the magazine for members of thethe magazine for members of theHighland Pony Enthusiasts ClubHighland Pony Enthusiasts Club

Issue: No 43 -Issue: No 43 - Spring 2013

Highland Highland timestimes

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

NORTH WESTKathy 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, Th ornley, Longridge, Preston, Lancashire. PR3 2TA.e-mail:lindsaywalsh@hotmail.co.uk Tel 07900 204585

NORTH EASTChristopher 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, Grangefi eld, Stockton on Tees, Teeside. TS18 4PY. e-mail:lianneparkin@ntlworld.com Tel: 01642 895109

PENNINEAlison Payne, 32 Wellhouse Lane, Penistone, Sheffi eld. S36 8ER. e-mail:alisonpayne909@btinternet.com Tel: 01266 370026

Amanda Hart, 31 Westfi eld Avenue, Th urstone Sheffi eld. S36 9RL.e-mail:hartsika@btinternet.com Tel: 07897 257166

EAST MIDLANDSKirsty Wylde, Glenavon Dale, Lincoln Road, Nettleham, Lincolnemail: wylde@kirsty@hotmail.co.uk Tel: 07917205251

CENTRAL-WEST MIDLANDSHelen Best, Gatesblay, Stychampton, Stourport, Worcester. DY13 9TA. e-mail:maxmystic@aol.com Tel: 01905 621122 / 07809 100772

Jo Jeff s, 2 Columbian Crescent, Burntwood, Staff ordshire.WS7 2BD. e-mail:tangos@ntlworld.comTel 01543 301568

WESTTina Dando, 25 Orchard Close, Kewstoke, Weston super Marre, Somerset. BS22 9XY. e-mail:tinatalk@talktalk.net Tel: 01934 418765

THAMES VALLEYWendy Shearman, 3 River View, Flackwell Heath, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. HP10 9AT. e-mail:stuartshearman@btconnect.com Tel: 01628 523124

ANGLIACatriona Carnegie, 232 Ugg Mere Court Road, Ramsey Heighs, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. PE26 2RS. e-mail:talisker_highland_ponies@yahoo.co.uk Tel: 07786 321658

SOUTH WESTCathy Ives & Carrie Quick, Loosebeare Cottage, Zeal Monachrom, Crediton, Devon, EX17 6DP e-mail:carriequick123@btinternet.comTel 01363 884260

SOUTH EASTDinty Steans, Brownbread Highland Centre, Ashburnham, Battle, East Sussex. TN33 9NX. e-mail:tony.brownbread@tesco.net Tel: 01424 893922

WALESMargaret & Donna Harries, 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 PersonCatriona Carnegie, 232 Ugg Mere Court Road, Ramsey Heighs, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. PE26 2RS. e-mail:talisker_highland_ponies@yahoo.co.uk Tel: 07786 321658

Vice ChairLinda Impey, Oak Croft, Priors Green,Hartford Eend, Nr Chelmsford. Essex. CM3 1JR.e-mail:impeylinda@yahoo.comTel: 01371 820706

TreasurerBeverley Halls, Bonnetts Cottage,Attleton Green, Wickhambrook,Newmarket. CB8 8YA.e-mail:bhalls@btinternet.comTel: 07534 283282

SecretaryRosemary Smith, 16 Dovehouse Close, Godmanchester, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. PE29 2DY. e-mail:rosemarysnotes@gmail.com Tel: 01480 350127

ActivitiesHelen Boden, Th e 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 - HOYS6-7 Hipo Art8-9 Mull Magic - Part 1.10-11 Preformance Card Q & A12 -11 Preformance Card Results14-15 Small Holder Articles Ragwort & Grazing 16-17 Its sNOw Fun18 Staffi n of Orangefi eld- Jaff a 19 New Promotional Items20-21 Hazeldene in our Family pt 2 22-23 Side Saddle26-27 Highland and Fell Camp29 Message from the Chair29 Diary30-31 Royal Fern32 Promotional Items

Dain, Mum and I went to the Royal Show in 2005 and watched the in hand class-

es. We saw Sti rlingdene 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 Champi-onship 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 Sti rling as a three year old and he was broken in by me as a 4 year old.As a fi ve year old he qualifi ed for the NPS Picton Novice Championship where he won his class and went Reserve Champion at the fi nal. His fi rst year under saddle culminat-ed with shock qualifi cati on and fi rst trip to Olympia.As a six year old he qualifi ed for HOYS, and OLYMPIA. Not knowing what to expect from him at his fi rst HOYS, we were totally thrilled for him to win his Highland/Fells and Dales secti on, and then go on to be Re-serve Champion.Numerous wins as a seven year old and a return trip to HOYS.As an eight year old, he had very few out-ings. His fi rst outi ng 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 qualifi ed for HOYS. He then went to NPS Area 14 in Essex and qual-ifi ed for OLYMPIA. His next outi ng 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 fi rst four shows of the season.Our showing year ended with a fantasti c RESERVE PONY CHAMPION in the CUDDY

