The 7-year-old talent Casiano (Casino Berlin—Riana, by Iroko), most recently campaigned with success by Ireland’s Bertram Allen, is now facing a future with Chandler Meadows and Olympic veteran Lauren Hough in the United States.
Casiano showed himself as a horse for the future after he picked up three clear rounds at CHIO Aachen to finish fourth in the Youngsters-Cup Final, with Allen in the irons.
“We are pleased that Casiano will be joining a professional stable where we will continue to follow his career,” Allen said. “[We are] wishing Chandler and Lauren every success with this young talent. I didn’t get to ride Casiano for very long, but it was a great pleasure.”
Casiano was produced by Irish rider Billy Twomey until Allen took over the reins in the summer for owners Ballywalter Stables. That’s where Chandler and Hough went while on a trip to Europe to try horses this summer.
Their plan was to sit on another horse, the 11-year-old Konak (Nabab de Reve—T-Usambara, by Cash), who had been campaigned up to the five-star level by Belgium’s Gilles Thomas. That bay gelding has also joined Meadows’ string, but Hough, familiar with Casiano, suggested they also make the drive to Ballywater Stables to see the grey.
“Lauren knew him and sat on him as a 6-year-old,” Meadows said, “and she thought it might be a nice fit for me, as we were looking to add a younger horse to the group. I knew right away that he was special. His scope, athleticism and kind attitude were all very prevalent when I tried him. This is our third horse that we’ve bought from Bertram and Harry [Allen], and they’ve produced nothing but great horses, so I have no doubt that this one will follow in those footsteps.”
While Konak will begin his partnership with Meadows in the more immediate future, Casiano will continue his development first with her coach.
“We don’t really have plans yet for him, but Lauren will ride him for a while and let him develop,” Meadows said. “With a horse like him, it’s important to take your time and not rush the process. I’m very excited and grateful to be partnering with a horse with a lot of potential.”
