Ballincoola

[missleeder]

Hi, I saw on WFP's website that this was his last ride on Ballincoola and the horse will now go to a young rider. Does anyone know why this is?
Its amazing that Ballincoola has never really been seen as the star he is-being overshadowed by Tam etc, but most riders would give their right arm for such a talented horse.
I guess that William doesnt exactly have a shortfall of 4star horses.
Any info?

 

[clairel]

Yeah I think if I remember correctly he is going to fergus payne as a yr horse! Think his parents or some connection to him own the horse.
May be completely wrong, just going from what I can (very vaguely) remember

 

[Bossanova]

He is going to Fergus Payne who's father part owns the horse.
He has been a top horse for a number of years, has done lots of 4*s and deserves to now be a competitive YR horse for a capable rider at 2* level

 

[ALF123]

Ballincoola is owned by the father and grandmother of Fergus (Judy also has shares in a few other WFP horses).

Fergus' younger brother Hector is getting the ride on Secret Avalanche, which is Fergus' current ride.

The bad news it that no doubt we shall still have to compete against them at PC.

 

[vanessahook]

I was lucky enough to ride Ballincoola cos he used to come to Catherston stud for dressage training. He was an amazing, sweet horse who was so sharp and i really enjoyed spending time with him. I would muck him out and give him a brush in the afternoons and he was so cute. I also did some schooling with him and i have never known a horse so quick off in the leg in lateral work, you only had to think half pass and he was across the school in a jiffy!! He also holds the record for fastest horse i have ever done fast work with, dear god it was like being on a ferrari!
Im sure he will make a brilliant yr horse and good luck to him, what a special horse!

 

[eventrider23]

I believe the intention with Balincoola was always for Fergus and then later on Hector, to take over the rides on him when they became old enough....Fergus started off at Juniors on French Gypsy (Kevin), a horse I helped break and used to compete in dressage when I worked for the Kyle's. He in turn got passed down to Hector this season, who has, I believe done quite well on him, whilst Fergus concentrated on Secret Avalanche....now it's time to move on to Max at last, which I believe they will be very very excited about.....

 

[ALF123]

feel sorry for Fergus in some ways though as if he does badly on Max it will be 'all Fergus' fault' and if he does well it will be because WFP did Max so well. Can't win either way really.

I wouldn't say no to the opportunity to compete him though.