Project Pony started because of Noble Superman, or “Boris”. All the kids we’ve helped have really thrown themselves into it. When I got Boris, I’d only done a few BE90s and he’d just jumped round the pony Europeans. It was a step back for him and it took us a while to get to know each other. He looked after me, from my first BE100 to my personal highlight, my first two-star, the British Pony Championships. Somehow we were third after the dressage, which was never our strong point. He’s so straight, he’ll jump whatever you ask him to. We finished sixth and I absolutely loved it.
When my parents said it was time to sell him, I’d become so attached I couldn’t bear the thought. Dad challenged me to think of a way we could keep him. He thought I’d just decide it was time for him to go, and come to terms with it. I realised the people who generally get to ride these amazing ponies are the ones who can afford to buy them. So many jockeys are much better than I am; I knew I was really lucky, and I thought we could give someone a chance by letting them have Boris.
Denne historien er fra April 20, 2023-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra April 20, 2023-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
