Meet Happier Than Ever, “Eli”, who is a 6-year-old Dutch Warmblood by Grand Slam VDL and out of Coconut Grove. He is a plain bay with a little lighter patch of white on the front of his left shoulder. Eli is owned and adored by Dana Malin who trains with Marieke Silk at Bright Star Stables outside of Brookshire, TX.

Although Dana has only had Eli for a short amount of time, her favorite memory is him trying American treats for the first time. “He didn’t know how he felt about all these new things he was tasting. He would spit everything out but then ask for it again and spit it out then take it again and eat it and ended up loving everything.”, says Dana.

Eli was imported from Holland about 5 months ago and Dana has enjoyed every minute of him since! A few distinguishing factors that allow Eli to stand out from a group of plain bays is the small light patch on his left shoulder, which is even more visible in the light, as well as a few dark spots. He loves to hold things in his mouth. He will see something and just tries to take it or he will try to walk himself with his lead rope.

Since Eli has become more accustomed to treats, he has a few favorites! Sour skittles and even more so, he absolutely loves Snaks 5th Avenchew. He also loves anything a human can eat, just not donuts he thinks they are very disgusting.

Dana shares that one year she went to an equestrian summer camp…the rest as you know was history. She’s been riding ever since the age of 7 when she was hooked and now owns 2 horses of her own.