Ballingowan Ginger Sold To Young Rider
Lauren Billys announced today she has sold her long time partner Ballingowan Ginger to young rider Jordyn Horwitz. The thirteen-year-old Irish mare out of Master Imp, was imported in 2006, and later purchased by Billys in 2007. Together since that time, Billys and Ballingowan Ginger have seen a great deal of success, with highlights that include competing at the Pan American Games in 2011, Lauren Billys (PUR) and Ballingowan Ginger at the Event at Rebecca Farm in Kalispell, Montana.
Photo: StockImageServices.com winning the Galway Downs CCI2* in 2012, and finishing in the top five at multiple CIC3* competitions in 2013 and 2014. Their numerous top placing's also earned the duo impressive Area VI accolades such as the 3x mare of the year, intermediate horse of the year, and reserve advanced horse of the year. The decision to sell Ginger was a difficult one for Billys, and she credits her long time partner with helping her accomplish many notable career firsts. "Ginger and I have grown up together, I competed my first preliminary, intermediate and advanced competitions on her, did my first FEI event with her, and was chosen for the Puerto Rican Team as a result of our success," said Billys. "The decision to sell her was one of the hardest choices I have ever had to make, however, I know that she can change another life the way she has mine, and I owe it to her to allow her to continue doing what she loves most at a level she is comfortable." Lauren has her sights set on representing Puerto Rico at the 2015 Pan American Games, and is looking to build a strong string of horses as the next Olympics approaches. With the sale of Ginger, she will now look to find a younger horse with 4* potential, while also continuing to grow her partnership with Castle Larchfield Purdy whom she acquired in 2014. 17 year old Horwitz has competed through the CCI* level with her gelding Nicodemus, (previously ridden by the late Amy Tryon), and has been looking to find a second horse to take up the levels and gain experience on while she is still a young rider. After sitting on Ginger for the first time, Horwitz felt confident she had found her next partner and is enthusiastic to get to grow the new relationship in 2015. "I am very excited to have the opportunity to ride such an amazing horse. Until now, I have only ridden geldings, and I cannot thank Lauren enough for trusting me with the care of her wonderful mare! I know this partnership can take my riding to new heights, and still can't quite believe I get to ride Ginger. " Billys is grateful Ginger will be going to such a perfect new home, and will be cheering Jordyn and Ginger on from the side lines saying, "I know Jordyn will love Ginger as I have and cherish the opportunity to ride her, which means the world to me. I will be rooting them on every step of the way, and look forward to watching Jordyn and Ginger accomplish great things together."