From FOAL to GRAND PRIX // Khal's 8 YEAR TRANSFORMATION

›› This was such a fun video to make, and I hope you enjoy watching it just as much! I feel like this is also quite an inspiring video for anyone working with a young horse at the moment. Keep persevering!
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[@rebeccapease3746]

Sometimes we are gifted with a horse-of-a-lifetime. This is your horse, and the fact that he's a home-bred is doubly good. Congratulations to you and your parents for bringing up such a confident and athletic boy.

[@futuremilfy]

I have had the absolute worst guilt of my life the past year focusing on my career and letting my horse sit- thank you for normalizing it. I feel like I always hear of success stories of the great horses in peoples lives being 5+ years of just CONTINUOUS work and I've felt like I'm letting her waste away. I remember when Khal was introduced when I was in high school and seeing/hearing his journey is so inspiring.

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

It definitely has been a hard decision. But at the end of the day, you’ll have your education and career forever. (And it’ll also fund Khal so very important 🙈)

[@GloryToGodAlmighty]

The images in the final seconds are the best. His little feet glued to his chest are everything! His expression says "I do this for Holly"

[@michellegarry1872]

I know absolutely nothing about jumping. I had horses for 50 years, various disciplines. But I really think that you not pushing him in his first 5+ years preserved the health and stability of his legs, allowing him to be successful and sound at the same time. Your video was a suggestion on YT, but I loved every minute. I’ll be cheering for you in your international endeavors! Bravo from Wisconsin, USA!

[@Patti-1962]

It has to be such an amazing feeling to have a horse jumping at this level, knowing you were his trainer from the very beginning! Well done, and can't wait to see more jumping in France!!💜

[@patriciaemms1902]

As you know being a vet it's great to not over ask and over jump talented horses when youngsters so you have a low mileage, confident 8 year old, and what a bonus that he is a home bred, well done, can't wait to see the next part of your journey xx

[@natashakate5687]

This story is so inspiring. It’s literally so fucking awesome. You had a story with Fiona, you brought up a foal on your own, you didn’t know exactly what you were doing or how far he could take you, but you connected. He would jump the moon for you. You guys have given me so much hope and motivation with my foal. I’ve never worked with a foal before and I would be lying if I said I wasn’t scared. I wish to compete at Olympic and World Cup Levels, and dream that Quizno’s Qismet (Qiz) - my foal, would be the one to take me there. You and Khal are going to do fantastic in France. I wish you the best of luck, your an amazing equestrian.

[@syzygyfarm]

There's nothing like producing your own homebred. Khal is such a nice horse. It's wild to see his progress laid out like this. You've done a phenomenal job and I'm so excited for you and Khal to make it to France!

[@cavalloalto6631]

I think it’s kind of telling of his good sense that he was never one to over-jump. Definitely makes for less flashy thumbnails, but it’s the economical way of going! I can’t wait to see what you two have in store for 2023.

[@april5666]

LOVED THIS SO MUCH! This is Khal and Holly - the legends (and Holly’s lovely Dad too). So sweet and interesting to remember how much you had going on so that Khal got loads of breaks. (Loved “the lowest-mileage 8 year old” ever). Precious that you have all those youngster clips of Khal. It is beautiful to watch how both of you grew up through the levels together. Couldn’t happen to a nicer horse woman. Thank you for sharing your journey with Khal, Holly.

[@janeminwell4395]

He was such a pretty foal, and now a successful showjumper. Kudos to both of you. My horse of a lifetime was homebred, and there is nothing so satisfying, the bond is tremendous. Lovely vlog! 👏🏻

[@jeniferrinehart1107]

Oh baby Kal!!! What a gorgeous boy. You’ve done so well with him. Home bred AND home trained!! Epic!! ❤❤❤

[@atherisGAY]

Omg haha .. He went through a long phase of looking awkward!!! He grew so much into himself, he looks gorgeous now. What a champion. He is lovely.

[@lizgarland2241]

What a legend. All that hard work paid off. A fairytale. Looking forward to the next chapter 💚🍀🎅🎄🎅🎄🎅🎄

[@linmonPIE]

It’s so obvious you two have a close bond and that he trusts you with all his heart. I don’t think he would’ve come so far if not for your careful upbringing and love. What a couple of superstars!

[@RachOvGlyn]

Absolutely love this horse, you have done an incredible job with him and I've loved following your journey with him over the years x

[@MLOCharmer]

I stumbled upon your video, I am a former riding instructor, and trainer in the states. Nothing big, I am really impressed with your baby. He really can leap over those fences, gets better the higher you go! So impressed with you. So impressed with your courage. I hope you come to the west coast some day to compete. I'm a fan!!

