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When Havens Schatt walked into the $200,000 ClipMyHorse Hunter Classic at Hits Hudson Valley, she wasn’t chasing the money. Her mount, Chaquisto Blue PS, was only seven years old and still relatively green compared to many of the seasoned horses in the field. The plan had been simple: give the young horse experience and exposure. Instead, the stars aligned, and the pair walked away with the biggest victory of the week.
A Different Path
Like many top professionals, Schatt usually maps out careful programs for her young horses. But Chaquisto Blue PS or “Chaquito” didn’t follow the typical roadmap. Tall, gangly, and recently gelded, he first went to Ocala with Tim Maddrix for strength-building rides before joining Schatt’s program in May.
She initially envisioned him as an equitation prospect for a working student. Along the way, he dabbled in the Young Hunters, performance hunters, and even a few junior hunter classes with her student. What set him apart was his brain: quiet, brave, and levelheaded in every setting.
“For once in my career, I had the right horse at the right time for the big class,” Schatt explained. “It just happened to fall into place like that. I didn’t plan it.”
The Moment of Opportunity
In fact, Schatt hadn’t even planned to ride Chaquito in the class. Her initial entry was Cascarino, her seasoned derby partner, but after a stellar derby round the day before, she and the owner decided he had already done enough. Chaquito got the nod instead.
The decision proved to be a turning point. Though still inexperienced, he stepped into the ring and delivered a trip that earned top scores. As the class unfolded, Schatt tried to distract herself by looking at her phone, but when only a handful of riders remained, she started to believe the improbable might actually happen.
Schatt credits the horse’s nature as much as his ability. “He was still interested enough in the three-foot-six height being a younger, inexperienced horse, but he was brave enough and scoping enough to take the atmosphere and perform beautifully,” she said.
That balance of youthful curiosity and innate bravery made Chaquito stand out. Even in a high-pressure environment with prize money on the line, he kept his cool and rose to the occasion.
Lessons for the Future
Chaquito’s success serves as a reminder that not every horse needs to follow the same script. Schatt emphasized the importance of flexibility in training, listening to the horse, and being willing to take opportunities as they come.
“This horse took a totally different path than my other seven-year-olds,” she noted. “You have to be flexible as a rider, trainer, and professional. The horses tell you what they’re ready for.”
For Schatt, the victory wasn’t just about the ribbon or the prize money. It was about seeing a young horse step into the spotlight and rise to the occasion. “On that weekend, for me to win, all the stars just went into place,” she reflected.
Sometimes, the right horse at the right time is all it takes to create a moment that defines a season and a career.
Want more insight from Havens Schatt? Listen to episode 450 of The Plaidcast and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform for conversations with the most influential voices in the equestrian world.
