One Good Navigator Finds the Road to the Top

A True Character

Just because a horse is a winner doesn’t mean he’s easy to work with. Some of the most talented competitors are often the most difficult; but not Gator. “He’s an angel around the barn,” explains Kemery. “He thinks the barn is his. He is pretty full of himself. I think he knows how good he is.”

They sometimes also refer to Gator as “Prince.” “He’s the Prince and he is the man and he knows it,” chides Alvarez. “He’s definitely very sweet and always likes attention,” adds Young.

And Gator loves to eat and especially loves being turned out on the grass paddocks at Waterside when not on the road so that he can munch away all day. “He begs for extra treats and when he gets it he begs for more,” adds Kemery. Gator has discovered that peppermints are one of his favorite treats.

“He is very spoiled,” says Young with a smile. “He knows he has peppermints waiting for him when he comes out of the ring. If anyone is in the ingate, he nuzzles them for mints until he finds Scott who has them. He usually gets a peppermint when he goes into the ring (as a mood sweetener).”

Alvarez explains that, “He has a trick when you come near him with a treat or he wants a treat, he will put up his front leg and start waving it at you.” She noted that Kemery had taught Navigator that, “but we are not sure how.” Alvarez also carries peppermints with her “as a part of showing – it’s a requirement.”

Young also revealed that Kemery “taught Gator how to tell his age by pawing the ground. So he paws eight (or nine) times.”

Gator has personality and he also has character and both of those traits help him in the competition arena. “He is a very flashy horse and he walks into the ring as a beautiful horse,” explained Young. “He has a wonderful gallop. I can pick up the gallop and keep the same rhythm. His gallop is more like a hunting type; I get into my half seat and he gallops and it is a pretty picture.”

Alvarez is not surprised with Gator’s successes and recalls when she first started riding him. “We were trying horses and had seen many that were already showing in 3’6”. Then we tried Gator and Scott thought he was really special. So, we decided to buy him. I rode him (but did not show him) at the 2000 Hampton Classic. When I was up on him I thought he was incredible. He was so much fun to ride. He was very easy and makes it very enjoyable.”

Alvarez doesn’t get to ride her mount all the time but explains, “I definitely appreciate going back to ride him.”