‘As good as gold'

Some special ponies live long in the memories of those they teach to ride. Lucy Elder meets the four-legged heroes of the country’s riding schools

- Lucy Elder

HOW many millions of people will have had their very first experience with horses coming from a pony at their local riding stables? It’s like trying to count the stars in the sky. Those Saturday mornings and soft noses have ignited a love of horses in so many.

“We have seen so many people who had their first ride on Goldilocks all those years ago now bringing their own children to ride her,” says Teresa Squire, yard manager at Woolacombe Riding Stables in North Devon.

The 11.2hh, part-bred “cheeky” Shetland has spent 25 years giving children their very first taste of horses at the seaside riding stables since arriving from Exeter Horse Sales as a three-year-old.

“The amount of families who come back year after year and ask, ‘Do you still have Goldie here?’ is amazing,” says Teresa, adding that Goldie has “done it all”, from lessons and shows to hunting.

“She’s lovely with the children, but wouldn’t let anyone walk all over her – she definitely tells the other ponies, a typical little mare!

“She’s as good as gold, whether we have a four-year-old having their first ride or a slightly older child wanting to do some jumping, and she can keep up with the horses in canter. There’s never been any naughtiness in her, just sheer excitement at times, and the kids love her. She’s semi-retired now, so she just does the little ones every now and again.”

Teresa adds that Goldie’s varied work and careful routine have helped keep her thriving mentally and physically across her long-serving career.

THAT focus on management and varied routine is something that Ingestre Stables’ Tim Downes says is crucial for keeping horses happy in themselves and sweet in their work.