He’s a two-time Olympian and the holder of all three Australian Big Tour records. Simone Pearce’s heart horse, the beautiful black stallion Destano, has certainly earnt his retirement.
Simone Pearce and Destano formed a special partnership. Image Petra Kerschbaum – EQWO.net
“I recall the first time I rode Destano, it actually wasn’t really love at first sight,” recalls Simone. “He was in the stable to do some of his stallion duties and I just had to jog him one day… I remember he was really strong, and I struggled to ride him the first time. I remember being quite happy that he wasn’t my horse, and he would be leaving again!”
Fortunately, that early impression was fleeting. “In the end he stayed, and our partnership really grew. We grew to understand each other, and it’s been a beautiful, beautiful partnership… I’m very glad that the first impression wasn’t a lasting one!”
SPECIAL MOMENTS
That was back in 2020, and since then Simone and Destano (Desperados x Bella Navonna, by Brentano II) have gone on to represent Australia at two Olympics – Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 – as well as capture all three Australian Big Tour records. These include 76.261% in the Grand Prix, 77.894% in the Special, and 81.385% in the Freestyle.
“There’s been so many highs and lows and really special moments with us… the lows make the highs even more special,” says Simone. “The last Olympics in Tokyo were really difficult, as he was taking an allergic reaction to the tick spray and had a really big skin problem, so I couldn’t ride him during the week before the competition.
“That was really unfortunate and the performance was then not good, so coming back from that and really fighting to get back in shape and get my confidence back… to show Destano well in the CDIO5* at CHIO Aachen a month later and finishing second, that was a really big achievement for us and that’s probably the day I remember as the most special in our career.”
With Paris earmarked as Destano’s last show, Simone says it was very emotional. “The whole week was very, very emotional. And I just really wanted to let Destano show me the level which he was ready to compete at. I was really, really happy with him in the Grand Prix. He really was happy to be out there and enjoying himself and loving the moment.” The pair scored 70.171% to help the Australian team qualifier to the Team Final, the Grand Prix Special.
“In the Special, he was a little bit tired; it had been a long week there. However, riding into that arena knowing it was our last dance was pretty magical.”
Destano was beautifully presented at the Games by Emily Reudavey, who has been the stallion’s groom throughout his career with Simone.
Simone says Destano’s biggest strength is definitely his consistency and bravery. “He’s so brave. He’s so kind and he just loves to be in the arena. He’s never afraid of anything and he’s got a character of true gold. I think that’s really what’s brought him to this really fantastic career that he’s had.”
LISTENING TO DESTANO
We learn something from every horse we ride, and Simone says Destano is no exception. “I think with Destano, it’s really been a lesson in letting the horse show me what’s good for him and really changing up the programme. Sometimes he needs more, sometimes he needs less. I really learned to listen to him and follow his lead. He’s a big stallion and he has big opinions, and you really can’t fight with him. It’s all about following what suits him and learning to really, really listen to his needs and follow his lead.”
With the Games over, Simone is thrilled to have her heart horse back at home. “It’s so nice having him home. He’ll always be my heart horse and he’ll always be spoiled and loved and treated like the king he is.
Simone Pearce and Destano competing early in their partnership together. Image by CDI Achleiten – Michael Rzepa.
Simone Pearce and Destano posting an Australian Grand Prix record at CDI-W Pilisjászfalu in Hungary. Image by Anett Somogyvári.
Simone and Destano’s final test together at the Paris Olympic Games. Image by Michelle Terlato Photography.
“I can imagine that’s
going to be a very long time!”
“He’s retired from sport, but he’s definitely not retired from riding. He loves to be ridden, and he will definitely go on being ridden in the future so long as he enjoys it. I can imagine that’s going to be a very long time!”
Destano will also continue as a breeding stallion through his owners, Gestüt Sprehe. “We will also do some public appearances at the big stallion shows in the coming months over the winter season,” explains Simone.
What an amazing horse and an incredible career, with a fitting retirement where he’ll still very much be the king of the stable.
As for the future, Simone is now looking for her next future Grand Prix horse. Young Grand Prix mare All We Need, who was short-listed for Paris, was just in training for the season and the plan was always for her to return home to her owners.
“At the moment I don’t have any Grand Prix horses, but I hope that soon I will find and produce some new horses, and be back stronger than ever in the future.” EQ
Related articles
Halfingers are becoming more of a sports horse in Australia, as we mark 50 years of the golden breed here while Europe celebrates 150 years of the Tyrolean mountain breed.
Resilience is a mindset so baked into the horse person identity that we rarely take a moment to even consider it, but it is something we all share with each other at all levels, says Dr Georgina Downey.