Meet the noticed banana-loving horse on the Paris Paralympics

One horse that has caught our eye on the Paris Paralympics is El Colorado, the banana-loving Dutch appaloosa who was previously a breeding stallion. Canada’s Jody Schloss is competing at her third Paralympics, her first with the 16hh 15-year-old gelding.

Jody purchased El Colorado, recognized at dwelling as Denver, in March 2023, having tried him and recognized from the off that he was the horse for her.

“He was the primary horse I attempted. He was so good, and I stated ‘I would like this horse’. My coach stated I couldn’t purchase the primary I noticed so we went to Florida and checked out heaps extra, however I stated ‘I would like El Colorado!’,” stated Jody.

“He was a breeding stallion earlier than. He’s unique wanting and he’s such horse, I’ve such an incredible relationship with him.”

El Colorado is by Hannoverian stallion San Remo – who was ridden by Edward Gal as a younger horse and likewise turned his hooves to para dressage – and out of appaloosa mare Sheeza, who’s by Knabstrupper stallion Sonny Af Hojmark and out of Dutch appaloosa mare Penny.

Jody, who sustained a mind harm in 1996 when she was in a automobile accident and has since printed a poetry ebook about her life, was thrilled with Denver’s efficiency. The pair scored 66.38% within the particular person Grade I check this afternoon (3 September).

“I used to be so impressed with my horse,” she stated. “I used to be very pleased with how nicely he listened as he has his moments. I believed that he could be actually nervous however he was okay.

“Each Paralympics up to now I’ve been on a unique horse, so each time is like my first time. It’s unimaginable.”

Jody describes Denver as a “very responsive” horse.

“After I get on him he appears to comprehend it’s work time,” she stated, including that he loves bananas. “I’ll positively give him bananas at this time.”

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H&H senior information author

Since becoming a member of H&H in 2018, Becky has coated a broad vary of equestrian information together with welfare issues, veterinary research, FEI Tribunal hearings and highway security campaigns. She has additionally interviewed high riders together with Scott Brash, John Whitaker and Ian Stark, to call only a few. Becky’s reporting has taken her to Canada for Spruce Meadows and France for Pau five-star, in addition to the Royal Highland and Blair Fortress Worldwide Horse Trials nearer to dwelling. She was additionally a key a part of the distant reporting group for the Tokyo Olympics and the Europeans.