SENIOR TRAIL

THIS SOMETIMES-QUIRKY HORSE GOT DOWN TO BUSINESS AT THE WORLD SHOW

BY HOLLY CLANAHAN, AMERICA’S HORSE

Flashy Incognito is known for spooking at odd things, just when you don’t expect it, so trainer Chad Christensen was a little apprehensive about an obstacle in the senior trail class that required exhibitors to trot down a narrow chute toward a wagon wheel standing at the end.

But there’s something else that Flashy Incognito is also known for: setting aside his occasional goofiness and turning in flawless performances. And that’s exactly what he did November 16, placing first under all five judges and securing his second world championship in senior trail.  

“I pretty much knew he was going to win it after his ride,” said owner Liza Houck Moore of Houston. “He had the most beautiful ride this horse has ever, ever, ever made.”

Or at least that’s what she was told.

“I couldn’t watch,” she said. “I was praying to God the whole time. Someone was sitting next to me telling me the whole thing.”

Chad Christensen and Flashy Incognito

“Flashy” also won the senior trail world championship in 2003, and the 13-year-old gelding has earned numerous awards in the Palomino Horse Breeders of America association. He has AQHA Superiors in trail, western riding and amateur trail.

“He doesn’t take a lot of work,” Christensen said. “I probably (practice) trail a couple of times a week” said Moore, who shows the horse in amateur trail, horsemanship and western riding, also rides him a few times a week.

Next year, Moore plans to make an appearance at the AQHA Bayer Select World Championship Show, for exhibitors 50 and over. And she’s aiming high.

“I’m planning on winning it, too,” she said, grinning.

And her grin gets even bigger when she described Flashy’s personality.

“Oh! The reason I’ll never get rid of him is his personality,” she said. “He beats them all. I’ve never come across a horse like this. … You baby talk him, and he’s like “Where’s my treat? Where’s my treat?”

Christensen, who’s from Whitesboro, Texas, also has some stories to tell on the son of Flashy Zipper.

“He’s kind of goofy,” he said. “He spooks at the craziest things” like a little puddle of water. “He’s always busy doing something.”

One thing’s for sure; he keeps things interesting for his owner and trainer.

“He’s fun to ride,” Moore said. “He’s just a great horse.”