(a.k.a. Sir Winston)

One of the mainstays of the Main Ring lessons over the years has been Winston, the dark bay thoroughbred with the skinny neck. He has always had more energy than most of the other horses, but his best quality is his honesty. He will pretty much go over any fence he's pointed at. He has also been a very solid and sound horse for us ever since he arrived here at Foxfield.

Winston was bred for racing, and won his first claiming race when he was a three-year-old. Shortly after that he entered the world of eventing, where he became a very highly rated horse in the open (high) division. He spent eleven years doing thee-day, and that experience made him a good candidate for the Jumping Derby here at Foxfield, which he did a couple of times.

People who have leased him include Robyn McAllen, Deb Howard and Jessica Kitchens, who loved him so much she took him to her family's ranch in Montana one summer for a vacation. All these riders will agree that they became more confident as a result of their experience on this special horse.

After 16 wonderful years at Foxfield, where he took scores of riders over innumerable fences, Winston has moved to "The Painted Turtle" in Santa Clarita. Founded by actor Paul Newman, this is a brand new camp and family care center for children with life-threatening illnesses. Sweet Winston will join other Foxfield retirees, including Getty and Gee Whiz, in spreading the joy of riding to those less fortunate.


August, 2004