We broke all the rules for a kids pony when we bought Fluffy, she was 4 years old just green broke and so was Kylie, both as pig headed and wants to be boss so intially Kylie was happy to go wherever Fluffy wanted. Even mustering, Kylie got bored tailing the mob at a walk so she put Fluffy into a trot and cut the mob in half while we were calling to her to pull up. Apparently 4 year olds think their parents are blind since she was busily kicking Fluffy as she complained she couldnt stop her. Things got interesting when they joined Pony Club and suddenly Kylie was expected by the instructors to be in charge. Fluffy was not impressed, but finally all was solved when we met Gloria Walsh, this amazing lady taught these two to work as a team.
Subsequently they won many Pony Hack, Sporting and Showjumping events. Including one memorable day when at Hawkesbury Show they jumped EFA D Grade in 5 events for 4 wins and a Third in the Accumulator where the Joker was just below Fluffys ears and although she cleared it, Kylie forgot to pull up her toes and caught the rail, much to Fluffys Disgust. Her rivals were from 14.2 to 16 Hands the judges comment was if she was 15 hands she would be Olympic Material.
That same day she had won and placed in the pony ring as well as running the fastest time of the day in the American Polebending.
Below is the pair in action for the Zone 19 Associate Red Team, (both now 18 years old in these photos) at the State and National Prince Phillip 2001 Mounted Games held at Penrith Showground in October.
Each event is a relay race with 4 team members comleting the course, the fastest team the winner. The last rider wears the hat you see on Kylie in the bottom pic.
And yes Fluffy is still a much loved member of our family. many thanks to Ruth and Don Walker for breeding such very special Welshies. |
