of his good nature and willingness to try everything I’ve asked from him. He’s a tall Han/APHA cross with a great brain.
Submitted by Sari W. – Head shot taken by a talented young rider who competed him for a season.
Submitted by Brittany L. – Here is my heart horse, Vivaldi! ❤ He is a 2018 Westphalian gelding by Valentino out of a Sempatico mare from JMR Pintos in Canada. I searched for a very long time to find this special boy! I backed him just after his third birthday this spring. He has the most incredible work ethic and loves to please. I have lots of high hopes and goals for this amazing boy and hope to be very successful all the way up the ladder in the show ring!
Submitted by Phyllis S. – Dgr Dublin ridden by Briana Cavett ! Gypsy Vanner.
Submitted by Nicole M. – Peter. We’re doing first level. ❤️
Submitted by Veronica N. – Lakota, was purchased as a 3yr old pinto pony from a livestock auction for $350 dollars in 2009, and gifted to me for my 18th birthday. She has grown up alongside me and taught me many things. She’s overcome and made a full recovery from a front fetlock joint rupture from an unfortunate accident in a pasture, and still ended up becoming my bronze medal pony. She is still competing and going strong, and we hope to keep climbing the training ladder together. She was my first official young horse, which now is what I base my business off of, starting and breaking young horses and ponies. She’s not been easy. But the journey has been super rewarding and I couldn’t have asked for a better partner. She’s my spirit animal. Love my Kode Girl. ❤
Submitted by Lisa G. – Cameo Cash Bar, Appaloosa that gave me my confidence back after breaking my hip getting launched off a previous horse. We competed thru first level dressage together.
USDF strongly recommends all riders wear protective headgear when mounted
Submitted by Lisa G. – My new dressage partner. Lourdes, 5 yr old KWPN mare.
Submitted by Kathleen J. – Pixar and Mariah. Proud Pony Club C3’s who love jumping and dressage!
Submitted by Deanna H. – true colors – out of the PMU industry to dressage star. he is simply the most amazing ride you could ever have. he helped me earn my bronze and i hope we continue to go up the levels. he has also helped a rider earn the pony club rating! horse of a lifetime
Submitted by Mary R. – This is Lionheart, my Paint/Draft x Hanoverian. We are working on First Level with a goal of getting our Bronze some day!
Submitted by Jamie R. – Mischief Managed, Aka Khaleesi
Draft paint cross. Bought her at 3months old.
Summitted by Rebecca L. – I bought Quintana Roo as an eventing prospect. We had much success at the Novice level, as well as dressage. After surviving a rotational fall together while on cross country, I decided to focus our efforts in the dressage ring. Neither of us had experience beyond First level, but we have worked together to secure my Bronze medal, Bronze FS bar , compete at Finals and are currently showing 4th level. Roo is a barn favorite and as affectionate as they come. Photo credit Kathleen Bryan.
Submitted by Kristina D. – My APHA gelding: Spartan!! What makes him special is his patience and understanding while I am learning the art of Dressage!!
Submitted by Mellie H. – My first dressage horse, Tatabra Kamikaze. He is a Silla Argentino. He’s a been there, done that kind of guy… Grand Prix Jumper turned dressage horse, turned hunter, turned retired best friend ❤️
Submitted by Dana S. – The paints at Splash O’ Paint Stables in Woodstock, Ga.
Submitted by Adrienne W. – The spectacular DHH Harley! He has a sideways heart on his left hind quarter, and also a white/roan splash on his right barrel. All of his sire Wouter’s offspring also have a white lower lip.
Submitted by Jackie E. – Veloché is my Bashkir Curly mare. I didn’t realize she had belly spots until the first time I had to clip her! She has a permanent pony card 😊
Submitted by Matt M. – “Artie” a 2015 tobiano Trakehner stallion. He is so sweet and affectionate and has the most incredible work ethic!
Submitted by Kaleigh M. – My Friesian x Paint Alkimus showing off some of his bridleless self carriage ♥️
USDF strongly recommends that all riders wear protective headgear when mounted.
Submitted by Jean M. – My RPSI 2nd level mare, White Nadetta, aka Ziva.
