In Australian Jumping, few names resonate as powerfully as Vivant van de Heffinck (Fuego du Prelet x Landino). This remarkable stallion has left an indelible mark on the sport and breeding scene in Australia, thanks to the vision and dedication of Helen and Chris Chugg.

​

Their journey to discover Vivant began with a mission to establish a breeding operation in Australia for their Filipino clients, Mike Barrera and his family. In 2001, this quest took them across Europe, where they encountered various young stallions, but none captivated them quite like Vivant.

 

Helen recounts their first encounter with Vivant, “As it turns out, the first colt that we saw was the one. He was not quite three, and he was everything in my mind that I thought we needed.”

​

Helen and Chris sought a modern horse that could blend with the established bloodlines in Australia, which were predominantly thoroughbred. Vivant embodied that ideal, showcasing a balance of athleticism, temperament, and pedigree that was hard to resist, Helen saying, “We always had in our mind that we needed a modern horse, and that’s exactly what he was… He was a standout.”