04/10/2024
The story of one of our pony clubbers ❤️
Evie’s memories in the form of a story ###
Evie stood at the entrance of Echos Pony Club, taking a deep breath as she gazed at the familiar sights of the yard. She had been coming here every weekend since last year, and it had become her second home. There was a warmth about this place, not just from the sunny fields and stables full of friendly horses, but from the people too. It felt like family. But today, that warmth was tinged with sadness. It was the last day Echos would ever be open.
Echos wasn’t just a pony club; it was a magical place where Evie had learned so much. From the very first day she arrived, wide-eyed and nervous, to now, when she could confidently tack up the horses, muck out the stables, and handle the jump course with ease, Echos had been her sanctuary.
Among the many horses at Echos was Rupert, Lauren’s impressive dressage horse. With his striking presence, he had won at prestigious events like Royal Windsor and HOYS. Though Rupert had lost an eye, it only added to his character. Evie admired his grace and determination, always inspired by how he and Lauren worked together in harmony.
Marley was another standout at the club. Evie had been told that Marley loved going hunting and had a great jump, effortlessly soaring over obstacles with a powerful grace that left everyone in awe. The stories of Marley’s thrilling hunts filled Evie with excitement, igniting her own dreams of riding adventures.
Yet, Evie felt a twinge of disappointment as she recalled the times she had missed out on experiences. She had been on holiday in Devon during the summer camp, hoping to participate the following year. But now, that opportunity was lost. She had also been in Florida when the yard took their fabulous beach trip, and the news of her friends’ adventures left her feeling gutted. Those moments felt like they had slipped through her fingers, and she couldn’t shake the wish that she had been there to share them.
Another beloved pony was Crumpet, the little princess pony, who had a coat as white as snow. Crumpet was unique; she was the only pony at Echos who had never been backed. She had her own ideas about what she wanted and wasn’t shy about expressing them. A few years ago, Maggie had bought Crumpet after loaning her for a while, and she spoiled her so much that the pony wanted for nothing. Crumpet lived the best life, basking in affection and treats. Sadly, this year, she had crossed the rainbow bridge, leaving a void that would be felt by everyone at Echo’s. Her spirit and attitude would always be remembered fondly.
Evie had her favorites among the horses. Buddy, the beautiful white and black cob, was always patient with her when she was learning to ride, he was the first horse she rode at Echos. Betty, a calm and steady palomino, became Evie’s trusted companion. Dinky, the perfect show pony, instilled in her a sense of discipline and poise, while Daisy encouraged her resilience. Leilo, a fiery pony, challenged Evie to ride with confidence. Joe was a huge horse whose size was matched only by his gentle heart. And then there was Bailey, a girl with a friendly demeanor who, despite her charm, held the title for the most accident reports—her clumsiness often led to mishaps that kept everyone on their toes.
Evie couldn’t help but chuckle at how she held the same title, albeit for her own human blunders. Between tripping over hay bales and getting tangled in reins, her friends often joked that she should wear a helmet at all times. They had shared countless laughs over their shared misadventures, creating bonds that would last a lifetime.
Another memorable horse was Lisa, who had once been on box rest. Evie loved hearing the stories about how the chickens would keep her company in the stable, clucking around and perching on the edge of her stall. It brought a smile to Evie’s face to imagine the cheerful chaos of feathers and hooves mingling together, reminding her of the unique bonds formed at Echos.
Among them was Maverick, a true gem of the yard. At almost 32 years old, he was a retired showjumping pony whose youthful days were filled with incredible jumps over impressive fences. Now, Maverick roamed freely around the yard, his wise eyes reflecting a lifetime of experience. He was adored by everyone for his gentle nature. Evie often found herself sitting with him, reminiscing about his glory days while she brushed his soft coat. Maverick seemed to embody the spirit of Echos, reminding everyone of the joy and passion that horses brought to their lives.