Submitted by Grace C. – My Irish sport horse, Kipper. Lovingly called my cow, we’ve both come to excel at dressage together.
Submitted by Michelle T. – Tenacious D
Submitted by Heather C. – Rainman, dutch x paint cross
Submitted by Heather C. – Rainman, dutch x paint cross
Submitted by Kathy S. – Painted Dragon APHA (Draco). 18 years old. Photo the day we received our Bronze medal. I’ve owned Draco since he was 4 months old and this handsome guy has a very long resume, but this day was like winning the golden ticket. My heart is full
Submitted by Melissa K. – Luna, Spotted Draft Shire Cross. Big girl with an even bigger heart!❤
Submitted by Heidi W. – Anna a Friesian/Dutch/TB starting her dressage journey
Submitted by Jennifer K. – Special Effects GES 11YO warmblood gelding. Hoping to be back in the USDF show ring in 2022!
Submitted by Kristin P. –Smokin Custom Crome is a 13 year old AQHA and APHA double registered stallion. He competes at 1st and 2nd Level in both Dressage and Western Dressage.
Submitted by Kristin P. – He holds 14 APHA and AQHA World or Reserve World Championship titles in Dressage, Western Dressage, Reining, working Cow Horse, Ranch Riding, Ranch Cutting, and Ranch Rail Pleasure. He often competes with his owner in dressage one weekend and Ranch events the following weekend. He is a true unicorn.
Submitted by Margaret P. – My prospect, at two years old. ❤️
Submitted by Felicia C. – My spotted draft cross does western dressage as well as traditional sometimes.
Submitted by Ashley M. – Pixelated GWF – registered Oldenburg
Submitted by Marion D.
Submitted by Victoria B. – My 24yr old grade paint mare, Sara. This amazing mare will do anything u ask of her. My forever heart horse.
Submitted by Julie C. – Red Bar’s Jim Dandy
Submitted by Paula H. – Corgidale Fenix
Submitted by Lynn V. – This is my paint/tb mare Nina. I have owned her since she was a yearling and have done all of her training with the help of my trainer Sara Storch. We switched from hunters to dressage in 2018 and we are now showing PSG. I have owned paints since 1982 and have shown on the Paint, pinto, and h/j circuits.
Submitted by Mykal C. – This is Riskys Fantom Script, or Risky for short, APHA. He and I competed together for 3 years, but I’ve owned him for 5. He’s gotten me through some rough patches in life and taken care of me when I’ve had seizures on him. He’s now retired to light riding around my ranch and hanging out with my broodmares. He’s the best old man 💕
Submitted by Hannah S. – MSH Sliceoflife, known as Dexter
Submitted by Sarah S. – Duke-a-saurus-Rex my paint draft cross…. He’s just learning dressage.
Submitted by Jackie S. – Ooh we finally get to play! Hoban Gideon Washburne (Wash), Appaloosa mule.
Submitted by Katie O. – VSH Devine Force, my 7 year old Connemara/Spotted Draft cross! My trainer and I have put a lot of work into bringing him along for the past two years and he constantly surprises me with how willing he is! Of course, he has his silly pony moments but he’s an absolute joy to ride and love! We’re working through first level to finish out the year and training for second. I can’t wait for our partnership to continue to grow!

Submitted byRichelle B. – This is my 4 y/o half arabian, technically 3/4, and 1/4 paint. We are showing training level and trying for first level this next year. He has scored into thr 65s. I have trained this guy all by my self. I have had help with dome of my trainers.
Submitted by Richelle B. – Here is my grade paint gelding at about 15 years old! Took us a long time to get here! We would have made it to 2nd level but his pssm didn’t let us and he got too reactive. We showed up to first level and got a 65! So proud of this guy!
Submitted by Jeanne H. – My Irish Draught gelding, Citation, Rose grey with lots of chrome!
Submitted by Piper N. – Z Amor, as known as Reina 💗
Our 3 yr old Dutch warmblood/Hanoverian/Friesian cross. She is such a sweet soul, with such a sense of humor and loves to learn. She begins her USDF competition journey next year and we are so excited for her future!
PC: Betsy Kelley
Submitted by Anna S. – Artful Dodger, “Lucy”, 11 year old TB/KWPN and my forever heart horse 💜

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