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.
(Image 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
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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
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
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.
Martha is an experienced journalist who is mad-keen on horses and dogs. Her reporting CV includes the Paris Olympics, European championships, Aachen World Equestrian Festival and World Cup finals. After growing up with assorted liver and white springer spaniels, she enjoyed 14 years with two rescue dogs. Now, her constant companion is Fidget, an extremely energetic and habitually muddy black and white springer. Martha has written on topics as diverse as a top horse’s clone to the best GPS trackers for dogs, as well as equestrian and rural matters for Country Life, The Field, The Times, The Spectator and The Telegraph alongside Horse & Hound.
