HT 2013 Spring

Issue: No 43 Spring 2013

the magazine for members of the Highland Pony Enthusiasts Club

Highland times

SCOTLAND Maj & Mrs Connell, Pitmenzie, Glassart Glen, by Auchtermuchty, Fife. KY14 7HT. e-mail:pitmenzie1@btinternet.com Tel: 01337 828783.

NORTH WEST Kathy Dewhurst, Blackmoss Farm Cottage, Elmridge Lane, Chipping, Preston, Lancashire. PR3 2NY. e-mail:KL5dewhurst@yahoo.co.uk Tel: 01772 785895 / 07734 846807 Lindsay Walsh, Jenkinsons Barn, Thornley, Longridge, Preston, Lancashire. PR3 2TA. e-mail:lindsaywalsh@hotmail.co.uk Tel 07900 204585 NORTH EAST Christopher Grant, Birks Cottage Farm, Heddon Birks, East Heddon on the Wall, Northumberland. NE15 0HF. e-mail:fullykittedout@hotmail.com Tel: 0191 2671610 / 07787 124413 Lianne Parkin – 11 Loweswater Cresent, Grangefield, Stockton on Tees, Teeside. TS18 4PY. e-mail:lianneparkin@ntlworld.com Tel: 01642 895109 PENNINE Alison Payne, 32 Wellhouse Lane, Penistone, Sheffield. S36 8ER. e-mail:alisonpayne909@btinternet.com Tel: 01266 370026 Amanda Hart, 31 Westfield Avenue, Thurstone Sheffield. S36 9RL. e-mail:hartsika@btinternet.com Tel: 07897 257166

CENTRAL-WEST MIDLANDS Helen Best, Gatesblay, Stychampton, Stourport, Worcester. DY13 9TA. e-mail:maxmystic@aol.com Tel: 01905 621122 / 07809 100772 Jo Jeffs, 2 Columbian Crescent, Burntwood, Staffordshire.WS7 2BD. e-mail:tangos@ntlworld.com Tel 01543 301568 WEST Tina Dando, 25 Orchard Close, Kewstoke, Weston super Marre, Somerset. BS22 9XY. e-mail:tinatalk@talktalk.net Tel: 01934 418765 THAMES VALLEY Wendy Shearman, 3 River View, Flackwell Heath, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. HP10 9AT. e-mail:stuartshearman@btconnect.com Tel: 01628 523124 ANGLIA Catriona Carnegie, 232 Ugg Mere Court Road, Ramsey Heighs, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. PE26 2RS. email:talisker_highland_ponies@yahoo. co.uk Tel: 07786 321658 SOUTH WEST Cathy Ives & Carrie Quick, Loosebeare Cottage, Zeal Monachrom, Crediton, Devon, EX17 6DP e-mail:carriequick123@ btinternet.com Tel 01363 884260

SOUTH EAST Dinty Steans, Brownbread Highland Centre, Ashburnham, Battle, East Sussex.

TN33 9NX. e-mail:tony.brownbread@ tesco.net EAST MIDLANDS Kirsty Wylde, Glenavon Dale, Lincoln Road, Tel: 01424 893922 Nettleham, Lincoln WALES email: wylde@kirsty@hotmail.co.uk Margaret & Donna Harries, Tel: 07917205251 Forest Barn, Salem Llandeilo.

Carmarthenshire. SA19 7NS. Tel: 07989 622750

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Life President: Penny Smith, Nashend Stud, Lower Nashend Farm, Bisley, Stroud. Gloucestershire.

GL6 7AJ. Chair Person Catriona Carnegie, 232 Ugg Mere Court Road, Ramsey Heighs, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. PE26 2RS. e-mail:talisker_highland_ponies@yahoo.co.uk Tel: 07786 321658 Vice Chair Linda Impey, Oak Croft, Priors Green, Hartford Eend, Nr Chelmsford.

Essex. CM3 1JR. e-mail:impeylinda@yahoo.com Tel: 01371 820706 Treasurer Beverley Halls, Bonnetts Cottage, Attleton Green, Wickhambrook, Newmarket. CB8 8YA. e-mail:bhalls@btinternet.com Tel: 07534 283282 Secretary Rosemary Smith, 16 Dovehouse Close, Godmanchester, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. PE29 2DY. e-mail:rosemarysnotes@gmail.com Tel: 01480 350127 Activities Helen Boden, The Barn, Mellor Hall Farm, Church Road, Mellor, Stockport, Cheshire. SK6 5CG. e-mail:Helen.boden2@btinternet.com Tel: 0161 449 7137

CONTENT

4-5 Strilingdene - HOYS 6-7 Hipo Art 8-9 Mull Magic - Part 1.

10-11 Preformance Card Q & A 12 -11 Preformance Card Results 14-15 Small Holder Articles Ragwort & Grazing 16-17 Its sNOw Fun 18 Staffin of Orangefield- Jaffa 19 New Promotional Items 20-21 Hazeldene in our Family pt 2 22-23 Side Saddle 26-27 Highland and Fell Camp 29 Message from the Chair 29 Diary 30-31 Royal Fern 32 Promotional Items

Spring 2013 page 3

Stirlingdene- A Highland Winner at HOYS

D

ain, Mum and I went to the Royal Show in 2005 and watched the in hand classes. We saw Stirlingdene in the Highland youngstock class which he won. We talked about him all day at the show and on the way home. As soon as we got in we told Dad all about him. We next saw him at NPS summer champs and I showed him to Dad. I was lucky enough to take him in a Championship class when his owner Sean Reid had two ponies in there. Sean put him up for sale later that year and when Mum found out rang Sean (even though she had drunk a couple of glasses of wine) and agreed to buy him. Dad was not too pleased that night, but he soon forgave her!!!!

So we bought Stirling as a three year old and he was broken in by me as a 4 year old.

As a five year old he qualified for the NPS Picton Novice Championship where he won his class and went Reserve Champion at the final. His first year under saddle culminated with shock qualification and first trip to Olympia.

As a six year old he qualified for HOYS, and OLYMPIA. Not knowing what to expect from him at his first HOYS, we were totally thrilled for him to win his Highland/Fells and Dales section, and then go on to be Reserve Champion.

Numerous wins as a seven year old and a return trip to HOYS. As an eight year old, he had very few outings. His first outing of the season saw him win at Hereford Marches and qualify for the RIHS, his next show was the PUK West Mids at Malvern where he qualified for HOYS. He then went to NPS Area 14 in Essex and qualified for OLYMPIA. His next outing was at Midlands County and saw him win In Hand and qualify for the CUDDY. The only pony to qualify for all four major Championships and in his first four shows of the season.

Our showing year ended with a fantastic RESERVE PONY CHAMPION in the CUDDY

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– a result beyond our wildest dreams and the highest placing ever achieved by a Highland Pony. I will never forget running him around the International Arena with everyone cheering. Stirling certainly knew where he was and loved it.

