Jeff and I purchased Finest Hour, commonly known as Versace, as a 3 month old - he was a gigantic fuzzball with a larger than life personality. Funny thing is, not much has changed. He’s still gigantic (a fuzzball in the winter) and is referred to as my 1,500 pound labrador thanks to his silly, expressive, and outgoing personality. You never have to wonder what he is thinking; it's written all over his face.

Versace is dressage bred; his dam Pullara, a Hanoverian (Pik Solo), had a successful show career with a junior rider here in the United States. His sire Puccini, a Dutch Warmblood by the famous Gribaldi, had an impressive show career in both Europe and the United States before retiring to stand at stud.

Being that my background was primarily in hunter/jumpers, I joined Topline Training as a working student in 2011 to expand my knowledge of dressage. I worked closely with Gina Duran, a Certified USDF Dressage Instructor and USDF Gold, Silver, and Bronze medalist and when Versace was three, I began hauling him in to her weekly for lessons. Gina taught me how to teach him, and under her watchful eye, we blossomed.

Together we have progressed up the levels, accomplishing many successes along the way. We are definitely not on the fast track, but it’s “our track” and it’s a journey I am so grateful for; taking our time to learn and grow together, focusing on fitness, proper development, and above all, correctness.

A summary of our journey thus far…

Training Level

Scores through 79%

CDS Regional Adult Amateur Training Level Champion

Multiple High Score Awards

First Level

Scores through 76%

USDF KWPN All Breed Champion

Great American/USDF First Level Reserve Champion

CDS First Level Reserve Champion

CDS Regional Adult Amateur First Level Champion

Multiple High Score Awards

Second Level

Scores through 73%

USDF KWPN All Breed Champion

Two time CDS Perpetual Trophy Winner

MSEDA Dressage in the Park Second Level Champion

Multiple High Score Awards

Above all our successes together, it’s the time I get to spend with him each day that is my favorite part. I love this horse more than words can express and am so grateful for him. He is brilliant, and talented, and tries so hard to do everything I ask of him.

So, there you have it…Finest Hour Farms. I couldn’t think of a better tribute to my “horse of a lifetime” than to name our farm after him.