Thursday 25 November 2010

Caly: The Original Showpony

Last week something really sad happened, this handsome horse peacefully passed away.
He had reached the grand old age of 32 and although he never really looked it I guess he was getting quite frail. He was a thoroughbred cross, 15 hand, chestnut gelding and we all loved him very, very much. We got him when I was 13 and riding him was brilliant, I'd always loved jumping but Caly had real ability, this was going to be fun!
Eventing and cross country was our thing, he'd excelled at dressage before we had him and combined with his speed and naturally big jump we were actually pretty good, winning a good amount of trophies and rosettes, abeit at ponyclub level.
When I moved to Glasgow for university he embarked on a new career with my my mum as an endurance horse, another string to his bow, and again something he was pretty great at. He retired a few years ago and began the new and very important job of keeping Jahmel, his new field mate, in line. Delivering swift bites to the bum to wind him up when it was called for, and being a great companion to come back to after rides.
Why am I telling you all this? Well I quite often get asked where the name showpony comes from, I usually say its a life long obsession with horses but probably it would be fairer to say it was an obsession with this horse in particular.
I'm so sad he's gone, there are tears in my eyes as I write about him, but really I'm so lucky to have had him in my life.

4 comments:

Lesley Barnes said...

so sad to here that...what a handsome fella!

Scottish Wedding Directory said...

You are so lucky to have such lovely memories of such a beautiful horse. I asked for a pony every Christmas for about 15 years and still never got one! One day...
x

Unknown said...

that is beautiful, cant type for greeting, love you m x

Rosalind said...

Lovely memories for you to treasure xxx