– a result beyond our wildest dreams and the highest placing ever achieved by a High-land Pony. I will never forget running him around the Internati onal Arena with every-one cheering. Sti rling certainly knew where he was and loved it.In 2011 his shows were limited, due to Sti rling standing at stud and my work com-mitments, however he won three P(UK) Nati onal Championships: “Keston” In Hand Champion, “Glyn Greenwood” In Hand Champion and “Kingsford” Ridden Cham-pion. He won two HOYS qualifi ers that year, Cheshire County where he stood Reserve and Great Yorkshire where he stood Cham-pion. A trip to BSPSWales in September saw him qualify for Olympia for the fourth ti me.2012 again saw limited shows, however at NPS Summer Championships Sti rling quali-fi ed 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 aft ernoon 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 Sti rl in the collecti ng ring.9:05am arrived and 12 Highland ponies en-tered the Caldene Arena to be judged by Gillian Sells and Barbara Evans.We did the conformati on and then the ride. He went beauti fully and looked amaz-ing thanks to Dain who groomed him to perfecti on, with a bit of help from Dad. Result ti me was as nerve rack-ing as it gets – reverse order.1st place and I couldn’t help but cry as I knew this would be Sti rling’s last HOYS un-der saddle as he was being reti red.

Stirlingdene- A Highland Winner at HOYS

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I couldn’t even put my rosett e on I was shaking so muchThe Championship was in the Internati onal Arena and 16 outstanding ponies took part. Reserve was the Welsh Secti on 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 Sti rling!!!! Tears all round, imag-ine that!!! The presentati on was made by Jane Buchan (Bailey’s Horse Feeds) and NPS President Jennifer Williams, who had Sti r-ling Champion at NPS Summer Champion-ships when he qualifi ed for HOYS.We then had to stay unti l Thursday and the NPS/Baileys Horse Feeds Supreme M&M Championship. Preliminary judging in the Caldene Arena with Mrs Sheila Clarke. The Champion presentati on was again in the Internati onal Arena. Sti rling called forward as Champion and if that wasn’t amazing enough he was presented with his trophy and rosett e by HRH The Princess Royal – tears all round again!!!!!! Dad said he was so proud of this moment.

Then Dad took Sti rling home for a few days rest.He returned to Birmingham on Sunday for the preliminary judging of the HOYS Su-preme Pony of the Year – judged by Mrs Di Cornish and Mr Mike Daley. Sti rling was last to go and produced a faultless show. I was so pleased with him as he showed the audi-ence just how good he can be!!!!Into the Internati onal Arena for the pres-entati on. Sti rling 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 Sti rling’s neck and thanked him for all we had achieved together over the last 6 years. My pony of a lifeti me 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”.Sti rlingdene will be competi ng 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

We all love to see pictures of our ponies on the Forum and Web-

site, but just how much do we know about Highlands in oil, watercolour or sculpture? Here are a few older ones to look out for!

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

On display at Th e Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology

Chief ’s Return from Deer StalkingSir 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. Th e best known of Land-seer’s works, however, are the sculp-tures of the lions in Trafalgar Square. His fi rst major royal commission was a full-size portrait of Queen Victoria seated on her white horse, Leopold.

Chief ’s Return from Deer Stalking

Queen Victoria on a Highland Pony by Edwin Henry Landseer (post 1838)Highland Pony Carrying Stag, 1860

Isidore-Jules Bonheur (French, 1827 - 1901)

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

Mull Magic - Part One

It started with a post by Kate Streatf ield-Oliver on the HPEC Message Board. She

was taking a cott age at Killiechronan on the Isle of Mull with her daughter Olivia, and Jackie and taking two ponies, Lexi and Vio-let. She asked if anyone would like to join her? Jeanett e Hopkins added a message that she had taken one of the other cott ag-es and did anyone want to share it with her. I liked the idea of exploring another Scotti sh 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 quanti ty of midge repellent.We arranged to meet at Andrea’s in Guild-ford on the Friday and I was there just aft er 7.00am. Jeanett e arrived a bit later and af-ter cramming our luggage into every nook and cranny of Jeanett e’s Subaru Forester, we set off . I had had a problem fi nding ac-commodati on for the night in Oban but fi -nally 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 celebrati ng a birthday. They moved on somewhere else aft er a while and feeling dishevelled, weary and middle-aged we sat down to an excel-

lent meal. Aft er we had fi nished, Laney, the owner, a diminuti ve 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 pro-vide a full English breakfast but instead the array of cereals, fruit, yogurt, croissants and toast more than made up for it.Aft er 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 pass-ing 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 nar-row centre of the island. We knew we were nearly there when we found a pony trek-king sign and an arrow. We turned up the drive to Killiechronan and knew straighta-way we had come to the right place. The trekking ponies, mainly grey Highlands were ti ed up in a semi-circle by the gate to the fi eld. Amongst them were three Shet-land ponies, the famous Wee Bobby with Viola and Hornbeam.Jean and her girls gave us a warm welcome. The cott age was ready for us so we were able to chose our bedrooms and unpack. I loved the view from our bedroom window of a fi eld with a grazing Highland pony in it and beyond the loch surrounded by hills.Kate, Jackie, Olivia and the ponies arrived in the aft ernoon. While they sett led in we went down to the fi eld beside the beach and helped Jean with the Saturday club for very litt le children.In the evening we all got together for a BBQ and started to get to know each other. Al-though we knew each other from our posts on the website, the two parti es from north and south had never met.

