Horse’s Tale - Whiz Fizz with Josie Hale

This article is from the April 2020 Horse Deals magazine.

SYNOPSIS
Stable Name: Fizz
Height: 15.2hh
Age: 12yo
Breeding: Who Whiz It x Freckles Misty Oak
Owner/rider: Josephine Hale (Pindari Pastoral Company)
Top 5 results:
• Equitana Reining Masters Top 10
• Reining Australia Intermediate Non Pro National Champion
• AQHA National Open, Amateur and Youth Champion in Reining, Ranch Riding, Horsemanship and Showmanship
• AQHA National High Point Amateur Champion
• AQHA National Cattle and Timed Events High Point Champion

What did you envisage when breeding Whiz Fizz? Beautiful movement with the body and mind to match!

What was she like as a young horse? She was reactive and athletic.

Who started her and how did she take to the process? Kate Elliott of Breakoday Quarter Horses has been Fizz’s trainer from the very beginning. We knew she was going to prove a little challenging so decided to take it slow with her. She had a 90 day start with a very slow progression towards under saddle work. From this beginning, she has developed a soft, trusting and willing connection which has remained strong throughout her ridden career.

What was your first ride on her like? Her first ride was bareback in a stable. Definitely not how we had planned it, however the moment was right so we went for it.

When did she make her competition debut and how did she go? Fizz was shown lightly in her two-year-old year at small AQHA local shows. However her reining debut didn’t happen until the end of her three-year-old year. Unfortunately she sustained an injury to one of her check ligaments of her forelimb which resulted in her being unable to compete at the Reining Australia Futurity that year. Instead, she underwent a rehab program and was able to compete at the Equitana Reining masters in November of that year.

How would you describe her personality? She is interactive, compelling and wants to connect with you.

What are the highlights of Whiz Fizz’s competition career? We are proud of many of Fizz’s achievements throughout her career, however a highlight would have to be competing at three consecutive Equitana Reining Masters. She definitely thrives in that environment.

What are her strengths in the reining arena? The connection she has with her rider brings rhythm, cadence and harmony to her performance. This translates to a willingly guided horse — the foundation of the reining horse.

From reining to ranch riding, what was the key to moulding such a versatile horse? Fizz has competed in most of the AQHA disciplines over her career. Some events definitely suit her more than others. Events such as horsemanship, ranch riding and reining where the emphasis is on the connection with the rider are her strongest events. The addition of ranch riding to the AQHA program felt like a perfect fit for Fizz. Having been raised on a cattle farm and her ranch type conformation let her excel in that particular event. The other part of Fizz becoming the versatile competitor that she is, was the amount of time she spent on the road with us. During her competition years, she didn’t often miss out on a show. Over time she became part of the family, and all of a sudden she was the best horse in the barn.

What was the last time she made you laugh or cry? The last time Fizz made me cry was the day I decided to retire her. Her paddock overlooks the arena at home. When I took another horse out for a ride, she stood in the corner staring at me, shaking her head occasionally. It made me realise that it would probably be a long time before I found another horse quite like her.

What was the biggest challenge with her? Starting her! Once we had her attention, she never looked back.

Most annoying habit or quirk? Not annoying, rather endearing. She gazes at you. No matter where she is or where you are.

What celebrity does she remind you of? Fizz is not bold enough to be a celebrity. She just wants to be with people. I guess she is like a loyal friend.

Whiz Fizz is now a part of the Rooftop Express Show. How did she gain her role in the show? During 2016-2018 I was fortunate enough to work alongside Dr Jane Manchon, one half of the Rooftop Express Show. When I had decided to move for work/study, I spoke to Jane about the possibility of Fizz staying in Wagga with her. It was the perfect solution. Jane and David treat Fizz like she is one of their own, and Fizz enjoys life in the spotlight.

Have you been along to watch her in the show? How was it? I have watched several shows in which Fizz has taken part. I get a little nervous watching her as I worry that she will get spooked by the large crowds and noise, but as usual, she always rises to the occasion.

Back at home, Whiz Fizz has some fantastic progeny on the ground. Which is your current favourite and why? Fizz has produced three Futurity Champions from her first three progeny. We are super excited about her next colt, a yearling by Spooks Gotta Whiz (USA) who is demonstrating all the wild edges his mother once had.

What does the future look like for Whiz Fizz? Fizz has retired from the show pen these days. However, one thing is for certain. Whatever happens next she will be loved as always.

3 things we don’t know about Whiz Fizz?
1. To relax her before big events we would rub her over her eyes just like we did when starting her.
2. She loves coffee.
3. She has an insatiable appetite.

And now to Dave Manchon...

Dave, why were you interested in adding Whiz Fizz to the Rooftop Express team? My background in horses started with reining. We love to share our passion for the versatility and athleticism of the reining horse as part of our show. When Josie spoke to us about Fizz coming to stay with us, it seemed like the perfect fit.

What further training has she required for the show? Fizz didn’t require much further training once she got to our place. Just some acclimatisation to the different animals and equipment we use in the show. She took a little while to warm up to the donkey though!

What are some of the more unusual activities Whiz Fizz has had to partake in? Fizz’s role in the show is mainly during the dialogue scenes and as such, she hasn’t had to partake in too many unusual activities. What is special about Fizz is that she has been a seasoned show horse and then has been able to transition to her role in the show. It takes a unique personality to do this, and certainly not every horse is capable of it.

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