Meet Fleetwood VDL, “Banksy”, who is an 11-year-old Flea-bitten grey gelding Belgian Warmblood. Banksy is from VDL Farms in the Netherlands and has produced many Grand Prix horses, which is what Banksy does! Both of Banksy’s parents have competed in FEI leveled Grand Prix.

Banksy is owned and loved by Avery and lives in Austin, TX at Monarch Stables with his “sister” Belle who you will read about throughout the book. Belle is another one of Avery’s horses. Banksy and Avery also train with Kalli Smith and Amy Gangstad.

Avery got Banksy in Wellington, Florida when she showed her other horses. Banksy is new to the Reid family and joined about a month ago.

“The first time I met Banksy he was very quiet and gave me a very sweet look. I could tell he had never really got to be spoiled because he seemed very professional but as soon as we took him home he started to really come out of his shell and try new things like treats. Banksy is very kind and always loves sweet things.”

Oftentimes we tend to over-pamper our ponies and let me make this VERY clear that I think there is NOTHING wrong with over-pampering…I myself am guilty of this, but most professional horses and/or horses in strict training aren’t used to things such as say, treats. Banksy has been recently introduced to MANY types of new and exciting treats! Avery shares that he has been loving blue Gatorade and he gets one every time he shows! “One time I put the Gatorade in his bowl he drank it in seconds and then picked up his bowl and begged for more!! It’s so hard to say no to him when he’s being that cute so he got two that day.”, shared Avery. 

Banksy is known to be extremely chill yet very curious. He is always down to try something new and is the bravest boy.

Banksy’s favorite treats are Gatorade and bananas with the peel.

Avery has been riding since the age of 2. Her grandparents had a farm and she fell in love with it as soon as she was able to start playing with the horses. Once she started riding and was able to jump, she never looked back. Avery shares one of her favorite things about owning horses is getting to know and connect with each horse differently. She loves being able to learn their fun quicks and personalities.