In 2011 his shows were limited, due to Stirling standing at stud and my work commitments, however he won three P(UK) National Championships: “Keston” In Hand Champion, “Glyn Greenwood” In Hand Champion and “Kingsford” Ridden Champion. He won two HOYS qualifiers that year, Cheshire County where he stood Reserve and Great Yorkshire where he stood Champion. A trip to BSPSWales in September saw him qualify for Olympia for the fourth time.

2012 again saw limited shows, however at NPS Summer Championships Stirling qualified for HOYS when he won the Highland class and stood Champion.

Then we waited for October and could never have imagined what was about to happen:We arrived at HOYS on Tuesday afternoon happy to be part of the greatest Horse Show in the world. The evening work in session went well, although it was with the Welsh C&D because I came straight from work and missed the work in with the Highlands Fells & Dales. I missed his slot the next morning too but worked Stirl in the collecting ring.

9:05am arrived and 12 Highland ponies entered the Caldene Arena to be judged by Gillian Sells and Barbara Evans.

We did the conformation and then the ride. He went beautifully and looked amazing thanks to Dain who groomed him to perfection, with a bit of help from Dad. Result time was as nerve racking as it gets – reverse order.

1st place and I couldn’t help but cry as I knew this would be Stirling’s last HOYS under saddle as he was being retired.

I couldn’t even put my rosette on I was shaking so much The Championship was in the International Arena and 16 outstanding ponies took part.

Reserve was the Welsh Section D Mare – Nebo Julie Ann. Then before naming the Champion the commentator, Gareth, said “Get the Kleenex ready It’s the Highland” yes it was Stirling!!!! Tears all round, imagine that!!! The presentation was made by Jane Buchan (Bailey’s Horse Feeds) and NPS President Jennifer Williams, who had Stirling Champion at NPS Summer Championships when he qualified for HOYS. We then had to stay until Thursday and the NPS/Baileys Horse Feeds Supreme M&M Championship. Preliminary judging in the Caldene Arena with Mrs Sheila Clarke. The Champion presentation was again in the International Arena. Stirling called forward as Champion and if that wasn’t amazing enough he was presented with his trophy and rosette by HRH The Princess Royal – tears all round again!!!!!! Dad said he was so proud of this moment.

Then Dad took Stirling home for a few days rest.

He returned to Birmingham on Sunday for the preliminary judging of the HOYS Supreme Pony of the Year – judged by Mrs Di Cornish and Mr Mike Daley. Stirling was last to go and produced a faultless show. I was so pleased with him as he showed the audience just how good he can be!!!!

Into the International Arena for the presentation. Stirling again Champion – by now we were all in dreamland. Carey Knox was the commentator and her words will stay with us forever as will the memories. When he was called forward, I rested my head on Stirling’s neck and thanked him for all we had achieved together over the last 6 years.

My pony of a lifetime and my friend.

Then later on Sunday evening we had the opportunity to be part of the HOYS Finale.

A party atmosphere with all the audience standing to sing “Auld Lang’s Syne”.

Stirlingdene will be competing in some in hand classes and standing at stud in 2013. 

Spring 2013 page 5

Highland Pony Art - A Brief History. Article by Rosemary Smith

W

e all love to see pictures of our ponies on the Forum and Website, but just how much do we know about Highlands in oil, watercolour or sculpture? Here are a few older ones to look out for!

Chief ’s Return from Deer Stalking

West Highland Ponies by William Shiels (1783-1857); the ponies were from Eriskay, Mull & Uist. On display at the National Museum of Rural Life, East Kilbride

Highland Pony Carrying Stag, 1860 Isidore-Jules Bonheur (French, 1827 - 1901)

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Chief ’s Return from Deer Stalking Sir Edwin Henry Landseer, RA (7 March 1802 – 1 October 1873) was an English Painter known for his paintings of animals—particularly horses, dogs and stags. The best known of Landseer’s works, however, are the sculptures of the lions in Trafalgar Square.

His first major royal commission was a full-size portrait of Queen Victoria seated on her white horse, Leopold.

Queen Victoria on a Highland Pony by Edwin Henry Landseer (post 1838) On display at The Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology

Highland Pony and Dogs by John Sergeant Noble 1848-1896 After a day’s hunt by R Cleminson Circa 1880

Mull Magic - Part One

I

t started with a post by Kate StreatfieldOliver on the HPEC Message Board. She was taking a cottage at Killiechronan on the Isle of Mull with her daughter Olivia, and Jackie and taking two ponies, Lexi and Violet. She asked if anyone would like to join her? Jeanette Hopkins added a message that she had taken one of the other cottages and did anyone want to share it with her.

I liked the idea of exploring another Scottish island and doing some riding and my friend, Andrea Fairbairn, another HPEC member then asked if she could come too and that made three of us. We decided to drive up in one day, sharing the driving and stay the night in Oban. I packed for every variety of weather and bought an industrial quantity of midge repellent.

We arranged to meet at Andrea’s in Guildford on the Friday and I was there just after 7.00am. Jeanette arrived a bit later and after cramming our luggage into every nook and cranny of Jeanette’s Subaru Forester, we set off. I had had a problem finding accommodation for the night in Oban but finally booked a B&B on the outskirts of the town. The owner of the B & B also owned a restaurant in Oban so I booked dinner for us there that evening.

It’s a very long way to Oban, we eventually arrived there about 8.30pm and agreed to go straight to the restaurant. This turned out to be the town’s nightclub and had a large group of local teenagers celebrating a birthday. They moved on somewhere else after a while and feeling dishevelled, weary and middle-aged we sat down to an excel-

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lent meal. After we had finished, Laney, the owner, a diminutive blonde in a big black sports car led the way to her B & B. Our family room was large and comfortable.

I had been a bit put out that she didn’t provide a full English breakfast but instead the array of cereals, fruit, yogurt, croissants and toast more than made up for it.

After a big shopping session in Oban’s Tesco, we caught the ferry to Mull. Mull is quite a big, crescent shaped island with few roads. Apart from by the ferry terminal all the roads are single-track with regular passing places. At Salen, a village in the middle of the island, we turned off on to a narrow road which wound it’s way across the narrow centre of the island. We knew we were nearly there when we found a pony trekking sign and an arrow. We turned up the drive to Killiechronan and knew straightaway we had come to the right place. The trekking ponies, mainly grey Highlands were tied up in a semi-circle by the gate to the field. Amongst them were three Shetland ponies, the famous Wee Bobby with Viola and Hornbeam.

Jean and her girls gave us a warm welcome.

The cottage was ready for us so we were able to chose our bedrooms and unpack. I loved the view from our bedroom window of a field with a grazing Highland pony in it and beyond the loch surrounded by hills.

Kate, Jackie, Olivia and the ponies arrived in the afternoon. While they settled in we went down to the field beside the beach and helped Jean with the Saturday club for very little children.

In the evening we all got together for a BBQ and started to get to know each other. Although we knew each other from our posts on the website, the two parties from north and south had never met.

