Unpolished GEMS

You don't have to remortgage to find a top-class animal – some have been bought for less than a pair of designer shoes. Bethan Simons finds out more

- Bethan Simons

NATIVE pony enthusiasts will probably have heard of the London International (LIHS), Royal International (RIHS) and Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) winner Dyffryngwy Sir Picasso, and might be surprised to hear he cost owner Emma Burrow just £650. The catch? He was purchased as a foal.

Cumbria-based producer Emma is an advocate of sourcing future stars as youngsters – preferably as foals – and running them on.

"As long as they grow up OK with no injuries and you've got the space, the benefits outweigh the risks," says Emma. "You can put your own stamp on them and by the time they get in the ring, you know them inside out."

Emma purchased Picasso at the breed sales, but nowadays finds "the good ones make a lot of money," so it's often best to buy off the breeder's field.

This is exactly how pony breeder Mandy Burchell-Small bought the uber successful former RIHS supreme pony Seamoor Lady Derby.

"She was in a field of cows just up the road from my sister's, so we went for Sunday lunch and saw 'Jessie' afterwards," says Mandy.

As a breeder, Mandy's also used to being on the other side of a sale. She advises: "If you like something in the ring and it's unavailable or out of budget, take note of its breeding. Go to the breeder or search for studs using similar bloodlines. They may have a younger sibling or similar type waiting in the wings."

BUT what if you don’t have the room to run them on and need something of rideable age?

As well as breeders, bargain-hunter Sue Heath suggests you could ask judges and friends if they know of any “good sorts”.

She recalls: "My good friend Patricia Dorman told me about a young Welsh section B she had judged. The owner didn't ride so was keen to find a good showing home for him. I purchased him for £1,500 and backed him before he went to my niece Indy Kirby, who qualified him for HOYS."

Said pony was Celton Avalon, 2024 mini mountain and moorland of the year.