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Sunday, the day of our fi rst ride was wet, with that peculiar sponge-like form of pre-cipitati on known as Scotch mist. We put on all our waterproof clothing and went down to meet Jean. She assessed our riding abili-ti es 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 fi rst canter. “Right, she’s hap-py up there, lets go!” We climbed stead-ily across the hills, through bogs, fording streams, through woodland and then out on to open ground. We ended up scram-bling up a steep bank into the circular re-mains of a prehistoric hill fort. Despite the rain, the views around us across the hills to Ben More, Mull’s only munroe were fan-tasti c. 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 practi ce at this and trusted him to get us down in one piece. When we got back we were glad of the laundry faciliti es, wet jodhpurs, fl eeces, socks and gloves went into the big washing machine and then the spin dryer.

We spent the rest of the aft ernoon relax-ing 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, Jeanett e, who was keen to do lots of hacking in preparati on for rid-ing 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 delightf ul with its brightly coloured shops edging the har-bour, where a Spanish galleon, fl eeing the Armada, sank. I met the Tobermory cat, a very friendly ginger tom, visited the disti ll-ery, the chocolate shop and the Isle of Mull Soap Company. Aft er 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, fol-lowing the coast north towards Calgary. As we drove along the narrow road bordering the loch, I looked up, silhouett ed 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 glinti ng gold on its feathers.The beach at Calgary is lovely. A daisy stud-ded, 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 jellyfi sh.In the evening Jill and Jan joined us, they had come over for a cou-ple 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.

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Performance Card -Q & AWhat 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 acti vi-ti es. Anyone that is a member of the HPEC can complete these awards.What acti viti es do the cards cover?There is a card to cover prett y much any acti vity 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 High-land 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 combinati on of pony and rider can-not enter any other performance awards. All you need to do is keep a log of the ti me you spend hacking, hiking or driving, but please remember if you enter this the same rider and pony combinati on cannot enter any other performance cards. There is also a special rosett e for the veteran pony that completes the most Happy Hacking hours. 0-50 hours = merit 51 - 100 = bronze101 - 150 = silver 151 - 200 = gold201 + = plati num.The Gissings Stud Mature Rider - This is for the “mature” rider over the age of 50 and any acti vity under saddle can be included on any number of highland or partbred po-nies.The Highland Gold Senior Rider - Riders must be between the age of 25 - 50 years. Any acti vity 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 acti vity under saddle (apart from hack-ing) on any number of highland or part bred highland ponies.

The Sages Junior Trophy - For riders under the age of 18 years doing any acti vity under saddle or inhand acti viti es with any number of Highland or part bred Highland ponies.The Castle Green Amateur Breeder - Com-peti tors must include results from 2 or more ponies. All ponies must be owned and exhibited by the breeder and registered with the owner’s prefi x. Amateur breed-ers are deemed to not have an occupati on 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 acti viti es can be includedThe Domino Foxglove Novice -This compe-ti ti on is for ponies between the ages of 5 and 8 years in their fi rst or second season of acti vity but not to have won an open class in the fi rst season. All acti viti es must be un-der saddle but can be any type of acti vity except hacking.The Lyncrest Newcomers Trophy - For High-land ponies 10 years old or over who have never won a club trophy or performance trophy, this is for performance acti viti es, i.e. ridden acti viti es 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 rid-den acti viti es such as showing, equitati on, 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 specifi c card for that dis-cipline.The Pott erton Park Youngstock Trophy - This for Highland pony youngstock being shown inhand.

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The Kennedy Western Trophy - This one is for any form of western style riding in-cluding highlands and part bred highlands. The Mandy of Meggernie Dressage Trophy - For the Highland pony undertaking any dressage acti viti es.The Nashend Hunti ng Tankard - For the Highland pony undertaking any hunti ng acti viti es (this does not include hunti ng for their feed bucket though).The Sennoke Trec Trophy - For Highland po-nies doing Trec.The Sheenadene Veteran Trophy - This is for Highland ponies over the age of 16 years ridden acti viti es and inhand acti viti es, (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 po-nies that like to fl y!The Warren Side saddle Trophy – For any “intenti onal” sideways riding! Where do I get the cards and is there a charge?The cards are available on the HPEC website and forum (events secti on) all you need to do is print them off and fi ll them out each ti me you undertake an acti vity with your pony, there is no charge to members. Or you can email the acti viti es offi cer direct for the cards that you require, contact details for the acti viti es offi cer are on the website.When do the cards start and fi nish?For this year only cards started on 1st Oc-tober 2012 and will fi nish 31st December 2013 aft er this year they will run from 1st January unti l the 31st December each year.I would like to complete a card but am a new member/got a new pony/only just re-alised 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 acti viti es offi cer, their contact details are on the HPEC website. The closing date for each card is at the top of the card, usually two weeks aft er the card fi nishes, i.e. the 14th January.

