Keogh 15.1 1/2 h, bay Connemara cross gelding Foaled 4/24/04 Bred and owned by Tollie Banker (OH)

By *Gun Smoke, out of Comanche, 14.3h gray Arab-QH

4/24/16: Tollie and Keogh

 

Tollie on Keogh (Nov 2015)

2015

May 2010

Tollie Banker and Keogh (by *Gun Smoke) showed at Windrush Farms in Lenoir City, TN, in July 09. They received a dressage score of 65% for a 2nd place and a 63% for a third. Then they got a 1st and a 5th and the second Windrush show. I think we're done for the fall but we'll definitely pick it back up in the spring. He is doing so well.

I thought I'd send you a Keogh update. I can't believe he just turned 5 last month and boy has he grown. I have no idea how he got so tall but he's close to 15.2 and he is finally beginning to fill out a little. He doesn't look like a baby any longer. He is coming along nicely with his training. I have been taking lessons from Christy Hart at the Hiwassee College Equestrian Center and with her help Keogh is moving forward on the bit, he leg yields wonderfully, and we have even done some shoulder fore. Last night he was doing simple lead changes. His canter is wonderful! He also has a wonderful attitude even though sometimes hes a little too smart for his own good!

I have attached some photos of us at the Crossroads Spring Dressage Show at Penrose. We got a fourth and a fifth despite the rainy weather! Tollie (May 09)

We (Tollie on Keogh by *Gun Smoke) went to the show on the 25th and again showed Intro.  We got a 1st and 2nd place!  I was so excited.  He was just about perfect that day.  He got off the trailer like he'd been showing all his life.  I warmed him up in the indoor which he'd never done and he was great and then he was very professional in the show arena and went straight to work. I was so proud.  Tollie Banker (Feb 09)

I wanted to give you a Keogh (*Gun Smoke x  Arab-QH) update.  I took him to last weekends (sept 27 ^th) Crossroads Dressage and Combined Training Schooling Show.  This was his first show and he won 2 ^nd in Intro Test A with a score of 62.5 and 4^th in Intro Test B with a 66.  He scored mostly 6s and 7s with a couple of 8s for his halts and transitions.  He also scored a 7 on both tests for his gates!  I was very proud of him not only for his classes but also the way he reacted to all the action of the show. He kept a very level head and not much bothered him.  He improved through out the day and by the end he was acting like an old pro! (9/08)

I sent him to the trainers earlier this year (Runaway Farms) for about two months.  He did very well.  I picked him up in March and have been riding him every since.  He is so much fun to ride.   He has a wonderful personality and approaches things calmly and coolly. He also has very comfortable movement.  I do not have an arena to ride in so we’ve been working in a pasture and he has done great.  I’m hoping to take him out on his first trail ride as soon as I can find someone to go with me.  He has by far surpassed my best expectations. Sincerely,Tollie (7/07)

Vanessa, Hey!  Sorry I haven't sent you any pictures of Keogh lately.  He is so wonderful.  I got him back from the trainers in March and have been riding ever since.  He has one of the calmest easiest going personalities of any horse I have ever worked with.  Hes supper smart and really seems to enjoy working.  I really enjoy riding him! Tollie P.S.  Amazingly he is still growing.  Right now he is about 15.1 or taller and is just beginning to fill out.  (Oct 07)

 

ACPS Region IV - 1st place Halfbred Connemara 2 and under - This was Keogh's 1st show and he behaved perfectly and looked fabulous! 2005 photo below

2006 photo belowI've been meaning to send you an update on Keogh for about six months and today I finally got some pics of him to send. Anyway, he's doing great. He'll be two in April and is currently just over 15 hands. I have no idea where his height is coming from but I'm not complaining. As for training he's doing wonderfully. He has learned to long line and also to be ponied with his mother. I have also sat on him three times and so far he's been more interested in the person leading him than me being on his back. He is very laid back but also very smart and appears to enjoy training. Or rather I think he enjoys being the center of attention. I'm really looking forward to getting down to serious work with him in the next few years! Hope things are well with you. Tollie (3/06)

above: Keogh, 2005 ACPS Reg. 4 - 1st pl. Halfbred Connemara 2 & under
below: 7 mo old Piedmont Rosie O'Grady in NC (6/08)

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