Lafitte De Muze partnered with trainer Amanda Steege and owner Cheryl Olsten in the fall of 2017, arriving in the United States as a six-year-old. Now, entering their ninth year together, Steege and Lafitte returned to the Dixon Oval to defend their place as one of the most accomplished and recognizable hunter partnerships in the sport.
Early Success
In 2017, Steege received a video from Gerd Schonebeck of a powerful Belgian Warmblood he had for sale in Germany. Seeing his potential, Steege travelled overseas to try the gelding.
“I will never have a horse shopping trip in Europe quite as exciting as that one,” Steege recalled. “I knew I loved Lafitte from the videos Cheryl sent, but the moment I got on him, I knew we were a perfect match.”
After arriving in the States, Lafitte quickly made his mark. Steege debuted him in January 2018 in the 3’6” Greens, where he immediately proved himself to be something special.
“He was a natural,” said Steege. “We had instant success and multiple championship wins in his first year.”
That season, the duo travelled to Wellington for WCHR Hunter Week, earning Reserve Champion honors before going on to claim the 3’6” Green Hunter Championship. They later won the $50,000 Pro Challenge at Capital Challenge, the $500,000 Hunter Prix Finals at HITS Saugerties, and the Grand Green Hunter Championship at the National Horse Show.
Lafitte then stepped up to the 3’9” Green division and has since spent the past six years competing at the highest levels, including High Performance Hunters and in USHJA International Hunter Derbies.
“He's achieved just about everything you can imagine,” laughed Steege. “He’s won the Peter Wetherhill Award and the Rox Dene Award, captured the inaugural $80,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at WEC Ocala, and was the USEF Horse of the Year in High Performance last year.”
According to Steege, what truly sets Lafitte apart is his competitive spirit and star presence.
“He understands when it’s time to perform and raises his game a little bit when he knows we’re at an important show. His heart and drive for perfection have allowed him to stay at the top for so many years.”
Giving Back to the Sport
Lafitte’s owner, Cheryl Olsten, shares a uniquely close bond with the horse. Originally purchased with the goal of having a horse to compete in the professional hunter divisions and international hunter derbies, Lafitte has exceeded all her expectations.
“He’s a little bit spoiled, especially when it comes to Cheryl,” said Steege. “She absolutely loves him. The moment we walk into the barn he turns into a treat monster, begging and demanding our attention.”
Olsten recognizes Lafitte’s broader impact on the sport. Together, they have donated approximately $500,000 of their prize money to the EQUUS Foundation, supporting the foundation’s mission to protect horses from abuse and neglect.
Lafitte also inspired Olsten’s children’s book, “Big Wishes for Little Feat,” which follows a horse in Belgium and a young girl brought together by a shooting star. The story centers on confidence, new beginnings, and the bond between the horse and girl. The sequel, “My Lucky Star,” was released in April of this year.
Returning to Devon
While competing on the hunter circuit, Lafitte has become something of a fan favorite.
“I distinctly remember at the Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular, my boyfriend and Lafitte’s groom, Tim, were walking when a group of girls started whispering, ‘Oh my gosh, that’s Lafitte and Mr. Tim,” Steege said. “You could say they have a bit of a reputation going on.”
Part of Lafitte’s popularity comes from his personality. “He loves the spotlight, especially crowds and cameras,” Steege added.
The duo competed at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair this year, defending their High-Performance Hunter Championship title, with Steege receiving the High-Performance Working Hunter Leading Lady Rider Award.
“We’d been reserve champion at Devon before but never won,” she said. “Last year, going into the final round felt extra special. Lafitte truly put in 150%, and we scored a 96. It’s one of my favorite rounds I’ve ever had with him.”
It was a victory that cemented Devon as a special place for both horse and rider.
“I love riding him in the Dixon Oval on Sunday,” Steege said. “There’s always kids and fans outside of the ring and we make it a point to stop, talk and take pictures. Lafitte loves all the interaction with the public.”
A Lasting Partnership
Now in their ninth year together, Steege says their partnership remains stronger than ever.
“I adore and respect him, and believe the feeling is mutual,” she said. “If I'm walking the course or watching other riders, I can feel Lafitte’s eyes locked on me as if he can pick me out of a crowd.”
When asked about what she hopes people remember about her and Lafitte, Steege emphasized horsemanship over accolades.
“I hope people remember how much emphasis we put on being good horsemen and the care and thought we put into developing Lafitte and giving him a long, successful career,” she said. “I certainly won’t forget the bond I have with him, and I hope people don’t either.”