What if I miss the closing date?I’m afraid the closing date is absolutely, completely and utt erly fi nal… sorry… but otherwise the Acti viti es Offi cer will have a complete melt down and will dive into a bott le of gin never to be seen again, please be considerate to the mental well being of the acti viti es offi cer and get the cards in on ti me. Can I enter more than one secti on?Yes you can enter as many secti ons as you would like apart from the Happy Hacker Cards, if you enter for the happy hacker secti ons then the pony/rider combinati on cannot enter any other secti ons. So for ex-ample if Mum hacks the pony but daugh-ter 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 specifi c acti vity 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 litt le at whatever level.

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Performance Card -Q & A- continuedHow 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 rosett e, you then get points for plac-ings or miles covered, points scored, level competed at, height jumped, etc, etc, In other words it’s as level a playing fi eld as we can make it.Is it only the winners that get a prize?The overall points winner of the secti on gets the trophy but all those that are placed get a place rosett e down to 6th and then everyone else who submitt ed a card in that secti on gets a special rosett e. In other words everyone gets a rosett e. There are also awards for the best mare, gelding and stallion and an overall points winner and re-serve 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 at-tend 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 peo-ple to return the trophies back to us clean and in good order… if you don’t I will per-sonally hunt you down with a ti n of polish!!The essence of these awards is to recognise the achievements big or small of all of our members in whatever acti viti es they under-take with their ponies and they are a cele-brati on of the versati lity of our lovely ponies.2012 ResultsOverall Points Champion: Ellister Islay Roy-al Fern – Liz Mangham & Sallie HurstOverall Points Reserve Champion: Hector of Langley – Sammy-Jo GranthamBest Mare: David’s Lass of Carn DeargBest Stallion: Balleroy MinstrelBest Gelding: Hector of LangleyWorking Highland: Honey – RDA nominat-ed by Janet Livingstone

Happy Hacker:Plati num:Sue Watkinson – Jenny May of Forglen (309.30 hrs)Julie Beaty – Ballinton CommanderGill Robinson – Frasmaron JamieThomas Gardner – BusterChristi ne Gellender-Mills – Donald Thistle of KurandaJulie Bosworth – HazeldeneJoseph Gellender-Mills – Eddy De ChazelSue Watkinson – MaidendeneGold:Pam Russell – Mossbank Gypsy Anna (Veteran Happy Hacker Award)Silver:Ros Hudson – Glenmuir CrusaderBronze:Rebecca O’Rourke – Humphrey of CombebankL-J Maholc – Silver Fox MalinIsobel Green – Andrew Prince of BreconSharon Palmer – Hobcroft FlaxLynne Parkinson – Llancayo welsh SirlLynne Parkinson – Frenilea of TaliskerMiranda Foster – Saff ron’s SecretClare MacLennan-Postans – Lockeridge Court JesterHelena Parkinson – Gellihaf SolitaireShona Childs –PodRose Cliff – Lady Wendy of WesthallMerit:Veronica Keywood – HeideMiranda Foster – Brownbread CountessClare MacLennan-Postans – Rest and be Thankful IshbelSophie Childs – Pencarrig MuppetL-J Macholc – Miriam of CombebankSusan Perry – Dorlyn CalaisL-J Macholc – Myrtle of CombebankClaire Kinsley – Rignell AuchentoshanJoan Smith – Lambrigg Honey MegEd Macholc – Cameron of AllendaleL-J Macholc – Cameron of AllendaleEd Macholc – Miriam of CombebankEd Macholc – Angus of ?Joan Smith – GypsyEd Macholc – Douglas of CombebankShona Childs – Holmedown CleoSophie Childs – Dawny May of CarnousieJane Feeney – CallyHikers:Joan Smith – Moonlight Shadow (44 hours)Ewan Bushaway – Fleetmead FlannaganAndrea Gilbert – Holmdown ChicagoAndrea Gilbert – HazeldeneAndrea Gilbert – Toravaig of TaliskerL-J Macholc – Constance of Ansg?Joan Smith – Mystery

