Dutch
In July 2000 a 9-year-old Dutch Warmblood was donated to Foxfield by a rider in Seattle who just could not get him to cooperate. She had purchased him in the Netherlands, brought him to the U.S. and had nothing but trouble from this 15hh spitfire. Besides being too much to handle under saddle, he underwent colic surgery, then had a “tummy tap” about a year later due to another bout of colic. She gave up on him and sent him southward. That’s how “Dutch” showed up at our doorstep.

Shortly after his arrival a couple of our advanced junior riders took him in lessons and told Jessie White he was the horse for her. Even Nancy thought he was special. Although she wasn’t looking for a new mount at the time (she was having a lot of fun on Oliver), she agreed to give him a try. Halfway through JoAnn’s 11 o’clock her decision was made and Dutch became hers.

From the very start he was different from all the other horses Jessie had ridden. Not only is he quick and brave and knows his way around a course no matter what the fences look like, he still has somewhat of an attitude. He hates to lose!! He can’t stand it when another horse is having HIS picture taken with the blue ribbon. As a result, he doesn’t lose very often.

His list of accomplishments in the jumper ring is phenomenal. He’s earned awards from AHSA, PCHA, LAHSA and SFVHSA as well as Marshall & Sterling. In his very first Desert Circuit Jumper Classic he beat a field of 66 horses, many of whom were very expensive jumpers. Oh yes, they were all taller than him, too! This has happened over and over again throughout his career.

Dutch has also done his share of winning here at home and has two Foxfield Jumping Derby championships and three reserves to his credit. All this from a “throw away” horse who couldn’t be ridden. There are many more stories like this about Foxfield horses. We have been blessed with a lot a talent, so look closely, they’re all around you!