[@stridewayYT]

I love how he runs around in the field and just bounces around! I LOVE HIM! ❤️

[@Vickie-Bligh]

What a wonderful retrospective. You're both lucky to have each other. Thanks for sharing this, Holly. Not only his growing up but your thoughts. You've both taught each other, skills that you've been able to use with both Dali & Rocky.

[@andreawaterstreet3901]

Thank you for this amazing labor of love in this video. It’s really quite remarkable to see 8 entire years of a horse’s career. You really see the education, the progression, and the maturing of a horse’s body and mind. You deserve every moment of joy with Khal-you two have certainly earned it together!!

[@idajoh09]

it has been a fantastic journey to follow, there is something special about the horses you breed yourself, you get a completely different bond with them. I have one myself who is now 3 but will come home again as a 4-year-old who I am really looking forward to getting started properly. Extreme progress on both of you, I can't wait to see what you do in the new year. big and many hugs from Norway

[@susanaufiero5071]

This video was great - I always loved Kahl - you have done a great job w/him and I hope you are very proud of yourself . He is beautiful and talented w/a great mind! To raise him from a foal to what he is today must be incredibly satisfying. You are a success and more importantly a true and loving professional horsewoman.

[@teddybear5788]

What a beautiful story! Never would have believed what a horse he‘d become from those first jumps. But you can never really tell at that age. Some horses start jumping like crazy and others just need time to get along with themselves and learn. You did a really good job training him!

[@oliviayendall2980]

I have watched your journey with khal since he was just a 2 year old. Watching you two grow throughout the years has been such a pleasure. I cannot wait to watch your next adventures in France! You must be so so proud ☺️ such an inspiration ❤️

[@eiry25]

I’ve watched you from the very beginning with Khal and the progression is just amazing! So chuffed for you Holly, your hard work is so deserving!

[@tsreiki]

What a wonderful video! That was lovely to see the progress over the years and yours as well.. he is such a winner!

[@andystpierre6086]

Oh wow, the clips with his « mama » and then with Jack; little annoying little Khal!!’what a gorgeous story 🥰 even if I’m a long time follower of yours, I always enjoy these videos. Baby Khal was so cute. And I know you say he wasn’t exciting as a young horse, but I much prefer is calm then him being extravagant 😅

[@Yokoshibadog1504]

Such a beautiful love story! I shed tears watching this! Thank you for sharing!

[@ChristineChang20]

what a special story!! makes it 10x better that he is a homebred and also you both had so many firsts together!

[@debbieredmon5063]

Thank you for this glimpse into your life with Khal. Been following for a while but seeing this from foal to Grand Prix has made me giddy! I remember watching an early video with you saying how lazy Khal was! He was just plodding along very sweetly but I could have never imagined little Khal would do what he does now. You’ve brought him along so nicely and he has so much scope and natural ability. Well done Holly and Khal!

[@jillfatucchi8264]

Hi Holly. Lovely video again. Superstar Khal in action, its really nice to look back at baby Khal, and like you said you would never think that he would jump the way he does now. What a super horse, A lot of the clips I remember seeing and he has improved so much. I cant wait to see what next year brings for you both. Love as always Jill Birmingham U.K. XXXXX

[@terrywbl4959]

WOW what an amazing job you have done and a marvelous young horse bless his heart. You can tell ya all have a wonderful friendship. Good luck and stay safe

[@JustLookingForLove13]

What a special horse!!!! I’ve loved watching his story over the years!

[@EquiiAlly]

Aww Holly this is just beautiful! The fact that your first homebred is the first horse you've jumped around 1.40 is such a lovely story! He is an absolute credit to you and i hope you have so many amazing years together! Can't wait to see what you both get up to next year in France ❤

[@sophiakcmoore]

WHAT AN ACHIEVEMENT HOLLY!!! YOU MADE THIS BOY❤ YOU SHOULD BE SO PROUD OF YOURSELF!!

[@WildHorseSpirit14]

So cool to see his journey. He’s absolutely stunning. You did bloody awesome with his training 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@suzannechance5876]

Mesmerized the entire time! I think he has benefited from the manner in which you have brought him along. Intentional or not, slowly and carefully. I am excited to see how "we" do with an international field. I will have to get in shape also but hey, I have all winter! Lol

[@leanneadams2549]

So elegant! My whole life I wanted to do this ! So now I enjoy watching ! So beautiful! Thank you ! ❤️🐴❤️

[@allysmith2284]

I have adored watching both you and Khal grow and learn and teach amazing goals!!

[@badgranny6311]

Oh how I loved this video…thank you and your amazing boy for allowing us a sneak peek into all the incredible hard work you both put into every step, every trot, every canter, every jump….loved this!!!! ❤❤

[@morgannaidoo9583]

Congratulations!!!!!! Awesome bond . fantastic achievements over the years

[@emilyeide5414]

Amazing journey you two have had so far! So inspiring. Thank you for sharing.

