Nina Barbour
A son of Argentinus – also the sire of Nick Skelton's former top ride, Arko lll
– Arkol is known for his trainable attitude and athletic ability, already making a name for himself on the showjumping circuit with William Whitaker.
Harthill Stud partner, Nina Barbour, talks about her super talented stallion, Arkol.
1 – How did you come across Arkol originally?
I was at a show in Spain and saw him competing in the young horse classes in Valencia. He won all but the six-year-old classes that tour and was super consistent. Like all talented horses do he just caught my eye and attention and I thought he would be a great asset to the stud and team as a whole.
2 – How long have you owned him?
We bought him in 2013 so have had a year getting to know his character and temperament and we couldn't ask for more.
3 – Where he is currently at in terms of competition level?
He's been jumping the International seven-year-old classes with Will Whitaker which are 1.45m and has really started to show his scope at the higher level.
4 – What are your hopes for the future?
Very much to watch this very talented horse develop in his competitive career to the top-level. It would be great to see one of our stallions represent the UK. We have covered some very good mares with him too, so watching their development will be very exciting.
5 – How old are his oldest youngstock, do you have any?
Yes we have two 2014 born colts by him, who both have all the credentials anybody would look for in a young elite sports horse, we are delighted by them, above all in their remarkable confidence.
6 – What is he like to handle and deal with?
He is no trouble at all and has a very good brain for the rigours of modern day show jumping combined with his stud duties.
7 – What makes him special?
Arkol is very much a product of his bloodlines, and it is by no means an accident that he has all the attributes essential to a top class horse. He has so much power and agility that he does not find the sport difficult. When a horse finds something easy, they become confident in it, and to jump at the very top of the sport today a horse has to be incredibly brave.
8 – What are some of his major wins?
Arkol has done very well in the age specific classes. He won The British Showjumping National Championship for four-year-olds at the Scope Festival in 2011, he won the five-year-old series at Addington Manor, went on to win the six-year-old classes in Valencia. He has now made the transition to jumping up to 1.45m classes and already is earning points at this level.
9 – Nina – have you ridden him and what was he like?
I tried him before deciding to buy him, although the plan was always for a professional to ride him. I was amazed by how straight forward and scopey he was, and how easy he made big fences feel at only six-years-old!
10 – What is his weekly schedule?
Arkol's week runs very much around Will Whitaker's competition commitments and has been to a few top international shows last season as his third horse. Having now stepped up a level, he has to travel quite a lot, but takes his International life in his stride.
For further information contact Harthill Stud on (01829) 720775 or visit www.harthillstud.com