click on the fish  to translate this page into Chinese, Dutch, French,German, Greek, Italian,Japanese, Korean,Portuguese,Spanish, or Russian  MIDNIGHT TODDY Midnight Toddy For owners Viggo Sorensen and Grethe Broholm, the story of Midnight Toddy began in February, 1982. It was at that time, during a search in the state of Washington for quality broodmares, that they discovered "Toddy." No strangers to the Tennessee Walking Horse, Viggo and Grethe knew at once that the not-quite-two-year-old black stallion was special indeed. It was immediately apparent to them that, on top of his strength of gait, impeccable conformation, and fine bloodlines (strong Rodger's Perfection and Midnight Sun), lay the warm disposition that every great horse must possess. These qualities were the groundwork upon which solid training, determination and experience were to be built. The young Midnight Toddy they purchased that day would go on to do more to promote the Walking Horse than any other in the northern country. The culmination of a dream took place at the Provincial Classic Tennessee Walking Horse Show in Hobbema, Alberta on June 25,1988, when Midnight Toddy became the first ever Supreme Versatility Champion in Canada! Midnight Toddy's first show was the Yellowhead Walking Horse Association's Annual Gaited Horse Show in Edmonton, Alberta. Against an impressive lineup of horses (as a two-year-old) he won Reserve Grand Champion. He then went on to win class after class with many Grand Champion and High Point wins. It was only in 1986 that Viggo and Grethe decided that Toddy should be nominated into the TWHBEA's Versatility Program. Since then, Toddy has won virtually every major award in the province of Alberta. In 1988 alone, his more notable wins included both Grand Champion Halter and High Point Performance awards at the Provincial Classic, Top of the Derrick, and Canadian National Gaited Horse Shows. To top it all off, Toddy was the High Point Adult Model Horse for all of North America in the Versatility Program. The amount of prize monies and trophies Toddy has won is unprecedented in Canadian Walking Horse history. He has won many blankets and sheets, halters and bridles, feed and supplies, and, not least, a fully outfitted western show saddle. A price can't be put on the winnings, but it can be safely said that Toddy is the winningest Walker with the winningest ways . . . To fans all over, Toddy is known for his charming character. The spectators love the way he handles the show arena with ease. He enjoys watching the other classes from behind the gate. None of the high pressure crunch for Toddy - he is often seen snoozing in his stall during lunch break, but not before he's reared up just high enough to peek over the walls and check out the neighbors! In fact, the only time Toddy looks just a wee bit nervous is after he wins a water glass class - he knows he's going to get wet! Toddy is no stranger to attention. He is a favorite at the numerous demonstrations and parades in which he takes part. You just have to see him surrounded by a crowd of children to know how much he loves to be admired. Training any horse to be an ultimate winner is never supposed to be easy. It was lucky for Viggo and Grethe that they chose the Tennessee Walking Horse, and double lucky that the horse they chose was Toddy. His intelligence and willingness became apparent as his training progressed. Right from the beginning, Toddy took on every new challenge with his ears forward! Grethe, his trainer, found that he always seemed to know what his next move was to be. For many lessons, he needed only to be shown once. It was obvious right from the start that this great horse was to excel in versatility. He loves to jump and has never refused! He loves to be driven, and can perform a 360 degree turn on the cart wheel flawlessly. When called upon to do barrels, he proves himself a true athlete. In trail classes, he treats every obstacle with exactly the right amount of caution, respect, and willingness. With his effortless running walk and unbeatable rocking chair canter, Tody shines in the flat performances classes. He shows in a light saddle shoe and goes barefoot in the winter. His strength is in being able to perform whatever he is asked to do - a true versatility horse! What does the future hold for Midnight Toddy? Well, Viggo Sorensen and Grethe Broholm are happy to report that he will go on promoting his breed. Perhaps a few demonstrations and parades, or perhaps pulling an antique buggy for VIPs at opening ceremonies. He'll be taking a rest from the show ring for a time to enable Viggo and Grethe to promote his offspring. Toddy has already proven that he can pass on his good looks, gait, and terrific disposition to his get. In fact, it may very well be impossible to buy one of his foals at this time, because their owners don't want to part with them! What is tomorrow's dream for Viggo and Grethe? To see the offspring of Midnight Toddy go on to win versatility awards! Be listening for caps popping off more bottles of champagne! By Windi Bohn Reprinted from Voice of the Tennessee Walking Horse magazine, August 1989. |
