82 SIDELINES SEPTEMBER 2013
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
Pablo and Kung Fu
appeared on the cover of
Sidelines in 1998.
Pablo’s daughter,
Alicia, competed
the stallion in the
Children’s Jumpers
division. Alicia and
Kung Fu also won
a Mini Prix.
Pablo and Kung Fu, a
much-loved member of
the family, enjoyed a
bonding moment in 2012.
Kung Fu - A Great Life,
A Great Retirement
Kung Fu, a Chilean Warmblood born in 1985,
became part of Pablo Gamboa’s family as a
two-year-old. Standing only 15.3, the small but
talented stallion participated in the Barcelona
Olympics in 1992 with Hugo Fernando. Following
the Olympics, Kung Fu came to the United
States and Pablo started riding him. The little
horse with the big heart became Pablo’s Grand
Prix and Open Speed horse and developed quite
a following. People at the shows would go to the
hill at the Winter Equestrian Festival to watch him,
and as he galloped down the line to a wall all they
could see were the tips of Kung Fu’s ears and the
top of Pablo’s hat! Kung Fu and Pablo, with the
help of Joe Fargis, were on the long list for the
Atlanta Olympics. On July 5, 1996, however, a
devastating barn fire occurred and Kung Fu was
one of only four horses out of 22 who survived.
Although Pablo and Kung Fu were asked to
compete in the Olympics, Pablo turned down
the opportunity because it was too soon after the
fire. Kung Fu went on to became a family horse,
with Pablo’s wife Leanne showing him in the
Amateurs, Pablo’s brother Juan Carlos showing
him in the Adults and their daughter Alicia
competing him in the Children’s Jumpers. Kung
Fu, now 28-years-old, is enjoying his retirement
at the Gamboa’s farm, still breeding and happily
running in his paddock.
Amber Porterfield, of Charleroi, Pennsylvania, and her 33-year-old mare
Cheyenne, nicknamed Momma Girl. Amber adopted her from the humane
society five years ago in deplorable conditions. Cheyenne now takes Amber’s
seven-year-old daughter on trail rides and Amber says she is one of the
greatest horses she has ever owned.
Marilyn Cantey, of Santa Cruz, California, and her
30-year-old Arab mare, Cameo Leia. Marilyn has had
her wonderful mare since she was eight-years-old.
They did a Century Ride together a couple of years
ago and Marilyn says she hopes to have her forever.
