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| Facet and 14 year-old rider Susan Walker received the FEI Junior/ Young Rider High Point Award at the 2004 Del Mar CDI***, and also won the Third Level Open Sweepstakes. Photo by Amy McCool. Used with permission. |
Facet had his performance testing in Ermelo in 1990, and received 9's for trainability and character, and 8's for his trot and riding test. Since his licensure, the KWPN has kept strict records on the offspring he has produced, and ranked him 5th in the world for producing offspring for the sport of dressage, with a dressage breeding index for 2004 of 186.
Facet was imported in March 2003 to serve as a riding horse/teacher for new owner, amateur Gay Walker, and as a breeding stallion. Due to his superior character, which allowed him to serve both these functions and remain competition-fit, ready-to-show and eager- to-go on a moment's notice, Facet was competed at selected major shows by trainer Jennifer Hoffmann in 2003.
Facet finished 2003 with a median score of 69.5% at Intermediaire-1, ranking 6th in the USDF Dressage Horse of the Year standings, and 1st for the NA/ WPN. He was also Reserve Champion for USDF Region 7 at Intermediaire-1 (stablemate Petit Danseur, also ridden by Jennifer Hoffmann having captured the Championship).
Facet then partnered with Gay's 14 year-old daughter, Susan Walker. Initally loaned to Susan in January 2004 to help her learn her changes and canter half-passes, Facet became Susan's permanent ride when it became apparent that Facet lost his heart to the young Susan. Looking and moving 7 years younger, and performing with an eagerness and brilliance we'd not before seen, it was stunningly clear that Facet adored Susan. And Facet made his opinion even more clear when Susan missed 2 weeks of riding with a bout of mono--he moped in his stall and went off his feed! Mom Gay did not have the heart to disappoint either Facet or Susan by taking Facet back to ride for herself. Susan and Facet received a coveted invitation to the USEF FEI Junior Dressage Team Championships, having ranked amongst the top 12 horse/rider combinations in the United States, and entered the competition undefeated at 3rd/4th Level and in the FEI Junior Tests. The competitors were placed on teams based on a handicapped format, and Susan and Facet's strong performance helped them to lead their team to the Gold Medal, as well as capture an Individual Bronze Medal for themselves. Click here to visit the Rancho Los Amigos web site and view their online photo album of the event. Susan was one of the youngest competitors, and Facet was the only stallion participating. Click here to read the news story on the event.
Other 2004 achievements:
- 4th in USDF Jr/YR Horse-of-the-Year standings at 3rd Level; 13th in Open Division.
- 7th in USDF Jr/YR Horse-of-the-Year standings at 4th Level
- 2nd in NA/WPN Jr/YR Horse-of-the-Year standings at 3rd Level; 3rd in Open Division.
- Champions at 3rd Level for CDS-San Diego Circuit at 3rd Level, Reserve Champions at 4th Level and Reserve Champions at FEI for Jr/YR Division
Now, in 2007, Facet has returned to the task of working with Gay--both helping her to ride above and beyond her expectations with her First Level horse through his patient instruction and performance of EXACTLY what she says, instead of what she means, and bringing her up the levels, as well. Gay is jumping for joy for another reason, too: she has two WONDERFUL Facet foals on the ground, both fillies, one of which appears to be his clone in absolutely every aspect. She can hardly wait for them to grow so that they can continue their father's legacy!
Click here to return to the main stallion page (and index to Facet's other pages).