Fighting Harada | Tall, Dark and Handsome Harada

This Fighting Sun gelding entered the world in October of 2015. Bred in Victoria by United Syndications, Fighting Harada began his racing career in December of 2017. Despite a short race career, Fighting Harada had an incredibly successful career in terms of wins and places. With a 75% place percentage, Fighting Harada retired from racing with five wins, two seconds and two thirds from twelve starts, placing in well over half of his races. Trained by Mick Price and Michael Kent (Jnr), Fighting Harada retired from racing in 2021 with lifetime earnings of $209,340.

Following racing, Fighting Harada was retrained by wife of trainer, Michael Kent, Ali Berwick (now Kent). As a successful show horse competitor and producer, Ali worked with Harada to establish his flatwork in preparation for a future career in show horse.

In 2022, Ali was approached by Jaimee Van De Pavert in search of her next horse.

“My first impression when I saw Harada in person was… WOW!” recalled Jaimee. From that first look, there was no denying that Jaimee had found her horse.

Thanks to his super education under Kent, Harada transitioned into his life with Jaimee seamlessly, even making the move from Victoria to Western Australia with her. With regular lessons, outings and trail rides together, the pair continue to establish a partnership.

“Harada has taught me so much that I needed to learn as a horse woman.”

“Harada hated the cold weather in Melbourne… He is so much happier in the warm sunshine of WA.”

With support from coaches and mentors such as Rachel Langley and Richard Rice, two regular show horse competitors, Jaimee and Harada have entered the WA show scene with regular attendants in off the track classes. Fighting Harada was even awarded the title of Supreme Ridden Exhibit at the 2024 SPPHAWA Dual Code Spectacular.

“One of my goals was to train a horse off the track to be my ‘everything horse’,” said Jaimee. “We have done everything I dreamed of this year already and so I am looking forward to relaxing beach rides this summer.”

OTTWA wish Jaimee and Harada all the best for their continued partnership together and welcome them to their off the track life here in Western Australia.