Having only begun his hunter career in 2018, Private Practice has already amassed a record that most owners and riders can only dream of their horse achieving. Fondly known as 'Peter' in the barn, the 8-year-old Holsteiner gelding by Lordanos has made a swift transition from the jumpers to winning in the hunters since his debut at the 2018 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). After just one weekend showing in the Junior Hunter division with Madison Goetzmann, trainer Tom Wright was impressed and purchased him for successful amateur rider Dr. Brad Wolf.
Those who have been lucky enough to watch Peter in action immediately notice his natural style, beautiful movement and impeccable jump, all of which he makes look effortless.
With Victoria Colvin in the irons giving him a solid introduction to his new career, Peter found success in the Green 3'9" Hunter division, and in just one week qualified for the prestigious $100,000 USHJA/WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular under the lights.
One month later, the pair dominated the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at Deeridge Derby Weekend out of 55 entries. With this incredible win under his belt, Wright, Wolf and Colvin decided to shift their focus to qualifying for the 2018 $100,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship that summer in Lexington, Kentucky.
Continuing his winning ways, Peter defied the odds and captured the 2018 $100,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship title against a strong field of veteran hunters. Between the start of his hunter career and his win at Derby Finals, Peter was shown sparingly but still managed to accumulate plenty of ribbons including tricolors in the Green 3'9" Hunter division at the Aiken Charity Horse Show I and the Devon Horse Show. He also secured the reserve champion ribbon at the Upperville Colt and Horse Show, in addition to winning the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at the Aiken Charity Horse Show II, placing fourth in the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival and earning sixth place in the prestigious $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at WEF.
Colvin and Peter went on to have an extremely rewarding indoor season, which included earning the Green 3'9" Hunter championship at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show and reserve championship ribbons at the Capital Challenge Horse Show and the National Horse Show. To round out an already outstanding year, the gelding was named the 2018 USEF 'Horse of Honor.'
In 2019, Peter and Colvin once again qualified for the $100,000 WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular at WEF, where they laid down two stellar trips to trump 31 pairs and earn the winning title. Peter was further honored that evening by earning a coveted spot on the Peter Wetherhill Cup and being named the WCHR 'Hunter of the Year.'
Throughout his competitive career, Peter has also been champion multiple times with his owner, Dr. Wolf, in the saddle in the Amateur-Owner 3'3" Hunter division at WEF and other top horse shows. Peter's winning personality in the ring is matched by a persistent nature in the barn, according to Wolf.
"He is very personable and loves to put his head in your hands. He will constantly aggravate you for any treat you have until you give it to him," Wolf said.
When he is not competing, however, Peter enjoys relaxing in his stall. "He loves all treats and he sleeps lying down all the time when he is not showing."
The future looks bright for Peter, who undoubtedly has a promising career ahead of him. Peter has proven that with talent and a little bit of luck, anything is possible.
