About The Pony Zone
How it all started
As a small child with a vivid imagination the garden wall of our family home was my very favourite pony. So you could probably say that The Pony Zone was my true vocation.
I will never forget the hours I used to spend as a kid sitting astride what seemed at the time to be a very high wall, holding on to a rope I’d put around the even higher gate post in front of me. I rode through so many fields on that wall. And in my mind I was competing at all the best horse shows, alongside famous equestrians such as Harvey Smith, Princess Anne and David Broome!
EncouragIng Active Imaginations
Most kids have boundless energy and vivid imaginations and we should encourage, not discourage, their creativity. Our imaginations trigger the most wonderful dreams and from a very early age I dreamt of owning a horse. In my dreams I would ride it every single day, for as long as possible. Now, cast your mind back to your childhood days. Were you fascinated by the cowboy movies on the TV and played cowboys and Indians with your friends? And I bet your horse was the biggest, fastest, most beautiful creature in the whole wide world. Just like mine.
Why the Pony Zone?
I’ve been actively involved with horses and ponies since I was 8 years old. I always wanted to learn to ride and my parents told me I would have to work hard, save up to buy myself a horse and be in a good financial position in order to look after it. So that’s exactly what I did.
I started my first ‘real’ job and within a few months bought my first horse – Duke Domingo. He was a Christmas present to myself that year. Unfortunately, walking down to see him after the New Year, I was knocked down by a drunk driver on the road. I ended up in hospital with head, shoulder and back injuries. It was an awful period in my life, but I was determined it wasn’t going to kill my passion or stop me riding. Getting over the injuries was a tough battle, but I won and was thankfully back in the saddle a couple of months later.
After that episode I continued to ride competitively and always for pleasure. At one point I actually owned eight horses at the same time. Living proof that hard work and determination does pay off!
Life in France
The equestrian world remains a huge part of my life. Upon relocating to France in 2014, it began to open up even more, as new equine opportunities came flooding in.
In France I’ve been lucky enough to have been able to help with a variety of equine husbandry tasks; From foaling, weaning, handling, training and show preparation. To loading, driving and even providing emergency care.
I have helped with thoroughbreds – in particular, the offspring of Joshua Tree, a four times Group 1 winner. And I’ve also had the pleasure of being introduced to and riding Normandy Cobs at a very reputable local stud. There have been so many amazing characters and breeds – Arabs, Welsh Section, miniature horses and a few donkeys too. I’ve also rescued a couple along the way.
The Normandy Cob – Le cob normand
So, is it any wonder why I choose to do what I do today?
Some of My four-legged friends
