Hava Little Faith | The Perfect Combination of Fate, Faith and Talent.

A 2009 Cape North gelding, Hava Little Faith made it no further than three trials with trainer Holly Palmer before retiring from his fleeting racing career. Purchased in 2011 from the Perth Magic Millions sales by Holly, she saw Hava Little Faith through from his initial breaking and race education.

 

While Hava Little Faith was quiet from the start Holly, who has Multiple Sclerosis ensures all her horses have a well-rounded handling and groundwork education.

“I wouldn’t put a rider on a horse I wouldn’t get on myself.” Holly says.

 

“He was always a beautiful, quiet horse. Kermi would listen to and match his rider.” She recalls.

 

Fatefully Amelia Radford was riding for trainer Ross Price and noticed the little chestnut during trials and track work. He stood out with his plaited forelock and purple rug, falling asleep in his tie up bay.

 

“I would always take note, when working afternoon shift of the little chestnut that would walk down the driveway being ridden bare back headed towards the beach for a walk in the water.” Amelia says.

 

After his second trial in November 2012, where he placed third from four, Amelia expressed her interested in taking the gelding when he retired to Holly. Holly promised that if the gelding showed no marked improvement at his next trial in two weeks, he was Amelia’s. Hava Little Faith must have liked Amelia and overhead this conversation because he placed six from seven, over nine lengths behind the winner.

 

From the beginning of Hava Little Faith’s re-education he proved kind, willing and safe with a trainable nature.

 

“Kermit is like a fine wine; he has only ever gotten better with age and with each step we have taken he has only showed me more of what he can give.” Says Amelia.

 

Amelia’s initial concerns that his very laidback nature might mean he wouldn’t make a bold and brave eventer, were soon quashed. Hava Little Faith, known as Kermit to his friends has proven a courageous but careful and adjustable cross-country machine.

 

“I am very privileged to spend our five-odd minutes out on course just absolutely enjoying every second with my best friend.” Amelia says.

 

At Kermit’s first eventing start in the 45cm class at 2013 Dryandra ODE, Amelia was a little concerned when he only left three rails up during show jumping. Amelia, not ready to throw in the towel resolved to take it slow and invest in his training. Their eventing career was put on hold for four years when Amelia relocated to Port Hedland. Kermit’s quiet and levelheaded nature was put to good use however, as the pair acted as Clerk of the Course at the Port Hedland Turf Club.

 

Moving back to Capel in 2017, the restarted their eventing career competing in 80cm classes. They progressed up the grades and finished 2021 placing third and the highest placed off the track horse in the 3* class at the Brigadoon 2 CCN. That same year they also competed in the Grand Prix class at Equestrian In The Park.

 

The combination’s climb up the grades was paused as earlier this year Amelia underwent hip surgery. Junior rider, Ava DeBrito was lucky enough to get the ride on Kermit while Amelia recovered. Kermit took Ava to her first 80cm eventing start at the Dardanup Pony Club ODE in 2022, where they achieved her first win!

 

“This was an extremely proud moment for me particularly watching the enormous smile that was on her face when she came through the finish flags on cross country. To be able to share the same feeling I get on Cross country was very Satisfying. It is great to know he can compete at a higher level one weekend and then do this or attend a pony club rally the next makes me so incredibly proud not only of Kermit but of the versatility the OTT horses show.” Amelia says.

 

Kermit and Amelia had their first start back as a combination in August at the Wooroloo International Three Day Event, competing in the 95 Off the Track class. They placed fifth, just adding one rail to their dressage score of 34.5 penalties.

 

“I am at this stage just ecstatic to be back out and riding my horse again. My goal Is to continue improving my riding and continue increasing our training and always striving to build a stronger partnership.” Amelia says.

 

Amelia looks forward to building their way back up to 3* level, and one day competing in the Adelaide Three Day International. In the meantime Amelia is enjoying just being able to ride her horse again.

 

“Goals are amazing, and I will always be chipping away at mine, however I am already living one of them every day – owning a horse like Kermit.” Amelia says. “There is nothing I would not do for this horse – He is extremely special to me.”

 

Ten years since Kermit’s last trial, Holly still keeps tabs on Amelia’s journey with him.

 

“She’s done a wonderful job with him. She’s put in a lot of hours and doesn’t leave a stone unturned.” Holly says.