Berry Baby | A Sweetheart Show Horse.

Berry Baby, a 2011 mare by Big Brown (USA) was purchased at the 2013 Gold Coast Yearling Sales for $120,000 by Gai Waterhouse AO and James Harron Bloodstock. Bred at Strawberry Hill Stud by John Singleton, Berry Baby bares the distinctive strawberry brand. Berry Baby won her only trial with the Waterhouse stables in 2014, the filly then spent time with Chris Waller, Kim Waugh, Graham Bacchus and Kylie McKerlie before retiring in 2017. From her 18 starts she accumulated $15,150 from three seconds and three thirds.

 

Berry Baby, affectionately known as Berry, was purchased by Dianne Leahy upon retiring. In September 2019 Dianne, based in Port Augusta, found she did not have the capacity to educate and campaign the elegant mare and so began the search for Berry’s new home. Paula Ayres liked the look of the large mare even though she was searching for her next Galloway. Paula was not confident to buy sight-unseen and so continued her search. Three months later Berry was still available and Chris Lambert, Paula’s friend was travelling through the area, back from “The Nationals” Australasian Showhorse and Rider Championships. They arranged for Chris to view the mare who immediately impressed and so Berry travelled to her new home in WA.

 

“Berry has proven to be very trainable; Chris comes to the Swan Valley twice a week school her and I ride her the rest of the time, we feel Berry is really enjoying her life after racing.” Says Paula.

 

Chris, an experienced show horse rider and educator has been involved in Berry’s education and campaigns since she arrived in WA. Chris remembers Berry’s correct natural carriage and trainable nature when they began re-educating her. While Berry’s outings were initially restricted by the effects of COVID-19, her talent in the ring was evident early on.

 

“Berry’s first show was 2020 Swan View Agricultural Show. Her work just got better as the day went on. She went on to win Champion Hack.” Recalls Paula.

 

Since her promising start Berry, who is shown as Chimes has competed successfully at several shows. In 2021 Berry was Supreme Hack over 15hh at the EWA Winter Gala, and First Runner Up in the LP Supermodel Memorial Award class and Champion Child’s Large Show Hack at the EWA Horse and Rider of the Year. Berry began 2022 by placing First Runner Up Show Hack over 16hh at the EWA Autumn Pageant, followed by Supreme Ridden Thoroughbred, and Supreme of Supremes in hand at the SPPHAWA Dual Code Spectacular and OTT Classic, and more recently Champion Off the Track Exhibit at the EWA Show Horse Gala Hack and Hunter Show.

 

“I have never ridden a horse that likes showing as much, Berry enjoys being in the ring and loves her job. She will never let her rider down.” Chris says.

 

Not only is Berry a talented show horse, but she is also a pleasure to have around. Paula says she is an affectionate, sweet horse that will put her head in your lap.

 

“We have so many favourite memories with Berry, she is an amazing horse, and she has a forever home here with us and are so grateful to own her.” Paula says.

 

Next month Berry Baby will be competing at the Endeavon Products and EWA Horse and Rider of the Year Show in the Off the Track Championship class. We look forward to seeing this mare excel in the ring.