365 Days of Horses | So Live Helau | 10-Year-Old Selle Francais | Magnolia,TX

So Live Helau (known as “Sulli” around the barn) is a 10-year-old Selle Francais. Sulli was bred by Laurent Depeige and is now loved by Jenny & Keely at Booth Show Jumpers.

Sulli and Keely compete in show jumping, and recently won the High Junior/Adult Owner Classic the last week of the Kentucky Summer Shows. They have also won and placed in several U25 Grand Prixs, open Grand Prixs, and High classics.

Keely’s favorite story about Sulli is the first time they met. Keely’s mother, Jenny Booth, was a professional rider and she has always grown up around horses. Keely remembers, “nap time used to be trail rides with my mother on a quarter horse named Fanny”.

One day, Keely’s mother got a call from world renowned jumper McLain Ward, saying he had a horse Jenny might be interested in. Her mother declined, as the family’s barn was full at the time.

“During that year, two separate people rode him and tried to buy him,” she said. “That was when the accident happened. He was walking through a stall with a giant metal pin sticking out. It got caught on his side and tore him open as he ran through the gate. It took several stitches and months of rehabilitation until he was able to be ridden again.

“At this this time, I was looking for a new horse. Guess who was still available? Because of his scar, Sulli was still available and I was the first person to try him since the accident. All of the pieces fell into place in order to bring this horse into my life. I will always be so grateful.”

Because of his injury, Sulli took some time to build confidence and trust with Keely, but she remembers it being clear from the beginning they were made for each other.

These days, Keely and Sulli’s relationship is incredibly strong (aided by his favorite treat: Mrs. Pastures horse cookies).

“This horse’s talent is truly limitless with as big of a heart he has. My favorite part about riding horses is the relationship you build with them. Sulli is no exception,” said Keely, who thinks of Sulli as her soulmate. “The bond built with him is one of the strongest I’ve known to this day.”

Now booking sessions for 2018. To reserve a session email me at equine@test.karindak.com.