Summitt is a horse that loves to win – his favourite colours Blue; Red, White & Blue and, of course, the beautiful PURPLE of Supreme. A certain judge still remembers The Crabbet Show held on the 4 th November 1989 where Summitt had won his class and Champion Stallion and had then been shown in the Breeder/Owner Class of about 15 groups where his group placed second. A very “put out” Summitt saw the red ribbon, laid his ears back, waved his head and would not have a bar of getting a “red”. An embarrassed Ray took the ribbon and apologized most profusely to the judge for his cranky friend and left the ring. A few classes later Summitt was in the ring again for judging of Supreme Exhibit and after his usual spine tingling workout was awarded the top honours. A tentative judge approached with the ribbon and asked Ray if it was safe to place the ribbon around his neck – “of course” replied Ray “it's the right colour”. We all remember Summitt's head coming down for the ribbon and the smoochy cuddle he gave the judge. At the seminar which followed, the judge, still laughing, said she would always fondly remember the stallion who wouldn't accept second place.

And that pretty much sums Summitt up – he won't play second fiddle to anyone and he does not like sharing the attention or the limelight – and who can blame him – he is a VERY SPECIAL horse and deserves his fame.

Summitt believes he could give famous drummer Chad Smith a run for his money and often lets us know how he is feeling i.e. feed me, time to put me out for a run, time to get this rug off or whatever by banging his nose so loudly on his stable that the walls shake.

A few years ago the banging stopped and we thought we were going to lose our mate to an extremely potent virus. After spending many anxious days and sleepless nights sitting with him in his stable, he was given a “cocktail” by the attending veterinarian to zonk him out as he was so unwell. We spent a very unhappy night reminiscing how much pleasure this horse had given us through the years and how much a part of our lives he was and we couldn't bear the thought of losing him. He wanted us with him and stood with his head resting in our arms. In the morning the crisis point had passed and as we stood hugging him my mother came quietly to his stable, expecting the worst as Ray and I had not been inside when she got up – I can tell you there was not a dry eye to be found. Very much a sook it took Summitt some months to recover and when the banging recommenced it was no longer the source of irritation that it had been - we never thought we would welcome the noise so much!

Anyone who was at the NSW Association Stallion Parade in 1991 will remember the crowd-pleasing performance that Summitt gave when he took the honours in The Liberty Event. This big, beautiful, charismatic Arabian stallion had the crowd cheering as he moved around the arena showing the movement which has made him famous. And it's not just his great movement – it's much, much more – it's beautiful balance, high set neck with good length of rein, wonderful shoulders, well sprung ribs, good hindquarters with fabulous muscling, feet that can carry his size and natural head carriage and flexion. He is quality from top to toe!

Summitt is not only a leading sire in the halter ring but is setting the pace in the saddle ring making a name for himself as his wonderful sons and daughters perform so beautifully with action so much like his. They are kind and willing to please and are built to work. They are also competing successfully in the endurance field.

Arjai SUMMITT, a prolific show and breeding stallion, is an Australian Legend – an honour he has earned!

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