Condor and Tracey Mack-Gorin (Anne Gittins Photography)
Condor has also competed in Pre-Green and Performance Hunter divisions with Christine Kear in the irons, but appears to be hitting his stride this week with Mack-Gorin as he clinched tricolor honors with a near-perfect performance in the Adult Amateur division. The pair finished first and fifth over fences during day one of competition for the division, followed by two more blue ribbon finishes over fences day two, and fifth place under saddle.
Reserve champion was Artie, ridden by Jean Sheptoff and owned by Patricia Moss. Sheptoff and Artie were first and second over fences day one and third in both over fences classes day two. The pair wrapped up day two with a third place ribbon under saddle.
Mack-Gorin has had little time to get to know Condor, who made his American showing debut during week one of the FTI WEF, but Mack-Gorin is already enamored with the gelding. "I just rode him for the first time last week and he's just really fun," Mack-Gorin smiled.
Condor's exceptional temperament both under saddle and on the ground is what Mack-Gorin enjoys most about her mount. "He has a great temperament, so even if I make a mistake, he's very tolerant of that. He's also so comfortable and even [under saddle]," Mack-Gorin described. "[In the barn], he's so friendly and snuggly. He loves to be cozy with you!"
Despite his young age and relative inexperience, Condor was not rattled by the monsoon-like weather conditions during day one of the division. "He was great! He didn't like it much on his nose, but for his first time showing in the rain, he was really, really good," Mack-Gorin described.
Mack-Gorin attributes Condor's success to his picture-perfect, yet extremely rideable, jumping style. "He's got a really easy jump, but he jumps very well at the same time. He's very comfortable yet gives a really nice jump. I think he'll be a really good horse," she commented.
Mack-Gorin also complimented course designer Scott Starns' well-planned layout. "The courses were great both days. I love being in the Rost Arena because you have a little bit more space than some of the smaller hunter arenas. It's much easier to turn," Mack-Gorin concluded.