Double The Pro | A New Duo on the Rise

Double The Pro, a 2014 chestnut gelding, produced 36 starts for five wins, six seconds and nine thirds earning his connections $109,747. The Proart progeny accumulated four of his five race wins in regional areas, including Narrogin, Northam and Kalgoorlie with three of those wins under trainer Peter Fernie.

After retiring in mid-2021, Double The Pro was on the lookout for a new calling in life. Answering that call was Abby Hasleby, having purchased the flashy gelding in August 2021 with the intention of retraining him has an eventer.

Double The Pro, affectionately known as Spice, “has been an easy horse to retrain with the odd question coming up but he simply asks for assistance.” says Abby.

Through consistent training and reassurance, Spice has blossomed into a horse with a “lovely cool and collective attitude.” Abby describes.

“I feel I have gotten pretty lucky with this one” Abby continued.

The duo made their competitive debut at the WA State Showjumping Championships held at the beautiful grounds of the Serpentine Horse and Pony Club. Having competed in the 60cm and 70cm classes, Abby was excited for their future together.

In November of 2021, Spice and Abby journeyed to the stunning Yalambi Farm Stud in the Margaret River region of WA to compete across three days of showjumping. A fantastic venue and opportunity to introduce an off the track horse to the competition environment.

“The newly off the track shined over the weekend …two clear rounds and a growing education, proud is an understatement.” says Abby.

Fast forward to the start of the 2022 competition season, Abby introduced Spice to his first eventing start at WAYER International Horse Trials. Spice pulled off a wonderful, calm dressage test with one rail down in the showjumping. Unfortunately, things did not go to plan on the cross-country course with Abby electing to retire; proud of what they had accomplished in the first two phases.

Focused on continuing the young chestnut’s education, the pair competed in the EvA65 OTTT class at Murray CCN. Spice scored “a very respectable 60.6% in his second attempt in dressage! Beautiful clear showjumping but unfortunately adding some time and a refusal on cross country. BUT he finished!” – one of the pairs greatest accomplishments to date Abby describes.

When asked about her future with Spice, Abby states, “the plan was to keep spice as a project, but the big boy has wiggled his way into my heart.”

“I am hoping to continue his eventing and showjumping career, with his natural talents I believe he will go far in his new job.” Abby continued.

What a fantastic start to Spice and Abby’s partnership! We look forward to following them closely throughout 2022.