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Welcome to the team Rocky (Llangollen Cartier) ❤️ Rocky is a Jack of all trades - he's done pony club, lead rein, showing and most importantly, he's an expert in teaching children how to ride! He may not be the fastest pony in the West, but he's the safest and will join us for pony parties and lessons. A massive thank you to Alisha and Richelle Portelli for parting with their special pony, he will have a home for life here and I know he's going to be loved and spoiled by many.
Unfortunately our favourite Barbie Pony, Ella has done a serious tendon injury and will be out of action for 6 months. She will be on box rest for another month or so and will then be moved to a tiny yard. She will undergo another ultrasound in August to see how things have progressed. I encourage all of our regular clients to bring a carrot or apple and give her a cuddle because things must be pretty boring without her little sidekick Phoenix to boss around.
Just a quick update to let everyone know that my surgery went well - I've had a c7 replacement and also some bone spurs shaved down, so I may just go beep the next time I go through airport security! I'll be out of action for quite some time, so Holli and Rachel are looking after things on the farm. I'll also be taking some well deserved time out during my recovery and will be heading to the warmth of a European summer, where I'll be visiting some Equine Therapy establishments to gain further knowledge so we can introduce therapeutic experiences for children affected by anxiety, depression as well as those who are vision impaired. This is particularly close to my heart as my goddaughter is vision impaired and I would love to implement an 8-step program whereby she, and other children, can gain the confidence to brush, lead and ride a pony. Our tight-knit family team wishes everyone a healthy and happy few months, and I look forward to seeing all of my regular clients and some new faces when I return full time to the farm.
Could not be prouder of Holli this weekend, taking both Phoenix and Casper out to Melton Showjumping. Both ponies were absolutely fantastic and foot perfect in the accumulator, with Phoenix taking out first and Casper second place. The double round saw both ponies jump clear the first round, and with Casper in the lead before Phoenix did his jump off round, we were in prime position. I told Holli to put the skates on, and in doing so, Phoenix jumped a bit flat on jump 1, taking out a pole! But went on to have a speedy and safe round. This unfortunately dropped him down to third but ensured Casper won. The overall result was Phoenix in Reserve and Casper as Champion F grade. Holli manages to make it look so easy on these quirky lads and definitely makes them better for the work she puts in. Both of these boys are available for lessons, pm for availability. Congratulations Holli, you are an asset to our team!
Huge weekend for the ponies and our team of young students and riders. Saturday was Heathcote Winter Woolies where two of our youngest students ventured into the topsy ring for the very first time. Our new combinations, Ella & Cleo and Amelia & Ella had a fun filled day doing their first handler and rider classes, looking gorgeous in their little vests and matching hair bows, while Letty & Phoenix made a victorious return to the ring taking out the rider over 8 class thanks to some well sat pigroots courtesy of Phoenix being silly. The fancy dress class was HUGE and there were some seriously amazing costumes - which means we need to get out the janome and get cracking! All combos were awarded some great ribbons and are looking forward to the next time.
Sunday Holli took Phoenix and Ella to Bullengarook showjumping day. Ella wasn't her usual self and a decision was made to withdraw her from competition, so we knew Phoenix had to step up. And boy did he do just that! With three clear rounds and a cracking time in each one, they came home with the Champion Open F grade. This little guy can really bring it when he wants, you just need to avoid his gnashes as he may just take a nip at you when you least expect it. There aren't many pics of the jumping and none of the presentation due to the very late time it finished.
Well done to everyone involved - it was an exhausting weekend but made possible due to the help from the whole team. As their coach, I'm ever so proud that all of our riders were mature, kind to their horses and showed exceptional sportsmanship, even when things got a little spicy (Phoenix I'm looking at you) Thanks also has to go to my coach, Anne Hall who was on messenger to help me with my coaching on Sunday, so I could assist Holli the best I could. Without the help from everyone these days out wouldn't be possible. Enjoy some pics ❤️
Ella and Phoenix are all primed for their showjumping day Sunday. Thanks Holli for your hard work - and good luck for Sunday. We didn't forget that Cleo loves a good jump too!
