Our Equine Friends

Singing in the rain and rolling in mud or is it soaking up the sun and dust bathing! Climate change? No - just our ponies being themselves and enjoying life to the full at Thornton Rose. Our champions are looking forward to dressage competitions, sponsored rides and of course their well earned summer holiday from the end of June till the begining of August.

The mares of our group would like to be featured first on this page for a little change. They sometimes feel somewhat over looked by the 'busier' geldings. But our girls make just as valuable partners to their riders. We would like to introduce you to our latest pony who works for RDA on a Saturday. Katie-Mo, not a lady to say the least but certainly one of the girls! Katie-Mo is a 6 year old Highland pony owned by young Eilish Johnston.

MARY is a 13.2hh piebald welsh X, 19 years old. She was used as a riding school pony and brood mare before arriving 'in foal' at the group in April 2004. Mary foaled on 14 May 2004, the colt was called Merlin and is currently owned by Bill and Ann Johnston. Mary has been in fat camp for 6 months of 2007 (and is back in for summer 2008!). She has lost a substantial amount of weight and is enjoying life with a better fitting saddle. It is all change for some of Mary's riders with Marshall, Andrew & Gemma moving on to bigger ponies. Or simply not particpating in the sport any more. Still, nothing like a good challenge for the old girl in 2008.

MISTY is a 14.1hh grey highland pony, 12 years old. She had a foal at foot when she arrived at Thornton Farm in December 2004. Misty was purchased by the group and the foal was sold to a volunteer. Misty has also been on a strict diet for the last 6 months of 2007 (also back in fat camp for summer 2008). Wow - she now has a waist line to be proud of and a nicely muscled neck due to her hard work in the school. (well Lorraine's) Misty is the most pampered of all our girls and she has her own 'penthouse' in the barn.

ANNIE is a 15hh black dales, 14 year old. She is a ride & drive horse on loan to the group from Bill & Ann Johnston. Annie is our most versatile pony and a kind of 'laid back' lady, as Caitlyn knows very well. Caitlyn is one of our disabled riders and if Annie is going to canter for her, Caitlyn has to really work for it!

BABY is 14.1hh bay light sports horse (bottom left), 24 years old. She is Ozzy's long term companion and came on loan to the group in December 2005. Baby was out of work for a short spell in the autumn of 2007 with a leg injury. Ringo stepped up and took Callum out for his riding sessions. But no matter how good Ringo was, Callum was faithful to Baby. The pair were reunited just as soon as Baby got the all clear.

OZZY is a 12.2hh brown exmoor pony (top right), 27 years old. He arrived on loan to the group at the same time as Baby. Ozzy's rider, Peter, has outgrown him and moved on to Katie-Mo. But it is not time for Ozzy's retirement, as he has been partnered with two new young riders on a Saturday.

BOBBY is a 13.1 grey welsh X, 13 years old (going on 30!). He is a ride and drive pony belonging to young Ruth Johnston. Bobby's health was challenged in 2007 but with plenty of TLC he is still going strong. And TLC is something the group has in abundence. Bobby likes to get out and about to enjoy some canters with able bodied riders. He can really shift when he wants to!

Bobby suffered from an impacted bowl in May 2008. He is currently recovering from surgery and a photo will be added to this page just as soon as he is back on his feet. Please go to our Horse Talk page to find out more about Bobby.

RINGO is a 14hh black registered fell, 7 years old. He was purchased from a family in Alloa in July 2005 when he did not make the grade as a driving pony. But this young pony is certainly making the grade at RDA. Ringo now has four disabled riders and is rising to new challenges all the time. Ringo is a 'lady's man' and is enjoying the company of Katie-Mo in his harem!

BARNEY is a 15.1hh coloured cob, 13 years old. He was purchased by the group in March 2003 and he was previously used by a shepherd to bring injured lambs off the hillside. Barney has a new hacking out companion called Chester. Rhona & Laura who exercise Barney out of RDA time have purchased Chester. These boys seem to be friends and no doubt chat all the way round as much as their riders!

ACE is a 16hh roan appaloosa X clydesdale (some say shire), 14 years old. He was bought by the group in 1998 and was bred by the same shepherd who previously owned Barney. Ace has made a fantastic partner for Keith. Together with the barefoot saddle, this combination brings about an amazing change for his rider. Keith becomes so relaxed, smiling out and about on Ace. Anyone walking alongside just can't help but smile as well.