Carling King

Carling King is a horse that is ridden by the Irish show jumper Kevin Babington

Carling King was originally bought as a 7-year-old as a mount for his owner, amateur Saly Glassman. After arriving in the USA, his talent (and a somewhat difficult nature) was discovered and Irishman Kevin Babington took over the reins shortly thereafter. Since then, Carling King was eighth in the World Equestrian Games in Jerez, Spain 2002, won multiple international Nation’s Cups in 2003, and was the 2001 Samsung Nation’s Cup leading horse. Kevin and Carling King placed equal 4th individually [http://www.fei.org/Disciplines/Jumping/Results/Documents/2004_OG-S_Ind_.pdf] at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens. After winning several major Grand Prix competitions in 2004, King was sidelined with an injury to one of his ligaments but has since returned to competition successfully.

Before his arrival in the USA, "King", as he is known around the stables, was crowned the 5 year-old champion at the prestigious RDS Dublin Horse Show with rider Michael Buckley. The class was renamed in his honor as the "Carling King Five Year Old National Championship".

King is famous for his incredible consistency in competition and his stylish technique. Although most of his grooms have managed to find a softer side, he is known for being quite facetious around the barn and will, on occasion, bite the arm of those not paying enough attention.

Carling King was officially retired on March 9th, 2007 at the age of 16.

References

* [http://www.irishdraught.ie Irish Draught Society]

* [http://www.irishhorseboard.com Irish Horse Board] - Ireland's Sport Horse Studbook

External links

* [http://www.masdecaballos.com/imagenes/fotos/carlingking11mayo04_2.jpgPhoto of Carling King]