Julia Stroppel had big boots to fill entering the arena at the 2015 Horse of the Year (HOY) hosted at the Kyalami Equestrian Park earlier this year.
Yet, the petite 19-year-old showed nerves of steel in successfully bringing the title back to the renowned American Quarter Horse Stud farm ‘Q Stud’, situated just outside Potchefstroom. Together, she and Marwick Norgrove were crowned ‘Supreme Ridden Western horse class’ champions on Sunday, 22 February. Competing in the breed and discipline-specific classes, the duo progressed to the Supreme Championships held in the beautifully manicured Bob Charter Arena. This alone is an achievement to behold.
Every rider dreams of qualifying to ride in this arena, which has housed many an international judge and media member. Crowds stream in, to witness the annual showpiece, which is exhilarating and daunting for both rider and horse. Appointed to train and ride the stud horses, the German teenager has only been at the farm since January. It was only a year ago when the farm’s crown jewel ‘Sail on Frozen Shadow’ won the title with Jakob Thoma from Switzerland.
Riding since the age of 6, Stroppel moved over to Western at the age of 9, a discipline she clearly relishes. She has made huge strides in keeping both Q Stud and Sail’s legacy alive. Owned by Ian Colyn, Sail was born in a quiet, little Italian town. From the minute the foal emerged, it was clear the striking Dunalino colt was destined for greatness. His rich heritage and pedigree would eventually bring him to Africa.
Put through his paces from an early age, Sail excelled on European soil, thrusting himself into the spotlight. His most notable performance came at the Italian IRHA Open Championship in 2008, finishing 6th.
After a brief stint in Israel, the talented stallion was imported to South Africa in 2011. The golden beast has thrilled many an onlooker, combining his stunning good looks with a performance record to match. He has since become one of South Africa’s top reining and all-around champion horses and is clearly Colyn’s pride and joy. The team at Q Stud offer an array of Western riding disciplines including reining, trail, western pleasure and ranch riding. They can also accommodate children under 12 who can join ‘Sail’s Short Stirrup Club’ while 12- to 20-year-olds have the option of riding for the ‘Sail’s Wranglers Club.’
Taking Q Stud’s prowess into account, riders can look forward to achieving incredible feats within the action-packed, yet disciplined world of Western equestrian.
