TYRONE VDL

Tonight we learn the story of Tyrone VDL! A horse who has multiple paddock names such as Tyrone, Ronald, Ron and the one for when he truly deserves extra love Rony Pony! Tyrone is now owned, ridden and loved by Sarah McMillan.

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Tyrone’s story started in the Netherlands, he was bred by breeder Toos Knegt in 2009. His sire Cardento should need little introduction to breeding enthusiasts, however his dam Maurinia by  Wellington (Nimmerdor) is not to be overlooked for having a huge influence on Tyrone’s clear athletic abilities. Each mare Tyrone’s grand-dam (Maurinia’s dam) Davinia has produced – has produced at least one 1.60m jumping horse including McLain Ward’s Paris Olympic mount ‘ILEX’. 

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Fun fact, he actually failed one of his stallion licensing assessments [WVS1] resulting in him being put on the market, giving Des Russell the opportunity to purchase him as a young 2yo colt. Des, no doubt still Tyrone’s biggest fan, then brought Tyrone out to Australia and took him out to Denis Crane, who alongside Kate Fleisher broke him in. After this, Tyrone’s education was spread amongst some of Victoria’s best riders: Megan Joyce, Kane Chester, Jacob Wells, and Adam Johnston; before settling with his long-term partner James Harvey when he was just stepping up to 1.20m tracks. And despite the many years and successes with Tyrone, believing he was always a true Grand Prix 1.60m horse, James made the hard decision to hand the reins over to Sarah in late 2020.  James says he just loves watching him with Sarah and now knows the hard decision was the right one.  

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Sarah tells us that the purchase of Tyrone from Des Russell and the Harvey Family unfolded like something you’d read in a story book… a dramatic race to Victoria during Covid to beat the border closures with minutes to spare, which ultimately resulted in the McMillan’s purchasing Tyrone on Christmas Eve 2020 and him arriving home on the 1st January 2021. She said, “they say 'timing is everything' ... Perhaps with timing like that, it was destined to be special – the stars aligned.”

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And while Tyrone calls NSW home now, Sarah shares that Tyrone will always be a Victorian at heart - “he simply loves it here!”

 

Nearly all (3/5) of Sarah and Tyrone’s top career performances have been in Victoria including, a win in the 2023 Sale World Cup, a win in the 2023 Shepparton World Cup, runner up in the 2024 GDP Grand Prix , runner up in the 2023 Caboolture World Cup resulting in being named Reserve Champions of the 2023 FEI World Cup League. Tyrone and Sarah were also recently part of the Australian team that claimed victory at the 2024 Trans Tasman Teams competition held at Willinga Park. 

 

Tyrone loves Victoria, but he loves the GDP Classic in particular. Over the past three years, Tyrone has placed in the top four each time - maybe this year we will see a rise to the top position on the podium! 

 

“Tyrone has heart! He is small but mighty. It is so rare to find a horse that tries as hard as Tyrone does. And while he is not always technically correct, he has proven time and time again, heart goes so much further than ability”, Sarah says. 

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We’ve watched Tyrone bloom into the ultimate competitor that he is, but Sarah shares with us his true personality and quirks away from the competition arena. 

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“Tyrone knows all too well that he is no.1 in the McMillan stables… and there is no doubt he has earned his place there!  And with this title, Tyrone knows he is to be treated like a king. However, if (on the very rare occasion) Tyrone feels like he is not being treated like the no.1 horse of the stables, he stands at the back of his stable and sulks for days at a time; and sometimes even goes off his feed in protest. In recent years, Tyrone has come to the conclusion (despite Sarah’s reassurances) that teammate, ‘Everest’, is the primary threat to his’ no.1 spot… and the pair absolutely despise each other… something you have to see to believe!”

 

“Yet hidden behind the facade of entitlement and confidence, Tyrone is actually very sensitive in every way. He is so ticklish that I have to ride in pony reins so they don’t tickle his shoulder and distract him while jumping; prepare for a complete overreaction (and days of recovery) if his rider uses a little too much leg … and forget a cluck on course!

 

Despite being on a 52 week diet, Tyrone believes he must eat like a king as well as be treated like one. So the safest form of bribery (to have him forgive and forget) is to cater to these two desires. Paddock-time, pears & carrots, as well as regular neck scratches / massages are prerequisites for a happy relationship with Tyrone.  

 

Like any man of stature and title – any form of unnecessary effort is dismissed and strongly opposed. The only time Tyrone deems exercise necessary, are to do the two things he is really good at – jump, and eat. So the only instance that treats won't serve you well is if it is decided that his time grazing in the paddock has been cut short. A game of ‘catch me if you can’ will always eventuate – and Tyrone always wins. 

 

With his disinterest in exercise - it is not surprising that trotting-up is one of Tyrone’s least favourite activities.  For the most gentle horse I have ever met, the unlucky person who has the task of trotting Tyrone up must be very careful (or very  fast!) to avoid the chomping teeth following closely behind. The concern however does not come from any belief that Tyrone will actually bite - but instead, a bite may result simply due to his complete inexperience of being so vicious …luckily carrots seem to lighten the mood a little.  And if you want proof of his distaste of exercise, simply keep an eye out for him walking out to the ring; and you’ll see… he is the world’s slowest walker! …another instance when you’ll see the carrot come out  to prevent lateness.”
 

Tyrone and Sarah’s are generously supported by Dapple Eq, Alberto Fasciani Top Boots – Chase Equestrian, Rosehip Vital Equine, FreeJump Australia – Stirrups, and Animal Therapeutics – Activomed Therapy Rug. 

 

Tyrone, you are a quirky guy and we cannot wait to see what you and Sarah can do at this year’s GDP Grand Prix! See you at the classic!