FLEUR DE LACOUR

Bred by Butch and Lu Thomas, Lia or Dragon as she is known on her more choice days, was born in 2014. By Corofino II who goes back to Cor De La Bryere, Farnese and Ladykiller it is no surprise that Lia has quite the aptitude for jumping enormous fences. 

 

Sam purchased Lia as a three year old off Trade Me, New Zealand’s version of Gumtree. Of the purchase she shares, “I fell in love with her standing shot on the ad and knew I had to have her! I was an amateur rider at the time and she was definitely too much horse for me. My husband Jeremy tried to put me off as much as he could, but I had to have her!” 

 

After sticking to her guns, Sam brought Lia home and so their journey began. 

 

It is no small feat to produce a horse from a three year old right through to grand prix level, but Sam has done just that. The only time she has handed over Lia’s reins was when she was pregnant with Henry during Lia’s five year old season. “My husband Jeremy rode her during that time, and he would say that I was a terribly bossy owner.” 

 

Together Sam and Lia have shared a host of success. One of the pairs most memorable moments to date is jumping double clear in the Caboolture World Cup to finish in third position, “she was just perfect that day.” 

 

Lia is a quirky horse. “She loves to scare new grooms and anyone who walks past her stable, the kids call her dragon because she will eat people.” Besides her dislike of people and horses in her space, Lia is quite a sweet girl on the inside. She loves swimming, trackwork and carrots, and always gives her all in the ring for Sam. Lia also loves her Equissage massages, her favourite way to relax. 

 

She has an enormous heart and loves her job. As soon as Lia enters the ring, she knows that it’s show time. Often quite a hot ride, Lia likes to bounce about before the start bell rings. 

 

With fantastic results to date and promising careers ahead, Lia and Sam have their sights set on more big grand prix classes in the future whilst keeping Lia happy and healthy. Lia’s health and happiness is Sam’s number one priority! 

 

Sam and Lia would like to thank Completely Equine, Devoucoux Australia, Equissage and Diamond EQ for their support. 

 

Lia, even if you can be a bit of a dragon sometimes, we know your team absolutely adores you and we cannot wait to see you shine in the Martin Collins Australia Grand Prix! 

 

Photo Credits:

Australian Jumping 

Calico Pony 

Cornege Photography 

Fine Pony 

Oz Shotz 

Libby Law Photography NZL 

Jessie Smith