Every month Equestrian Network Magazine features a story about a special horse and the people in its life. These stories are told in our readers' own words. This month our story is about Twenty-eight Year Old - Champion 'Thomas' Returns to the Show Ring.

by Jane Isquith, Cotati, CA

After almost ten years of retirement, the handsome American Saddl e bred gelding, CH Sultans Free Spirit, returned to the show ring and left it with yet another blue ribbon. Thomas, who recently turned 28 years old, was ridden to victory by Sarah Dawe in the 10 and under walk and trot equitation class which marked a victorious return for this man of leisure.

For many years Thomas was a show pleasure mount for owner Sarah Wolfe of Sonoma, CA, who eventually moved on to new horses and gave Tom an early retirement. The CH in front of his n ame means he has earned enough life time points to be labeled a Champion permanently with the American Saddlebred registry.

Tom resides in Santa Rosa, California at Monarch Stables, in one of the larger pastures on the property. However this past summer, to his delight, he was brought out of the field and with the help of the many young girls who fell in love with him not only for his looks, but also his charm, was turned into a show horse once again.

For those not familiar with the Saddlebred style of showing saddle seat, it is as high energy as gymkhana, but as disciplined as dressage. Natural style, charisma and animation make this sport a delight to watch or ride.

Last summer, we decided to take Tom to the Mother Lode Morgan Horse Show in Santa Rosa, which had Saddlebred classes, but we needed to get him back in show shape, because he had been living the easy life, giving only the occasional lesson but spending most of his time in the pasture. So over the next couple months before the show, Tom was body clipped, fitted with a new show bridle, and brought into the barn daily to be ridden (or at least pampered). He was thrilled by all the doting girls and showed us how much he enjoyed the show horse life by trotting from his pasture all the way to the barn, much to the dismay of whoever was leading him, who got taken for a drag as a result of Toms excitement and enthusiasm.

When the show came around, Tom picked up right where he left off and took his young rider to victory. He showed in multiple classes over the three days of the show and with many outstanding performances, no one could believe that he was 28 years old.

Tom is still spending most of his time outside, lounging in his pasture (although during the winter he comes into his stall at night) and teaching young riders about horsemanship and riding. With his show horse attitude and happy nature, Tom is a 28 year old horse with the spirit of a colt, who plans on spending many more years being spoiled and pampered by all his adoring fans.