Ivan is a refined and elegant, pure black KWPN gelding with a light, springy movement that feels as though you're floating in the air when riding him. He is incredibly light in the mouth and dislikes any heavy pressure, exhibiting a naturally high self-carriage. Riding Ivan requires finesse and subtle seat and leg cues. Despite his hot breeding, Ivan is a total gentleman - gentle, genuine and affectionate.  As his former owner once said, "You could put an 8-year-old on him."

Kylie acknowledges that preparing both Ivan and herself for their first CDI in Australia will take time, but that’s part of the excitement. Ivan is quite a different horse from Kylie's first heart horse, Oscar, who Kylie recently semi-retired to begin working with her daughter toward CDI-J competitions (more about that below).

Ivan has an impressive background, having competed at the advanced level in the UK for several years with young rider Martha Joblin Purser. Ivan spent the 2022 competition season representing Ireland with Martha on the European circuit while she worked at the renowned Stal Brouwer Dressage Barn. That year, he had several impressive junior team and individual top 5 finishes, with successes both in regular tests and freestyle appearances.  Ivan began his career as a licensed breeding stallion for the AES stud book and competed up to medium level by 2018, after which Amy Woodhead took him on and competed him at Advanced Medium that same year before Martha purchased him. 

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