3 minute read
PONY OF THE MONTH
Text | Georgia Harley
VINTAGE COUNT PUSHKIN
July’s pony of the month is the Champion Purebred Gelding, Vintage Count Pushkin. This purebred Section B Welsh Pony is owned and deeply loved by the Morris family.
History
This gem wasn’t always the family man he is today. Count Pushkin was a stud stallion for about ten years before joining the Morris family. During those ten years, Pushkin wasn’t ridden much, focusing predominantly on his breeding duties. Daniela Morris purchased him at this stage and prepared to bring him home to Kyalami.
Still entire, Pushkin arrived at his new home and promptly took off with his groom in tow. Daniela reports questioning her decision to bring this rather feisty stallion home as she watched them disappear, but just one trip to Onderstepoort Veterinary Hospital for the snip and Pushkin returned a changed man.
Now a gelding Pushkin enjoys his fellow pony friends and the tummy-touching hacks they enjoy together. From the years of being a stallion, some things have stuck, like a little victory swish of his neck and head when he is proud of himself or excited. Like most Welsh ponies, he has a feisty but friendly personality and intelligence to match.
His feistiness particularly comes out when he is hacking with his friends! If a car goes past, he doesn’t shy but rather sticks his ears back and prepares to tell the car EXACTLY what he thinks of them disturbing his peaceful outride…
Riding
Pushkin began his riding career at the age of 16 with Daniela Morris’ son Gabriel. Once Gabriel had outgrown him, Olivia, Gabriel’s little sister, took the reins. Olivia and Pushkin recently competed in their first dressage show and are preparing for their first freestyle test. Olivia told HQ Pony that she can’t wait for the freestyle as Pushkin will ‘dance’ to the music.
Welsh ponies are well known for being very versatile. Historically they have done everything from ploughing fields to carrying farmers and products to market. Pushkin embodies this versatility. He does it all - lead rein classes, in-hand classes with the Morris’ groom, Silva, showjumping and dressage. We can’t wait to see Olivia and Pushkin dance their way into their first freestyle!
Breeding
Vintage Count Pushkin is the son of the very well-known stallion, Foresyte Prince Edward. Prince Edward’s mother was once the Supreme Breed Horse Champion at Horse of the Year. Both Foresyte Price Edward and Pushkin himself were registered breeding stallions.
Future
Ponies like Pushkin are invaluable. Pushkin just keeps on giving and in return, receives endless love from this very special family.
