Four Needed NZ | OTTWA Retraining Program Graduate Update.

Talented Real Desire USA gelding, Four Needed NZ, has flourished in his off the track career. During his 143 starts, Four Needed NZ claimed 16 wins, 16 seconds and 20 thirds, earning a sum of $122,927 in winnings. This chestnut gelding first raced in New Zealand with Dave Anderson before being exported to the eastern states of Australia, trained by Brad Connelly and Andy Garth. He was then moved into Western Australia and retired with Hayden Reeves in 2019. Four Needed NZ was entered into the Off the Track WA Retraining Program after retirement, further educated by Madison Gielen within the arena, and then, Bayley Thomas of Lokenzo Park around the trails. The gelding had been backed and ridden during his racing career, which helped both trainers immensely.

Ella Macgregor was a helper at Lokenzo Park, who regularly had lessons with Shari Lindo. Shari and Bayley suggested Ella try Four Needed NZ (Lloyd) after Ella expressed interest in finding a horse to own and compete. Ella felt an immediate connection with Lloyd after her first ride and purchased the gelding officially in 2021.

In the early stages of their partnership, Lloyd and Ella focused on improving the gelding’s canter. With Lloyd’s willing and eager attitude, and Ella’s determination, they improved Lloyd’s balance and can now confidently canter around the jump arena.

“It has definitely been worth all the hard work and is so rewarding to achieve so much with him in such a short time.” said Ella regarding Lloyds training and development.

Ella focused on pony club and smaller events within the geldings first competition season and aims to be more competitive in 2023. Ella and Lloyd have signed up with Equestrian Western Australia and are hoping to event, aiming for 80cm by the end of the year. They pair attends Orange Grove Pony Club and is aiming to compete in Pony Club State Championships and Interschools. Long term, Ella hopes to one day produce Lloyd to 1* and compete at Equestrian in the Park, flying the flag for standardbreds in competition.

Ella and Four Needed NZ have already achieved a great deal in their first season of competition together. Lloyd won his first rug recently, winning the 45cm class at Walliston Pony Club. This was his first competitive show jumping round and proved to Ella that the gelding had talent in the jumping arena. Ella commented that this win was her proudest moment so far with Lloyd.

Ella and Lloyd competed this past weekend at the Pony Club WA State Tetrathlon Championships; We eagerly await to hear their results!

The OTTWA Team wish Ella and Lloyd all the best for their future ahead!