Trademark has a U.S. Equestrian Federation show record that is 45 pages long and still growing. The Hanoverian gelding's resume includes such impressive accolades as winning the Grand Hunter Champion title at the National Horse Show (Kentucky) in 2020, being selected by the Equine Insurance Agency as the Overall Hunter Style award winner of the entire Winter Equestrian Festival (Florida) in 2021, and winning the $10,000 National Hunter Derby at the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival (Michigan) in 2022.
But one night in 2021, it seemed like not only his illustrious career, but maybe even his life, would come to an abrupt and tragic end. No one knows for sure what happened, but "Mark's" handlers found the chestnut gelding in his stall at the Kentucky Horse Park unable to move; his hind end seemed unstable. The gelding was carefully trailered to the nearby world-renown Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital for further evaluation, where veterinarians determined he had torn off a chunk of cartilage in his left stifle, as well as seriously damaged various supportive structures around the joint.
The prognosis for full recovery was poor. Experts cautioned that even with surgery, at best, the 17 hand Mark might be pasture sound; others felt he would never regain stability and should be euthanized. But his owners, the Swani family of Shadowfax Equestrian, LLC, in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, were willing to give Mark a chance. Dr. Wes Sutter performed the surgery, and Mark proved to be a model patient. Handling every stage of his recovery with "elegance and grace," Mark defied the odds. Not only did he return to full soundness, he even went back in the show ring, competing at the Saratoga Classic (New York) the following June. Over the course of the season, his team slowly rebuilt Mark's strength until he was again jumping in the 3'6" performance hunter classes. Mark ended 2022 by winning two championships at the Capital Challenge Horse Show (Maryland), as well as receiving the high score of the show for a professional horse.
"Trademark is my heart horse," Geoffrey Hesslink, who has been Mark's professional rider and trainer since late 2020, said. "I can say 100 percent no horse has impacted my life in such a way. He came into my life at an early stage in my professional career, and he changed my life. He taught me how to be a winner. He held me to a higher standard than I ever thought I was capable of.
"But more importantly than that, he taught me patience, resilience and the real meaning of love," Hesslink continued. "I love competing and riding Mark, and watching how determined he was to get back to the show ring was something I will never forget. He is an incredible athlete, and a deeply intelligent animal I am lucky to call my friend."
Imported in 2016, Mark has always loved to perform. But when he's not in the ring, those who know him describe Mark as "goofy" and outgoing, and always on the hunt for a treat. His striking good looks, brilliant copper coat, and signature white spot on his belly have always made Mark stand out from the crowd.
After his triumphant return to the show ring in 2022, Mark started to show some signs of stress in his previously injured stifle. With gratitude, his connections decided it was time for Mark to semi-retire, though he stayed in training with Hesslink. But as time went it on, Mark made it clear that he wasn't quite done yet. Just before new year's day in 2023, Mark and Hesslink returned to the show ring at the ESP Holiday Finale (Florida), competing in a pair of 2'9" hunter classes. From there, again, Mark gradually moved up the divisions, eventually finding his way back into the 3'6" classes.
"I know in my heart of hearts that Trademark may be the only horse who could overcome this injury and still be able to compete at the top level," Hesslink said. "His athletic body and lightness, combined with his heart and intelligence, are the only things that got him back. Time and time again I would say to myself, it's like he knows how to move or what not to do in order to not strain that limb- but he could still do everything with impeccable style.
