When I first brought Gregs Legacy home Christmas Eve 2023, my plans for our partnership together were simple; trail rides, SAQ musters, regain my confidence and just learn to enjoy horses again.
Our showing journey started together at the local Marburg Show in 2024. My only goal was to go and have a bit of fun, so when he won not only his gelding class, but then Champion gelding, and then Supreme Standardbred, I was genuinely blown away. I was eager for a way to showcase the breed and break down outdated stereotypes, and I decided maybe this could be our way of doing that together.
Supreme Standard, Gregs Legacy with Louise Cooper and Chief Steward at the 2024 Marburg Show.
Image credit: Hoofprintz Photography
Now, after a year and a half and with almost 20 shows under our belt, Ziggy (as he’s now affectionately called) has won quite a collection of ribbons, including many champions, reserves, and even some supremes thrown in there. We’ve toured the SEQ Ag Shows, travelled down to the Canberra Royal earlier this year, and will be attending our first Brisbane Royal Show together in August.
During our first SAQ State Championships last year we were elated not only to see so many beautifully presented and prepared Standardbreds, but to win second in our gelding class, numerous ribbons in our ridden classes, as well as 3rd in our Track To Hack finals, and the Judge’s Choice Award. The cherry on top of 2024 was the seven trophies we collected at the SAQ End of Year Awards, including Newcomer Show Standardbred of the Year and Show Standardbred of the Year.
Nothing, however, has yet topped the excitement and honour of being awarded Supreme Led Horse of the Show at the 2025 Kalbar Show this June. With about 15 horses lined up for Supreme overall, from ponies to warmbloods and everything in between, I was already shocked when we were chosen as the Supreme Gelding of the Show. So I was completely speechless when we were called forward as overall Supreme as well! All I could hear was the roar of cheering behind us from everybody watching as I gave him a huge hug and tried to keep myself upright as we walked forward.
Supreme Led Exhibit 2025 Kalbar Show. Gregs Legacy with Louise Cooper and judges.
Image credit: Hoofprintz Photography
Supreme Led Exhibit 2025 Kalbar Show. Gregs Legacy with Louise Cooper, sponsor Maxine Murphy from Maxine’s Mainly Roses and judges.
Image credit: Hoofprintz Photography
Despite the ribbons, sashes, garlands and everything else, at my core I am just thankful to have such a wonderful partner in Gregs Legacy to take this journey with. Our goal is always just to get out there, have fun, and showcase such an amazing and versatile breed, no matter the discipline or competition, and any wins are just a bonus. Our success together means even more to do it with such a special horse that I adore so much, and I truly could not have achieved anything we have without him!
Thank you to Hoofprints Photography for the beautiful photos.
