Virtus-DPE

I always find it funny how things happen to fall into place. Just as official word hit EN, Horse and Hound and the Chronicle of the Horse detailing the sale of Running Order to World #1 William Fox-Pitt Virtus-DPE was well into its formation.

It was inconceivable to me when forming our initial syndicate for Running Order that I'd be in the position that I am today without him. While all appeared in sorted, I will never forget watching the trailer leave the farm with him and the prior years hopes, aspirations and hard work. A tremendously difficult pill to swallow, I do find comfort knowing he is in the best hands in the world. I can't wait to see him out competing next year, and I'm determined to make the best of this situation!

Out of it all rose Virtus-DPE. Why Virtus?

Wikipedia defines it as follows:  
Virtus was a specific virtue in Ancient Rome. It carries connotations of valor, manliness, excellence, courage, character, and worth, perceived as masculine strengths (from Latin vir, "man"). It was thus a frequently stated virtue of Roman emperors, and was personified as a deity.

Virtus personified by our syndicate is my goal. I'm very lucky so far to have 7 members who have decided to join me in this venture. We're still looking for 3 more, so what's in it for you?!

The syndicate wave has hit eventing, but most are geared toward one goal competition with one horse. Virtus-DPE is structured and geared to develop a string of horses capable of successfully competing and winning at the highest levels of eventing, with the ultimate goal of representing the United States in international competition. While the path to international success will certainly have its challenges, we are attacking them head on with a two pronged approach. Our initial purchases are aimed at one 7-8 year old and one 4-5 year old both with exceptional talent and the look of a champion. With horses at different stages in the game, we'll have a constant stream of exciting news and activities along the way.

I've always enjoyed developing horses from the ground up. To me it appears as the only way to get top class horses under our wing without breaking the bank. Ultimately the very best horses are not for sale regardless of age or price! For those who have not seen this before, this was a video I produced detailing Running Order's progression a shining example of what is possible.



With two horses taking on the eventing world, we're bound to get there soon. If you are intrigued and would like more information please don't hesitate to contact me at doug@dpequestrian.com or 908.399.9112.

Ocala Horse Trials

I'm sitting in the airport restaurant in Orlando waiting for my flight returning to NJ following an excellent weekend at the Ocala Horse Properties Horse Trials. I was down to act as the TD for the weekend. A big thanks has to go out to both Jon Holling and Peter Grey for putting on a class competition under their company EquiVentures. I don't want to forget the countless other volunteers that helped, who without we'd have no sport at all!

This serves as the last major date on my schedule for the year. We may have a schooling show or two in the coming weeks, but this was a perfect end to an eventful year. With the cold weather arriving, we've been ironing out our schedule for 2013 as well as our winter farm plans etc.

Next week, Jess and I are heading down to Aiken for Thanksgiving with her parents. I'm going to use the opportunity to visit the farm we're renting for the winter season. I'm very excited, it's a 16 stall center isle barn with plenty of turnout as well as riding areas. It should be the perfect base to work from for years to come.

Earlier in the week, I picked up two new horses who will be joining us for the winter. One from Jane Dudinsky, who owned both Lord Baltimore as well as Getalong Maggie. Jane's horse was again started by Kip Hollaway who's done a wonderful job getting him going. Leo or Little Leo as he'll be known at our place has done a bunch of training level events and is ready to move up to prelim in the spring. The second is a coming 4 year old, named Eli, owned by Kristen Burgers, who also owns Royal Tribute. He is ready to get going in his competitive career.

We still do have room for one more horse down in Aiken. If you have any questions, or would like information about our training and competition program please don't hesitate to email or call at 908-399-9112. 

Doug, Jon Holling, Cathy Slaterback, Peter Grey