13 years of ponies!

This week marks 13 years since I got my first pony. It's been quite a journey since

I'm not from an equestrian family. After many years of begging, and one close call, my dad finally relented and let me try out a loan pony. I'd just turned 14, and he decided late Friday nights at the stables was a better option than a park bench with a '2 dog'.

Ronnie was everything I could have wanted in a first pony. He was 18, an ex-showjumper, about 14.1hh. Proper cute little old guy, a true been-there-done-that sort. I think he really shaped the equestrian I'd go on to be.

From his days of jumping, he could be a bit stiff in the morning. He probably had some arthritis, and we often had to take it slower. I had to be mindful of his limits, things like the ground he was on and not jumping him too much. While my friends were jumping and going out competing, we'd hack for miles, enjoying the truly beautiful North East countryside. I had to learn to appreciate the horse behind the ride.

He had his quirks, sure, but he was as safe as they come. On the rare occasion we would jump, he would come alive. He had a tendency to bolt home when he'd decided he'd hacked far enough on his own. He was terrified of bikes, and he absolutely could not be ridden with a whip. Nonetheless, he was a cracking first pony.

I had Ron on loan for a little over a year before I was ready to step up to my first horse. I tried Chance on loan for a few months, but we just didn't click. I wanted something to start doing a bit more on, but his heart wasn't in it.

Me and dad then decided to have a look at what was available for sale. Lots of viewings, one failed vetting, and I finally ended up with Josie. She was a 16hh Cob X, and an absolute sweetheart.

She wasn't always the easiest - she didn't like being mounted, she wouldn't load and travelled terribly, and was incredibly head-shy. I'd been warned before buying her to "be careful", but still to this day have no idea why. Yeah, she had her quirks, but she was a truly special horse. My completely novice dad felt comfortable doing anything with her, and he even got on her at one point!

A couple of years after buying Josie, she became lame. Several tests later, and she was diagnosed with ringbone and sidebone. After a year of treatment, surgery and rehab, she was comfortable as a happy hack.

I went travelling when I turned 18, so I put Josie out on loan. My dad was worried her arthritis would get worse and he would be lumped with a vet bill, and her loaner was worried I'd come home and demand my horse back. She was in the best home for her, so the decision was made to sell her to her loaner. This was her forever home until she was lost to colic a couple of years ago.

I only recently found out that Josie had died, but I'm glad she had a good end. She'd been passed around a lot before she came to me, and hadn't always had the easiest life, so I'm eternally grateful to Jen for giving her nothing but love in her last few years.

I then had a break from horses for a few years. God, I missed it, but life happens. I bought a house, got married - you know, life stuff. But I really missed having a horse.

I'd gained a lot of weight during this time. Between disabilities and marrying a chef, the pounds soon piled on  I needed another pony in my life, but couldn't responsibly ride due to my weight.

Instead, I bought my beautiful little heart horse, Belle. A tiny foal to love, pamper, and teach. The thinking was that this would give me the horsey-fix I was craving, whilst having time to lose weight before she was backed.

Belle is now a 4 year old, and turning into everything I dreamed of. I didn't have any expectations when I bought her - our only plan was that she'll be with me for life and would be coming to France when I move over. Whatever she grows in to will be enough for me. That said, she is showing some serious potential, so watch this space!

I thank my lucky stars every day that I've been able to spend so much time with so many beautiful horses.

Horses aren't for the faint of heart. They're a big commitment, expensive, and make you question your sanity on the daily! But, I wouldn't change it for the world. Everyday I learn something new. I've made lifelong friends through horses, and I'm forever thankful for this way of life.

Here's to the next 13 years!