Connemara gelding Gray’s Village Melody melted hearts at this yr’s British Connemara Pony Society breed present when he was noticed carrying a three-year-old jockey within the present ring, on his debut in a displaying class.
Gray’s Village Melody, often called Brian by his connections, is an eight-year-old by famed stallion I Love You Melody out of Barana Gray. Owned by John and Emma Rugman of Clarkstown Connemara Ponies, Brian had jumped double clear at a BE100 every week earlier than his mini rider jumped aboard.
Emma purchased Brian as an unbroken three-year-old from Eire. She had had a penchant for the stallion and mare mixture for a few years, since she purchased Brian’s brother from breeder Brian Tuohy.
“The road simply works for us and so I’ve all the time sought out ponies with this breeding,” mentioned Emma. “I purchased Brian unseen from Cian Fenney; I’ve owned his siblings so I used to be fairly positive I’d like him.”
Though Brian primarily occasions, Emma mentioned that he would do any job: “He’s simply up for something, although he lives for his leaping. At house he’s a nanny to all the children however there’s probably not something he can’t do.”
Final season, Emma’s stepdaughter Izzy Rugman took Brian’s reins, however this time period Annabel Ridgway has taken over the trip. They’ve certified for the Pony Membership championships and are hoping to qualify for Badminton at a Voltaire Design Grassroots Championships qualifier subsequent month.
“They’ve had some superb outcomes after some good performances,” Emma mentioned.
On the Connemara breed present, Emma’s three-year-old niece Ida Crutchley steered Brian within the household pony class to complete third.
“He was nearly as good as gold, although it was his first displaying present; it was all very completely different for him, although he did a beautiful present and taken care of Ida,” mentioned Emma. “Ida was determined to be let off the lead rein and have a trot on her personal, however we mentioned perhaps subsequent time!
“This line has fitted in with us so effectively; the ponies have the proper mixture of expertise and temperament. I’m now very fortunate to have the dam at house with us, on the age of 23. She arrived with us seven weeks in the past from Eire and she or he’ll stay out her days right here.”
You may additionally be all for:
Credit score: Future
Credit score: Reader picture
Rotherwood Flight Of Fancy gained the RIHS in 2003 and HOYS in 2009 as a 148cm present pony
Credit score: Elli Birch/Bootsandhooves
Credit score: Boots And Hooves
Credit score: Alex Robinson
Horse & Hound journal, out each Thursday, is filled with all the most recent information and experiences, in addition to interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and coaching recommendation. Discover how one can get pleasure from the journal delivered to your door each week, plus choices to improve your subscription to entry our on-line service that brings you breaking information and experiences in addition to different advantages.
