Reyning Metal was hard not to miss – it was on the eve of the Nutrien Classic 2022 sale commencing that a newly formed syndicate was on the hunt for the next big thing.
Josh and Rani Herrmann had been on the lookout for some time for a colt that ticks all the boxes. “Something that stands out from the crowd, with trainability, mind, type, size, athleticism but most of all presence”, this is how Josh described what he was looking for in his next colt.
So it was at the 2022 Nutrien Classic Horse sale, whilst walking through the stables viewing horses for a friend from QLD, a particular colt caught their eye as he was heading out for a ride. That colt was Reyning Metal who was being presented by Hugh Miles on behalf of Peter and Carolyne Doonan. From that moment, Josh was happy with what he saw and was keen to look further into purchasing the colt.
Later that day Josh ran into a close friend Brett Hanly at the AELEC, where a hot topic came up over a few beers. “What are we buying this year?”, was asked back and forth between them. When Josh expressed his interest in Reyning Metal, Brett’s ears pricked and he said he was keen to have a look. Within a very short period of time both Brett and Josh decided that Reyning Metal was the horse they both wanted, and with that the “2FL Syndicate” was formed. Brett and Bridie Hanly and Josh and Rani Herrmann formed the syndicate. “2FL”, which stands for 2 Fat Ladies, as Bridie and Rani were both expecting babies at the time.
Come sale day there was one horse that the 2FL Syndicate came to buy and with that Reyning Metal (AKA Ronnie) found a new home back in QLD. He was the top selling colt in 2022 selling for $100,000. The rest as they say, is history.
2FL Syndicate’s vision for the colt was to become a top challenge and campdraft horse. They were aware that to do that they needed a good team, and they certainly got that.
When asked how they would describe Reyning Metal, the owners said, “His trainability and temperament are exceptional; he takes everything in his stride and if you show him once he remembers. He is a pleasure to be around and have at home or on the truck. Ron has a very cool and calm attitude and when it comes time to work he knows how to show up in style.”
They added, “We purchased the colt knowing he was something special. He captured our eye and then he captured our hearts.”
His success thus far has been nothing short of extraordinary. In his first four starts with Josh Smith he has surpassed all expectations, scoring the Highest Dry Work in the Nutrien Classic, Greenvale & Horse of the North Classic Challenges. The latter event he won overall, running what may be a record breaking 96.25 in the Dry Work. Same scenario in the Cloncurry Stockman’s Classic Challenge, which he currently leads on 91.75, one judge scoring him 96.5!
Ronnie’s success in the competition arena has spilled over into the breeding barn, true testament to the industry’s confidence in this young sire. All connections are justifiably very excited for his future…big things await!
