Local story
Our versatile Shetland By Jacqueline Brown from Runcorn, Cheshire
The Big Friendly Grey (BFG) By Amanda Coleman
W
hen I finally plucked up the courage to buy my first horse 16 years
ago, I never expected it would be so much more than just riding. It was the 15th September 2003 when I was able to welcome Edward into our family. He had been working at a riding school and after many, many lessons I took the plunge and did what I had always wanted to do. It transformed my life and I had a purpose, a reason why I was working so hard. Every penny went to ensuring Edward, who stands at just over 18.2hh, had everything he needed.
Edward became a dressage horse and took me to two regional championships doing dressage to music. He was the reason I became trained in animal reiki and holistic healing and is also the reason I have started to write and draw again.
In the five years we have owned Buttons, he’s been on rides around Delamere Forest, done in-hand showing, concours d’elegance with my granddaughter and handy pony with my grandson. Then, two years ago, I decided to have a go at driving him with my mini Shetland Alfie, enlisting the help of Samantha Jones a well-known Shetland pony driver, Samantha fell in love with Buttons and between us we broke him to drive at 11 years old. Buttons is doing great and has just started doing indoor driving trials. We are both real novices but are absolutely loving it.
Our lives have changed a lot in 16 years. Edward is now 23 and old age has proved challenging. After years when he would see the vet only for routine injections, I am now a frequent caller and since July 2019 things got harder. First with a tendon injury and then being diagnosed with colitis, which has required
two stays in hospital. Thankfully, he came home just before Christmas and I am now putting my focus on caring for him.
Edward is my soulmate and after giving me years of fun and laughter, and looking after me, I am now looking after him. It is a privilege to have this time when we can still be together enjoying each other’s company. So much is written about riding and competing horses but sometimes just being with them is its own rosette or trophy.
Edward is my soulmate
W
e bought Scotscraig Glen (Buttons) five years ago for my
autistic grandson after my daughter Rebecca spotted his potential straight away. He had a reputation for being a good all-round pony and we thought it would help my grandson with his development. As a youngster, Buttons had won Devon County Show ridden Shetland class and did well showing for a number of years. The year before we purchased him he’d won the Shetland Grand National at Aintree and regularly hunted with the Cheshire Bloodhounds.
28 EQUESTRIAN PLUS FEBRUARY 2020 | For advertising telephone 01380 734373
My drawing of Edward
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