THE COME-BACK KIDS

DESIREE DAVIDSON AND CALLAHO LE CADEAU

TEXT: AMELIA CAMPBELL-HORNE PHOTOGRAPHY: MERLYNN TRICHARDT AND CRYSTAL BALDWIN

After nearly a year and a half out of the competition ring, Desiree Davidson and Callaho Le Cadeau (aka. 'LC') made a triumphal re-entry at HOYS 2024! The pair, who have their sights set on jumping their third SA Derby later this year (and winning it, of course!), got off to a flying start with their Derby preparation by having a few rounds in the Bob Charter over the Derby elements in the Working Hunter classes. The pair proved they will be formidable Derby contenders, being crowned both the SASA Open Adult Working Hunter Champions and the SA Warmblood Potential Derby Horse Champions, meaning they proceeded to the Supreme Working Hunter Finals.

We had a quick catch-up with Desi to hear how it all went...

HQ: Do you have any background in showing?

Desi: I started out doing most disciplines as a Junior before I ended up with a total focus on showjumping. I was even in the Young Rider Showing Team many, MANY years ago, in the Working Hunter class. Even in showing, I liked being able to jump! It really isn't an extensive background, though; I quickly gravitated toward showjumping and (mostly) stayed there.

HQ: After quite some time out of the showing ring, what made you decide to venture back?

Desi: Le Cadeau LOVES Derby-style jumping, and he is coming back into jumping after having a keratoma removed. We're hoping to be able to compete at Derby this year, and I thought this would be a really fun way to get back into the Bob Charter at a lower level and have a bit of fun playing around the Derby fences; it did not disappoint! We were set a strong track (only 50 or 60cm lower than what we need to get to) that included three Derby elementsthrough the dyke, over the tabletop, down the steps and down the little bank. It was a great warm-up for bigger things - we hope!

HQ: How did you feel ahead of the competition, and what was it like to be back in the show ring?

Desi: Honestly, quite stressful! I work long hours at the moment and have two young children, so preparation time was minimal. I went to one venue to dust off our 'Derby pants', and that was that. I asked my friends with showing experience loads of questions and borrowed lots of stuff! Luckily, everyone who does showing more regularly was so kind and helpful and keen to get me involved. I got terribly nervous just before the class, I won't lie. I find people watching and judging me very intimidating. It is far more terrifying than showjumping, where a pole down is four faults, and that's it; it doesn't matter what you look like getting over the jump - as long as you do!

HQ: What advice do you have for people wanting to enter a Working Hunter Class?

Desi: Practise that gallop! LC gets a good one going but loves to go all slinky on me and practice his flying changes. Also - don't underestimate how much Derby prep you should do! There were lots of cool Derby elements but also quite a few eliminations at them. It is only 1m, but your horse needs to be super comfortable with all the Derby elements to put on a really good show. Lastly, lean on your friends and ask lots of questions, go to a showing clinic or arrange a lesson with a pro. The tips you get will be a huge help!

HQ: And what advice do you have for people wanting to jump the Big Derby one day?

Desi: For me, there are two parts: having a horse who loves it and who you trust (and who trusts you). Derby is a big deal, and nothing will help you quite as much as a horse who loves his job and having mutual trust between horse and rider. Then – practise a lot! Get to different venues, do all the obstacles, get out into the country, and jump some natural obstacles. The more our horses see and know, the braver they become.

HQ: So, after winning both the Warmblood and the SASA Working Hunter classes, you made it to 'Supremes'. How did that go?

Desi: We finished up as reserve Supreme Champion Working Hunter on the Sunday. The judges said LC was the superior horse, but I was pipped at the gallop. Those Juniors gallop like a bat out of hell!

HQ: Will you do HOYS again?

Desi: It was such a lot of fun, but my goodness that’s a lot of preparation! And, honestly, my nerves were just huge; showjumping feels a lot easier. But who knows, let’s see what happens next year? Maybe, I’ll practice that gallop a little just in case…

DID YOU KNOW?

Callaho Le Cadeau is by Callaho's foundation sire Callaho Lissabon out of a Heartbreaker x Indoctro mare Welligan, which makes him the full brother of Tamara Rueda's WCQ contender, Callaho Liantos and half-brother to Vanessa Lyon's Callaho Fanatiker, Callaho Stud's Chinnigan, and Open contender Callaho Confidant.

DID YOU KNOW?

LC was bought off the 2014 Callaho Auction without a tryout! But what a partnership he and Desi have created since then!

HQ: Do you have any top showing tips?

Desi: Speak to a professional! The Turnout Ladies are incredible; Ashleigh Leedo was my knight in shining armour. I could never have made LC look that good without her expert help. Also, the input they gave me about the ‘tests’ and how to ride them and what to think about to show your horse off in the best possible way was invaluable. It is also a good idea to pick up as many hints as you can; all the little hints suggested by friends in the showing fraternity are invaluable. Finally if you can get to a clinic with someone like Greg Goss before the time – do it! Knowing what the judges are looking for makes everything make a lot more sense.

HQ: Well, we wish you all the best and look forward to seeing the pair of you fly around Derby later this year.