174 cm = 17.1 hands

Not that we are obsessed with height but today we had to go and buy a measure-stick as we could not agree about Festivo's height. He has alot of volume which made people guess he was taller, but 174 cm is certainly tall enough!

Festivo reminds me alot but alot of Donoso, in type, character and when I ride him so I can't help comparing them. Both are soft and suspended, very willing and so extremely comfortable!
Donoso is more selfconfident and a king, he is always quiet and never loud, he is not as big but he has a big attitude and personality that he shows outwards in competitions and training, he puffs up his chest, stretches his neck proudly and says yes you can admire me now. Behind all that he is a softy that loves his mum and prefers to be next to her all the time (not allowed to say that though..)
Festivo can be loud, he is soft and a sweety, he is only 5 1/2 years old so even though he is so big he is very little! He is very willing, has no muscles as they have not ridden him this year hardly at all, he has only been breeding so it is all wobbly but wow what a natural suspension and balance in those big gaits! Can't wait to work all that movement out of his body!
Below Javier, the owner, the vet & rider and grooms, one of the grooms was so sad he had to turn around not to show he was crying, he had taken care of him since he was a foal, he has been in sensitive hands.