Horses Unlimited’s flagship stallion Pik L continued his winning ways at the 124th National Horse Show in Wellington, FL, with two wins at Intermediaire II. The handsome bay by Pik Bube II has won Prix St. Georges and Intermediaire I classes at the most prestigious shows in the country and now continues into the large tour classes. His son Pikk Primero also competed and won in the young horse division.
“I’ve never won at a show with both a stallion and his son or daughter,” said rider Mikala Gundersen. “It was really fun and obviously it shows Pik L’s class as both a competitor and as a sire.” Although Pik L came to Gundersen’s farm in January 2007, she had little chance to get to know him as Susan Dutta took up the reins in an effort to compete at the Pan American Games. The duo made their way to Brazil as the reserve horse for the Gold medal-winning team. After the fun in South America, Gundersen began to build Pik L’s strength for the intermediaire II and grand prix.
“I really don’t know Pik L in the show ring yet. It was funny, we came into the ring and he was like, ‘Why are we piaffing and passaging in the show ring?’ He certainly has the capability for grand prix. We are just working on the strength,” Gundersen explained. “He came to the show in a great mood, and I have no doubt that he absolutely loves to show. I didn’t have to push him at all. He says, ‘Let me show you around the show Mikala.’” The pair won the intermediaire II class with a 65.122% and the FEI Test of Choice (I-2) with a 69.268%.
Pik L’s five-year-old son Pikk Primero did his father proud when he won the Young Horse Test of Choice class with a 75.000%. Gundersen said, “He’s a very talented young horse. He already has his flying changes and is very light moving. He has a super-willing attitude and has the potential to go all the way.” Pikk Primero finished second in the FEI Five-Year-Old class at Dressage at Devon in September.
Pik L’s offspring have had a wonderful year. Pikko del Cerro won both USEF four-year-old classes at Dressage at Devon with scores above 80.000%. He also claimed the United States Dressage Federation (USDF) All Breeds Awards (AHS) for four-year-old materiale stallions/geldings and finished second in the standings for USDF Horse of the Year 4 year old materiale stallions/geldings. Pikturesk not only won the High Score Award at the Phelpssports.com Palm Beach Dressage Derby, but he also won the USDF Horse of the Year Adult Amateur Training Level, with a score of 73.200% with owner Karen Williams. Another son, Pikk Pocket, qualified for the USDF Regional Championships and daughter Pickachu HU took home numerous children’s hunter championships.
Owner Ann Sparks said of Pik L, “The first day I saw him I knew he was special. I feel very fortunate to have him. It is a real privilege.”