Sunday, the day of our first ride was wet, with that peculiar sponge-like form of precipitation known as Scotch mist. We put on all our waterproof clothing and went down to meet Jean. She assessed our riding abilities and picked out a pony for each of us.

I had Oak, a kind grey gelding of about 14hh. With Frankie, Jean’s friend bringing up the rear we set off. Oak checked me out during the first canter. “Right, she’s happy up there, lets go!” We climbed steadily across the hills, through bogs, fording streams, through woodland and then out on to open ground. We ended up scrambling up a steep bank into the circular remains of a prehistoric hill fort. Despite the rain, the views around us across the hills to Ben More, Mull’s only munroe were fantastic. However, as I sat on Oak, looking at the view, I realised that what goes up, has to come down. I hate heights and I don’t think I’d ever ridden down something that steep so Jean advised me to close my eye nearest to the drop, lean back, holding on to the back of the saddle and push my legs forward. I reasoned that Oak must have had plenty of practice at this and trusted him to get us down in one piece.

When we got back we were glad of the laundry facilities, wet jodhpurs, fleeces, socks and gloves went into the big washing machine and then the spin dryer.

We spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing and then in the evening we returned the hospitality of the previous night, I cooked a big chilli con carne and the others came over to eat with us.

On Monday, Jeanette, who was keen to do lots of hacking in preparation for riding out her young pony, Rannoch went out with the others and Andrea and I set off to explore the town of Tobermory and some of the island. Tobermory is delightful with its brightly coloured shops edging the harbour, where a Spanish galleon, fleeing the Armada, sank. I met the Tobermory cat, a very friendly ginger tom, visited the distillery, the chocolate shop and the Isle of Mull Soap Company. After lunch we set off for Calgary beach. Serendipitously, we took a wrong turning out of Dervaig and when we got to the coast, had to turn right, following the coast north towards Calgary. As we drove along the narrow road bordering the loch, I looked up, silhouetted against the sky, a large bird was being mobbed by a smaller one. “Andrea”, I said, “I think that’s an eagle”. We stopped the car and watched as the great bird, its wings outstretched, turned and soared against the blue sky, the sun glinting gold on its feathers.

The beach at Calgary is lovely. A daisy studded, close cropped meadow grazed by sheep, ran down to a wide sheltered bay of silver sand. It was impossible to resist the urge to take my shoes off and paddle along in the shallows, carefully avoiding washed up jellyfish.

In the evening Jill and Jan joined us, they had come over for a couple of days and were staying at a B & B in Tobermory. It was good to meet more people who, up to then had only been names on the message board. T.B.C.

Spring 2013 page 9

Performance Card -Q & A What are the HPEC Performance Awards?

The awards are run by the HPEC (not to be confused with the Highland Pony Society Performance Awards or any other award schemes) and cover a wide range of activities. Anyone that is a member of the HPEC can complete these awards.

What activities do the cards cover?

There is a card to cover pretty much any activity that anyone might ever want to do with their pony! Some cards also include partbred Highland ponies and the Happy Hacker/Hiker cards are open to non Highland ponies. Each card says on it what it covers and who is eligible.

Happy Hacker/Driver/Hiker - This is for happy hacking/hiking/driving. If you enter a card for the Happy Hacker category the same combination of pony and rider cannot enter any other performance awards.

All you need to do is keep a log of the time you spend hacking, hiking or driving, but please remember if you enter this the same rider and pony combination cannot enter any other performance cards. There is also a special rosette for the veteran pony that completes the most Happy Hacking hours.

0-50 hours = merit 51 - 100 = bronze 101 - 150 = silver 151 - 200 = gold 201 + = platinum.

The Gissings Stud Mature Rider - This is for the “mature” rider over the age of 50 and any activity under saddle can be included on any number of highland or partbred ponies.

The Highland Gold Senior Rider - Riders must be between the age of 25 - 50 years.

Any activity under saddle can be included (apart from hacking) on any number of highland or part bred highland ponies.

The J & V Hawkins Intermediate Rider - For riders between the age of 18 and 25 years.

Any activity under saddle (apart from hacking) on any number of highland or part bred highland ponies.

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The Sages Junior Trophy - For riders under the age of 18 years doing any activity under saddle or inhand activities with any number of Highland or part bred Highland ponies.

The Castle Green Amateur Breeder - Competitors must include results from 2 or more ponies. All ponies must be owned and exhibited by the breeder and registered with the owner’s prefix. Amateur breeders are deemed to not have an occupation that involves producing/showing horses or ponies.

The Daisy Lee Part Bred - This is for any part bred Highland ponies and any performance (ridden) or inhand activities can be included The Domino Foxglove Novice -This competition is for ponies between the ages of 5 and 8 years in their first or second season of activity but not to have won an open class in the first season. All activities must be under saddle but can be any type of activity except hacking.

The Lyncrest Newcomers Trophy - For Highland ponies 10 years old or over who have never won a club trophy or performance trophy, this is for performance activities, i.e. ridden activities only though.

The Leyhills Inhand Trophy - For Highland ponies over the age of 4 years being shown in hand.

The Sea Storm of Nashend Ridden Trophy This is for Highland ponies undertaking ridden activities such as showing, equitation, handy pony, etc. or any events not covered by other performance cards.... so please don’t include things like dressage, jumping, long distance, trec, etc on this one as that needs to go on the specific card for that discipline.

The Potterton Park Youngstock Trophy This for Highland pony youngstock being shown inhand.

The Kennedy Western Trophy - This one is for any form of western style riding including highlands and part bred highlands.

The Mandy of Meggernie Dressage Trophy - For the Highland pony undertaking any dressage activities.

The Nashend Hunting Tankard - For the Highland pony undertaking any hunting activities (this does not include hunting for their feed bucket though).

The Sennoke Trec Trophy - For Highland ponies doing Trec.

The Sheenadene Veteran Trophy - This is for Highland ponies over the age of 16 years ridden activities and inhand activities, (not hacking though).

The Spitchwick Long Distance Trophy - For organised long distance riding including pleasure rides (not hacking).

The TB Law Trophy - For those Highland ponies that like to fly!

The Warren Side saddle Trophy – For any “intentional” sideways riding!

Where do I get the cards and is there a charge?

The cards are available on the HPEC website and forum (events section) all you need to do is print them off and fill them out each time you undertake an activity with your pony, there is no charge to members. Or you can email the activities officer direct for the cards that you require, contact details for the activities officer are on the website.

When do the cards start and finish?

For this year only cards started on 1st October 2012 and will finish 31st December 2013 after this year they will run from 1st January until the 31st December each year.

I would like to complete a card but am a new member/got a new pony/only just realised I could do this?

No problem you can backdate your card to the start of the performance award year, for 2013/14 this is from October 1st 2012

to January 1st 2014. In future cards will run 1st January to 31st December.