Cleo the wonder pony (and Alison) having a jump with student Vera. Today's lesson included activities like 'stepping stones', 'round the world', and of course going over the jumps!
Couple of pics of Ella and Phoenix jumps training and getting ready to do a showjumping comp in a couple of weeks. They look like they're enjoying themselves!
Well folks, that's us officially on holidays! We're heading to Bali to escape the cold and will be back and ready for lessons on Saturday 8th July. Hopefully all of the ponies also enjoy their break and will be raring to go when we start up again. We've got one spot left on Saturday arvo at 3:45pm and a few spots in the morning on Sunday 9th. Cleo, Phoenix, Ella and Casper will be available. For those who have already booked in, Alison will confirm times via text.
In other news - Monty and I made this months Horse Deals magazine! Dreamscope Photography were at Werribee to capture the amazing horses at the National Heavy Horse Festival. It was a somber weekend due to the tragic passing of Kristin and later Max Marriot who were champions of the Clydesdale breed and great supporters of all of the heavy horse shows. All of us who competed that weekend were very aware of the weight of emotions felt by everyone, and it was such a selfless act on behalf of the family and organisers to go ahead with the show despite the circumstances. As owners of rare, heavy breed horses we know we struggle to get recognition for the hard work we do to ensure we compete at our very best and showcase what our amazing heavies can do. I am truly honored to have made Horse Deals for this showcase, and I have to thank all of those who were involved with getting Monty and I there and competing at our very best.
Michelle Leigh for making the unbelievable outfit that is shown in this photo.
Damien Munro from Macedon Ranges Equine & Canine Therapy has worked with me to get Monty in peak condition
Anne Hall for being an amazing coach and confidant
My parents - they didn't realise 30 years ago that I'd be still riding, let alone being a coach to juniors, making children's birthday dreams come true by providing unicorns, cowboys, superheroes for their birthdays
My poor suffering husband who has to black-it hooves, whiten feathers, and clean my boots!
Without all of my team, we simply wouldn't get there, and definitely wouldn't be impressive enough to make Horse Deals!!
May our 'Team Monty' success continue.
Check out the April issue for gallery coverage from the National Heavy Horse Festival, brought to you by Dreamscope Photography.
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April issue, on sale now 🐴
🔍 Find a stockist: horsedeals.com.au/magazine
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Monty and I weren't the judges choice at last weekends CCSHA show in Tonimbuck, however as I'd already asked Abigail to do a junior handler class and a junior rider class on Monty, I decided to throw her in the deep end and have her do the Walk/Trot section on the ridden day. Not only do I have to thank her parents for trusting that I have coached her well enough to handle such a big horse, but also to Monty for looking after her so well in her very first competition under saddle.
Abby has only had about 12 lessons all together and only ridden Monty 4 times all up, and if I'm honest, at 17.3hh he's a massive horse that would easily intimidate most people. Not Abby. She trusted that Monty would look after her and went in the ring against adults as well as some juniors and boy did they do a spectacular job! As part of her massive ribbon haul was a 2nd in Smartest on Parade, 2nd Heavyweight Exhibit, 2nd Working Hunter and a Reserve Champion in her rider class!!
I'm so so proud of her, there were some classes that had horses that were upset and difficult, but she remained calm and therefore so did Monty. I'm refusing to give up my horse, but for this weekend the student definitely did better than the coach!
To say I'm proud of some of my students would be an understatement. Sisters Juliette and Abigail have been hitting the high notes in their first competitions under saddle over the last month, and have gained a level of confidence that has seen them both go up a gear with their training and even want to begin jumping!
