McWoody's Story
You may be wondering about the Stuart Horse Trials logo. It was drawn by Pat Richardson to represent a very special horse, a horse that holds a big place in the hearts of the Stuart family. Here is his story.
Once upon a time in England a red colt with four white stockings was born. He undoubtedly spent his younger years foxhunting and learning the sport of Eventing. He crossed the ocean by plane and was seen a week later by Heidi Stuart Vahue who was looking for an interim horse to finish out her last year competing as a Young Rider.
This big, roly poly horse waddled off the van on Saint Patrick's Day with a complete supply of his favorite snack, Polo Mints. He had the biggest, kindest eyes imaginable and immediately won his rider's heart.
In the next few months, they learned to trust and respect each other, despite one or two tantrums on the part of the horse. They finished their first season as the National Young Rider Reserve Champions. The following spring, they tied for second with Karen Stives at the Lexington Three-Day Intermediate Event. Not bad for an interim horse!
Best of all, this big red horse made, and continues to make friends wherever he goes. He is a true character, and is now known as McWoody a.k.a. THE WOODLANDER.
In 1991, McWoody took on another challenge, teaching the wonders of Eventing to Nancy Haggerty. He was full of enthusiasm for his job, and rewarded Nancy with a sensational trot and by jumping over super big fences, provided he was asked in a manner that he thought appropriate.
Thus ends the tale of how a little red colt with four white stockings grew up to be the Stuart Horse Trials logo.
