Baywatch V takes South African Capital by storm

He came, he saw, he conquered

 

Baywatch V (Sundance Kid V x Berryantka V by Huckleberry Bey) came to the Pretoria Show with an enviable reputation, but he left as a legend.
 

Even before his importation to South Africa, his offspring did extremely well in South Africa. His first-born, the mare Dana Sashay (ex Dana Sierra by Pisstachio), won the Supreme Championship in halter at the Pretoria Show three years in a row, while a son, FS Tornado (ex GFA Taylor Made by Versace), was Junior Champion Colt at the same show. Another daughter Dana Cameo (ex Dana Cassidy by Bacardi Afire) was also a halter class winner in the region.

The story, however, starts at Dana Arabians in the USA, where Francisca Strydom met Baywatch V for the first time. Sent there by her husband, Tinus, to look for more Baywatch V babies, following on the success Dana Sashay enjoyed in South Africa, she was mesmerised by the impressive stallion when she saw him for the first time. He was undoubtedly one of the most beautiful Arabian horses she had ever laid eyes on. Although he wasn’t available for purchase at the time, the Strydoms jumped at the opportunity when Dale and Wyona Worthington offered Baywatch V to them a few years later.

Baywatch V came to South Africa in December last year, and after a stint in quarantine, he arrived at the Strydom Stud on Christmas Eve in rather ragged shape. For Francisca, however, having Baywatch V at the farm was the greatest Christmas gift ever and certainly a dream come true. She spent hours with him every day, making sure all his needs were attended to, while also slowly building him up in the training ring.

So when it was time for Baywatch V to show his mettle at the Pretoria Show in August this year, he had the support of the entire Strydom Stud team behind him. The show proved to be a triumph of immense magnitude for Baywatch V, aged twelve years old. Not only did he excel personally, but his offspring also impressed by winning important and highly-competitive championships.

As Baywatch V floated into the ring for his halter class, it soon became evident that those fortunate to be in attendance were about to witness one of the greatest displays of in-hand showing ever to be witnessed in South Africa. Baywatch V owned the ring, in fact he took charge of the capital city! It was therefore no surprise that he was named a very popular Champion Senior Male.
 

Wynand Bouwer with Baywatch on their way to Senior Champion Stallion

More was yet to come. Later that same afternoon, Baywatch V was scheduled to participate in the country pleasure with Francisca, who had spent numerous hours in preparation with him during the weeks prior to the show. She was very excited at the prospect of riding him, especially after the thorough preparation which preceded the show. Francisca and Baywatch trained religiously almost every day of the week, ignoring the treacherous weather which they had at times to deal with. Excited anticipation, however, was followed by disappointment as Francisca fell ill and although she postponed the decision until just before the class had to start, she was not fit to participate.
 
Marilise Strydom on Baywatch winning Res Champion Country Pleasure Horse.
 

Francisca then suggested that Tinus’ sixteen-year-old daughter, Marlise, ride Baywatch. Although she had never ridden him before, Marlise was overjoyed at the opportunity to be on his back. She got onto Baywatch’s shortly before the class for the very first time, and under Francisca’s watchful eye and support, nervously entered the arena. Marlise’s determined attitude and stallion’s big-match temperament proved to be a crowd-pleasing affair. Baywatch and Marlise went beautifully to win their class and after that, claim the Reserve Championship.

Francisca & Baywatch V

Two days later, with a fit-again Francisca on his back, Baywatch won the English Pleasure Championship in commanding fashion. It was an impressive display of a match made in heaven, an illustration of mutual admiration, true love between horse and rider and thorough preparation blending to deliver a display of English pleasure riding which will be remembered for years to come.

 

Francisca & Baywatch V
 

Francisca and Dana Sashay also won the Hunter Pleasure Championship while a son, Dana Centurion (ex Dana Cassidy by Bacardi Afire), was Reserve Champion Costume horse. In addition another daughter, Dana Shalimar (ex Shannacey D), came second in two different ridden classes.

It remains no small statement to say that Baywatch V indeed conquered the capital.

  
Hunter Champions Francisca & Dana Sashay

 
Wynand Bouwer on Dana Centurion.

Reserve Champions Costume horse