Gelding of the Month

TEXT: GEORGIA HARLEY PHOTOGRAPHY: MERLYNN TRICHARDT PHOTOGRAPHY

DRIFTWOOD LC

Driftwood LC aka Woody, is owned, ridden, and loved by Robyn Ehlers. However, unlike most of our stories here, it was not love at first sight, at least for Robyn. Robyn had major apprehensions regarding Woody’s size when she met him as a four-year-old, but Robyn’s non-horsey dad was quick to dismiss these, convinced that Woody was special. Woody came home with Robyn, and it turned out that Robyn’s dad was right all along - Woody has proved to be a real find. In fact, just five years after purchasing Woody at the age of four, this duo is competing in the 1.30m classes.

It hasn’t always been smooth sailing for the pair. In fact, after a freak accident, Robyn was left with bleeding on the brain. This scary incident not only affected her physically but also, understandably, gave her confidence a major knock. However, despite this trauma, the time out of the saddle gave Robyn and Woody time to build a really solid bond that has stood the test of time.

BREEDING

Woody is sired by the late Capital Donarco, the son of none other than Capital Don Cumarco. Don Cumarco has won everything there is to win. He’s really and truly done it all. His son, Donarco, was described by Lan Crest Stud as having tremendous power, unlimited scope, and the ability to pass these qualities onto his offspring; this is clear through his son. Donarco’s damline was just as impressive. His mother, Limelight, is the daughter of Lansing. Lansing

He looks after me every time.

is a stallion known for producing champion stallions, top premium mares, and top foals. He had great movement and extraordinary jumping ability.

CURRENT COMPETITIVE CAREER

Although relatively new to the open grades, this team has already built up quite the resume, including coming second in their first 1.30m class. Additionally, this year, they won the 1.20m SA Champs and won three classes in a row at the first Shongweni show, and these two results are just a glimpse into the year this dynamic duo has had so far.

ABOUT WOODY

Woody makes up for his small stature with his spunky, big, ‘everybody loves me’ personality, and, as Robyn tells us, everyone does love him. He is just as competitive as Robyn and wants to be in the tickets every time. Although feisty, Robyn has mentioned that he has been the easiest horse she has worked with, with no task ever being too big. This kind of attitude is exactly what you need from a young horse, and at the end of the day, they have no idea how big or small they are! On top of his charming personality, we must also mention the very cute marking on his nose, which just so happens to look like a moustache; it is one of Robyn’s favourite things about him.

Woody has the biggest heart; no task is too big.

THE FUTURE

With the continued help from coaches Ronnie Healy and Marianne Conlyn, who have been with Robyn and Woody from the get-go, there is no doubt this team will continue to impress and grow. And although competitive, Robyn’s primary goal is to enjoy the journey.