Owner Spotlight: Lauren Sumner & Excel Star Babadook (“Duke”)
Every horse shopping journey looks a little different, but sometimes the right partner finds you when you least expect it. For Lauren Sumner, the search for her next horse came at a pivotal moment in her riding career—and even while recovering from surgery, she trusted the process and took a leap of faith. That leap led her to Duke, a talented young Irish Sport Horse whose kind heart and star quality shine brighter with every ride.
What led you to choose Courtney when it came time to find your next horse?
My family and I chose Courtney because she has been a reputable and successful broker of horses of all types and levels. It’s not easy to be successful to that level and length of time in this industry with sales. And while we had not worked together before, I felt very confident in picking her to help us with what would be our biggest investment yet into my personal horse and career. Whether it’s success you see online, or the horses you see at competition, it’s very clear she sources exceptional horses.
How did Courtney help you find a horse that was truly the right match for you?
Initially, my mom Stephanie was the one to reach out to Courtney about possible young horses. She sent us videos and information on a few, based on my needs. We were very unfamiliar with how the whole process would work, and what to even look for in an Irish horse to be honest. I’ve grown up with Morgan horses and Thoroughbreds. We did want something with Thoroughbred blood, and not super large. I am petite and better suited to a smaller and sporty type. I think she really hit the nail on the head with Duke based on the information we gave her. Because I was laid up at the time from ACL and meniscus surgery. We bought him off video as I was still on crutches. That’s a lot of faith to put into someone, when you can’t sit on the horse yourself. But the timing was right for us and we’re very grateful he’s turned out to be the best match!
Tell us about your horse—what made you choose them, and what do you love most?
Ultimately, I fell in love with Duke’s videos. I liked how uphill he was, seemed more petite (although he’s grown!), and his free jump video was incredible! I’ve also always loved a dark horse with two hind socks. He and my other horse have matching stars and hind socks. So they’re very cute traveling to competitions together! I don’t know too much about warmblood breeding. I was aware that Diarado (his grand sire) is a very sought after line. I mostly went with my gut based on videos and pictures. I’ve had a lot of luck buying great Thoroughbreds sight unseen, so I was ready to pull the trigger!
Once I had him in my barn, it was a dream come true. When I was finally able to ride, I swung a leg over and he was perfect. Besides how talented he is, I love most that he is safe and kind. He loves a good cuddle. And he loves to play in the water. I enjoy letting him be a baby, play in the creeks on our hacks, and help him though all his new adventures and experiences. I have been enjoying these formative years building a partnership with him.
What have you and your horse accomplished together so far?
This year Duke and I have really settled into our partnership. He has won several events in the past year. And most recently he moved up to Novice and won his second attempt at Seneca Valley Pony Club Horse Trials. We are most looking forward to the 5 year old Championships in October. This will be a new experience for me and I’m very proud and grateful for the opportunity!
What are your future goals as a team?
My future goals are to continue building a great partnership with Duke. I have competition goals, but I think they are secondary to the trust and experience you build with a young horse. I believe he is capable in helping me achieve my dreams at the upper levels. But I’m also very happy to listen to him and let him tell me what pace he needs and what he enjoys most! My goal is also to continue developing my own skill as a horsewomen and trainer. I’ve learned a lot transitioning to producing a warmblood when my previous experience was in Thoroughbreds. It’s a much different process and I’m growing with him. And I hope to represent the Excel Star brand in a positive light with our partnership!
What has being part of Courtney’s program or community meant to you?
The best part of purchasing from Courtney is how amenable and accessible she made the process for my family. My mom, grandma and myself have worked very hard to create an opportunity like this. And she made the process easy! I also love that I’ve been able to take lessons and get advice in helping produce Duke. I wanted to be sure I’m doing right by him as he would be my first Irish Sport Horse. I have really enjoyed my lessons with Courtney, not only in helping me with Duke. But I’ve also been able to get help with my Advanced horse Pepe, who is full Thoroughbred.
Any advice you’d give to someone considering working with Courtney to find their next partner?
My advice would be to DO IT! If you have the opportunity to purchase a horse from Ireland, or from her program, you should feel confident you will get what you expect. If I could, I would buy a dozen more! But I am more than happy with my one little Irish Horse.
Thank you, Lauren, for sharing your story. Watching your partnership with Duke unfold has been inspiring, and we can’t wait to cheer you on as you head to the 5-Year-Old Championships and beyond. Here’s to many more adventures, blue ribbons, and creek splashes together!
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