The 10 Most Fascinating Horses of 2014

(This is a blatant rip-off the Barbara Walter's special. hee hee)

10. Trading Aces

This is one of Boyd Martin's lovely 4-star event horses. I think a lot of people were rooting for Trading Aces this year. But things never quite lined up for him, as much as we all hoped they would. He went to WEG with the amazing Phillip Dutton and ended up having a stop on cross country and retiring He is facinating because he was so well set up for success, and just could not pull it off. Why? Because horses are not robots and Trading Aces is here to once again remind us.

9. Cozmic One

Cozmic One is Zenyatta's first born - a colt by Bernardini. He is now in training to maybe be the next most awesome racehorse. Even those who are not in the racing industry are intrigued by this colt with the most royal of bloodlines. Will he live up to his heritage? Or be a dud?

8. The Carriage Horses of NYC

The carriage horses of NYC were once again under fire this year. With groups of people - specifically animal rights groups - demanding that the city get rid of carriage services. Many are fighting for them to stay. I have no idea how these horses live, but it seems to be that they have a pretty easy job. Walking around for an hour or two is not a bad life. Some are claiming their stables are in horrendous condition, but I have no clue. What is the truth? That is one of the reasons the Carriage Horses of NYC are so fascinating this year.

7. Brunello

This smooth-moving hunter derby horse has won the USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals two years in a row. He has a signature style and scope for miles. What a lovely, lovely horse. In 2013 I believe he was USEF National Horse of the Year. He has earned his owner and rider a boatload of money and his consistent wins and unique style make him one of the most fascinating horses of 2014.

6. Twisters Enola Rey

This cute little QH earned The 2014 Farnam Superhorse Award - a top honor at the AQHA World Show. It is awarded to the horse that earns the most points in three or more events in two categories during the show. His points were earned in junior tie down roping and heeling. I love this that workmanlike, real ranch horse earned his owner $25,000 and additional swag. 

5. Macadamia

Talk about a hingy show horse! This fellow won the 2014 Three-Gaited World's Grand Championship for the saddlebreds. This is a pretty big title. It comes with a lot of pretty silver trophies and cash. What's more, Macadamia is only 4 years old and was undefeated in 2014, certainly making him one of the more fascinating saddlebreds! Wonder what he will win next year?

4. Valegro

I could not forget this amazing dressage super horse. Multi-world record holder, Olympic Gold, WEG gold, they have won everything there is to win in the land of dressage. They are always a pleasure to watch and he goes by the name Blueberry in the stable, which is adorable.

3. California Chrome

He won the 2014 Kentucky Derby. Then he went on to win the Preakness. Then there was some controversy over the nasal strips he wears. People were hoping for a Triple Crown winner but he could not pull it off. He was tired. Then his class-act owner went on a rant on national television, bashing the format of the Triple Crown. Chrome is a good race horse, but he was never a GREAT one. He raced in the Breeder's Cup Classic later in the year and wound up third. Supposedly he will race as a 4 year old next year.  *Edited to add: Yes, I am aware Chrome got stepped on breaking from the gate at the Belmont. I still don't think he would have won, nor do I think he is a great race horse. He was a good race horse, but not a legend.*

2. Sapphire

The amazing Sapphire has a list of wins that could probably fill a book. She was the anchor for multiple US show jumping teams and was a gold medalist.

But the reason she makes the 2014 most fascinating list? She died. (colic) Her death stirred up not only memories of her great show days, but discussions of her two clones. Yes, she has two clones: Kidjaz BC and Kara BC. They turn 3 this year. Her heirs apparent. What's more, one of the clones was bred to a stallion for a 2015 foal.

She also produced two foals via embryo transfer.

1. Verdades

Talk about a cinderella story! While this horse seemingly came out of nowhere to land a spot on the WEG team and BEAT Steffen Peters at the WEG, really these two were working diligently leading up to the KDA CDI show where they snuck in their qualification for Gladstone. At the WEG they finished FIFTH in the freestyle. Laura has trained this horse from a foal, which makes the story even cooler. They are so fun to watch and I would root for them every time. I see a medal in their future! 

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I hope you enjoyed the 10 most fascinating horses of 2014 according to Karen!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!