Vale Bippityboppityblue: the gelding with an unforgettable can-do attitude

Bippityboppityblue, or Sarge to his friends, began his racing career in Victoria before travelling to WA. Ross Olivieri trained the gelding between 2004 and 2006, and Sarge had his final three starts under trainer Callan Suvalkjo. When he retired in 2007 the Blueberry Prince gelding had earnt his connections $88,477 across 83 starts for 17 wins, 8 seconds and 9 thirds.

Ross remembers the gelding as a no-fuss horse that was no trouble and easy to have around.

“He did a great job for us.” Ross remembers.

In 2010 Ryan and Donna Lupgens purchased Sarge for Ryan to begin riding again following a break. After some time getting to know each other Ryan and Sarge formed a strong bond which served them well over the next 10 years.

Sarge had a determined and cheeky personality; frequently getting into places he shouldn’t. The adventurous gelding even made his way into the house to eat a bunch of roses left on the table!

Sarge demonstrated his have-a-go attitude many times; from beach trips to show jumping competitions. Sarge particularly enjoyed taking Ryan and his friends for trail rides and swims at the beach. He was even entrusted with giving Ryan and Donna’s children pony rides which always put a smile on their face.

Sarge took Ryan to his first show jumping competition after the gelding had only had one show jump training day prior. The pair caught the eye of onlookers with his big white blaze and extravagant, bold style.

Together Ryan and Sarge represented Australian Troops as members of the Australian 10th Light Horse Kelmscott Pinjarra Troop from 2013 to 2015 and the Australian 10th Light Horse Rockingham Troop in 2018. As members of the troops the pair participated in school and aged care facility visits and even leading the ANZAC parade in Fremantle and Rockingham.

Donna remembers that although Sarge could be naughty and grumpy he was also brave and willing.

“He was willing to try everything that was asked of him; even chase a tank in Bruce Rock when the other troop horses were unsure.” Donna says.

Krystal Jose, President of the Australian 10th Light Horse Rockingham Troop, remembers the gelding as a fantastic troop horse that supported them in teaching the younger horses.

“Sarge had all the qualities we look for in a troop horse; with his nature and eagerness to please his rider/owner Ryan.” Krystal says. “Sarge was certainly a go-to troop horse while serving with us and attending many different events, he took everything in his stride.”

Between his time at the Kelmscott Pinjarra and Rockingham Troops Sarge underwent two years’ rehabilitation after he sustained an injury resulting from a tangle with a fence. With some help from friends Donna and Ryan brought back the gelding as a riding horse for six months with the troop before retiring him in 2018.

He retired to lush green paddocks in Mardella, where he lived out his days in luxury with his herd. In May 2020, just shy of his 22nd birthday, Sarge sadly succumbed to a twisted bowl surrounded by friends and family. He will always be remembered and loved by Ryan, Donna and all his friends.