b'Gio-A R eal-Life UnicornG io-A Real-Life UnicornArticle and photos courtesy of Kendal PappasOwning a stallion was never something I thoughtmovement, I knew Galant had potential. I especially I would do. But the time came when my husbandloved Gios jumping photos, where his determination Anthony and I realized it simply made sense to haveand joy shone through: knees tucked, eyes full of try, one of our own. I carried high expectations into thatclearly loving the job. Few Fjord stallions in the U.S. are decision. It didnt matter that we were new to theout competing and proving their worth, especially with Fjord breedor to breeding horses at all. Ive alwaysjunior riders.chosen horses based on whether they speak to me, whether through a photo, a video, or the feeling IFast forward to the end of the 2024 breeding season. Id get in person. My first three-day eventing OTTB is abe lying if I said I wasnt a little discouraged. Galant, perfect example: I saw a few photos on his EquineNowthen two years old, was a gentleman in hand but didnt ad, drove 13 hours round trip just to try him, andsettle any mares. Mother Nature has her ways. Then, immediately knew he was the partner for me. unexpectedly, I was approached about Gio being for sale. I knew immediately he had to be mine. A trip to When I started looking for a Fjord stallion prospect,Washington was quickly planned. Gio was everything I was told to look at DDungrd in Washington,I hoped forfun to ride in the arena, steady out with known for their high-caliber breeding program andanother gelding, and above all, possessing the nearly thoughtfully bred horses. Their website was the firstperfect temperament I needed for a stallion on a farm place I saw Gioand it was love at first sight. Giowith a toddler running around.wasnt for sale at the time, but the next best option was his first U.S.-born colt, DD Galant. With GiosMy hopes of getting back on a cross-country course looks, athletic ability, foreign evaluations, and his damswith Gio havent yet materialized, thanks to family life 16 Fjord Herald Issue #156Fall 2025'