Performance Card Results

Highland ti mes page 12

Performance Card ResultsJunior Rider:1. Rebecca Champion – Langley Gypsy Legend2. Sophie Core – Catriona of Mysti c Isles & Jenni of Ednam House3. Molly Wylde – Iona of Dykes4. Purdey Bushaway – Fleetmead Eorsa 5. Pixie Jenkins – Meghan of Dinfwr (Handler)Intermediate Rider:1. Chris Grant – Dunedin Rhuann & Dunedin Finale2. Sallie Hurst – Ellister Islay Royal Fern3. B Figgitt – Glenwestcastle Lady RebeccaSenior Rider:1. Sammy-Jo Grantham – Hector of Langley2. Lianne Parkin – Monreith Madonna3. Kirsty Wylde – Iona of Dykes4. Kate Carnegie – Monika of Whitefi eld5. Donna Harris – Ffi on of Dinefwr6. Gillian Tabor – Honiscombe Flora McDonaldMature Rider:1. Lynda Mays – David’s Lass of Carn Dearg2. Sara Fleetwood – Kati e of Combebank & Precious Lassie of Combebank3. Alison Champion – Langley Gypsy Legend4. Alan Butler – Machelthy Sir Bertram5. Carolyn Cummings – Calean Joy6. Gill Colins – Domino Firefl yMature In hand:1. Ellister Islay Royal Fern – Liz Mangham2. Balleroy Minstrel – Kate Carnegie3. Monika of Whitefeild – Kate Carnegie4. Precious Lassie of Combebank – Sara Fleetwood5. Dunedin Rhiona – Chris Grant6. Holmedown Chicago – Wendy Bridges7. Fourmerk Rosalyn – Sallie Hurst8. Machelthy Sir Bertram – Alan Butler9. Monreith Madonna – Lianne Parkin10. Strollomus of Talisker – Kate Carnegie11. Domino Spike – Steve Collins12. Fleetmead Eorsa – Stuart Bushaway13. Domino Jade – Steve Collins14. Dalesman of Combebank – Linda Graham15. Honiscombe Flora McDonald – Gillian TaborYoungstock In Hand:1. Ruwenzori Marigold – Liz Mangham2. Holmedown Clearwater – Wendy Bridges3. Lagalgarve Capercaillie – Amanda Fairclough4. Holmedown Roseville – Wendy Bridges5. Holmedown Logan – Wendy Bridges6. Hirstmead Beaujolais – Kate Carnegie7. Drumbulg Morning Mist – Shona Childs8. Jenna of Talisker – Kate Carnegie9. Torovaig of Talisker – Kate Carnegie10. Holmedown Ohio – Wendy Bridges11. Meghan of Dinefwr – Margaret Harfi eld12. Gusgarlach of Bickaton – Gillian Tabor13. Ebony of Rocklea – Mandy Iliff eAmateur Breeder:1. Wendy Bridges – Holmedown2. Kate Carnegie – Talisker3. Gill & Steve Collins – Domino4. Shona Childs – Drumbulg5. Margaret Harfi eld – DinefwrRidden:1. Ellister Isaly Royal Fern – Liz Mangham & Sallie Hurst2. Dunedin Rhuann – Chris Grant3. Monreith Madonna – Lianne Parkin4. Holmedown Chicago – Wendy Bridges5. Precious Lassie of Combebank – Sara Fleetwood6. Dunedin Finale – Chris Grant

7. Iona of Dykes – Kirsty Wylde8. Monika of Whitefi eld – Kate Carnegie9. Hector of Langley – Sammy-Jo Grantham10. David’s Lass of Carn Dearg – Lynda Mays11. Glenwestcastle Loch Tay – D Barfi eld12. FFion of Dinefwr – Donna Harris13. Dalesman of Combebank – Linda Graham14. Domino Firefl y – Gill Collins15. Machelthy Sir Bertram – Alan ButlerNovice Ridden:1. Ellister Islay Royal Fern – Liz Mangham & Sallie Hurst2. David’s Lass of Carn Dearg – Lynda Mays3. Dalesman of Combebank – Linda Graham4. Ffi on of Dinefwr – Donna Harris5. Jenni of Ednam House – C. Carnegie & Sophie CoreVeteran:1. Monreith Madonna – Lianne Parkin2. Nashend Sea Amethyst – Cathy Ives3. Douglas of Combebank – L-J Macholc4. Calean Joy – Carolyn Cummings5. Domino Firefl y – Gill Collins6. Honey – Janet LivingstoneTrec:1. Iona of Dykes – Kirsti e Wylde2. David’s Lass of Carn Dearg – Lynda Mays3. Chapelhill Blondie – Sheila Thomson4. Langley Gypsy Legend – Alison Champion5. Machelthy Sir Bertram – Alan ButlerLong Distance:1. David’s Lass of Carn Dearg – Lynda Mays2. Douglas of Combebank – L-J Macholc3. Ladarna of Langley – Ed Maholc4. Monreith Madonna – Lianne Parkin5. Machelthy Sir Bertram – Alan Butler6. Calean Joy – Carolyn Cummings7. Dunedin Rhuann – Chris Grant8. Iona of Dykes – Kirsty Wylde9. Dalesman of Combebank – Linda GrahamJumping:1. Hector of Langley – Sammy-Jo Grantham2. Dunedin Rhuann – Chris Grant3. Iona of Dykes – Kirsty Wylde4. Monreith Madonna – Lianne ParkinDressage:1. Dalesman of Combebank – Linda Graham2. Langley Gypsy Legend – Rebecca Champion3. Grania of Dykes – D Barfi eld4. Glenwestcastle Lady Rebecca – B Figgitt 5. Catriona of Mysti c Isles – Polly Pcaer6. Dunedin Rhuann – Chris Grant7. Chapelhill Zak – Katherine Rayment8. Monreith Madonna – Lianne Parkin9. Iona of Dykes – Kirsty Wylde10. Hector of Langley – Sammy-Jo GranthamHunti ng:1. David’s Lass of Carn Dearg – Lynda Mays2. Iona of Dykes – Kirsty Wylde3. Ellister Islay Royal Fern – Liz Mangham & Sallie Hurst4. Monreith Madonna – Lianne ParkinWestern:1. Iona of Dykes – Kirtsy WyldeNewcomers:1. Hector of Langley – Sammy-Jo Grantham2. Grania of Dykes – D Barfi eld & B Friggitt 3. Ladarna of Langley – Ed Macholc