[@kellyhalleen5140]

What a brilliant horse! Wish you all the best next year!

[@dawnminton2848]

Wonderful story. So much to be proud of. He looks so smooth. He's a good looking boy!

[@lemmebeawinnerequestrian7555]

Holly this is my favorite video of yours. Cal is epic and getting to watch the two of you have so many first together is amazing. So excited for you about France and can't wait to see what you two get up to. Love it!!!!

[@CAR0TASTISCH]

I'm so proud of you and wish you all the best with this special boy! xx

[@katherinespaughton7843]

Thank you very much for taking the time to share this. Its exactly what I needed to see. My boy is currently 11 months old and displays very similar behaviours to yours at that age. I'm always making progress with him but as I see him everyday it is hard to see sometimes. I try to focus on just enjoying the process together, dealing with the horse I have in front of me rather than the one I dream he may one day be like. So far so good. This video makes me even more excited for the future with mine, exploring all the "firsts" together :) x

[@CChloeMarie]

Honestly I hope me and my two year old could become like this, it’s made me realise that you don’t have to train everyday to move forward with what you want to do ❤️

[@briehoblin8478]

It is so clear that he loves you so much--and that you love him. I maintain that how we treat our horses is more important than what we do with them. I do wonder though if he doesn't care for the energetic pats at the end of each round? He's shaking his head as if it bothers him. Some horses prefer gentler praise. Thank you so much for sharing this video--so honest, so full of insight. I loved it.

[@MimoMataJ]

This is so great that his first years he’s had the time to have some time off during the winter to allow him to grow and mature as a young horse! I’m sure it has really helped him in the long run physically and mentally! ❣️

[@patriciaemms1902]

Love the way Rocky can find his own stride at the cross pole and jump balanced and big over the second jump xx

[@linkridgeshelties7413]

What a great story!! I love that you gave him breaks in his development, I really think we overdo it with our young horses, they need time to grow, heal and process what they’ve learned. He should stay mentally and physically sound into old age and I look forward to watching the two of you! 😊

[@edwardsbarbara25]

What a wonderful story! Best of luck in all your future endeavors!!

[@sophiehaubold3817]

Love love love this journey y’all been on. Y’all are goals! ❤

[@briarcunningham7284]

I think it’s important to allow these youngsters to fully develop emotionally and physically . 8 yrs seems like a rapid push to reach the top, unless I’m mistaken about the horse’s age. My new youngster is a shire cross that just turned one year, he’s a fast learner with his groundwork and manners, but you can bet we are going to go slow and steady. Just because one CAN do something, doesn’t mean they should.

[@Narrendor]

Goodness, I'M emotional watching this! So happy for you both to have had such a great journey together. I've got a 4yo in training about to head off to her first show, and it's just an incredible feeling meeting those milestones. Wishing you luck in France and the rest of 2023!

[@patriciaflood8874]

It must be so hard for you being away from you for such long periods of time. It’s wonderful to hear that you’ll be reunited in France. I wish you both a very Happy New Year!

[@xKharasmaticx]

Yay! So excited for this!!! You’ve done such an amazing job with him ❤

[@Poetessa2]

You two are rockstars!! I've watched you now for a few years and what an amazing job you've done!! Congrats and wishing you an amazing time in France!!

[@katelist8367]

This was so good! Very inspiring and it is so cute how Cal just gets all excited when you do well and you let him know. He loves what you guys are doing! Congrats on finishing up Vet School and getting out into the world. Now you have the best of both worlds. Best of luck going forward!!!

[@mohamedaabir9095]

This was a lovely journey to watch, great improvements throughout the years. Best wishes for you two!!

[@naniqueoliver412]

Wow this made me so emotional!! Watching you both over the years has been so inspiring but seeing it all in this video it’s really highlighted the huge journey you’ve both been on! Wow 🤩🤩 xxx

[@victoriaphilippa7745]

What a beautiful video, I’ve just recently discovered your channel and I’m loving every video, you’re so lucky to have each other- what a team! X

[@foxyember]

Was lovely to watch you with your heart horse learning and growing together.

[@miacolleran152]

I love this horse so much. It's great to be able to look back and see his progress. I remember watching your first ride on him and being slightly concerned about his lack of potential over the first few fences. But look at him now! Also i love your voiceovers. The commentary is top class

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

Haha thank you

[@elizabethedwards917]

What an amazing journey. He may not have seemed like a big fence jumper from the get go but wasn't it nice to be proved wrong!

[@cam-cam468]

I relate so much to the "first jumps" disappointment and I felt ashamed by my reaction. I'm glad to see I m not alone!

[@trefnis9234]

What a journey! Such an interesting and inspiring video, thanx for that. You should definitely consider doing one with Dali too!

