The breeding of Lordships Graffalo has resulted in one of many best eventers to have graced the planet, however he was one thing of a “thug” in his foalhood. Nonetheless identified for his habits of tugging his grooms to tastier grazing, chewing ropes and upending wheelbarrows, “he used to stroll over everybody” as a curious, unbiased child. So let’s be taught extra about his adolescence.
Initially known as Hermes, his secure identify was modified to Walter at 4 after a horse transporter his homeowners knew. He was raised in Essex, at Writtle Faculty, as his dam – Cornish Queen – had been loaned to Lordships Stud by her proprietor Pennie Wallace, as a part of a breeding programme.
“His mum was so fiery, they needed to lead her in a bridle at Writtle or she’d dance on her hindlegs,” says Pennie. “None of her foals had been easy, however it did Walter good to stay out in a herd.”
Caroline Farr, Lordships Stud supervisor, remembers Walter as “a really pleasant foal. He beloved interacting with people and different horses and was all the time inquisitive and as much as one thing”.
Walter was a curious and unbiased foal. Credit score: Caroline Farr/Lordships Stud
At two, he returned to Pennie, who despatched him to Ros Canter as she favored how Ros was producing his older half-sister Pencos Crown Jewel. It was shrewd foresight – Ros had but to compete at five-star and there was no assurance of the megastar she would develop into.
“All of the geese aligned for Walter,” says Pennie. “I knew Cornish Queen had good bloodlines, however I by no means dreamt she’d produce what she has. Walter is out-and-out proficient, however it additionally wanted Ros to carry that out. You want the best rider with the expertise and expertise.”
Lordships Graffalo breeding data
Steady identify: WalterHeight: 17hhYear of start: 2012Breeding: by Grafenstolz out of Cornish Queen (by Rock King)Breeder: Pennie Wallace and Lordships StudOwners: Michele and Archie SaulBest outcomes: three-time Badminton and two-time Burghley winner; European particular person and group champion; Olympic group gold medallist
Lordships Graffalo’s pedigree chart
Meet the dad and mom
Whereas Grafenstolz wants no introduction as a top-ranked eventing sire, Walter’s damline is equally illustrious. Cornish Queen was bred by Olympic gold medallist Bridget Parker – a niece of her Munich 1972 journey Cornish Gold – and bought to Pennie Wallace. Though Cornish Queen didn’t compete past pre-novice (BE100), her mom Cornish Faer (by Ben Faerie) contested Badminton and Burghley.
“All of them had an incredible leap and a sort,” says Bridget. “I hope individuals realise how a lot comes from the mare.”
Different details about Lordships Graffalo’s breeding
1. Graffalo has a full sister, Pencos Sovereign, born 2023.
2. His part-Arab great-great-granddam (April The First, dam of Tregea) received a 7ft 2in puissance.
You may also get pleasure from:
Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo take second at Badminton 2022.
Credit score: Peter Nixon
Sarah Charnley, groom to Ros Canter, with Lordships Graffalo through the World Eventing Championships 2022
Credit score: Peter Nixon
Credit score: Future
H&H options editor
Martha is an skilled journalist who’s mad-keen on horses and canine. Her reporting CV contains the Paris Olympics, European championships, Aachen World Equestrian Pageant and World Cup finals. After rising up with assorted liver and white springer spaniels, she loved 14 years with two rescue canine. Now, her fixed companion is Fidget, an especially energetic and habitually muddy black and white springer. Martha has written on subjects as various as a high horse’s clone to the most effective GPS trackers for canine, in addition to equestrian and rural issues for Nation Life, The Area, The Instances, The Spectator and The Telegraph alongside Horse & Hound.
