Lucas: Small in Size, Big in Heart and Jump

Sep. 09,2014

Selena Frederick for ProEquest

Ever wondered about the history of some of your favorite grand prix horses? Where they came from? What they were like as youngsters? Do they have any quirks that make them unique? At ProEquest we want to bring you the inside stories of famous horses you’ve seen and always wanted to know more about. Starting on the west coast and working our way around the world, we begin with a northern California favorite: Lucas.

Horse Name: Lucas

Gender: Gelding

Breed: Hessan (German Warmblood)

Age: 15 years (foaled 1999)

Height: 15.3 hh

Color: Bay

Barn Name: Lucas

Owner: No Drama

Rider: Peter Breakwell (10 years)

Big things come in small packages and Peter Breakwell’s grand prix mount Lucas consistently holds his own against the best in the west. Recently taking 2nd at Sonoma Horse Park ($30,000 Equine Insurance Grand Prix) and standing at only 15.3hh, Lucas is raw power and precision when it comes to clearing 1.50m courses and placing in over 35 grand prix’s.

Peter and Lucas in Ariat Grand Prix, HMI Equestrian, Sonoma Horse Park,CA. Photo Credit Zack Czajkowski

A Young Lucas

Peter and Lucas. Developing and competing a horse for a decade creates a deep knowledge and bond between horse and rider.

Breakwell acquired Lucas in 2005 from John Endicott (Apollo Farms) and Daniel Rihan. John told Breakwell about an up and coming 6 year old he was bringing to Indio (i.e. HITS Desert Circuit) who had made his way from Europe through Mexico. Needless to say, Lucas’ brave, willing, careful and consistent attitude caught Breakwell’s attention and the purchase was made.

As many riders of accomplished grand prix horses will tell you, most of their horses start out strong. In this case, Lucas was, and remains to be very bold to the jumps, “Sometimes I would have problems trying to make him be patient and wait,” explained Breakwell. A good problem to have when you’re 15.3hh.

Though small in nature, Lucas is big in heart, and jump. Through Breakwell’s noteworthy ability to bring out the best in young horses, Lucas immediately began the jumper divisions (1.15m) and confidently made his way to the grand prix ring in spring 2008 despite his size. The decision to bring Lucas up the levels was based on watching him develop those defining traits that struck Breakwell when he first tried Lucas.

Lucas Today

According to Breakwell nothing has significantly changed in personality or rideability of Lucas in the last decade. “He’s always been a nice horse,” explained Breakwell. As expected, he has become easier to ride, and still likes to get a bit strong and will enjoy a good buck when feeling fresh.

After spending more than a decade with a horse, riders tend to develop a unique level of trust that more often than not provides that winning edge no matter the height of the horse or the jumps. Lucas’ consistently careful attitude when jumping, and his bold and willing approach to competition combined with Breakwell’s experience and talent for bringing horses up the ranks have made for a winning team.

One of Breakwell’s most memorable wins with Lucas was the 2013 $40,000 Blenheim Spring Classic Grand Prix. This was his first grand prix of the year and Lucas’ consistency and athleticism, which Breakwell had seen in him as a youngster, came through once again and there was no catching them.

Peter and Lucas at Blenheim Spring Classic Grand Prix, San Juan Capistrano,CA. Photo Credit McCool Photography

Uniquely Lucas

The now 15 year old gelding continues to navigate grand prix courses along the west coast with precision and ease. According to Breakwell, Lucas doesn’t have any particular favorite treats, he likes them all. As for trademarks, his size and tidy jumping style, along with his good nature in and out of the ring keep him a crowd favorite. He also likes to make his own bridle adjustments by nodding his head up and down after it’s put on.

Peter and Lucas in Balancing Tonic Grand Prix, SHP. Finale. Sonoma,Horse Park,CA. Photo Credit Deb Dawson Photography

When asked what Lucas has taught him (Breakwell) through the years, it’s that “in order to be a successful jumper, the horse must be naturally careful, brave and give 100% when they’re in the ring.”

Size cannot measure the effort and heart of horses like Lucas who have been given the opportunity to reach the highest level in their sport. As any trainer or professional rider will tell you, spending almost a decade with a horse; training and competing day in and day out, patiently waiting for injuries to heal, and conditioning your partnership - it truly makes the wins that much sweeter.