What happens at the end of the year, how do I submit my cards?

You simply email them or send hard copies (but do keep a copy in case it gets lost in the post) to the activities officer, their contact details are on the HPEC website. The closing date for each card is at the top of the card, usually two weeks after the card finishes, i.e. the 14th January.

What if I miss the closing date?

I’m afraid the closing date is absolutely, completely and utterly final… sorry… but otherwise the Activities Officer will have a complete melt down and will dive into a bottle of gin never to be seen again, please be considerate to the mental well being of the activities officer and get the cards in on time.

Can I enter more than one section?

Yes you can enter as many sections as you would like apart from the Happy Hacker Cards, if you enter for the happy hacker sections then the pony/rider combination cannot enter any other sections. So for example if Mum hacks the pony but daughter competes then Mum could do Happy Hacker and daughter other cards provided both are HPEC members. Also a lot of the cards overlap, for example the rider cards can be completed alongside other specific activity cards.

Do I need to get cards signed at each event?

No we trust you!

I only do local events and not many of these do I stand a chance?

The cards at aimed at all members whether you compete a lot or a little at whatever level.

Spring 2013 page 11

Performance Card -Q & A- continued

Performance Card Results

How are the cards scored?

Cards are scored following a formula, you get a certain number of points for taking part in anything regardless of whether you get a rosette, you then get points for placings or miles covered, points scored, level competed at, height jumped, etc, etc, In other words it’s as level a playing field as we can make it.

Is it only the winners that get a prize?

The overall points winner of the section gets the trophy but all those that are placed get a place rosette down to 6th and then everyone else who submitted a card in that section gets a special rosette. In other words everyone gets a rosette. There are also awards for the best mare, gelding and stallion and an overall points winner and reserve overall points winner.

When would I get the results?

The results are announced at the AGM and put on the HPEC forum and website. Prizes are awarded at the AGM, if you cannot attend in person we try and post them out, and if you have won a trophy we will ask you to pay for insured postage to cover the costs. At the end of the year we expect people to return the trophies back to us clean and in good order… if you don’t I will personally hunt you down with a tin of polish!!

The essence of these awards is to recognise the achievements big or small of all of our members in whatever activities they undertake with their ponies and they are a celebration of the versatility of our lovely ponies.

2012 Results Overall Points Champion: Ellister Islay Royal Fern – Liz Mangham & Sallie Hurst Overall Points Reserve Champion: Hector of Langley – Sammy-Jo Grantham Best Mare: David’s Lass of Carn Dearg Best Stallion: Balleroy Minstrel Best Gelding: Hector of Langley Working Highland: Honey – RDA nominated by Janet Livingstone

Happy Hacker: Platinum: Sue Watkinson – Jenny May of Forglen (309.30 hrs) Julie Beaty – Ballinton Commander Gill Robinson – Frasmaron Jamie Thomas Gardner – Buster Christine Gellender-Mills – Donald Thistle of Kuranda Julie Bosworth – Hazeldene Joseph Gellender-Mills – Eddy De Chazel Sue Watkinson – Maidendene Gold: Pam Russell – Mossbank Gypsy Anna (Veteran Happy Hacker Award) Silver: Ros Hudson – Glenmuir Crusader Bronze: Rebecca O’Rourke – Humphrey of Combebank L-J Maholc – Silver Fox Malin Isobel Green – Andrew Prince of Brecon Sharon Palmer – Hobcroft Flax Lynne Parkinson – Llancayo welsh Sirl Lynne Parkinson – Frenilea of Talisker Miranda Foster – Saffron’s Secret Clare MacLennan-Postans – Lockeridge Court Jester Helena Parkinson – Gellihaf Solitaire Shona Childs –Pod Rose Cliff – Lady Wendy of Westhall Merit: Veronica Keywood – Heide Miranda Foster – Brownbread Countess Clare MacLennan-Postans – Rest and be Thankful Ishbel Sophie Childs – Pencarrig Muppet L-J Macholc – Miriam of Combebank Susan Perry – Dorlyn Calais L-J Macholc – Myrtle of Combebank Claire Kinsley – Rignell Auchentoshan Joan Smith – Lambrigg Honey Meg Ed Macholc – Cameron of Allendale L-J Macholc – Cameron of Allendale Ed Macholc – Miriam of Combebank Ed Macholc – Angus of ?

Joan Smith – Gypsy Ed Macholc – Douglas of Combebank Shona Childs – Holmedown Cleo Sophie Childs – Dawny May of Carnousie Jane Feeney – Cally Hikers: Joan Smith – Moonlight Shadow (44 hours) Ewan Bushaway – Fleetmead Flannagan Andrea Gilbert – Holmdown Chicago Andrea Gilbert – Hazeldene Andrea Gilbert – Toravaig of Talisker L-J Macholc – Constance of Ansg?

Joan Smith – Mystery

Highland times page 12

Performance Card Results Junior Rider: 1.

Rebecca Champion – Langley Gypsy Legend 2.

Sophie Core – Catriona of Mystic Isles & Jenni of Ednam House 3.

Molly Wylde – Iona of Dykes 4.

Purdey Bushaway – Fleetmead Eorsa 5.

Pixie Jenkins – Meghan of Dinfwr (Handler) Intermediate Rider: 1.

Chris Grant – Dunedin Rhuann & Dunedin Finale 2.

Sallie Hurst – Ellister Islay Royal Fern 3.

B Figgitt – Glenwestcastle Lady Rebecca Senior Rider: 1.

Sammy-Jo Grantham – Hector of Langley 2.

Lianne Parkin – Monreith Madonna 3.

Kirsty Wylde – Iona of Dykes 4.

Kate Carnegie – Monika of Whitefield 5.

Donna Harris – Ffion of Dinefwr 6.

Gillian Tabor – Honiscombe Flora McDonald Mature Rider: 1.

Lynda Mays – David’s Lass of Carn Dearg 2.

Sara Fleetwood – Katie of Combebank & Precious Lassie of Combebank 3.

Alison Champion – Langley Gypsy Legend 4.

Alan Butler – Machelthy Sir Bertram 5.

Carolyn Cummings – Calean Joy 6.

Gill Colins – Domino Firefly Mature In hand: 1.

Ellister Islay Royal Fern – Liz Mangham 2.

Balleroy Minstrel – Kate Carnegie 3.

Monika of Whitefeild – Kate Carnegie 4.

Precious Lassie of Combebank – Sara Fleetwood 5.

Dunedin Rhiona – Chris Grant 6.

Holmedown Chicago – Wendy Bridges 7.

Fourmerk Rosalyn – Sallie Hurst 8.

Machelthy Sir Bertram – Alan Butler 9.

Monreith Madonna – Lianne Parkin 10.

Strollomus of Talisker – Kate Carnegie 11.

Domino Spike – Steve Collins 12.

Fleetmead Eorsa – Stuart Bushaway 13.

Domino Jade – Steve Collins 14.