[@vickyburton2434]

What a sweet vlog. I did endurance racing and have never show jumped. I love the commitment you have and the love and respect for your horse. I wish you the best in your career and future. Blessings from the great state of Texas!💗💗💗

[@deadazzz]

I got excited when you said Mullingar because I lived there for 11 months before I went back to the states. Beautiful horse!!

[@amberrose7023]

Wow! Loved this vlog Holly! So nice to see Khal’s story so far ❤

[@jessicaruhl7314]

Khal will always be my favourite boy of yours, loved going back in time and seeing your horse of a lifetime from the very beginning!

[@wolkenland2706]

I really love seeing you two freeking out together after the run!

[@joannesmartens9442]

Kahl's history is like on "friesian horses" in the video: love on first sight. The friesian fosterhorse recived a kwpn foal, colt. Also enoying his mom😂. This foal is now 1,5yo. A realy emotional story. Specialy when the fostermom start to dance when she see her son. When you have a few moments, look for it. You will recognice your little colt. It has english subtitels.👍💞

[@beatrizfaria5563]

Such a beautiful journey and story! Love the way you treat your horses with so much patience and kindness! Big fan from Madeira ❤️🦄

[@NarnieeBish]

He is SUCH a good boy. Youve done amazing with him

[@AmelieSmith-lh7wg]

I remember watching Khal's first-ever jump, and it's just so nice to see how far he's come and the process of it. I wish you the best of luck in France and international competitions!!!

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

Thank you ♥️

[@cillab6876]

Thank you Holly, especially loved this video.... so happy for you! I hope I can do the same with my home bred. :) Loved watching the whole journey.

[@bethanys-herd]

His baby mane is absolutely epic 😍

[@trinefj11]

i remember when he was born, god time flies by!!

[@fibroryttaren336]

I love this! And the fact that he wasn't really that planned! I did kinda the same thing but more like “oh nice stallion, oops the mare and stallion is in the same pasture” the year after I had a foal😅 as someone else said it's amazing to see something that didn't just have sunshine and roses! Definitely worth a follow!

[@wutzelschnud]

it is so much possible, when both are a team and they keep on going :) Thank you for this video!

[@morris920]

So emotional to see this! 🥹 what a love story ❤ It also brings hope to me going out there with my soon to be 4yo next year 😅 thanks for that! 🤗

[@arlahunt4240]

He is just gorgeous to watch!

[@mha631]

He is amazing. Love this video.

[@pgrevstad]

Good to see your work again. You're busy!! Beautiful colt has become a fearless mount. The story is inspiring. Good luck with your new job, and congratulations on the DVM.

[@Tonofhats]

I’m pretty sure I’ve commented this before but he just looks like an absolute dream to ride, he just looks so steady and chill. 😅

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

He really is 😍

[@heatherbainbridge818]

You are both amazing such an inspiration beautiful partnership ❤ good luck

[@macybiggar9217]

You guys are amazing! What a journey! 😍

[@chanceequestrainn3379]

Wow this journey is so mind blowing and inspirational❤ you both have improved sooooo much!

[@linda-louiseanthony9802]

Just stumbled across this video. And wow! I’m so glad I did. Thank you for sharing this special horse and journey with us all 🤎🖤🤍

[@Ava_and_Rocky]

Hi there! I am so happy for you! I have been around forever, and your journey has been entertaining haha! I hope you will keep making good progress with all your horse-y life! Could you ever actually maybe do a horse makeover, where you fix up a muddy pony? ❤ Thank you!

[@fleetskipper1810]

Holly has done a couple of those over the years. Check her library.

[@Ava_and_Rocky]

@@fleetskipper1810 Yeah I know, I just find them super satisfying haha 😂

[@alice7429]

So excited to watch! I think I’ve watched Khals 5 year transformation like 3 times and I’ve always wondered when ur make an updated one!

[@gillianlillis1984]

“This is our 2nd or 3rd show just jumping the 80cm” 😂 I’ve had my horse 13yrs and still only at 60cm 😂 xx

[@Katy.Lou.K]

I will never get tired of watching you and Khal together!! I’ve been watching since you’ve been filming him for us… Poetry in motion, growth, and learning together through the years. So much love for this video, your journey, beautiful job with your best boy Khal. Love from California⛰🎄⛅️💙 Best of luck in your travels together competing! I will be watching if you film! Merry Christmas

[@sarahposey7166]

How special to have also raised him! Congratulations!!!

[@MaryDean.G]

What breed is he? He’s amazing!

[@KarriePorterBond]

what a testament to a long term partnership. Loved this.

[@mailinnwong-perez1964]

Love Khal! So impressed with your Vlogmas commitment, Holly!

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

I’m honestly impressed myself!!

[@TaylorHaselton]

Amazing video! I love how he points his toes, so fancy and awesome personality!