See Cassius' Photo Album, click here.
Cassius is Amazing!
By Susan Hoffman Peacock
Early in the 2008 show year I received a phone call from the show secretary saying that there was a problem with my horse’s USEF number. My students and I have shown Cassius for years with the same number; 52520.The new computer program kept rejecting it, so I called USEF. The really nice lady at the other end of the phone was shocked. “How old is he?” When I told her that he is 31years old and he was competing in the Prix St. George class she exclaimed that she thought he was the oldest horse competing in the FEI in any division in The United States. “That’s Amazing!”
He is truly amazing! The most remarkable thing is his eagerness and enthusiasm to work. I carefully manage his fitness program and diet. I defiantly take things easy with him, only doing as much as he is comfortable with. He still gets exercised 5 days a week and I try not to give him his days off in a row. As long as he enjoys his job he can continue to do it.
I purchased Cassius when he was 11 years old and we have accomplished major milestones together. First I received my USDF silver medal and many scores for my gold. Then I completed the USDF Certification becoming the first Certified 4th level Instructor-Trainer in So. California. Every step forward has been with Cassius by my side. We have had the opportunity to work with some fabulous trainers over the years. Cassius’ long time friend Eicke von Veltheim still keeps track of his progress. We have also worked with Major Anders Lindgren, Mette Rosencrantz and Betsy Steiner while pursuing our dressage career. When Cassius was 21 we did compete at the grand prix. My veterinarian told me that competion at this level at his age would shorten his useful life. With this advice I stopped pursuing my gold medal believing that I didn’t want it at Cassius’ expense.
I always said that if I ever got a really nice horse that I would share. I have had many students who have benefited from Casssius as well. Some have gone on to wonderful achievements. Others have said that riding Cassius was their riding highlight.
Leahe Webb often rode him as a young junior rider. She went on to become NAYRC Individual Silver Medal on her own horse Hugo.
Laura Rice competed on him in the young rider division as well as her first open division PSG!
Emily Hartly rode him to the year end championship in the short stirrup division her first year showing when she was 8 years old. In 2007, at the age of 11 on her own pony she became Pony Hunter Champion for the county circuit!
Erin Vallarino, my assistant, is currently on Cassius and is earning her USDF silver medal. They are actively clinicing with Conrad Schumacher. Cassius accompanied her when she earned her USDF Certification in 2006.
A truly great horse doesn’t have to win an Olympic medal. Sometimes they are the ones that profoundly touch many lives.
See Cassius' Photo Album, click here.