The website "Horsetalk" reports that Abdullah, the famed Olympic-gold-winning horse from Gasport, has been inducted into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame...
Three horses and a veterinarian have joined the show Jumping Hall of Fame in the US, joining 61 previous inductees.
Three horses and a veterinarian have joined the show Jumping Hall of Fame in the US, joining 61 previous inductees.
The annual induction ceremony at the Budweiser American Invitational at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, on Saturday night, honored Dr John Steele and the horses Abdullah, Miss Budweiser and Riviera Wonder.
Induction into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame is a great honor bestowed annually upon select individuals whose contribution to the sport has set them apart from others and whose influence has had a significant impact on the world of show jumping.
Abdullah was one of the most successful horses the show jumping world has ever seen. His illustrious career was highlighted by his standout performances at the 1984 Olympic Games, 1985 World Cup Final and 1986 World Championships. Abdullah was purchased by Terry and Sue Williams as a three-year-old stallion as an event and breeding prospect. The striking grey Trakehner stallion soon showed his propensity for show jumping after a successful dressage and eventing career. Abdullah embarked on a show jumping career that saw him carry riders Conrad Homfeld, Joe Fargis and Debbie Shaffner to great Grand Prix success, three World Cup Finals, and spots on US teams at CSIOs in Europe. However, it was with Homfeld in the irons that he put together his incredible three-year stretch that ranks among show jumping's most memorable. First came his double medal performance at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games. Homfeld rode Abdullah to a clear round in the team competition to help clinch the United States its first ever Team Gold Medal. The pair also won the Silver Medal in the individual competition. In 1985, Abdullah and Homfeld finished first at the FEI World Cup Final in Berlin. Then, in 1986, with Abdullah now age 15, he and Homfeld helped the US win another first ever Team Gold Medal, this time at the World Championships in Aachen. The pair served as the anchor for the team, and Abdullah was named Leading Horse of the competition, with Homfeld adding another Individual Silver Medal. Abdullah was honored by 'The Chronicle of the Horse' as one of top 50 horses of the 20th century. He was also named winner of the American Trakehner Association's Palmenblute Award five times. Following his fifth win in 1986, the trophy was retired in his honor and replaced with a new one.
Abdullah was one of the most successful horses the show jumping world has ever seen. His illustrious career was highlighted by his standout performances at the 1984 Olympic Games, 1985 World Cup Final and 1986 World Championships. Abdullah was purchased by Terry and Sue Williams as a three-year-old stallion as an event and breeding prospect. The striking grey Trakehner stallion soon showed his propensity for show jumping after a successful dressage and eventing career. Abdullah embarked on a show jumping career that saw him carry riders Conrad Homfeld, Joe Fargis and Debbie Shaffner to great Grand Prix success, three World Cup Finals, and spots on US teams at CSIOs in Europe. However, it was with Homfeld in the irons that he put together his incredible three-year stretch that ranks among show jumping's most memorable. First came his double medal performance at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games. Homfeld rode Abdullah to a clear round in the team competition to help clinch the United States its first ever Team Gold Medal. The pair also won the Silver Medal in the individual competition. In 1985, Abdullah and Homfeld finished first at the FEI World Cup Final in Berlin. Then, in 1986, with Abdullah now age 15, he and Homfeld helped the US win another first ever Team Gold Medal, this time at the World Championships in Aachen. The pair served as the anchor for the team, and Abdullah was named Leading Horse of the competition, with Homfeld adding another Individual Silver Medal. Abdullah was honored by 'The Chronicle of the Horse' as one of top 50 horses of the 20th century. He was also named winner of the American Trakehner Association's Palmenblute Award five times. Following his fifth win in 1986, the trophy was retired in his honor and replaced with a new one.
To read the entire article, go here:
http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/2009/04/052.shtml
