SILK STONE (Silks)
Silks is a 16.2hh 10 year old grey gelding by Coevers Diamond Boy, owned by Francis Birks and Jenny. He had competed up to intermediate level prior to coming to me. He was, ironically, originally found and produced by Matt Prior who owns Political Trump (Tim), a former four star horse I rode when Matt decided to hang up his boots and pursue a career in the racing bloodstock industry. Silks had become available under sad circumstances as his previous owner/rider has had to give up riding abruptly due to health issues which is very sad.
Silks can be a bit of a lad and needs positive riding to get the best out of him. He’s very balanced in his paces and has a big engine. He has plenty of jump and nice paces. In short he has a lot of talent and just needs to be told to get on with it and apply himself! On the ground Silks is a real grouch and not particularly pleasant to do, but there have been many top horses that fall in to this category!
I spent 2011 getting to know him, with a few Novice runs to get in to the groove followed by some Intermediates, culminating in the CCI** at Houghton where after a good dressage Silks annoyingly had a stop cross country but jumped a lovely show jumping round and, most importantly, secured his CCI*** qualification. Post Houghton he upgraded to Advanced and completed a couple of advanced runs before taking an early break as we felt he had achieved all his goals for 2011.
In 2012 Silks will aim for an autumn 3 star, gaining more experience at Advanced level during the season.
Silks has been selected for the Eventing Futures squad for 2012 by Equestrian Australia.