Spring 2013 page 13

With Summer fast approaching it soon will be ti me to start ‘pull-

ing’ ragwort from your pastures. Dur-ing July and August, donkey and horse owners should be regularly checking their animal’s grazing areas for rag-wort as it begins to fl ower during these months and spreads harmful seeds.

Ragwort is extremely dangerous to horses, acti ng as a cumulati ve poison with even small amounts causing liver damage over a long period of ti me; un-fortunately the damage may not be de-tected unti l 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 fl owering stage if spott ed too late, but it is important to remember that a single applicati on will not eliminate an infestati on due to overlapping gen-erati ons of the weed. When ragwort is fi rst noti ced consider employment of a short-term measure to get rid of

existi ng plants, followed by long-term measures, and improved management to prevent reinfestati on. Control needs to be ongoing and combined with good pasture management Veterinarian Faith Burden advises: “The fi rst applicati on of weed killer should be made as soon as possible be-fore frost damages the foliage. In either case a further applicati on should be made in late April the following calen-dar year. Apply in mild weather when the vegetati on is dry and rain is not ex-pected for at least fi ve hours. To avoid wastage and drift , spray on a calm day. All paddocks should be sprayed at the same ti me to avoid infestati on from ad-joining paddocks.”Ragwort can be recognised at its fl ow-ering stage by purplish/red colour root-stock, basal leafstalks and lower parts of the stem but brighter green and branched above the middle.

Bright yellow, daisy-like fl owering oc-curs 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.”

Springwatch - Awareness of ragwort poisoning.

Article with thanks to Smallholder magazine.Highland ti mes page 14

Springwatch - Grazing

D oes reduced ti me at grass increase the amount eaten by ponies?

Recent study suggests that reduced access to pasture may disproporti onally increase intake of grass by ponies Recent research about to be presented at a biannual nutri-ti on meeti ng in the US suggests that ponies given reduced access to pasture are capa-ble of ingesti ng considerable amounts of herbage during the ti me they are turned out and may indeed increase their intake during this ti me as they become accus-tomed to the routi ne.

Intake of large amounts of fructan, and oth-er rapidly fermentable carbohydrates by grazing ponies has been linked to the de-velopment of laminiti s and it has become common practi ce to restrict ponies’ access to pasture, especially at key ti mes 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 eff ects of restricti ng 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 esti mated 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 esti mated grazed herbage intakes than those in group A during the three hours studied and this diff erence was signifi cant during the fi nal week, when they consumed 40% of their total daily dry matt er intake as grass in the three hours at pasture. This compared with an intake of grass of around 25% of their daily dry matt er ingested during the fi rst 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 ingesti ng considerable amounts of grass during the ti me they are turned out and may indeed progressively increase their intake during this ti me, indicati ng that the behaviour could be learned. The implicati on is that reducing ponies’ ti me out on normally managed pastures with the view to limit-ing the intake of rapidly fermentable car-bohydrates may not be as eff ecti ve as fi rst 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)’

It is with great sadness that we advise of the passing of Jaff a, our beauti ful High-land pony. We had owned him since he was 4 years old and we have such fantas-ti c memories of our ti me with him. We fi rst rode Highland ponies on Exmoor with Sylvia and Tony Wood in the 1980s. It was there that we had our introducti on to Highland ponies but it was when we purchased Jaff a 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 rosett e!)1991 - 2nd Royal Windsor Horse Show1992 – 3rd Royal Highland Show1993 – 1st and Highland Champion Royal Show1993 – lst and Reserve Champion New Forest Show1993 – 2nd Bucks County Show1994 – 1st and Highland Champion NPS Summer ChampionshipsAt Ponies UK Championships he also qualifi ed twice for the Glyn Greenwood in hand championship, twice for the M&M WHP championship and for the Kingsford ridden championship.

STAFFIN OF ORANGEFIELD

STAFFIN OF ORANGEFIELD (“JAFFA”)

1986 – 2013

He also won three of those lovely tumblers that were presented at the Malvern High-land 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 be-fore the fi nal we got the call that the Cham-pion was, aft er all, well enough to compete.So you can see the memories we have of Jaff a. He was a super ride and the gentlest of ponies – he really was a pony of a life-ti me and we will miss him terribly.RIP Jaff a.

