Ziggoorio | Learning Along the Way

Ziggoorio by Shinzig raced a total of ten starts for two seconds and two thirds, accumulating a sum of $9,300 in lifetime earnings. Ziggoorio trained under Paul Roberts and retired from racing in 2017. Following his race career, Ziggoorio (Ziggy) was spelled and occasionally used as a school horse before ending in the care of Theo Ongarezos.

Theo took up riding with the purchase of Ziggy. With the assistance of Sophie Warren and Ingrid Crookshank, Theo and Ziggy began their partnership learning together.

When asked what attracted Theo to purchasing an off the track horse, Theo commented that it was the opportunity to ‘allow a Thoroughbred the chance to excel and grow outside of racing.’ Since their partnership began, Theo and Ziggy have attended endurance rides, OTTWA Clinics and very recently, competed at their first eventing start in Capel.

Theo describes Ziggy as a loveable and affectionate horse, who is both patient and kind. Though Ziggy has had some anxiety over new environments, he has improved with every outing. Theo recalled their first OTT Clinic where both of them suffered from nerves. Despite this, Theo and Ziggy worked hard to shake it off and now regularly attend clinics and events.

Ziggy and Theo competed at the Peel Showman series this year. Theo was thrilled to begin the show jumping portion of the event in trot, and by the end of the series, the pair were cantering around and finishing within the allocated time. Ziggy and Theo placed Runner-Up and were incredibly happy with their progress.

Theo’s overall goal with Ziggy is to continue to work together whilst allowing him to enjoy himself and learn new skills. The main skill that they have been enjoying learning together is laughing along the way. Theo and Ziggy make a great pair.