The breeding of Lordships Graffalo has resulted in one of the greatest eventers to have graced the planet, but he was something of a “thug” in his foalhood. Still known for his habits of tugging his grooms to tastier grazing, chewing ropes and upending wheelbarrows, “he used to walk over everyone” as a curious, independent baby. So let’s learn more about his early life.
Originally called Hermes, his stable name was changed to Walter at four after a horse transporter his owners knew. He was raised in Essex, at Writtle College, as his dam – Cornish Queen – had been loaned to Lordships Stud by her owner Pennie Wallace, as part of a breeding programme.
“His mum was so fiery, they had to lead her in a bridle at Writtle or she’d dance on her hindlegs,” says Pennie. “None of her foals were straightforward, but it did Walter good to live out in a herd.”
Caroline Farr, Lordships Stud manager, remembers Walter as “a very friendly foal. He loved interacting with humans and other horses and was always inquisitive and up to something”.
Walter was a curious and independent foal. Credit: Caroline Farr/Lordships Stud
At two, he returned to Pennie, who sent him to Ros Canter as she liked how Ros was producing his older half-sister Pencos Crown Jewel. It was shrewd foresight – Ros had yet to compete at five-star and there was no assurance of the megastar she would become.
“All the ducks aligned for Walter,” says Pennie. “I knew Cornish Queen had good bloodlines, but I never dreamt she’d produce what she has. Walter is out-and-out talented, but it also needed Ros to bring that out. You need the right rider with the experience and talent.”
Lordships Graffalo breeding information
Stable name: Walter
Height: 17hh
Year of birth: 2012
Breeding: by Grafenstolz out of Cornish Queen (by Rock King)
Breeder: Pennie Wallace and Lordships Stud
Owners: Michele and Archie Saul
Best results: three-time Badminton and two-time Burghley winner; European individual and team champion; Olympic team gold medallist
Lordships Graffalo’s pedigree chart
Meet the parents
While Grafenstolz needs no introduction as a top-ranked eventing sire, Walter’s damline is equally illustrious. Cornish Queen was bred by Olympic gold medallist Bridget Parker – a niece of her Munich 1972 ride Cornish Gold – and sold to Pennie Wallace. Although Cornish Queen didn’t compete beyond pre-novice (BE100), her mother Cornish Faer (by Ben Faerie) contested Badminton and Burghley.
“They all had an amazing jump and a type,” says Bridget. “I hope people realise how much comes from the mare.”
Other facts about Lordships Graffalo’s breeding
1. Graffalo has a full sister, Pencos Sovereign, born 2023.
2. His part-Arab great-great-granddam (April The First, dam of Tregea) won a 7ft 2in puissance.
- Enjoyed reading this? For more expert insight on top horses, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website
You might also enjoy:
Watch Lordships Graffalo cross-country schooling as a six-year-old under Ros Canter
Lordships Graffalo – meet Ros Canter’s supreme star who eats tack, licks cars and loves a cuddle
‘Lordships Graffalo is an absolute clown’: Sarah Charnley on 10 years grooming for Ros Canter – and juggling it with a full-time job
Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round