Dalesman of Combebank – Linda Graham 15.

Honiscombe Flora McDonald – Gillian Tabor Youngstock In Hand: 1.

Ruwenzori Marigold – Liz Mangham 2.

Holmedown Clearwater – Wendy Bridges 3.

Lagalgarve Capercaillie – Amanda Fairclough 4.

Holmedown Roseville – Wendy Bridges 5.

Holmedown Logan – Wendy Bridges 6.

Hirstmead Beaujolais – Kate Carnegie 7.

Drumbulg Morning Mist – Shona Childs 8.

Jenna of Talisker – Kate Carnegie 9.

Torovaig of Talisker – Kate Carnegie 10.

Holmedown Ohio – Wendy Bridges 11.

Meghan of Dinefwr – Margaret Harfield 12.

Gusgarlach of Bickaton – Gillian Tabor 13.

Ebony of Rocklea – Mandy Iliffe Amateur Breeder: 1.

Wendy Bridges – Holmedown 2.

Kate Carnegie – Talisker 3.

Gill & Steve Collins – Domino 4.

Shona Childs – Drumbulg 5.

Margaret Harfield – Dinefwr Ridden: 1.

Ellister Isaly Royal Fern – Liz Mangham & Sallie Hurst 2.

Dunedin Rhuann – Chris Grant 3.

Monreith Madonna – Lianne Parkin 4.

Holmedown Chicago – Wendy Bridges 5.

Precious Lassie of Combebank – Sara Fleetwood 6.

Dunedin Finale – Chris Grant

7.

Iona of Dykes – Kirsty Wylde 8.

Monika of Whitefield – Kate Carnegie 9.

Hector of Langley – Sammy-Jo Grantham 10.

David’s Lass of Carn Dearg – Lynda Mays 11.

Glenwestcastle Loch Tay – D Barfield 12.

FFion of Dinefwr – Donna Harris 13.

Dalesman of Combebank – Linda Graham 14.

Domino Firefly – Gill Collins 15.

Machelthy Sir Bertram – Alan Butler Novice Ridden: 1.

Ellister Islay Royal Fern – Liz Mangham & Sallie Hurst 2.

David’s Lass of Carn Dearg – Lynda Mays 3.

Dalesman of Combebank – Linda Graham 4.

Ffion of Dinefwr – Donna Harris 5.

Jenni of Ednam House – C. Carnegie & Sophie Core Veteran: 1.

Monreith Madonna – Lianne Parkin 2.

Nashend Sea Amethyst – Cathy Ives 3.

Douglas of Combebank – L-J Macholc 4.

Calean Joy – Carolyn Cummings 5.

Domino Firefly – Gill Collins 6.

Honey – Janet Livingstone Trec: 1.

Iona of Dykes – Kirstie Wylde 2.

David’s Lass of Carn Dearg – Lynda Mays 3.

Chapelhill Blondie – Sheila Thomson 4.

Langley Gypsy Legend – Alison Champion 5.

Machelthy Sir Bertram – Alan Butler Long Distance: 1.

David’s Lass of Carn Dearg – Lynda Mays 2.

Douglas of Combebank – L-J Macholc 3.

Ladarna of Langley – Ed Maholc 4.

Monreith Madonna – Lianne Parkin 5.

Machelthy Sir Bertram – Alan Butler 6.

Calean Joy – Carolyn Cummings 7.

Dunedin Rhuann – Chris Grant 8.

Iona of Dykes – Kirsty Wylde 9.

Dalesman of Combebank – Linda Graham Jumping: 1.

Hector of Langley – Sammy-Jo Grantham 2.

Dunedin Rhuann – Chris Grant 3.

Iona of Dykes – Kirsty Wylde 4.

Monreith Madonna – Lianne Parkin Dressage: 1.

Dalesman of Combebank – Linda Graham 2.

Langley Gypsy Legend – Rebecca Champion 3.

Grania of Dykes – D Barfield 4.

Glenwestcastle Lady Rebecca – B Figgitt 5.

Catriona of Mystic Isles – Polly Pcaer 6.

Dunedin Rhuann – Chris Grant 7.

Chapelhill Zak – Katherine Rayment 8.

Monreith Madonna – Lianne Parkin 9.

Iona of Dykes – Kirsty Wylde 10.

Hector of Langley – Sammy-Jo Grantham Hunting: 1.

David’s Lass of Carn Dearg – Lynda Mays 2.

Iona of Dykes – Kirsty Wylde 3.

Ellister Islay Royal Fern – Liz Mangham & Sallie Hurst 4.

Monreith Madonna – Lianne Parkin Western: 1.

Iona of Dykes – Kirtsy Wylde Newcomers: 1.

Hector of Langley – Sammy-Jo Grantham 2.

Grania of Dykes – D Barfield & B Friggitt 3.

Ladarna of Langley – Ed Macholc

Spring 2013 page 13

Springwatch - Awareness of ragwort poisoning.

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ith Summer fast approaching it soon will be time to start ‘pulling’ ragwort from your pastures. During July and August, donkey and horse owners should be regularly checking their animal’s grazing areas for ragwort as it begins to flower during these months and spreads harmful seeds.

Ragwort is extremely dangerous to horses, acting as a cumulative poison with even small amounts causing liver damage over a long period of time; unfortunately the damage may not be detected until it is too late.

Although Ragwort must be pulled in its early stages and burnt, it can be treated with weed killer or herbicide in the flowering stage if spotted too late, but it is important to remember that a single application will not eliminate an infestation due to overlapping generations of the weed. When ragwort is first noticed consider employment of a short-term measure to get rid of

Highland times page 14

existing plants, followed by long-term measures, and improved management to prevent reinfestation. Control needs to be ongoing and combined with good pasture management Veterinarian Faith Burden advises: “The first application of weed killer should be made as soon as possible before frost damages the foliage. In either case a further application should be made in late April the following calendar year. Apply in mild weather when the vegetation is dry and rain is not expected for at least five hours. To avoid wastage and drift, spray on a calm day.

All paddocks should be sprayed at the same time to avoid infestation from adjoining paddocks.”

Ragwort can be recognised at its flowering stage by purplish/red colour rootstock, basal leafstalks and lower parts of the stem but brighter green and branched above the middle.

Bright yellow, daisy-like flowering occurs from May to late October and a mature plant can reach between 1-2 metres in height.“Owners should also be closely checking the hay that they are feeding to their animals to ensure it doesn’t contain ragwort as it becomes much more palatable when dry.”

Article with thanks to Smallholder magazine.

D

Springwatch - Grazing oes reduced time at grass increase the amount eaten by ponies?

Recent study suggests that reduced access to pasture may disproportionally increase intake of grass by ponies Recent research about to be presented at a biannual nutrition meeting in the US suggests that ponies given reduced access to pasture are capable of ingesting considerable amounts of herbage during the time they are turned out and may indeed increase their intake during this time as they become accustomed to the routine.

