Elis GV

Photo courtesy of Jon McCarthy Photography
(2009 – )
Owned by Beth Kornegay
Inducted: 2015

Photos

Photo courtesy of Jon McCarthy Photography
Earning the title of champion doesn't come easy. Not only does it take countless hours of dedication and determination, it takes a special spirit. For victories in the equestrian sport, multiply that by three â€" the talent and willingness of horses combined with expert training and the foresight and trust of horse owners.

Elis GV, the first homebred for owners Jim and Beth Kornegay of Grandview Farm, proved to be quite the competitor in 2014. This exceptional Friesiangelding not only earned the title of champion, he was recognized with the highest national honor that a horse can receive from the United States Equestrian Federation, "National Horse of the Year”.

With an exceptional temperament, Elis GV carried seven junior riders, an adult amateur driver, and his trainer Bruce Griffin into the winner’s circle on numerous occasions in 2014. Throughout his season, the gifted horse competed in carriage pleasure driving, dressage, dressage hack, drive and ride, driven dressage, english show hack, hunter pleasure, sport horse in hand, trail in hand, western dressage, western pleasure and working trail.

Beginning his year at the International Friesian Show Horse Association World (IFSHA) Region 1 Horse Show, Elis GV won a total of eight Championship titles. The versatile gelding next headed to the Bonnie Blue National Horse Show earning top finishes in multiple Friesian divisions, including earning Reserve Champion honors in the Dressage Hack Open Championship and first place in the English Pleasure Hunt Seat Open class.

At the Region 5 Championship held at the Buckeye Baroque Summer Jubilee, the Friesian powerhouse continued to rack up coveted honors as he claimed eight Regional Champion titles and three Reserve Champion titles with his trademark strong performances. Holding his own against quality dressage horses, Elis GV topped competitive Sport Horse classes on three occasions at the Raleigh Summer Dressage II with a junior rider in the irons.

Traveling to his third regional championship, Elis GV took on the Baroque Horse Regional Championship. The talented gelding secured Region 2 Champion accolades in six divisions, as well as two Reserve Champion titles.

Elis GV’s season came to a close at the IFSHA World and Grand National Championship Horse Show, adding more titles to his impressive resume. His 11 World and Grand National Champion and eight World and Grand National Reserve Champion titles once again showed his adaptability as he excelled in an array of dressage, driving, English pleasure, and western championships.

"I have been blessed with owners who believe in me and with talented horses that make me look good," said Bruce Griffin.

Although busy in the show ring, Elis GV continued to show his exemplary character by being a mount in a therapeutic riding program. Unique demands are placed on therapy horses unlike those required by horses in competition. Rarely are horses able to excel at both at the same time. Elis GV crossed the boundaries with ease, further demonstrating his versatility and willingness to please.

With talent, dedication and heart, Elis GV has shown us that he does the very best he knows how and seeks to do a little better with each passing day, breaking record after record in the process.