Compete on the Horse, Not on Radiation: The 'Unmarketable' Horse Exceeds Expectations at the Olympics
In the world of equestrian sports, few names resonate as much as that of Asih, affectionately known as "The Champ." This remarkable horse made headlines when he competed in the 2012 Olympic Games in London, accompanying South African rider Alexander Peternell.
Peternell, who was in search of a ride for the Olympics after his horse sustained a tendon injury, received Asih from Victoire von Shoen. An unusual arrangement, as they had never met in person. With just six months to qualify and prepare for the Olympics, Peternell and Asih embarked on a journey that would leave an indelible mark on both their lives.
Asih, a 16-year-old horse at the time, had already made a name for himself with an impressive eventing resume. However, his journey to London was not without its challenges. Despite his success, Asih never sold due to issues with his x-rays and a vetting problem. This was a testament to Victoire's unwavering belief in the horse's potential and her passion for equines.
Victoire's advice for horse enthusiasts is to follow their passion, even if it involves taking risks. She herself sent Asih to Peternell without meeting him in person, a decision that paid off handsomely at the Olympics.
Peternell shares Victoire's sentiment, emphasizing that a horse's conformation is not the only factor to consider when buying. Temperament, capability, and trainability are equally important. He believes that success in equestrian sports is a combination of the horse's natural conformation, management, training, vet care, and sometimes luck.
Peternell and Asih competed together until Asih retired at the age of 20. One of their most memorable moments was at the final fence of Badminton, their last event together. For Peternell, it was a poignant reminder of the bond they shared and the incredible journey they had been on.
In his experience, Peternell advises amateurs to have a horse vetted before purchase for insurance purposes. He also warns against buying a high-level competition horse that is too sharp or wild for the rider, even if it looks impressive with a trainer. He suggests that amateurs may not need a high-level competition horse to achieve their goals, and it's more important to find a horse with the right temperament and trainability for the job.
Peternell and Victoire agree that horses are always a gamble, and there are things that cannot be seen or predicted on x-rays. Victoire encourages clients to get thorough pre-purchase exams for their peace of mind, but she does not routinely x-ray horses before buying.
As we conclude this story, we encourage our readers to learn more about the incredible journey of a para rider in our next article, titled 'I Didn't Know How Much It Meant to Be a Para Rider - Until I Became One.'
This article does not contain any new photos or advertisements. It is a celebration of the bond between a rider and his horse, a testament to passion, perseverance, and the unpredictable nature of equestrian sports.
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