Meet this promising Lipizzaner colt
KYALAMI – Neapolitano Eles has transformed from a colt that was almost impossible to handle into a star lunger.
Neapolitano Eles is a four-year-old colt at the South African Lipizzaner Centre in Kyalami who shows great potential.
Volunteer at the centre Gina Boxley said, “He started out with an injury that caused him to be very unsure of himself, but as his training has progressed, he is finding his confidence and is going to be one of our star show performers.”
Boxley described him as a beautiful stallion showing off his royal status as he grows with his training.
Current rider Kyra Pickering said that Neapolitano Eles arrived at the centre in 2017 for rehabilitation due to a hoof injury on the stud farm.
“When he first arrived, he was impossible to handle,” said Pickering.
“He had to get walked every day, which needed to be done by two handlers because he would spend most of the time up in the air.
“Eventually, when it came to running him in the indoor, again two riders had to lead him into the arena before releasing. His best trick was grabbing onto the lead and never letting go. He thought he should be taking us for a walk and not the other way around. He thought he was very cool! To this day, he still does it, just not as often.”
She said that Neapolitano Eles has transformed into the most amazing horse. Due to his injury, he cannot carry a lot of weight or stay on the lunge for too long.
“Backing him has been the most rewarding process and always is when you are working with young colts. He lunges better than any other stallion at the centre.”
Pickering described him as the most sensible and trustworthy colt she has ever ridden. “It has been a privilege working with him.
“The next step in our training would be riding in the arena with other horses and then working towards the young stallions routine in performance. I look forward to what the future holds for this talented colt.”
During lockdown, the Lipizzaners have cancelled their weekly performances, resulting in a large drop in funding to feed the stallions.
Members of the public are encouraged to support the South African Lipizzaners, based in Kyalami, in any way they can during lockdown.
