Tryon, NC. —July 17,2007—A little less than 5 years ago Kyle Register of Aiken, SC bought a horse that others had passed on because there was some question as to whether the headstrong youngster had the capacity to jump big. She [Kyle] believes there were two solid reasons to buy Trading Places, one “just a gut feeling” and two, “the best kept secret then, Daniel Geitner of DFG Stables.” That confidence paid off on Saturday as the pair took top honors at the EMO Grand Prix in Tryon, NC and marked their 3rd victory since moving up to this level of competition in 2007.
When speaking to Kyle via telephone, who unfortunately had to miss seeing the win to tend to another horse at home, she insist that all the accolades belong to Daniel, “He’s the one doing the work!” she quipped. “Seriously, Daniel has brought this guy along nice and easy. Never asking more than he believed could be accomplished. First and foremost they have trust of each other.” The now 8-year-old Argentine bred gelding has become consistent with top 5 placing in every Prix this season. “I wouldn’t trade places (pardon the pun) with any other rider when it comes to choice of mounts.” Geitner commented in reference to the competition he’s faced thus far in 2007. He continued, “I consider myself blessed to work with the mounts in our stable as well as all the owners, like Kyle, who support my goals –my hopes for them all.”
The Tryon EMO Grand Prix course designed by Sven Loewe of Asheville, NC took full use of the arena with a total of 13 obstacles including a triple combination [three bar-oxer-tall vertical] heading into a 45-degree arc for the final line in what appeared like a very generous time allowance of 96 seconds. “Honestly in walking the course I thought it might be easy, but it ended up riding far harder than it walked. And to have 96 seconds allowed in that ring, well that’s a long course when you add in the humidity and heat of summer, so I think he did a really nice job with it all.” Daniel said of the challenge. Judging from their blistering first round time of 86.163 none of those elements were of issue to Places. Five others, including International veteran Roberto Teran, Sr joined Daniel for the exciting 8-obstacle dash for the cash final round. When the dust settled only Geitner and Teran had clear rides, but it was Trading Places’ competitive nature that stopped the clock nearly a second ahead of Teran with a winning time of 34.843.
While watching the jump off a young lady shared with me how they too had once considered purchasing Trading Places when he was a 5 year-old but basing just on appearances decided to comparison shop, “he was short legged and too young for what we had in mind at the time.” She added with a laugh, “Guess that was a dumb move!”
An exuberant and exhausted Daniel smiled brighter in the presentation photos not simply because he was pleased with their performance of this day but more of a validation for the partnership horse and rider have developed. “He always tries hard and wants to please” Daniel first commented of the 8-year old after the win. “He’s just a super horse! Got a great mind, easy to ride, careful, the whole package-everything you could want made simple.”
Sitting down the following day with a rested Daniel, I posed the questions about Trading Places’ past and future for his take on both. First, to what his first impressions of the then 5 year-old had been he replied with a hardy laugh, “He was short legged and a little chubby plus of course at that age you can’t do too much right off, but we both [Kyle] felt there was something about him.” He added with a bigger giggle, “And he hasn’t missed a dance yet!” Pointing out an observation I have witnessed at previous events, when Places is being lead down to the Grand Prix ring he will stop and take note of the horse on the course with an intense look in his eyes so I asked does this horse have a competitive streak? Daniel replied without contemplation or hesitation, “Definitely!” and went on to say, “He has a very competitive mind set, knows when getting braided up it’s a big class and goes at it with his all.” As the question of immediate future goals, “We’ll compete at the Biltmore and Blowing Rock most likely, then take a break until later in the fall.” And in regards to larger plans, “We’re looking at the World Cup classes this winter in Jacksonville as well as competing in Ocala. He’s very healthy and keeps letting me know he’s eager for more so we’ll listen to him.” He concluded grinning.
Daniel’s weekend got even better upon learning two Championships had been awarded to him for performances in the Hunter Divisions, Ringo in the Green Working for owner Catherine Stumberg and Astronomical in the Schooling Hunter division for owner Kira Epstein plus top spot in the Level 7 Jumper division with Sympa for owner Mrs Charles Bostwick. And just to make it sweeter I was able to share news he and hunter mount Swami’s Point (owned by Anne Cheatham) have been chosen as the next Dover Saddlery Hunter catalog cover. The always modest and unaffected Geitner merely chuckled “Not a bad week.” as he strode off to school students who would be competing later in the afternoon.
Geitner, Trading Places, along with his other Grand Prix partners Sympa and Snook will continue following their owners’ dreams and Daniel’s confidence in them all, when they next take on the always challenging Biltmore Estate Summer Classic competition in Asheville, NC July 18th through the 29th.
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