Juliette and Phoenix looked fantastic for their Topsy Ring classes, taking home a haul of ribbons, with some of the most notable ones including a 2nd in Rider with the biggest smile, a 2nd in child handler leading a parent/guardian (poor phoenix wasn't impressed with me getting on) 3rd in most natural rider where she rode unassisted in her first ever competition, and finally an impressive 4th in the Fancy Dress against some very very cool costumes! Phoenix wasn't sure he enjoyed being dressed as Elvis, but the crowd certainly got behind him!
Thanks to the organisers who held the event many months after its original date that was postponed due to the weather. Thanks also to Shady Snaps for the gorgeous picture of Abby leading Letty for some of her classes.
Although a few weeks back now, we ventured to Team Teal standy show with Bernie. Although it wasn't quite our weekend for the blue ribbons, Abby handled Bernie magnificently and there were still some very well deserved results.
The following week was Rochester and it was my turn to be out with Monty. It was definitely not the day I'd hoped for - there were some interesting moments when we had an 850kg kite, always a pleasure when that happens 😂 I think the one and only picture of the day was as good as it was going to get for us. And yes, there's a blue ribbon, but we were the only one in the class!
It's been a very busy month for us, so I'll break the posts up into manageable chunks. Some recent plaiting and show prep work with my horses as well as clients - Standies for Breast Cancer, Team Teal standy show, Sunbury Ag show. The standy I worked with for Team Teal, Charlie, was an absolute gentleman and had one of the easiest tails I've ever plaited. Such long hair at the side which was easy to braid. He didn't have much forelock to speak of, but what was there came up well. And his mane was extremely long and his owner didn't want me to trim it, so I was able to pull the hair through to form the next plait. I think it turned out really well. And finally, the Clydie Cross I prepared and handled at Sunbury was a gem, and came up a treat! Look at that shine!
Although slightly lax on the posting front, we had a smashing morning at the Standies For Breast Cancer Trials show last weekend. I took out Bernie aka Inshadow for her very first time at an event. Well, she was marvellous! I couldn't fault her. She was cool, calm and collected and boy does she look incredible right now. One of my wonderful students has been working with her on the ground as well as some light riding sessions over the last couple of months, and it's clear that this duo is headed for some good times ahead. For their very first event together they came home with the WIN in Fashons off the Field against a huge field, with some incredible outfits and lovely horses. We missed the Hest Dressed (oops) and Abby went straight into the Novice Led class, coming home with a 4th place which I really didn't expect. Their workout was exceptional, Bernie trotting instead of pacing and Abby took it all in her stride, despite this being her very first class with a workout! They looked like a very professional team, which is truly incredible to see, and I couldn't be prouder of either of them. Thanks so much to the organisers of the show, it was for a great cause, and very close to my heart as I lost an auntie to breast cancer. Thank you Michelle for trusting me when I suggested the partnership with Bernie, this is just the start for them. Thanks to Damian from Macedon Ranges Equine & Canine Therapy for adjusting Bernie so she remains in the best physical condition, as well as the dietary assistance - her coat is gleaming right now! A massive thanks has to go to all of the sponsors of the Fashions off the Field
for the amazing flowers and rosette
for the nail pack
for the lovely pink cotton rug for Bernie
for the awesome images
Also the great Revlon cosmetic pack, and the night accommodation on the Bellarine Peninsula- I think a night or two away at the end of show season awaits!
It's been another big week here for the kids and our ponies. We braved the heat and took Cleo and Ella to the Neangar Park Pony Club gymkhana in Bendigo. My young nieces did me proud with their beautiful handling and riding, coming home with ribbons in all classes. Isla did a magnificent job in her very first led and ridden classes without me by her side, even taking out second place in her handler class! Another one of my students Abby was acting as leadline for Willow and together they did some great workouts also coming home with a big score of ribbons. The fancy dress class was a bit of fun, Isla getting the garland for first place for her fairy and unicorn combo. A big thanks has to go the organisers as it was well run, fair and lots of fun in the topsy ring! A massive thanks has to go to Michelle for lending a hand, letting Abby take control of the leadline for Willow, thanks to the folks for bringing the girls up the night before so they could assist with the show prep. Always a big shoutout to my suffering husband, who got up early and got a sunburned nose for his troubles. This was the first comp the girls have done in 3 years, so as a start back, it was perfect. They are both feeling very confident and have some great ribbons to take for show and tell this week.
