Naughty by Nature, or “Nick” was a 15.2hh Appendix gelding. He was chestnut with four white socks and a white face. I heard people say he was cute, some…not so cute. He had a droopy lip, and cribbed consistently.

I bought Nick in August of 1999 (with the help of my father), and we immediately clicked as a partnership. He, a trouble-making equine, and I, a trouble-making teenager found each other quite suitable as full-time companions. On more than one occasion, I found myself feeling like the flashy show name had been given to the horse after an in-depth thought process, and not at random as we initially believed.

My father had recently ordered a rather large load of shavings, and they were currently being delivered into out shed, when the truck driver discovered that his vehicle was too high. They would have to be dumped outside the barn. Well, my boyfriend and I spent quite a long while shoveling the many pounds of dusty shavings into the shed, while Nick stood watching us rather keenly. Seconds after we completed our labour, the little chestnut gelding trotted casually down to the barn, reared on his hind legs and proceeded to paw the shavings out into the paddock. “Nnnniiiiccckkk!!” my boyfriend, “Sam” screamed in horror. The horse neighed and galloped away into the field! Just one of the many reasons why the horse and I had so much in common!

After learning to ride the scopey and quick-stepping gelding, I began to compete in the JR/AMI SEC I jumpers and mini-grand-prix's. Success soon followed, and I was winning almost every specialty jumper class. The partnership worked out well, as the horse was so competitive and loved his job, and we kept winning prize money, which enabled me to continue showing! I continued to compete in the 4’ Jumpers, and soon moved up to the 4’3 divisions at Thunderbird. Those were some big jumps to finish up the 2000 season, and I had much confidence coming into Kamloops in 2001. I entered the grand-prix thinking it would be, if nothing else, a learning experience. I felt quite ready, until I saw the class list. Who knew that former Canadian Show Jumping Champion Mark Laskin would be riding at that show, in that class? I managed to keep my wits about me, especially after watching “Sky High”, Mark’s mount have an uncustomary rail. So I entered the ring, with the help of my good friend and coach, Katinka Marks and managed a clear round! In the jump-off I was against Gary Brewster and Ashley Cavanaugh of Twin Oaks Farm who were on their way to Spruce Meadows after the show. I was nervous beyond belief, but the little horse pulled off a huge clean round and I emerged victorious.

While there were many victories on board Nick, the most memorable of all came in September of 2001, when I was invited to compete at the Land Rover Grand-Prix, held in Southland’s at the annual country fair. I had brought an entourage of people with me, which turned out to be an excellent call. Since my favourite show of all-time is the PNE, the fair suited my well! My groom (Kate) and I had a ball watching the entertainment and eating as much as we could. Since it was a one-day event, I got to walk the course in the late morning, and was impressed (or frightened) to say the least. Someone had built big, and it was extremely technical. Of course, while I should have been focusing, I made conversation with some guy about what else? The National Hockey League. I managed to get to the ring on time, after listening to the national anthem, and Naughty jumped BIG and clear! Again, now I got to sit back and watch the rest of the field which included Mark (again), Gary Brewster on three horses, Judy Wise and Rick Maynard just to name a few. A few clears, and then the jump-off. I figured I’d go for the safe and clear round, but my mount had other ideas! He smoked around the grass field and left all the rails up which put me on top. Thank goodness he was quick in the air, as I emerged victorious yet again! It was almost like that horse knew when it was important, and seemed to try even harder.

Naughty By Nature passed away in June of 2002, due to complications and intestinal difficulties. It must have been time for him, as he was a fighter and would have pulled through if at all feasible. It’s difficult, to say the least, when you must accept that you have lost something you loved forever, and can only wish you’d had the chance to say thanks and goodbye.

I truly believe that Naughty By Nature was the most fun, and will remain the most fun I’ve ever had in the saddle. From his huge heart to his remarkable talent, and patience. Letting me shave 33 in his flank and then winning a grand-prix a few days later, just in time for pictures. Playing with Sam, Peaches and I in Alco Park for hours. The memories are countless, the horse a champion, and me a very fortunate equestrian!