Where Are They Now? The Great Shiraz is Pony Club Championships-Bound
Shiraz was one of the most well-traveled 5* horses in the world during his heyday with Colleen Rutledge Eventing , and now he’s embraced the role of professor! Learn more in this edition of “Where Are They Now.”
Olivia Clark gives Shiraz some post-show love. Photo via Facebook.
Racehorse: ✔️
Kentucky: ✔️
Burghley: ✔️
Luhmühlen: ✔️
Pau: ✔️
Badminton: ✔️
United States Pony Club Championships: 🔜
You know the great Shiraz and Colleen Rutledge as record the holders of first pair to complete all of the Northern Hemisphere five-stars (and in stylish fashion without any cross country jumping penalties). Now 24 years old, the Thoroughbred gelding (who also made 15 starts under the Jockey Cub name Bold and Burley) will add another big event to his resume: USPC Pony Club Championships, where he’ll be ridden by Colleen’s student Olivia Clark.
Shiraz’s last major event came in 2015, where he and Colleen finished 14th at the Kentucky Three-Day Event. He retired soundly from the upper levels and Colleen had told us previously that “Luke” thrives on having a job, so the happiest retirement for him has come with remaining at some level of work. He and Colleen did a stint of show jumping around 2018 and competed in the $15,000 Ocala Horse Properties Eventing Prix Invitational that year as well as in jumper classes at Tryon. Since then, Colleen has handed Luke’s reins to her students and he’s helping the next generation to learn the ropes.
After the Capital Region Showjumping Rally this past weekend Oliva and Luke qualified for the USPC Championships East, which will be held next month in Tryon. Enjoy a couple videos of their rounds:
Go Shiraz and Olivia!
A long career (and, more importantly, a long and healthy life) is always a goal for our horses. Ask your veterinarian about Zoetis’ line-up of health support options that can help support your horse for a long-lasting and comfortable career and life.
