Five-year old Jumper to 20-year old Hunter – Mindful is still winning

Jennifer Hannan and Mindful made the most of his limited yearly outings to win the USHJA 2* International Hunter Derby at the Winter Equestrian Festival [WEF] – the first time the Hunters took center stage this season in the International arena.

“I have to say that a horse like Mindful still going at his age – he’s 20 this year and I’ve been riding him for eight years – is truly just a privilege,” said Jennifer after the pair scored 92 in the Classic and 94 in the Handy section of the Hunt and Go format to secure a winning score of 186.

Jennifer went early in the class but managed to sit on her lead despite very close calls from Jimmy Torano and Laskano, with scores of 93 and 92.5 for an overall 185.50 and Nick Haness, also coming close with 93 and 92 to finish on 185.

“I honestly step away from the ring and not really think about it,” said Jennifer, of the waiting game. “I went to help some other clients and ignored what was happening here [in the International ring] until the very end.”

Mindful, was previously known as Grappa, and with that name won the Five-Year-Old Jumper Development Western Canadian Championship in 2009 with Jay Duke. He has since had an impactful Hunter career not least winning the USHJA International Derby in week four at WEF in 2020 and being named USEF Horse of the Year in 2014.

In his twilight years appearances are limited to some half dozen and Mindful will show in the Derbys on the grass at WEF as part of his annual quota. His two favorite things are showing and trail riding. “Opposite ends of the spectrum,” said Jennifer. “But he’s very happy doing both.”

Given his age, success depends on keeping him in shape “I think fitness is a big thing,” said Jennifer. “He only shows in these specialty classes so you have to keep his fitness up so he can withstand days like this. I’d say fitness and keep him as happy as possible. He knows his job.”