I started riding Pilly at the age of 7 at Berrimah Riding School in Darwin, Australia. He was a spirited, exciting pony. I then progressed to become a member of Berrimah Riding Club and Pilly became my leased pony. We competed at gymkhanas and shows and generally had a fantastic time. I fell off at least once a week playing tip chase with my other friends and their horses.
As I grew older and progressed to bigger and more competitive horses in the Club, Pilly always remained with me. I eventually left the Club and had to say goodbye to Pilly. Mum and Dad soon purchased him for my 16th birthday. One of the best birthday presents ever.
Pilly never really had a showname, but when I taught young Rebecca McAlear to ride at the age of 4, we went in some shows under the name of Pilgrim's Pride.
I eventually leant Pilly to the Riding for the Disabled Association in Darwin, where he made many young people very happy. I was so proud of him for this. Tragically, in 1992, he was kicked in the forearm by another horse. At the age of 21, his bones were brittle and his leg was shattered. He had to be put down. That was one of the worst days of my life.
Below are some photos of Pilly who will always be loved and remembered as my very first horse. |
