Amateur Rider’s Road From Goresbridge To Badminton 5*
Among the most rewarding aspects of the Goresbridge Go For Gold sale, is
following the successes of its graduates. Many progress to the top under their professional riders, but we especially enjoy the stories hailing from the amateur Ranks.
Among these is the wonderful Redwood Clover, a gelding who, together with his intrepid owner/ rider Max Gordon, has qualified to compete at Badminton CCI5* showcase next year. A true amateur, Max is a London based barrister who juggles his demanding career with competing at the very top level of the sport. He describes Redwood Clover as his horse of a lifetime, and explains how their paths initially crossed.
“We bought him as a four-year-old from the Go For Go sale in 2013.” Said
Max. “We had all watched the videos in advance and looked over the breeding of horses we liked the look of. Having that facility does really help when going over to the sale, although that is not to say you don’t spot something new when you are there. I was actually away at the time, so left the final decision in the hands of my parents.”
Redwood Clover, who is stabled with and managed by Max’s parents Marisa
and Richard during the week, is one of the most consistent horses on the circuit. He has moved comfortably through the ranks, and having competed in the four- star classes at Blenheim, Hartpury, Barbury and Houghton last season, he completed this year with a double clear round at Burnham Market CCI4*-L. “He really is something special cross country and we’d love to find another like him.” Added Max. “He has become my horse of a lifetime, giving me the chance of riding at five-star level alongside my fulltime career.” Max now has the up and coming Jerpoint Eclipse, who was bought at The Goresbridge Tattersalls event sale two years ago. A loyal supporter of Goresbridge, he concludes. “The Go For Gold sale is great for pros and amateurs alike because it collects some of the best youngsters all together. The sale itself is great fun and it really helps being able to see and try a number of horses at the same time.”
