HALCYONS DARK KNIGHT

Bred by Halcyons Performance Horses and foaled in 2015, 𝐎𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 as he is fondly referred to at home is out of Halcyons Dark Secret by the formidable Diarado. 

There is quite the story behind the dam Halcyons Dark Secret. Imported from Germany as a five year old in 2011, Secret (like her son Oliver) was also a gentle giant who reached 17.2hh. Bred by Paul Schockemohle, by Daddy Cool out of Rafinesse, she had a sensational jump and was successfully campaigned by Rob to 4* Eventing and Grand Prix showjumping before her career was tragically cut short with a rare terminal cancer diagnosis. Secret passed away in 2017 aged at just 11. 

So, Oliver’s dam was pretty special! In breeding we know that the quality of the mare has an enormous impact on the success of the progeny. Luckily for Oliver, he has two very successful parents. His sire Diarado was the number one WBFSH sire of Event Horses in 2022, and that is just the tip of the iceberg in the story of his success. His lineage is highly sort after in the breeding of top jumping horses and with over 50 licensed sons of Diarado in Germany alone there are plenty of quality sires to choose from. 

Okay, back to Oliver! 

Oliver was purchased from Halcyon Performance Horses at 18 months old. His breeder had been trying to sell him for a while, but everyone who had looked at him prior to Rob were worried that he would grow too big. We’ll big he did grow, however that did not deter Rob who had ridden his 17.2hh dam to much success. 

Described as a gentle giant, Oliver loves nothing more than talking to the kids and eating carrots. We’ve heard young Harry (Rob’s son) has a particularly soft spot for big Oliver. Due to his size, there is one thing Oliver is not particularly fond of and that is being squished in a float. 

Oliver and Rob’s most memorable competition result thus far in their journey together was winning the Mini Prix at the Arilla Cup at Boneo Park. Oliver clearly loves to jump at Boneo, so we are excited to watch him and Rob take part in the Martin Collins Australia Grand Prix! Fun fact: Oliver has two full siblings who are also competing at the 2024 GDP Classic, it is a talented family this one! 

Rob and Cassie at Five Palms Equestrian would like to thank Barastoc Horse Feeds, Emcee Apparel, Horseland Narre Warren, Antares Australia and Freejump Australia for their generous support! 

Oliver you are a gentle giant who Is adored by your humans (particularly the smaller ones) and we cannot wait to see you take on the Martin Collins Australia Grand Prix! We know little Harry will be cheering you on! 

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Robert and Oliver would say the support of thier sposnors is what keeps them in tip top shape and they would like to thank.

Barastoc Horse 
Emcee Apparel 
Horseland Narre Warren 
Antares Australia 
Freejump Australia & New Zealand
Five Palms

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