Breyer 712 Newsworthy "Cheers" Champion Show Pony Retired

From the moment Mindy Darst spotted the grey gelding in 1995, she knew he was the one in a million. tough skinny and green, he boasted an extraordinary stride and a bold, correct jump. Soon he was toting her daughter Jennifer to one blue ribbion after another.

Over the nexr decade, "Cheers" swept every major championship in the country , notching some national titles along the way. From Devon to the Desert Circuit (and everywhere in between!), he proved a kind, dependable partner with looks and talent to spare--and a knack for teaching children. Just ask junior riders Andrew Ramsay, Julianne Befeler, Christy Russo, Paris Sellon, Jessica Springteen and Olivia Esse - all of whom competed on him.

Beginning in 2006, Newsworthy continued his winning ways with the Chad family. Both Bretton and Kara Chad have ridden Newsworthy, Bretton in 2006 and part of 2007, then younger sister Kara took over in the summer of 2007. Both girls have ridden Newsworthy to serval East and West coast championships and Kara will continue to do so in 2008. Rumors of a possible end of season, 2008 retirement, at the Washington International Horse Show, would leave "Cheers" with the Chad's to live out his retirement.

As Julianne Befeler told The Chronicle of the Horse, "There's Newsworthy; then there's all the rest!"