Intake of large amounts of fructan, and other rapidly fermentable carbohydrates by grazing ponies has been linked to the development of laminitis and it has become common practice to restrict ponies’ access to pasture, especially at key times of the day/year in order to reduce the risk.

The grazing behaviour of eight ponies was measured daily over a six week period to assess their voluntary intake of herbage and to monitor the effects of restricting their access to pasture. Two groups of four pony mares were used. Group A had 24 hour access to pasture while the ponies in group B had three hours of pasture access per day and were stabled for the remaining 21 hours, with ad libitum access to haylage and water.

Herbage intake was estimated during the three hours when all the ponies were at pasture by monitoring the change in weight of each individual over the period. Grazing behaviour was analysed from video footage of the two groups using interval sampling.

The ponies in group B had higher estimated grazed herbage intakes than those in group A during the three hours studied and this difference was significant during the final week, when they consumed 40% of their total daily dry matter intake as grass in the three hours at pasture. This compared with an intake of grass of around 25% of their daily dry matter ingested during the first week.

Clare Barfoot RNutr and the research and development manager at SPILLERS® said: “This suggests that ponies with reduced access to pasture are capable of ingesting considerable amounts of grass during the time they are turned out and may indeed progressively increase their intake during this time, indicating that the behaviour could be learned. The implication is that reducing ponies’ time out on normally managed pastures with the view to limiting the intake of rapidly fermentable carbohydrates may not be as effective as first thought.”

Article with thanks to Smallholder magazine.

Spring 2013 page 15

Snow Picture Winner: Myrtle with ‘Gorgeous polar bear (a.k.a. Murdo of Dykes)’

STAFFIN OF ORANGEFIELD

STAFFIN OF ORANGEFIELD

(“JAFFA”) 1986 – 2013

I

t is with great sadness that we advise of the passing of Jaffa, our beautiful Highland pony. We had owned him since he was 4 years old and we have such fantastic memories of our time with him. We first rode Highland ponies on Exmoor with Sylvia and Tony Wood in the 1980s. It was there that we had our introduction to Highland ponies but it was when we purchased Jaffa in 1990 that we developed our love for the breed. We went all over the country to shows and to places we never would have dreamt of before we had him.

Listed below some of his many successes. (He very rarely came back from a show without a rosette!)

1991 - 2nd Royal Windsor Horse Show 1992 – 3rd Royal Highland Show 1993 – 1st and Highland Champion Royal Show 1993 – lst and Reserve Champion New Forest Show 1993 – 2nd Bucks County Show 1994 – 1st and Highland Champion NPS Summer Championships At Ponies UK Championships he also qualified twice for the Glyn Greenwood in hand championship, twice for the M&M WHP championship and for the Kingsford ridden championship.

He also won three of those lovely tumblers that were presented at the Malvern Highland Pony Show for open ridden, veteran ridden and veteran in hand.

He very nearly got to Olympia as a Veteran in 2005 when he was reserve champion. He was on the standby list and a few days before the final we got the call that the Champion was, after all, well enough to compete.

So you can see the memories we have of Jaffa. He was a super ride and the gentlest of ponies – he really was a pony of a lifetime and we will miss him terribly.

RIP Jaffa. 

Highland times page 18

012 2 r o f New

6 diff Notel erent ets, fromdesig £2.50 ph n for 6 otos belows per pack + £1.

20p& p

Chri

Plastic mugs Red or yellow £4.50 p&p £2.00

Pencil cases with rubber, rule,pencil & pen £3.20 P & P £1.20

6 diff stm e a £3.0 rent de s Ca r s 0 fo r 6 + igns pe d s , £1.2 r pac 0p& k p

Spring 2013 page 19

Owners Scrapbook - Hazeldene in our Life

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n June I took Hazel out for a ride without any other ponies. It was just the two of us.

She was a little worried at first but I told her that if she concentrated on taking us both forward I would keep an eye out for lions, tigers and bears. This partnership has worked quite well and we often tootle off on our own. My poor Mum used to have to come and help me with some of the gates because my right wrist was a little awkward and sometimes I couldn't open the gates properly. She used to wait for me at each gate in her car to begin with. Now days me and hazel can manage by ourselves. If you should ever see us out on a ride you will recognise us instantly. Hazel is the chunky monkey that has a huge smile on her face whilst trying to speak to every cow, sheep or pony on the way round and I am the fool singing songs to Hazel. She does love a good song....

Well either that or she enjoys me making a fool out of myself.

I also took Hazel on a sponsored ride for air ambulance. The ride took place around out immediate riding area so she didn't get any new sightseeing .My son David started to ride Hazel with me at the beginning of July. She adores him and he enjoys riding her. I trust her to look after my baby!

During the end of July Hazel got a cough and had to have antibiotics. We really were a pair of old crooks. Hazel couldn't walk far without becoming worn out and I was recovering from a DVT. We worked through it, spending time just slowly walking each other around the fields until we both became strong enough to go on a ride. As you can imagine both of our waistlines suffered as a result of this recuperation time. Hazel also got a new field buddy; Hazel, Bertie and Chester are living happily together as a cute little Highland family.

It was time for the Southern Highland Pony show again. Hazel wasn't really in condition for a showing class but as we were going along for her to be Berties nanny again, I thought we would enter the style and performance and the best turned out. We had such a wonderful

day! I had spent some time with Hazel doing some groundwork during the week leading to the show. We came fourth in the best turned out and third in style and performance. I was on cloud nine for the rest of the day.

During September I have almost come to the end of the time limit for the Happy hacker award that we have been working on this year.

I am impressed with the amount of hours we have clocked up considering our setbacks.

On the 17th September 2012 Hazel and I managed a canter in the school. Andrea was there giving us some guidance and tuition and you know what? Yepp... we all shouted woohooo!

I feel so very honoured to have been part of Hazel's life. We get along really well. Her cheekiness makes me giggle and I have never taken offence by any attempt she has made to try and get one over me. Hazel wears her heart on her sleeve, her feelings are clear for the world to see, she cannot keep a secret and therefore unknowingly she always tells me a few seconds before she is going to try some cheeky stunt. We call it her hooded claw move. It begins with a slight squeal followed by an arching of the neck and the raising of one front leg. She makes me chuckle and she does my heart good.

We have grown so much together, I'm not quite sure sometimes who is looking after whom.

She is like a second mother, a best friend and an angel all rolled into one beautiful Highland pony body.

I thank my luck stars every day for meeting Marsha and Cate at Talisker and having a wonderful Mother and sister for they helped my dreams come true.

I look forward to the rest of mine and Hazel's life together. I just know that it will be filled with fun and in a few years time, maybe my granddaughter will be riding her too 

A Bit of Sidesaddle I suppose like many people having a go at side saddle had been on my “bucket list” of horsey things to do for a long time. Although I’d had a couple of goes at it previously lack of suitable mount, saddle, money, time, etc. had all combined to mean that this ambition had never really been fulfilled. That was until Diva Doug entered my life and a chance conversation with a good friend led me to the Northern Side Saddle Group. A long conversation with Linda (Cadman) who runs this group meant that her partner Andy was promptly dispatched to fit Diva Boy and myself out with a saddle with the slight caveat that they might not have one to fit a pony and rider of our combined proportions, let’s say no more on that issue.

