One very special 10-year-old gelding has been on a winning streak in the hunter ring and with each win, his prize money is donated to charity. Who is this special horse? Lafitte De Muze, a Belgian Warmblood owned by Cheryl Olsten, who lives in Pennsylvania.
Olsten, a former magazine editor, is also the author of the children’s book Big Wishes for Little Feat, published in 2020, that tells the story of a young girl who travels to Belgium and befriends a horse that shares her love of the stars. “Little Feat” is of course based on Lafitte.
The handsome hunter is ridden and shown by Amanda Steege, the duo recently made a splash at the 2021 Upperville Colt and Horse Show in June, winning the champion title in the High-Performance Hunters and a top ten finish in the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby.
Lafitte De Muze is the original equine ambassador of the EQUUS Foundation, the only national animal welfare in the United States that is 100% dedicated to protecting America’s horses and strengthening the bond between horses and people. A portion of all Lafitte’s show earnings benefits the foundation.
“When Lafitte wins a big class, it is not just a win for us,” Steege explained. “That money is going to help other horses and to help people find connections with other horses like the connection I have with Lafitte. I love the part of Lafitte that is this inspirational creature and that I get to share him with people.”
The horse and rider hope to continue their winning streak across the United States for the remainder of the 2021 show season. And wherever Lafitte canters around the showring, an entourage of adoring young fans are ringside to meet their favourite horse character.
Author Cheryl Olsten.
