In the spring of 2015, shortly after the Holsteiner gelding, Catch Me, was purchased by David and Becky Gochman, he was diagnosed with a rare neurological disease, which almost ended his life.
Under the care of Dr. Rodney Belgrave at Mid-Atlantic Equine Medical Center, Snoopy, as he was known in the barn, underwent two months of treatment. Fortunately, because of the early diagnosis and treatment, Catch Me was given the all clear in late June of 2015. He was able to continue his recovery at home, which included turn out, treadmill work, and a slow and methodical return to a regular work routine.
Still, whether he would be able to succeed in the show ring, was still unknown.
"We were so lucky to even have him back," said Becky Gochman, who rides Catch Me in the amateur-owner hunters. "He's got a beautiful jump, is a beautiful mover, and has a great mind. To see him come back from this has been an incredible thing."
Succeed he did-finishing the year that began with his life in peril with multiple championship and reserve championships at the major indoor competitions. In 2016, he continued his winning ways with Scott Stewart aboard in the Second Year Green Working Hunter division.
He also won the
USHJA World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular, which was a first for not just Catch Me, but for Stewart as well. Snoopy concluded his show season in a dominating fashion when he was Champion at the
Capital Challenge Horse Show,
Pennsylvania National Horse Show,
Washington International Horse Show, and
CP National Horse Show.
Rebounding from illness to greatness, Catch Me earned the title of 2016 US Equestrian National Horse of the Year and continues to be "uncatchable". In February 2017, Catch Me claimed the victory for the second year in a row at the WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular at the
Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida, with an 88.6 average from three judging panels.
While his performance in the ring speaks for itself, his barn name, "Snoopy" fits him well. "He has a big white face that's always attentive, loving, and sweet. He's like a cute puppy dog in the barn," said Gochman with a smile on her face. "Everything is icing on the cake at this point. We're thrilled with his past performances, and look forward to his future performances."