It is fitting that the gorgeous and successful hunter under saddle mare, Blue Couture (Sky), has been purchased by Austrian, Cathrin Gutmann. Europe is known for creating impeccable high fashion pieces known as “haute couture” and it is not surprising that Gutmann was drawn to Sky’s style, movement and stunning presence in the arena. The name, Blue Couture fits the 2005 gray mare by Skys Blue Boy perfectly. Her breeder, Debbie Hodde of Brenham, Texas who also bred Gutmann’s other mare, Al Be Graceful, is sad to part with a mare she considered a part of her family.
“Making the decision to sell my home-bred and raised mare, Blue Couture was not easy,” Debbie Hodde states. “She has been my dream horse, and she has opened many doors and opportunities for me in the industry. Trying to be a grown up and make a business rather than an emotional decision was not easy. I would equate it with selling one of my children, but fortunately, I have a both a yearling and weanling out of Sky as well as a little brother to her in the pasture. I also know that Sky will have a great home with a bright future.”
With the support and backing of Gutmann, there is no doubt that Sky will be treated like a queen. “Having the possibility to purchase Sky was a chance you won’t get very often in life,” says Gutmann, who is thankful for the opportunity. “This horse is one of the greatest hunter under saddle mares ever, and I really want to thank Debbie for selling her to us as she is very attached to her, and I know that Sky will always have a place in her heart.”
Blue Couture is a multiple NSBA World Champion, Congress Reserve Champion, and was third in the Amateur and Junior Hunter Under Saddle at the AQHA World Championship Show in 2010. This year, Sky will make her move to Allison Clark’s who will show her in the major Senior and Open Hunter Under Saddle events.
“I will come over to the States for all the shows that do not interfere with my European Show schedule to show her in the Amateur Hunter Under Saddle classes,” Cathrin tells GoHorseShow. “After this year, we will do an embryo transfer with her and then probably bring her over to Europe, but we will reassess that later down the road. I’m just excited to be making my debut on her really soon.”
GoHorseShow wishes Cathrin and Sky good luck at all the shows this upcoming show season!
Photos © KC Montgomery
