promoting Rosall’s breeding career and cheering JJ Tate. It was a chance, she says, to fall in love all over again this time with a very different horse. Still, Wendy says, she bristles a bit when Donavan
is referred to as an “old style” stallion. “There’s still a place for him, even if he is bigger and less refined in his type and look. He has been a wonderful cross with Thoroughbreds and the refined Warmbloods. Most important, his biggest claim to fame is his wonderful calm temperament and the way he passes it down. There really is value in the old bloodlines,” she says.
ES Donavan enjoys full retirement. Photo courtesy W Costello
“There is nothing old fashioned about quality.” That temperament, she says, makes for a horse many
can ride, not just professionals. “I have ridden every Donavan baby that I owned at the right age—not the ones I sold as weanlings, obviously. And I am truly an amateur rider!”
... HAPPILY EVER AFTER
Donavan has been such a positive influence in Wendy’s life that she now dreams of a new and unusual venture. “I know where most of Donavan’s offspring are. One of my hopes and dreams is to travel the U.S. and Canada and meet or re-meet those horses and their people,” she says. “I’m thrilled to hear their stories—and I want to share in that joy!” “Donavan’s life really has a fairy tale ending,” says
Roberta Williams, George’s wife and fellow trainer. “Going to the Costellos has been wonderful for him. And we’re thrilled, because this is a horse we loved working with. He deserves a happy ending.” “This horse has truly been my lucky charm,” Wendy
says joyfully. “He simply puts a smile on my face every day.”
26 Mar/April 2011
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84