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FINCH FARM COLUMBUS

There are horses that command attention with their elegance, others with their power—but then there is Finch Farm Columbus, who captivates with heart. A bay gelding with a build more suited to a carriage than a show ring, he stands out not for convention but for character. There is an undeniable presence about him.

Affectionately known as “The Bus,” this gentle giant is as kind as they come. Around the stables, he’s a calm and loving presence, standing patiently as he’s tacked up, always ready for the next challenge. But beneath the quiet demeanor lies an undeniable fire—a drive to jump bigger, to push further, to prove that heart, not just conformation, defines a champion.


Bred by David Finch at Finch Farm, The Bus carries the legacy of Charlemagne Ego Z through his sire, with his dam, Finch Farm Averil, giving him the strong foundation that has seen him rise through the ranks. His sire, Charlemagne Ego Z, is known for passing down exceptional jumping ability and a bold attitude, traits that The Bus has inherited in full. Meanwhile, his dam, Finch Farm Averil, brings a lineage of reliability and consistency, making The Bus not just a competitor but a true partner in the ring.


He was started and produced by his owner, Rhett Oliver, who, despite the demands of a full-time legal career and three young sons, poured his passion into developing The Bus up to Mini Prix level. 


Under Rhett, Bus has his first 120cm start only in 2018 and his first Mini Prix Start was at Boneo in 2021. (see image of Rhett jumping) The fences were  HUGE and Bus jumped his socks off Rhett was so proud of his big-hearted gentle giant.

 

When time became scarce, an opportunity arose, and Jack Barker took the reins in October last year—a moment that marked the beginning of something special.


Together, they have wasted no time making an impact. A 2nd place finish in the Mini Prix at the Boneo Cup, followed by 3rd in the Grand Prix at Sale, has only confirmed what those closest to The Bus already knew—he belongs among the best. But it was jumping his first Grand Prix at Equitana in November that became the most unforgettable moment so far. Under the bright lights, with the crowd watching, he rose to the challenge, proving that the quirks, the oddities, and the unconventional build were nothing in the face of his sheer determination.


Perhaps the most unique thing about him is something you’d never notice at first glance—he has no front teeth. It’s just another detail that makes The Bus, well, The Bus. It doesn’t slow him down, just like his fear of trucks hasn’t stopped him from getting to the shows—though it does require a dedicated “Bus Driver” to make it happen. Whether it’s Jack’s dad or Sandie Jacoby stepping in for the role, they ensure that, despite his apprehension, he gets to where he needs to be.


His heart may be enormous, but so is his rug size—at 7 feet, he’s built for presence, power, and an undeniable sense of humor. He enjoys the usual equine delights of apples, sugar, and carrots but will pass on the horse washes, thank you very much.


With the support of sponsors like Trailrace, HiForm, and eQuick, as well as the guidance of coach Michele Strapp, The Bus and Jack have set their sights on an exciting future. The Australian Championships, World Cup qualifiers, and more Grand Prix rounds are all in their sights. But beyond the ribbons and rankings, there is a deeper goal—to gain the experience, to rise to the challenge, and to let The Bus do what he does best: give his all, every single time.


He may not fit the traditional mold, but The Bus has proven time and time again that the most important thing in a champion isn’t their shape or stature—it’s their heart. And his? It’s as big as they come.

 

 

Photo Credit 
Photo 1 – Bus – Tanika Chapman Photography
Photo 2 - Rhett and Bus first Mini Prix– Derek O Leary
Photo 3 –  Equitana with Jack - One Eyed Frog Photography
Photo 4 – Equitana with Jack, Rhett and Bus – supplied
Photo 5 & 6 – Tanika Chapman Photography

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JACK AND FINCH FARM COLUMBUS
 
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