Andy, however, was able to work some magic and behold a suitable saddle was found that fitted both the Boy and myself. Said saddle was duly leased from them. Leasing a saddle is a very cost effective way of getting into this sideways malarkey as finding saddles can be expensive, tricky and once found ensuring that they fit and are in a safe condition needs some expertise. Expertise that I sadly lack.

A lesson was then booked with Linda, following a few sleepless nights the day dawned. Himself was loaded into his chariot and we made our way to a local indoor school. There is always something slightly reassuring about high walls and a soft landing surface when trying out something new. Added to this was of course that at this point I hadn’t had Diva Boy very long and had no idea as to how he might react to jockey sitting sideways or indeed whether or not we would actually be any good at this job.

So first stage was to attach saddle to pony, very few horses actually object to the saddle and if they are going to object its usually to the bal-

Having a quiet word before our lesson

ance strap which can be a bit ticklish as it sits further back. To overcome this first hurdle the Boy was walked around complete with saddle and turned in various directions to make sure he had noticed. I’m still not sure whether he actually did notice but he lodged no objections so next stage was to install me on saddle.

I wish I could say this was an elegant event, but sadly elegance eluded me and mounting involved standing on a block and getting on as you would normally. Once sitting astride I then swung my right leg over and into position. The right ankle then assumes the broken leg look, I kid you not, the temptation is to push your heel down as you would astride instead it’s about pushing your toe down and pushing it towards the horse. Linda then explained about the emergency grip!! Basically if it all starts to go pear shaped you bring your right heel towards your left shin and grip for grim death. Once in this position unless horsey falls over I can assure you that you not going anywhere! This is why side saddle is actually surprisingly safe and secure.

Any horse or pony within reason can do side saddle but from a rider’s point of view there are a few things to consider. A good walk is important as it’s a pace that you spend the most time in, as is a comfy trot as obviously all trot is sitting, equally a comfortable canter is vital as its hard to look elegant when your spine is being jammed into your skull at every stride. It’s also very helpful if pony is forward going enough that you don’t have to nag but not so forward going that you hit the turbo button unexpectedly, also pony mustn’t be super sensitive to the whip or cane that replaces your right leg, whilst the emergency grip is good you don’t want to have to use it constantly.

Linda explaining how to do it

Getting going

Well we went, we survived and much to our surprise we came home with a red rosette From a rider’s point of view if you are a lady, like myself, who shall we say is well endowed my recommendation is a visit to a good lingerie shop and invest in a support garment of significant proportions. Also be aware that having a dead right leg is perfectly normal, we must suffer for our attempt at elegance, and your stomach muscles will be having a major workout. Having said that riding on the side is actually amazingly good for astride riding, you have to be absolutely straight sideways and this then improves your position and core strength when astride, you also have to be more effective sideways and therefore teaches you not to nag with your leg astride.

The above sounds like riding sideways is a painful and hard experience which is somewhat misleading, what I would say is the feeling of cantering along being in perfect balance with your pony looking elegant is the most magical experience in the world. As for Diva Boy well he

Trying to sit straight but needing to push my right shoulder back here

just for the sheer pleasure of it took to it like a duck to water and we actually both enjoy just hacking out sideways. Unfortunately my contentment with just hacking about wasn’t enough for my supporters who insisted that I should venture into the competitive environment. Therefore a habit was found and we entered our first competition.

This probably isn’t a particularly informative piece about the art of side saddle but if you fancy having a go at it my advice would be to just go for it. There is lots of support out there from the Side Saddle Association or groups like the Northern Side Saddle Group. All the people that I have met that do sideways have been totally enthusiastic and delighted to help and are keen to encourage new people to take up this form of riding. As for me and Diva Boy, well, we will continue to do a bit on the side from time to time just for the sheer pleasure of it.



Spring 2013 page 23

Turn Out Hood is the ultimate time-saver for the busy horse owner.

Use indoors and outdoors, rain or shine all year round, with any rug.

Robust yet breathable, shower proof, fully washable stretch fabric and lined with a silky "shoulder and mane saverŠ".

Sizes XXXS-XXL (miniature to shire), Black or Navy, optional zip and ears prices

Highland and Fell Camp - Linnel Wood, Hexham.

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chedules are just about ready and will be sent to all area members and last years participants. An action packed weekend of fun for both pony and rider.

This is our sixth annual camp and will run on a similar format to last year’s camp which ran in September due to the wet weather. We will begin with a ride on the Friday evening with instruction commencing on Saturday morning. Over the course of the weekend you will work in small groups of similar (pony and/or rider) abilities.

Instruction will cover flat work, jumping and x-country. Riders will work in their own comfort zone under the guidance of encouraging and supportive instructors.

There will be a demonstration at some point during the camp and the weekend finale will be fun camp competition (dressage, working hunter etc). All riders will receive a participation rosette and there will be competition rosettes too! The camp costs £85 per pony and rider who are members of HPEC or the Fell Pony Society and £115 for non-members.

Spectators are welcome at a charge of £6 per day to cover food costs.

So we have a very busy spring here for you in what must be one of the busiest areas.

Events currently being planned for the summer include; our stud visit, a ride out from Kilnsey and Highland Pony classes at the Hexham Native Pony Show (Sun 21st July). If anyone has any ideas or would like to run or host an event please get in touch.

As always any queiries or questions or just a friendly chat either drop us an email here or phone on 0191 267 1610 Look forward to seeing you all soon



Message from the Chair Well it’s been a rather wet and miserable winter, not a lot to report in the way of recent events but the club has lots of fun events/shows to look forward to. The Bakewell Show run by the Penine group alongside the Fells and Dales, Sandringham Show for the Anglia area, north east dressage qualifiers and several highland pony camps as well as rides and gatherings across the country.

Please keep a eye on the website for updates on events. You can find these on the home page of the website where booking forms will also be uploaded. Updates and listings will also be sent out in the newsletters and if you are interested in attending any event or holding a event for the HPEC, please done hesitate to get in touch.

Well done to everyone who competed in the performance awards.

Competition forms will be available to download for 2013 in due course.

I would like to say a few thank you’s (well quite a few)!!!

Firstly, to Rosemary Smith for all her continued hard work as secretary, to Helen Bowden for running the performance awards, to the committee for putting on fun events for the members of the club and for being a point of advice whenever needed and I would also like to say a huge thank you to Mark Unitt for putting the Highland Times publications together so superbly and finally, I would also to thank the members who have sent in articles and news for this publication. The next issue is due out in autumn so please don’t forget to email me your highland pony news/stories by the end of August to talisker_highland_ponies@yahoo.co.uk.

