Dancing Sky Midas Touch

Fiero (Andalusian)  x Crystal Daybreak (Palomino APHA)

RIO - 6 Years Old Gelding - 16 hands

Registered as a Half Andalusian, but can be registered as an Azteca  as well as an Iberian Warmblood.

RIo in his slick summer coat.

I sat on RIO for the first time in October of 2005, he did not even flinch, he just tried to figure out why I was up on his back. I did not have a chance to get back on him for about 2 months and when I hopped back on him he acted like an old school horse.  We proceeded like this until a great local trainer was found who could really put some time on RIO. This is not to say we did not take RIO out for rides, but they just were not very consistent. He has been on numerous trail rides and even spent a weekend at the Maryland League or horsemen standing on a picket line when we weren't out on the trails.  He takes most situations in stride and handles them like he is a much older horse.

Jennifer Cherest started dressage training with  RIO in August of 06. We took him to his very first hunter show in September and he placed 3rd out of a class of 14 and 1rst in a class of 6. I just wanted him to get experience, but the ribbons were a bonus! RIO had many admirers including the judge.

Jennifer has RIO schooling most of the second level dressage movements.  He had his intro and training level work down quite well and most of level 1. He was in three classes at a show in the summer of 2007 and did very well. On his Into A Test he received a 60.5%, on the Intro Test B he received a 62.5% even when his rider made a wrong turn, and on his Training Level Test 2 he received a 63.928%!! For a 90 degree day he held up well and just acted like he had been doing this stuff forever.  The judge at this show loved him as well and wanted to take him home with her.

RIO also spent 45 days with a hunter/jumper trainer to build up his ability as a jumper.  This guy LOVES to jump and is calm and easy going about it, but loves the big jumps.  He has done a lot of gymnastic work, bounces as well as figure eights.  He has consistently jumped 3 feet under saddle and started to work on 3'6". 

This horse could be a top level horse in dressage, jumping, or eventing and would probably love being a pony club horse. He could easily take a pony clubber up through the ranks.  He is brave, athletic and learns rapidly.   This horse does not forget his training and most certainly does not act like a six year old.  I can hop on him after not riding for a few weeks and he remembers everything he has been taught. He is such a joy to ride. Nice light aids and such a willingness to work. 

 He is priced at $14,000.  Payment plans can be arranged as well.  Jennifer actually thinks I have him priced too low so grab this incredible athlete while he is still available!

Please click on the link below to see a video of RIO!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtsbRJikir4

Rio and I at Oak Ridge Park our second ride after over two months off January 2008

We are both out of shape and I didn't realize I look down so much! YIKES! He was great, obviously a little rusty, but happy to be back in work.

Rio September 2007, finally filling out.

RIO went to he very first dressage show and did very well. He was scored 60+ on his three tests. He got 8's on his gates from the judge at the show. She really liked him. 

We also took him up to a Grand Prix rider for a lesson on June 15 and she was very impressed and could not figure out why I was selling such a good horse.

RIO's very first hunter show                                                                                                        Hanging out in the warm up ring

I