Leuven Christel Verheyden from Kessel-Lo was today a special day. Her stallion, Goya was 36 years and that is an exceptionally high age for a Belgisch warmbloedpaard. “Perhaps the oldest horse of the region,” says Christel. “Goya is already 32 years old and my best friend. Although he is very elderly, we are still three to four times per week together on the step.”
Christel Verheyden from the Kapellekensweg in Kessel-Lo has been all her life working with the equestrian. 32 years ago, Goya in her life, when still a young stallion of four years. Meanwhile, Goya is still in her life and that is exceptional, because it happens but seldom that a Belgisch warmbloedpaard the blessed age of 36 years. “I remember well the day that Goya came to me. He was just broken. You could have to sit on it, but actually he could still nothing. It was still a ‘greenhorn’ so to express. I have Goya learned everything. Jumping, but also dressage. Actually, it was Goya a bit too strong for me. I felt not totally sure on during the jump. Therefore, I have the dressage, and I have to say that Goya always has performed well. Together, we are still a few classes increased in all those years.”
Goya – named after the Spanish artist showed himself to be a talented dressage horse, but was, in fact, the stallion previously destined for a career as a show jumper. “Goya is descended from Romeo. That is a well-known stallion that is a lot of good horses has produced. But as I already said, also as a dressage horse has Goya a beautiful track taken”, says Christel proud.
It is incredible what Goya all still can at his age and that, by the way without shoes. That he has never had. Strong hooves!
Christel Verheyden
Pension
up To 2005 showed Goya arts in the dressage, but then he was allowed to retire. “I then stopped with tournaments, but stayed at home, I drive with Goya. He was already of age and it is important to are muscles to keep it supple. Even now, we go by week three to four times, each time for an hour. And in the weekend we will do a day trip. Now Goya such an advanced age – say feel very old – I fortunately a lot of support and help from the blacksmith, the vet, my neighbor Jos and my husband Louis. So should we, for example, the forage cut into pieces, because he already has a few teeth less. Goya will also get a special voedermix for ‘seniors’. It is incredible what Goya all still can at his age and that, by the way without shoes. That he has never had. The vet said 32 years ago that his need so strong that he has no horseshoes needed. A punishment horse, but especially my best size I a nice birthday children. I hope we have many more years together on the road can go”, says Christel.