Best wishes to all and hope you have a fun and successful summer whatever your chosen sphere.

Kate

Highland times page 28

x

2013 Diary

HPEC NE and DPS Area 2 M&M Dressage Sun 10th March 2013 Millhouse Riding Centre, Fishburn. Schedule is attached to this email.

It would be great to see as many of you there with ponies. We have classes to cater for all with some fantastic prizes and lots of rosettes. I will be organising some HPEC highland Teams nearer the time.

We will also need willing volunteers to write, ring steward etc. If you could spare us a few hours it would be greatly appreciated and we can promise you a great lunch and home baking as well as lots of native ponies. (So far helper wise from the Highland contingent we only have Amanda Hart and Lianne’s Mum) Please pass this schedule onto any friends with native ponies.

Native Pony Extravaganza - Richmond EC. Sat 16th March 2013 We are in the process of running an HPEC Show in the morning with mixed M&M classes (qualifiers for the NPS Spring Festival), there will be a stallion parade in the afternoon and a lecture demo in the evening run by DPS Young Committee. This promises to be a fantastic day for any native enthusiast. There will be trade stands and breed information stands. More information is available at www.nativeponyextravaganza.co.uk Annual Anglian Area Spring Gathering Sun 17th March 2013 The Royal British Legion Hall, Felstead, Essex Guest speakers are Debbie Spears and her life with highland ponies and the art of showing them.

Julie Robertson, fitting saddles to the native pony.

Highland and Fell Camp Fri 3rd - Sun 5th May 2013 Linnel Wood, Hexham.

Schedules will be sent to all area members and last years participants. An action packed weekend of fun for both pony and rider.

The HPEC Anglia area Sandringham Show Saturday 11th May 2013 Held by kind permission of HM the Queen within the grounds of the Sandringham Estate, Nr Kings Lynn, Norfolk Affiliated to the HPEC and HPS with qualifiers for Equifest, Royal London and 15+ veterans.

In hand and ridden breed classes with lovely place rosettes and sashes in the championships.

Please email Kate talisker_highland_ponies@yahoo.co.uk for a schedule to be sent.

Iceni Native Pony Show Sunday 16th June 2013 Ashfields Polo Club, Nr Stanstead Essex.

Affiliated to all native breeds with individual breed classes for all breeds, qualifiers, in hand ridden, dressage, workers and driving.

There will be a facebook page and website up in due course but in the mean time if you have any questions please contact the chairman or vice chair.

Happy & Hairy Camp 5th - 7th July 2013 Cheshire/Derbyshire Border HPS Breed Show Saturday 13th July 2013 The 2013 Breed Show will be held in the grounds of Strathallan Castle, Auchterarder by kind permission of Anna Roberts.

The Southern Highland Pony Show Sunday 18th August 2013 The Southern Highland Pony Show is held each year on the final day of the Equifest championships at The Easy of England Showground, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire.

In hand, Ridden, Workers and Dressage Classes as well as fun classes and Qualifiers for 2014 Limited stabling will also be available at a reduced price for Southern Highland Pony Show competitors, duration and nightly through equifest week. www.southernhighlandponyshow.com

Spring 2013 page 29

Ellister Islay Royal Fern - My Golden Girl

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t was at the end of summer 2006 that I decided to look for a weanling filly to show in hand.Those of you that know me will appreciate my love for solid colours -in particular yellow dun!!! I was constantly scanning stud adverts etc and came across Jane Dawson’s website- Ellister Islay highland ponies, and I was excited to find she had a weanling filly for sale by one of my favourite highlands-Fyfedene. The fact that she was yellow dun was the icing on the cake, and when I saw the picture of her it was love at first sight!!!

I contacted Jane immediately and she kindly sent me more pics and a few short video clips.To cut a long story short my deposit was in the post the following day.

Highland times page 30

Quite rightly, Jane insisted I went to view her before making a final decision and within a couple of weeks I found myself on the ferry to Islay with my very close friend Wendy (Ruwenzori) who shares my love of highlands. Fern was as beautiful as her pictures promised and the decision was made there and then that she would be mine. Jane kindly offered to deliver her for me (courtesy of Gilbert!) the following Monday, so she was due to arrive in Leeds around the same time I flew home-the day before my birthday!

Wendy and I still make regular trips to Islay to visit the lovely island and spend time with Jane (and Gilbert!) who have become very dear friends.

Fern settled very quickly in her new surroundings and her wonderful temperament and outlook on life shone through immediately. We took her to her first show a couple of weeks later and she behaved so well and seemed to enjoy all the attention. She was clearly a natural show o in the showring. We had lots of fun showing her in young stock classes and she had a super first year with her most notable successes being a win at the Northern Horse Show and also winning her class at Malvern Highland Pony Show.

She even joined her full sister Cloverdene in the progeny class and came a very respectable 2nd in a very large class that year. They have since gone on to win this class as a pair.

Fern has been brought on very slowly with her ridden career , to give her chance to mature both physically and mentally. Thanks to the patience and hard work of my daughters friend Sallie Hurst she has now mastered the art of cantering on the right leg on both reins!! She has a notable turn of speed and the favourite part of her ridden show is the gallop!!! She has come on in leaps and bounds this summer and had a fun time at Equifest in the concours and mountain and moorland pairs.

She finished the summer off in style by winning her novice class at NCPA Pony of the Year Show, and also had a super day at Horse Parade championships.



SHOW YOUR SUPPORT We are able to add the HPEC logo or a Garments are available in sizes S, M, L,& XL stitched pony head emblem in one of three and in a wide range of colours. As a guide colours (yellow dun, grey or chestnut) with the L size is about a 16 with the micro fleece the words ”Highland Pony Enthusiasts being more fitted than the other items.

Club” to a wide range of high quality items.

Colour Price Item Navy, Black, Cream, Maroon £3.99 Beanie Hat £22.50 Body Warmer Navy, Black, Green, Maroon £6.99 Any colour Caps £28.50 Royal, Black, Navy, Green, Maroon Full Fleece £24.99 Half Zip Fleece Navy, Black, Green, Maroon £29.50 Black, Dusty Blue, Navy550 Micro Fleece Lilac, Pink, Lemon, Pale Blue, Red, Black, Navy, Green, Maroon, £14.99 Polo Shirts Cerise, Turquoise.

Blue, Black, Burgundy, Emerald Green, Gold, Red, Dusky Blue. £29.50 Rugby Shirts £18.99 S w e a t s h i r t s Navy, Black, Maroon, Green, Grey, Royal Blue, Red. Placing an order Also available: 1.Choose you item(s) from list above.

Blackwatch Saddle Covers, Tartan Leg 2.Make cheque payable to Headmaster Clothes Bandages, Tartan Hat Bags, and Tartan 3.Send your cheque along with your name, Saddle Cloths delivery address and a phone number to : Chris Bassett, Arundel House, Cemetary Road, Glossop.

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