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Crooner

Congratulations to Liz Erwin of Maryland, Crooner's new partner. Hardly a week after the sale, Liz and Crooner have already made their competitive debut, earning nearly 67% in their Intro B test. We couldn't have found a better match for this sensitive one-person horse. We hope to keep his page updated with their exploits together.

Crooner 1998 16.1h Trakhener cross. Crooner is a sensitive and bold horse with fluid, athletic movement and notably free shoulder action, who could take the right partner as far as he or she wants to go in dressage, show jumping, or eventing. He is not everyone's horse, preferring to bond with one person and working much better for liberal praise than for a heavy hand, although it's important that he respect his rider's authority, as he can have a tendency to try to think for himself. He is a bit of an egotist and a real showoff, who will be a serious competitor as soon as he makes the connection between performance and applause. He responds best to a balanced, confident, positive ride and is definitely not for the rank beginner, but he does not need a lot of muscle; a relaxed hundred-pound rider can have fun with him bareback, and a sixteen-year-old hunter rider has enjoyed schooling him over jumps. He has only ever been ridden in a mild French-link snaffle.

Crooner has been a late bloomer, still developing physically at six. He showed at training level in the fall; despite his lack of experience (he had never been out before), he garnered many comments from the judges about his potential and looks, and earned an 8 for his gaits, with special mention of his lovely canter. He is now schooling first level, plus shoulder-in and travers at the walk. Though we have concentrated on a dressage foundation for him, he's also had some basic all-round education. On the lunge he shows natural good form over 3'6", and he's jumped small combinations and natural obstacles under saddle. He is regularly taken out on our neighboring foxhunting trails both alone and with others, and has been on a long group trail ride. He has negotiated every kind of terrain (bog, rocks, roots, streams, pasture, steep hills, you name it) and has never taken a lame step in his life. Our farrier loves shoeing this guy; our vet doesn't know who he is.

Crooner is a puppydog in the stable, loves people and attention, can stand for grooming all day, and is a pleasure to handle. He is a curious character, always wanting to be at the center of things. He loads and travels well and is content to eat hay tied to the trailer or stand around watching the action at shows. He has absolutely no problem with clipping or cross-tying, and is hot-shod without trouble.