By then, several months later, Avalanche had been broken in, so Bill was able to ride him. About 30 seconds after getting on, a car backfired loudly, nearby. Avalanche got such a fright that he jumped forward 10 metres or so, and when he responded so positively to Bill's comforting words, it was clear that Avalanche was a very good horse with a tractable and trainable nature. There could not have been a better test for a young dressage prospect! It was easy to buy him.
He was the first Victorian colt, for several years, to be selected as a licenced breeding stallion, at the 1993 Colt Classification of the AWHA (Australian Warmblood Horse Association). Unfortunately, shortly after this, he started to become much more interested in 'girls', than dressage, and it was decided that if he were to reach his promised potential as a dressage horse, he would be better as a gelding.
Avalanche immediately settled down and started his dressage career with a win at Novice level in October 1995. By December 1996 (just 13 1/2 months after his first competition start), Avalanche won his first Prix St George test with a percentage of 63%. At this stage he is was only a 6-Y-O and soon after, he was graded Prix St George with 230 grading pointsl. He also won the VDC award for 1996 Best Performed Medium Horse. His wins through all levels, made a real statement about Avalanche's ability, and also his future as a FEI star.
In spite of his excellent dressage credentials, Mooey likes nothing better than a totally undisciplined "hoon" in the bush. Because Bill thinks he can ride better than he really can, he gets the job of taking Avalanche on these treks.
The pair of them delight in jumping logs, splashing through streams and galloping across open grassy plains, often in pursuit of a startled mob of kangaroos. We are fortunate at Hollybrook, as the property adjoins 25,000 acres of natural bushland, so we can enjoy this form of exercise without worrying about traffic.
As he is very smart, Mooey expects the best of attention at all times. Food is especially important, as is scratching, grooming and rugs on, when its cold and off, when its hot. He also has a special affinity with sugar lumps
( kisses enthusiastically to encourage more) and green cordial, is also a favourite.
Avalanche has made his first competition appearance in 18
months at the 1999 West Coast Championships held at Werribee Park, Victoria.
Avalanche did a lovely Prix St. George test (perhaps a little conservatively ridden!!) for
a third place. He will be entered in a few PSG/ Inter1 tests with the hope of
qualifying for the 1999 National Championships, to be held in Sydney in October.
After the Championships Avalanche will have his first start at Grand Prix.
Avalanche is pictured right taking a 'breather' at a demonstration he did for the
Bacchus Marsh Pony Club.