Bay mare by Make A Deal out of Newtown Playmate
‘Star’ raced from the age of 3 until 7, picking up wins in Wales, England and Scotland before retiring from the track. Whilst racing, she had also completed two hunting seasons between race seasons and was occasionally race-trained under saddle. After her retirement from racing, she was sold to Alison Sample who was looking for a Standardbred specifically, and one that was reliable enough that even if not ridden every day would remain sensible. Star was the perfect horse for her!
Since partnering up, Alison and Star have tried hacking out in Western tack, BHS Fun Rides and the Braes of Derwent Hunt Ride. They have regular lessons in the school to develop Star’s dressage skills, and have had a go at jumping.
In Alison’s own words:
“What makes Star so good is that she will have a go at anything you ask her without question. Since I’ve had her we’ve worked in the school most weeks, she can turn on the haunches and leg yield isn’t an issue. She’s done a bit of show jumping, hacks out regularly and is happy to go first or last through woods and water. She would be a brilliant trail horse. She excels at pleasure rides, always under control but her competitive instinct does kick in and she prefers to be up front with the lead horses. We’re hoping to do more this autumn, perhaps with the Braes of Derwent Hunt once the harness racing season comes to a close.”