Highland ti mes page 18

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Highland Times.ai 19 05/12/2012 12:27:21

Spring 2013 page 19

In 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 for-ward 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 recog-nise us instantly. Hazel is the chunky mon-key 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 recupera-tion 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

Owners Scrapbook - Hazeldene in our Life

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 man-aged 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 Ha-zel's life. We get along really well. Her cheeki-ness 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 sec-onds before she is going to try some cheeky stunt. We call it her hooded claw move. It be-gins with a slight squeal followed by an arch-ing 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 High-land pony body. I thank my luck stars every day for meet-ing 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

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 ti me. Although I’d had a couple of goes at it previously lack of suitable mount, saddle, money, ti me, etc. had all com-bined to mean that this ambiti on had never re-ally been fulfi lled. That was unti l Diva Doug en-tered my life and a chance conversati on with a good friend led me to the Northern Side Saddle Group. A long conversati on with Linda (Cadman) who runs this group meant that her partner Andy was promptly dispatched to fi t Diva Boy and myself out with a saddle with the slight ca-veat that they might not have one to fi t a pony and rider of our combined proporti ons, let’s say no more on that issue.Andy, however, was able to work some magic and behold a suitable saddle was found that fi tt ed both the Boy and myself. Said saddle was duly leased from them. Leasing a saddle is a very cost eff ecti ve way of getti ng into this sideways malarkey as fi nding saddles can be expensive, tricky and once found ensuring that they fi t and are in a safe conditi on needs some experti se. Ex-perti se 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 sitti ng sideways or indeed whether or not we would actually be any good at this job.So fi rst stage was to att ach saddle to pony, very few horses actually object to the saddle and if they are going to object its usually to the bal-

ance strap which can be a bit ti cklish as it sits further back. To overcome this fi rst hurdle the Boy was walked around complete with saddle and turned in various directi ons to make sure he had noti ced. I’m sti ll not sure whether he actu-ally did noti ce but he lodged no objecti ons 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 mounti ng involved standing on a block and getti ng on as you would normally. Once sitti ng astride I then swung my right leg over and into positi on. The right ankle then assumes the broken leg look, I kid you not, the temptati on 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 emer-gency 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 po-siti on 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 impor-tant as it’s a pace that you spend the most ti me in, as is a comfy trot as obviously all trot is sit-ti ng, 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 butt on unexpectedly, also pony mustn’t be super sensiti ve 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.

A Bit of Sidesaddle

Having a quiet word before our lesson

Linda explaining how to do it

From a rider’s point of view if you are a lady, like myself, who shall we say is well endowed my recommendati on is a visit to a good linge-rie shop and invest in a support garment of sig-nifi cant proporti ons. Also be aware that having a dead right leg is perfectly normal, we must suff er for our att empt at elegance, and your stomach muscles will be having a major work-out. Having said that riding on the side is actu-ally amazingly good for astride riding, you have to be absolutely straight sideways and this then improves your positi on and core strength when astride, you also have to be more eff ecti ve side-ways and therefore teaches you not to nag with your leg astride.The above sounds like riding sideways is a pain-ful 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

took to it like a duck to water and we actually both enjoy just hacking out sideways. Unfortu-nately my contentment with just hacking about wasn’t enough for my supporters who insisted that I should venture into the competi ti ve envi-ronment. Therefore a habit was found and we entered our fi rst competi ti on.This probably isn’t a parti cularly informati ve 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 Associati on or groups like the Northern Side Saddle Group. All the people that I have met that do sideways have been to-tally enthusiasti c 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 conti nue to do a bit on the side from ti me to ti me just for the sheer pleasure of it.

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

Well we went, we survived and much to our surprise we came home with a red rosette just for the sheer pleasure of it

Spring 2013 page 23

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Schedules are just about ready and will be sent to all area members and last years parti cipants. An acti on 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 instructi on commencing on Saturday morning. Over the course of the weekend you will work in small groups of similar (pony and/or rider) abiliti es.

Instructi on will cover fl at work, jumping and x-country. Riders will work in their own comfort zone under the guidance of encouraging and supporti ve instructors. There will be a demonstrati on at some point during the camp and the weekend fi -nale will be fun camp competi ti on (dressage, working hunter etc). All riders will re-ceive a parti cipati on rosett e and there will be competi ti on rosett es 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 Nati ve 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 questi ons or just a friendly chat either drop us an email here or phone on 0191 267 1610

Look forward to seeing you all soon

Highland and Fell Camp - Linnel Wood, Hexham.

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 totalisker_highland_ponies@yahoo.co.uk.Best wishes to all and hope you have a fun and successful sum-mer whatever your chosen sphere.

Kate x

Message from the Chair

Highland ti mes page 28

2013 DiaryHPEC NE and DPS Area 2 M&M Dressage Sun 10th March 2013Millhouse Riding Centre, Fishburn. Schedule is att ached 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 fantasti c prizes and lots of rosett es. I will be organising some HPEC highland Teams nearer the ti me. 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 bak-ing as well as lots of nati ve ponies. (So far helper wise from the Highland conti ngent we only have Amanda Hart and Lianne’s Mum)Please pass this schedule onto any friends with nati ve ponies.