Naps in the sun ☀️
Cleo has had a massive day of lessons, and I think she'll sleep well tonight. We left the wet paddocks of our farm and went to the indoor arena at Macedon Ranges Equestrian Centre. Although the sun made an appearance, it was short lived, so I'm pleased we were able to huddle under the roof and continue the learning. Thanks to all my students (and their parents) for joining us today.
We're proud to be a first time supporter of horse classes at the Sunbury Show this year. We will also be competing Montgomery, Alison's ShireXSuffolk/Clydesdale and either Cleo in the fun ring or Phoenix in the show hunter category. A big thanks to the organisers of the horse events, Bec and Jane Ge**er.
Cleo looking far more comfortable in her lesson after a full clip - love how silvery she goes. Her little rider even cleaned some gear afterwards, good to get them used to the idea that gear should be cleaned on a regular basis.
Are you looking to purchase your first horse but are a bit of a nervous nellie? If you are looking for your first horse and need some guidance or just an experienced rider to jump on board for you, please don't hesitate to contact us. One of the services we are proud to offer people on their equine journey, is our resident coach to ride a prospective new horse for you. Alison is a skilled, confident and respectful rider who is able to assist you in all aspects of horse purchasing. Whether that is riding on your first viewing, or helping you ask the questions you may not even realise you need to ask! Contact us for more information and pricing.
We are finally coming down from a massive weekend away at the Clydesdale Cross Sport Horse Association Show at Tatura. I have thanked everyone on my personal page, but I can't help but brag about my incredible horse Monty. He makes it all worthwhile. He is truly my heart horse.
We like to switch it around sometimes and take on the odd challenge. After a local family reached out for some riding lessons for their children, it became clear that it wasn't just the children who needed to gain some confidence. Their cute yellow pony, Pablo needed a little extra work so in time, he could become the pony this young family need him to be. Pablo was purchased with the hope that he would be the pony that can take his children to pony club and beyond, however unfortunately it is clear that somewhere in his journey to this family, things have gone awry. With that in mind, we offered to take Pablo in for some training, while the girls learn to ride and gain confidence on our school ponies.
Being able to do this has meant the children can concentrate on learning to ride safely and with confidence, and Pablo can remember what life can be like when he is treated with respect and given the chance to be curious and learn within his window of tolerance.
As with my horses, when things aren't quite right, I like to go through the mental checklist of what could be creating discomfort or pain, which is leading to some behavioural inconsistencies. We started with teeth, feet, diet, and his body. As a chronic windsucker, the poor fellow has some interesting teeth which will be assessed by a dental specialist. In the meantime, Pablo has been responding to hay-balls, medicine ball play time and a treat ball. All of which have been taking his mind off sucking the gate. He's a super intelligent pony and in the long run I don't think the windsucking will cause any training problems.
Over the coming weeks as this story progresses, I will be posting updates on Pablo and his wonderful family, as I know we are just beginning our journey together but I am sure we will be able to form a genuine connection between coach, riders and most importantly, with Pablo.
I would like to thank Esther from Central Victorian Equine Dental Services for seeing Pablo on short notice and guiding us to help him get the best treatment for his mouth, Joanna Stuart for being a great farrier - with just the knack to get this little guy to trust you, Damien Munro from Macedon Ranges Equine Therapy - you will work your magic and get his body A1.
Another pair of sisters learning to ride with us. Letty, the youngest of the two started off very nervous and her mum was not quite sure she'd want to give it a go. But pretty quickly, Cleo reassured her and after only 3 lessons, she's off lead and raring to go! Her older sister, Abby is the tallest 11yo - so she is learning on our gentleman, Chase. Because he's a big boy, 16.2hh to be exact, we're starting on the lunge while she learns the basics of stop, go, left, right.
