يحاول ذهب - حر

Down memory lane

July 09, 2020

|

Horse & Hound

A childhood spent in the saddle sparks special memories. Here’s a snapshot of the halcyon days before busy traffic, health and safety, and comfy girths

Down memory lane

Simple but Sparky

I WAS three years old in 1974, when this photo was taken, at the Mid Surrey branch of the Pony Club under-10 show at Walton-On-The-Hill. I was riding my older sister Clare’s pony, Red Spark (Sparky), who was 12.2hh. He had a huge buck in him when Clare was riding but always looked after me; I used to sit in front of Clare on the pommel while she cantered circles in our field.

My mother had to make the jacket I’m wearing because she couldn’t find one small enough to fit me. The elastic strap holding my hat on wouldn’t pass health and safety tests these days. I love the fact that Sparky’s wearing a simple eggbutt snaffle and cavesson noseband; you so rarely see a pony in such a straightforward combination these days. But I don’t miss the old string girths.

This also reminds me of the wonderful Pony Club shows we used to spend our summers attending. We would compete in such a broad range of activities, from showjumping to showing to gymkhana, and learnt so much along the way. Annie Assheton (née Grey-Edwards)

A real child’s pony

I BELIEVE I am, at 67, the oldest woman still showing regularly at leading shows. Back when I was nine, I had one of the best 12.2hh show ponies in the country, All Springs Gem. When we sold him the people paid in cash; notes and coins were piled up on the table.

المزيد من القصص من Horse & Hound

Horse & Hound

Horse & Hound

The appliance of science

How can science help reduce the risk of fractures in racing, and in turn societal concerns about horses in sport?

time to read

6 mins

October 02, 2025

Horse & Hound

LUCKY CLOVER STRIKES AGAIN

MONSTEAD course specialists Pippa Warren and Clovers Reward chalked up their first BE90 win when they romped home in front in section A.

time to read

1 mins

October 02, 2025

Horse & Hound

Peaky Blinder steps up in style

From debut wins to emotional salutes, this week delivers rising stars, loyal partnerships and eye-catching comebacks

time to read

3 mins

October 02, 2025

Horse & Hound

Horse & Hound

'Beyond expectations'

The country's best producers and breeders will showcase some exceptional young horses in next week's HOYS finals.

time to read

4 mins

October 02, 2025

Horse & Hound

Horse & Hound

'Incredible' Augustus reigns with world title

A teenage rider and a home-bred, who suffered an accident as a youngster, shine in an unforgettable week for Ireland

time to read

3 mins

October 02, 2025

Horse & Hound

Horse & Hound

Smith's sweet Melody

A Valentine's gift proves a treasure, it's third time lucky for a Welsh section A and a senior Arabian is London-bound

time to read

2 mins

October 02, 2025

Horse & Hound

It's like driving a Ferrari

A former five- star campaigner dances in the rain before bad weather stops play

time to read

3 mins

October 02, 2025

Horse & Hound

Horse & Hound

Tools to change our behaviour to make horses' lives better

The RSPCA hopes its new tools will not “educate” owners, but help them look at equine welfare differently

time to read

2 mins

October 02, 2025

Horse & Hound

Horse & Hound

‘The right riders got the medals’

Andrew Nicholson reflects on an exciting European Championships

time to read

3 mins

October 02, 2025

Horse & Hound

Horse & Hound

Horse buyers and sellers warned of unintended phone contracts

A High Court case shows that even WhatsApp or text messages can count as contracts in horse sales

time to read

2 mins

October 02, 2025

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size