Spotlight on Demo Horse: Celtic Manor Forever Diamonds

Celtic Manor Forever Diamonds ("Ziggy") is a 15.2 hand 2004 grey IDSH mare by Flag of Diamonds RID out of Caretaker (TB). She inherited her dam’s size and her sire’s movement and athletic talent. Her breeder, Gina Kirby, reports that she jumped out of her stall, over the wheelbarrow, when only a few days old. That says it all about Ziggy – “never mind the obstacles, I’m on my way.” Ziggy was purchased by junior rider, Anne Gaudet, in March 2009, to be her Young Rider mount in eventing. Ziggy was green but exhibited lovely movement and a determined attitude that fit well with Anne’s own zest for life. The idea of bringing a young horse along, rather than retraining an older mount was appealing to the 15-year old.
Anne and Ziggy have spent the past year working on developing trust and balance. Anne had ridden geldings before Ziggy, and had to master the fine art of “asking” rather than “telling” to get maximum cooperation from the mare. Ziggy was all heart but needed to learn to listen and to wait for Anne’s requests. Ziggy’s balance and turning ability have improved tremendously as she has built muscle and strength through dressage. Her jumping ability was never in question, but it is much easier to get to the fences with her haunches engaged.

The pair have just started to compete and look forward to an exciting season eventing at Novice level this year. Their first official competition is the Fox River Valley Pony Club Mini-Event on May 15.
Anne and Ziggy have qualified to perform Demonstrations in Dressage, Show Jumping, and Eventing as part of the Irish Village at the World Equestrian Games.