Saaballistic | This Saab Gelding is Full of Ability!

Much like his sire, Saaballistic by Saab is a tall chestnut gelding born in 2006 at Sea Horse Racing Stables. After a career of 83 starts with three wins, 10 seconds and nine thirds, Saaballistic retired in 2013 with a total sum of $30,363. Trainers such as Barry Morrison, Nathan Dymock and Brayden Green managed the gelding’s career until he retired at seven years old.

Saaballistic, known as Rusty, now spends his time proving that standardbreds can jump. Rusty was purchased by Tori Gladwell in 2018 from Meeka Tiendi, who had been using the flashy gelding as a trail horse and bush riding companion. Rusty was purchased as a confidence-building mount for Tori’s mother as she had recently lost her beloved horse of 30 years. Tori began riding Rusty to help her mother build confidence, and it was soon obvious that the pair were a great team. Tori’s mother found another horse for her to ride and gave Rusty to Tori. Since then, Rusty and Tori have taught each other a great deal.

Rusty had never done any arena work, and Tori had only been consistently riding for six months. Despite this, the pair worked hard together, learning to canter and jump among many other skills. Their initial success can be accredited to Rusty’s forgiving and patient nature.

“We have learnt so much together in our five years. Thanks to him, I will soon be taking on more standardbreds to ride and represent this beautiful and versatile breed with!” Tori said.

Tori described Rusty as the perfect representation to tear down Standardbred stereotypes. With his impressive three-beat canter, expressive jump and free flowing trot, Rusty has shown great promise with his jumping ambitions. Tori plans to compete Rusty throughout the 2023 year in the show jump arena, as well as attending Serpentine Adult Riders club. They are aiming for consistent rounds at 80cm, and have their sights set on training one meter. Tori expressed gratitude to Rusty’s previous owner, Meeka Tiendi, for allowing her to own Saaballistic.

“I will always recommend a Saab baby as he throws the most beautiful standardbreds!” Tori said.

We wish Tori and Rusty all the best in 2023!