As a youngster, this seven-eighths bred Irish horse was not everyone’s cup of tea, at least not until Kim Walnes found him in a yard in Ireland and saw something very special in him. Despite many bucks and spooks and just plain naughtiness, Kim persevered and succeeded in producing the superstar event horse of the eighties.

In 1982, The Gray Goose carried Walnes to individual and team bronze medals at the World Championships. In 1984, the pair placed third at the Olympic Selection Trials held at the Kentucky Three-Day Event and were the reserves for the U.S. Team at the Los Angeles Olympic Games. In 1985, The Gray Goose and Walnes placed second at Boekelo, helping the U.S. Team to a first-place finish. These successes and his performances at the national level created a huge following of fans for The Gray Goose.

Gray was also a movie star. Next time you watch the movie Sylvester, look closely at the horse and rider on the cross-country course. That is The Gray Goose being ridden the woman who had the faith, the love, and the ability to see his innate talent, develop it, and take him to the very top of the sport, making a legend out of him along the way.