New Forest Pony Display Afternoon
Under a grey and darkening sky, members of the New Forest Pony Publicity Group toiled over setting up the arena for the afternoon's event at Simon and Shirley Young's, Farriers Stud, Landford.

All were mindful of the terrible weather forecast. However, by early afternoon things looked much brighter, and everything was made ready for the display.

A sizable crowd of some 200 people had gathered by this time, and busied themselves around the stands and stables. After a short welcoming speech by Dionis Macnair, Secretary of the New Forest Pony Breeding and Cattle Society, the afternoon's events commenced with King Rufus and Sir Walter Tyrell entering the arena, for a short re-enactment of the events leading up to the King's death. He was soon dispatched and removed on the back of a cart, pulled of course by a New Forest Pony.

This was followed by a demonstration of colthunters, showing the speed and agility required to fulfil their tasks at the pony roundups, or 'drifts'. Head Agister of the New Forest, Mr Brian Ingram, and commoner, Mr Brian Wilson wielded their hunting whips with resounding 'cracks', to which not one pony moved a muscle.

Following on from this were demonstrations of just about every task that you could possibly imagine a pony completing, which included Lead Rein, Junior and Adult Ridden, Polo, Dressage, Le Trec, Barrel Racing, Driving and an 'in hand' showing lesson given by Miss A. MacGrath.

Caroline Wilkins gave us all a beautiful display on her pony Tiptoe Bracken II, of how to ride side saddle, whilst using a radio microphone to describe her actions. Dressed in Victorian attire, and seated on her grandmother's renovated saddle, she performed several tasks, some to music, all of which was achieved with grace and elegance.

A Morris Dance Quadrille was performed, with the ponies wearing the bells on their legs. Suzanne Kemp organised demonstrations of Showjumping, working hunter, and cross country ponies, from novice level to those capable of competing nationally.

All of the ponies exhibited the qualities renowned in the New Forest pony, and were faultless in their actions. Debbie West on her Sunflower of Grimsdyke proved to us all that the stamina of our ponies is second to none; having completed many long distance endurance rides. She also revealed some 'tricks of the trade' in the skill of the rider to maintain the health and efficiency of the animal during these marathon events.

The afternoon finished with a grand finale led by drum major Andrew Kemp riding Hilltop Beauty. This was the first time Beauty had carried the drums, and she performed as though she had done so all of her life. Patrick Kemp kept a wonderfully fluent commentary going throughout the afternoon.

Due to the success of this year's display, it is hoped to make it an annual event.

Mike Cooper Group member.

Page 1

Please click on any image to see a larger picture