times – she saw it and was very watchful – and I thought ‘I’ll take her’.
“Cassie and I didn’t win many classes and shows with her but, looking at the big picture, we always thought she’d be something special if we got the fundamentals and fitness right.” Palm said working with off-the-track thoroughbreds and getting them to a point where they can compete is a rewarding process, but it’s a process with no set time frame. “Koko Popping Candy spent six months relaxing in a paddock before we began working with her. It was 12 months before she did her first competition. I usually get a horse on the arena, gradually introduce jumping and some cross country and dressage. As they get used to that we also get them used to going on the truck and going to competitions. Watching that transition is the best part of the job.” When Ross bought Koko Popping Candy the horse was at 3* level and is now at 4* level. She has worked hard to contribute to her development and performance. “My strength is probably training horses on the flat and Rob and Cassie had done a good job with her, but I felt there was still more there. Cassie
also said she was the best horse to ride cross country and that gave me confidence. I like Koko Popping Candy’s scope and energy,” said Ross.
I DON’T USE THEWORD ‘RE-TRAINING’ – I SEE IT AS EDUCATING OFF THE TRACK HORSES IN NEW AREAS.
“She will never lay down – she just keeps digging deep.”
Koko Popping Candy taking a jump.
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