Katie Dinan has a new mount in her barn: Amaretto D’Arco.

The 13-year-old Belgian Warmblood stallion was previously owned by Spy Coast Farm and Shane Sweetnam, and ridden by Irish rider Sweetnam. 

Amaretto D’Arco (Darco—Tatouage D Avontuur, Tenor Manciais) is a veteran of the U.S. show circuit and international competition, most recently competing at the PSI FEI European Show Jumping Championships (Denmark) for Ireland. He served as the first alternate for the 2012 London Olympic Games, competed at this year’s Rolex World Cup Finals (Sweden) and helped Ireland win the Nations Cup at La Baule (France) in 2011. 

Dinan, 20, started riding regularly for the U.S. team this year, most recently helping the United States win the Consolation Final at the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Final (Spain). She and her trainer McLain Ward have had their eyes peeled for another top horse to join her Nougat du Vallet and Glory Days. Dinan is also a sophomore at Harvard University (Mass.).

“Because I’m in school, we were looking for a horse that could go right into the [international] classes and if anything, err on the side of one who’s a little more experienced,” said Dinan, New York City. “We’d seen Shane compete with Amaretto D’Arco, and he’s been to all the big shows in the world. He’s been really great with him, really consistent.

“I’m very lucky to have him with Nougat and Glory,” she continued. “Hopefully I’ll be in a position where I can plan schedules so that everyone can stay fresh and happy and none of the horses will be doing more than they should be doing.”

Dinan will show Amaretto D’Arco for the first time at the Pennsylvania National, and plans to compete in FEI World Cup Qualifiers at Washington International (D.C.), the Alltech National (Ky.) and the Royal Winter Fair (Ontario) as well.

“I’m just focusing on my results now, and if I’m doing well enough to be in consideration for the [USEF Long List for the 2014 Alltech World Equestrian Games (France)], that would be fantastic,” she said. “I try to have a vague long term plan but focus on my training and performance every week.”