It is not uncommon for horses in today’s industry to peak at a young age and retire in their teenage years. Futurity horses often find new jobs halfway through life either being used as breeding stock, lesson horses or even for therapeutic riding centers. It takes a special kind of horse to push through its prime and continue to excel in the show ring past 20 years-old.
At the 2016 AQHA Level 1 West Championships, Leannah Donaldson and her horse, Hoos Docs Command, also known as “Augie”, won the Level 1 Amateur Pole Bending and even marked the second fastest time of all three Level 1 Championships combined.
Donaldson began showing the now 22-year-old gelding in 2004 where they worked together in the reined cow horse events. With these type of classes being particularly hard on the horse’s joints, Donaldson made the executive decision to start running the speed events in 2009, shortly after purchasing the horse. “He took it very well and we have been doing it ever since,” says Leannah.
After winning multiple year-end awards along with local jackpot barrel races, Donaldson wanted to pursue a larger title and began looking into the AQHA Level 1 Championships. “There are limited shows in our area with speed events and hauling an older horse can make it tough to qualify,” says Leannah as she reflects on her journey to the gold. “I was just happy to go and compete for fun and the experience, but winning was much more than I imagined,” she exclaims.
With having such an older horse dominating the show pen, it is no wonder that Leannah and Augie drew a lot of attention from other exhibitors. “When people see him, they are shocked to hear his age because he does not look like an older horse,” she says. As for plans from here on out, the team will continue to compete as long as Augie remains sound and happy. With such a hard working partner and the loving support of her mother, all of Leannah’s dreams have been made into reality.
Leannah states that she is lucky to have such a sweet and honest horse and she strives to take the best possible care of him like he does in turn for her. “If it was not for my awesome farrier keeping Augie sound and pushing me to go to this show, I would not have been able to chase this dream,” she says.
While keeping an aged horse sound can be half of the battle most times, making sure that they stay happy and healthy always comes first. A horse that loves it job and tries it’s heart out can be worth its weight in gold as it also wins gold championship titles along the way.
