Consul’s End Game (Ender) is a palomino RPSI registered gelding born in 2011.
Ender was a custom foal for a dedicated amateur. She loved the Saddlebred’s personality and sharp looks but wanted something with a bit more power since her goal was to event and jump.
The dam: Elfin, was a refined cremello Saddlebred with the most breathtaking of movement: light, airy with good articulation in all the joints and excellent rhythm as well as long lines and a good temperament. We were looking for a very proven sire, something that produced consistently good jumpers and eventers out of more refine mares. We needed a stronger loin connection and more bone in general. Irons Spring’s famous flagship stallion Consul was our eventual choice. He was known for all of what we were looking for and he also usually improved the canter if not the trot. Elfin had a solid trot and so we settled in for the 11 months wait, satisfied with our choice. We knew that because of Elfin’s genetics the foal would be dilute but we did not know what shade although the owner was secretly hoping for a palomino. She lucked out and a golden colt was born one early evening after one of the shortest foal watch ever. Elfin started to drip milk at 4 pm and the colt was on the ground by 7 pm that night.
Ender was a stunning mover from the moment he figured out his legs, which did not take him that long. He would often play and spring straight up, all four feet of the ground just enjoying being airborne I guess. He got a silver premium at his RPSI inspection with excellent marks for his movement particularly his canter. He was a very gregarious, active foal, just smart enough not to get in trouble, accommodating, and always looking to please once he figured out what was asked. He left for his new home at weaning and other than getting started by Trish Twedell he was handled and trained by his owner every step of the way. As a result, they have a pretty special bond.
“Ender is now coming 9, and with each ride, he becomes more special to me. Handsome, athletic, and with personality to spare, he is the type of horse you form a special bond with. He greets you at the gate, and carefully lips peppermints so as not to accidentally grab a finger. He responds to the lightest of aids, and is a billboard for good riding (and bad!) – if you are straight, relaxed and soft, so is he. Friendly, trusting and willing, he strives to please. On top of being sensitive and smart, he is also forgiving, and in that way is an amateur’s dream. He feels the smallest shift of your seat, but doesn’t hold a grudge if it’s unintentional, or unbalanced. He forgives mistakes with no more than a pat and a “sorry, buddy” – and doesn’t anticipate anything but a good outcome.
I’ve had him his whole life. We’ve ridden wet, boggy trails bareback in a rope halter, over cross-country courses at shows and over courses at home and at clinics. We’ll progress up the levels of eventing, and spend our winters working on our dressage. Whatever we dabble in, I know him better than any horse I’ve ever owned. And for that I’m grateful – for he’s the type of horse that changes you.”