Her heart held a special place for Buddy, Belle, Dinky, Betty, Daisy, and many others—each of these horses had taught Evie the most about riding. Buddy’s gentle patience helped her build confidence. Belle taught her precision during dressage, guiding her to perfect each movement with grace. Dinky’s smooth jumps made Evie feel like they were flying. Betty’s calm nature provided peace in the saddle, while Daisy taught her to push herself just a little further with each ride.
On their last day together, Evie took her time brushing Buddy’s mane, the soft strands slipping easily through her fingers. Buddy stood patiently, as always, his gentle presence offering comfort on such a sad day. Though Echo’s was closing, Evie knew that Buddy had taught her more than just riding. The cob had shown her the beauty of patience, kindness, and trust.
But it wasn’t just the horses that made Echoes special. The staff were more like mentors and friends. Lauren, Toni, Poppy, Maddy, Maggie, Grace, and Chloe had all taught her how to care for the animals, how to be responsible, and how to have fun doing it. They had shown her the ropes—literally, when she first learned how to tie proper knots—and guided her through every new challenge. She had earned 14 badges from the club, each one a testament to the skills she had gained, from mucking out stables to mastering showjumping courses.
And then there were the yard cats. Felix, the striking black and white cat, was known for his playful antics and charming personality. His sister Ruby, with her sleek black coat and bright green eyes, often trailed behind him, keeping a watchful eye on his mischievous adventures. Tabs and Splodge, the two girl cats, added even more life to the yard. Tabs, with her tabby stripes, was the queen of lounging in the sun, while Splodge, with her unique spotted coat, loved to chase after anything that moved. Evie especially loved Splodge; her playful spirit and boundless energy always brightened Evie's day.
Evie also adored the dogs at the yard. The lively Jack Russell dashed around, full of energy, while Skye, the friendly spaniel, was a gentle soul who loved to be petted and cuddled. They added a spirited joy to the environment, bounding around with wagging tails and excited barks. Evie would often take breaks to play with them, throwing balls or simply enjoying their company as they lounged in the sun together.
Every time Evie’s mum, Sarah, arrived to collect her, she would find Evie beaming but exhausted from a long day spent working on the yard and playing with friends. Evie always shared every detail of her day, her words tumbling out in excitement. “I groomed Buddy today, and we jumped the course!” or “I helped with feeding and even got to turn out Dinky!” Sarah would laugh, knowing the unmistakable “horsey” smell that surrounded Evie—an intoxicating mix of hay, horse, and hard work that spoke of her adventures.
She wasn’t alone, either. Evie had made so many friends here. Vivienne, Emma, Amber, Georgia, Ella, Esmae, Tia, Millie, and the two Sophies were like sisters to her now. Annabelle and Penelope were always there for a laugh or to lend a hand when the chores got tough. Together, they spent weekends, school holidays, and most of the summer at Echos, running through the fields, tending to the horses, and laughing under the sun.
There were other animals too, like Bluebell the cow, who wandered the fields lazily, and flocks of sheep that dotted the rolling green fields surrounding the yard. It was a scene of peacefulness and joy, a place where Evie felt she truly belonged.
Evie loved being a junior pony club member. She had learned not just about riding, but about responsibility. She helped feed the horses, sorted hay nets, and groomed them until their coats gleamed. She knew the layout of the yard like the back of her hand, and every stable had its own memories. The smell of hay, the gentle sounds of the horses settling in their stalls, and the clink of their tack—it was all so familiar, so comforting.
Recently, Echos had to close its gates for the last time. It was devastating news that had swept through the yard like a cold wind. Evie had cried, as had many of her friends. The staff had gathered everyone for one final ride, and though they tried to keep the mood light, there was a deep sadness that hung over them all. The parents were invited to watch the children jumping in the field.
As she brushed Buddy’s mane one last time, Evie thought about everything Echoes had given her. It wasn’t just a place to ride; it was where she had grown up, learned new things, made lasting friendships, and found her passion. The memories she had created here would stay with her forever.
Today, as she stood in the yard, saying goodbye, Evie realized that even though Echos was closing, the lessons and memories would never fade. They would remain a treasure in her heart, shaping her into who she was—strong, confident and thankful.