Nati ve Pony Extravaganza - Richmond EC. Sat 16th March 2013We are in the process of running an HPEC Show in the morning with mixed M&M classes (quali-fi ers for the NPS Spring Festi val), there will be a stallion parade in the aft ernoon and a lecture demo in the evening run by DPS Young Commit-tee. This promises to be a fantasti c day for any nati ve enthusiast. There will be trade stands and breed informati on stands. More informati on is available at www.nati veponyextravaganza.co.uk

Annual Anglian Area Spring Gathering Sun 17th March 2013The Royal Briti sh Legion Hall, Felstead, Essex Guest speakers are Debbie Spears and her life with highland ponies and the art of showing them.Julie Robertson, fi tti ng saddles to the nati ve pony.

Highland and Fell Camp Fri 3rd - Sun 5th May 2013Linnel Wood, Hexham. Schedules will be sent to all area members and last years parti cipants. An acti on packed week-end of fun for both pony and rider.

The HPEC Anglia area Sandringham Show Saturday 11th May 2013Held by kind permission of HM the Queen within the grounds of the Sandringham Estate, Nr Kings Lynn, NorfolkAffi liated to the HPEC and HPS with qualifi ers for Equifest, Royal London and 15+ veterans.In hand and ridden breed classes with lovely place rosett es and sashes in the championships. Please email Kate talisker_highland_ponies@yahoo.co.uk for a schedule to be sent.

Iceni Nati ve Pony ShowSunday 16th June 2013Ashfi elds Polo Club, Nr Stanstead Essex.Affi liated to all nati ve breeds with individual breed classes for all breeds, qualifi ers, in hand ridden, dressage, workers and driving. There will be a facebook page and website up in due course but in the mean ti me if you have any questi ons please contact the chairman or vice chair.

Happy & Hairy Camp5th - 7th July 2013Cheshire/Derbyshire Border

HPS Breed ShowSaturday 13th July 2013The 2013 Breed Show will be held in the grounds of Strathallan Castle, Auchterarder by kind per-mission of Anna Roberts.

The Southern Highland Pony ShowSunday 18th August 2013The Southern Highland Pony Show is held each year on the fi nal day of the Equifest championships at The Easy of England Show-ground, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire.In hand, Ridden, Workers and Dressage Classes as well as fun classes and Qualifi ers for 2014Limited stabling will also be available at a re-duced price for Southern Highland Pony Show competi tors, durati on and nightly through equifest week.www.southernhighlandponyshow.com

Spring 2013 page 29

Ellister Islay Royal Fern - My Golden Girl

It was at the end of summer 2006 that I decided to look for a weanling fi lly to

show in hand.Those of you that know me will appreciate my love for solid col-ours -in parti cular yellow dun!!! I was constantly scanning stud adverts etc and came across Jane Dawson’s web-site- Ellister Islay highland ponies, and I was excited to fi nd she had a weanling fi lly for sale by one of my favourite high-lands-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 fi rst 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.

Quite rightly, Jane insisted I went to view her before making a fi nal 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 beauti ful as her pictures promised and the decision was made there and then that she would be mine. Jane kindly of-fered to deliver her for me (courtesy of Gilbert!) the following Monday, so she was due to arrive in Leeds around the same ti me I fl ew home-the day before my birthday!Wendy and I sti ll make regular trips to Islay to visit the lovely island and spend ti me with Jane (and Gilbert!) who have become very dear friends. Fern sett led very quickly in her new sur-roundings and her wonderful tempera-ment and outlook on life shone through immediately. We took her to her fi rst show a couple of weeks later and she behaved so well and seemed to enjoy all the att enti on. She was clearly a nat-ural show off in the showring. We had lots of fun showing her in young stock classes and she had a super fi rst year with her most notable successes being a win at the Northern Horse Show and also winning her class at Malvern High-land Pony Show.

Highland ti mes page 30

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 pati ence 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 ti me at Equifest in the concours and mountain and moorland pairs. She fi nished 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.

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ItemBeanie HatBody WarmerCapsFull FleeceHalf Zip FleeceMicro FleecePolo Shirts

Rugby ShirtsS w e a t s h i r t s

ColourNavy, Black, Cream, MaroonNavy, Black, Green, MaroonAny colourRoyal, Black, Navy, Green, MaroonNavy, Black, Green, Maroon Black, Dusty Blue, Navy550Lilac, Pink, Lemon, Pale Blue, Red, Black, Navy, Green, Maroon, Cerise, Turquoise.Blue, Black, Burgundy, Emerald Green, Gold, Red, Dusky Blue.Navy, Black, Maroon, Green, Grey, Royal Blue, Red.

Price£3.99£22.50£6.99£28.50£24.99£29.50£14.99

£29.50£ 1 8 . 9 9

Also available:Blackwatch Saddle Covers, Tartan Leg Bandages, Tartan Hat Bags, and Tartan Saddle Cloths

Placing an order1.Choose you item(s) from list above.2.Make cheque payable to Headmaster Clothes3.Send your cheque along with your name, delivery address and a phone number to :Chris Bassett , Arundel House, Cemetary Road, Glossop.SK13 7QG Tel: 01457 867600