APPLAUSE | A Final Ovation

20 September 1981 – 04 September 2017

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of a true Aussie Superstar - the wondrous APPLAUSE, who moved on to greener pastures yesterday at the grand age of thirty-six.

As the last living son of Mulawa Foundation Sire AMBITION, the passing of APPLAUSE marks the closing of the final chapter of the earliest days of the Mulawa programme, which began over four decades ago with imports from the UK & the USA. Remembered fondly alongside three-quarter brother MULAWA THE QUEST, these two legendary sons of AMBITION did more to affirm the positive reputation of both Mulawa and the Polish Arabian in the performance arena than any pair of athletes in Australia.

The prophetically named APPLAUSE, under the care and guidance of Karen Pet since he was a foal, won enough Performance and Halter Championships to fill volumes. Suffice to say, APPLAUSE & Karen were the epitome of success, competitiveness and partnership in and out of the ring.

It would be true to say Karen and APPLAUSE grew up together. As a young girl, Karen’s first and last task of the day was to ensure her best friend and faithful companion was well, happy and content. This routine continued through the years, for more than three and half decades. The bond between Karen and her stallion companion was rare indeed.

APPLAUSE possessed a huge and willing heart, a generous nature and a temperament that made the partnership between an Arabian stallion and a young growing girl a privilege to witness over the years. As Karen grew to womanhood, APPLAUSE remained the constant in her life, with her commitment to him always a priority.

The dam of APPLAUSE was ANNA POLA, a daughter of GROJEC, imported from the UK in 1977. Line-bred to breed pillars OFIR & WITRAZ, APPLAUSE epitomized the trainable athlete that was the intention when combining the esteemed attributes of his sire & dam. Most importantly, APPLAUSE was fortunate to find his lifelong partner in Karen, who was able to train and shape him to make the most of his natural gifts.

It is every breeder’s wish that the horses they breed find the best possible owners. Few horses were as fortunate as APPLAUSE. There will be a standing ovation in equine heaven today as APPLAUSE makes his entrance one final time, and no doubt makes his way straight to the championship circle.

A life well lived, indeed. Thank you Karen, and thank you APPLAUSE.