The girls only come once a month at the moment, but by judging how much they pester their parents, very soon I think it will be more regular!
Exciting times ahead - I am launching a website! Stay tuned....
Some recent photos of two sisters, Amelia and Lydia who are learning to ride on our school ponies. This was their first time off lead and by the look of it, they were both very pleased with themselves!
The girls have come on leaps and bounds since resuming after the holiday break, and have even begun the difficult task of learning to rise to the trot. I suspect there will be sore legs in the future!
Who knew our cheeky boy Phoenix could scrub up so well? We endeavoured to do two days of showing this weekend at Yarra Glen Horse Show and Croydon Horse Show. For our mate, it wasn't quite to be. He was looking fantastic, albeit a little round in his belly still from his time off after surgery. His jockey for the weekend, Macey Postil had him going so well on Saturday - we did 4 classes for two 3rd places against some very strong competition. Unfortunately Sunday didn't go to plan, and P*e was not feeling it right from the first class where he was struggling to raise a canter due to fatigue. The big weekend had crept up on him and although he did get a 1st, it was pretty much because the other horse had to pull out. There were many positives and a couple of negatives to the experience, but overall we had a blast.
Next outing for this little man is pony club with his young rider who has been having lessons on him over the last year. I am sure P*e will be happy to get back to what he loves best - a few jumps and some mounted games.
Braving the heat of yesterday, these two sisters had their first riding lesson on our ponies, Cleo and Phoenix. But judging how tall Abby is already, I think it will only be a couple of weeks before she is confident moving onto our resident gentleman, Chase. At 16.2hh he's certainly a lot higher up than Phoenix, who stands at just 11.2hh, but the guy is 20 years young and can look after even the most nervous child or adult.
Abby and Letty started out by learning how to brush their ponies, pick out their feet and watched how I put their tack on. Learning to ride is not just about fun and games, we also believe that you must understand how to look after your pony too - from the most basic grooming, all the way to understanding the parts of the anatomy (in case you ever have to call a vet) to knowing what we feed and why. Part of what we aim to do is provide an understanding of animal care to our young riders, so that if the time comes for them to move onto their own horses or ponies or go to pony club, they can do so with confidence.
Phew, what a weekend at VAS. I plaited 7 horses, made some great new friends, rode a horse (although missed the class) got sunburned and had the ultimate fan-girl moment.
Thank you to everyone who trusted me to plait up their horses, everyone was so well behaved despite the ridiculous amount of flies and soaring temperatures. An especially big thanks to Fiona Peters-Meyer who also asked me to ride her very special TB, Charlie. He is an absolute gentleman who had done more than 100 starts - but is seriously one of the most laid back horses I have ever met! I really hope I have the chance to ride him again in the future - I can only imagine how well he is going to go with some more education.
Due to some fortunate car parking, I managed to fulfil a dream - I met Chautauqua. I had parked next to Casey Bruce and her mum at the ABSS Show in November, and told them about how my poor suffering horse husband and I met at the races, bonding over the greys; and that over the years we had placed many bets and cheered on The Grey Flash himself. So somehow I had to keep my pounding heart under control when I was asked to re-plait his mane because he'd been a cheeky boy in the stable overnight and had rubbed them out. In his true quirky 'Sharky' style, he was completely relaxed about me plaiting, but then wouldn't smile for the cameras no matter how hard we tried. It was a great honor for me, as he went on to win Fashions on the Field and placed in all other classes for the rest of the day. I am chuffed to say that I am now plaiting him at Barastoc in February!
86 Wisemans Lane
Newham, VIC
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During 2021 our treasured shetland pony Cleo suffered a bad bout of laminitis that saw her out of action. After seeing her run around like this, I think it's safe to say she's raring to go! Cleo is the perfect companion for young children to learn with because she is quiet, calm and most of all - loves a smooch! So if your child is wanting pony cuddles, Cleo is the one to see!
