Ocala, FL – This week’s Ocala Sunday Spotlight shines on Sergent Stables LLC’s GFS Mikado. The six-year-old Warmblood stallion debuted in the hunter ring at World Equestrian Center during weeks II and III of the Ocala Summer Series. The young, striking hunter quickly became a fan favorite and stole the spotlight in the $10,000 USHJA National Open Hunter Derby both weeks with professional athlete Isabela De Sousa (USA) in the irons. We caught up with De Sousa to learn more about her unique, beautiful mount.
WEC: Tell us about Mikado and his personality in the barn.
He is owned by Erika Sergent of Sergent Stables LLC. He’s definitely a snuggle bug and loves all of the attention! Mikado is so calm and easy to work with. He is only six and he is a breeding stallion, but he is so calm as a stallion, and you would never know. The only time that he is a little bit spicy is the first day when you get to a new place, he is fresh and happy to be there! Otherwise, I never really have to think about it, he is so simple and pleasant to work with every day. Although, he does love to add some green to his palate of colors in the mornings!
WEC: When did you begin riding GFS Mikado?
I began riding Mikado this summer at DM Equestrian LLC with Daniel Michan. He started in the jumper ring, but we thought he would make a really nice hunter since he has such a nice presence in and around the ring. It has been really fun getting to know him and developing him in and out of the ring!
WEC: What does a typical day in the life look like for him?
Mikado will typically go out in the paddock first thing in the morning or right after I ride him. He loves to spend his time outside. If he is not outside in the paddock or being ridden, you can find him napping!
WEC: What are your future plans with him?
Since he is only a six-year-old, so we plan on taking our time developing him. I think he could be a really fun derby horse. He did the derby both weeks that we had him here at WEC – Ocala. For now, we are going to stick to the 3’ hunters and derbies. We will maybe aim toward the Green Incentive Finals in Kentucky next year.
WEC: Do you have a favorite memory with him?
I don’t have one particular favorite memory, but I really love it when people come up and ask about him. He gets a lot of attention because of his presence on the ground. He’s just so sweet and gentle and loves the attention. Anytime someone comes up to love on him and you see how much he truly enjoys it, which makes me super happy!
