While the dressage world is focused on Rio and a certain horse called Valegro, there is another new dressage star who is making waves on the circuit – and he just happens to be a mule.
USA dressage expert Vicky Busch has surprised many with her new equine partner. When she saw an advert online for the mule, she fell in love instantly.
“From the moment he stepped off the trailer, I’ve just been smitten with him. He’s precious. He’s kind of shy for a mule but he really likes little kids,” she said.
The Grand Prix rider has been carefully training the mule, who is known as Slate, and the pair have taken part in several dressage shows already this year.
The four-year-old mule has become quite the attraction at competitions. “I rode that mule down the centreline for his first dressage test in May, and there must have been 100 people watching. It was unbelievable! They were screaming, hooting and hollering.
“He was hee-hawing through his test and everybody just loved him,” said the dressage trainer.
The American rider has recently discovered the work of the Brooke charity, and has since wanted to contribute in any way to improve the lives of the working horses, donkeys and mules.