Walleigh (Walliriam)
Walleigh is Sissy’s son, sired by the great Hanoverian stallion Walldorf. His registered name, Walliriam (pronounced Wall-ear-ee-um), combines Walldorf with Miriam, the name of Rebecca’s mother. Walleigh was branded at the Oldenburg NA inspection in Reddick on the day Walldorf was put down due to old age and founder.
Everything about Walleigh is big and tall: he’s a big warmblood with white socks and an unusual white band on his right hind leg. While Sissy was carrying him, she became gravely ill with strangles, and Rebecca feared she would lose both mare and foal. Thanks to wonderful care from the teams at UF and a month in quarantine, Walleigh was foaled safely. The high fevers Sissy ran (106 to 108°F) likely caused his swayed back, but he was never meant to be sold. He’s the farm’s “love child,” and we all adore him.
Personality: Walleigh is curious, social, and always the first one up from the pasture to say hello. He loves to play, especially with Oncore, and has been seen carrying a fence post in his mouth like a dog playing fetch. He learned much of his training on the trail and by watching the other horses in lessons. He loves jumping, playing in the hose, being the center of attention, and leading on the trail. He’s usually laid back, but little yellow butterflies have been known to spook him. He has a short attention span and a flashy trot, and he moves beautifully, just like his sire.
Walleigh now lives at our Gainesville barn.