*drum roll*…..say hello to ‘Dustry’ my latest ‘project pony’.
As well as producing and competing my own event horses I also bring on the odd ‘project’ from time to time. I look out for horses with a nice nature, good conformation and the potential to go far. In the past I have re-schooled ex-racers into sensible sane riding club horses, rehabilitated, and re-schooled a neglected Irish sports horse, and most recently a few years ago broke in and brought on a new forest pony broodmare. I really enjoy producing these ‘project horses’ and get a huge kick out of bringing them on, seeing them learn, understand, and progress. I’m proud to say all of my past projects are very happy, and doing well in their new homes, and I will be doing a follow up post on them soon to show you how far they have come.
‘Dustry’ is a 3yr old 16hh bay gelding ex-racer by Chevalier out of Church Mice. He raced on the flat but was too slow so his racing career ended this September, and I bought him to re-school, and sell on. When I first looked at him he was entire so he was gelded before I bought him, having never dealt with colts/recently gelded horses before I was cautious to pre-empt for any ‘colt-ish’ behaviour but he is a kind natured, affectionate little horse, and shows no signs of attitude or dominance. These pictures are him on the very first day he arrived. I always try to take as many photos as possible throughout re-schooling/producing to see how much they change in shape and condition. My excellent farrier came out on Saturday to start his feet on the road to recovery, and he is now much happier with short, neat, balanced feet so now I can begin some ground work with him in preparation for getting on board!
My plan for him is to establish a few of the basics over the next few weeks, and then turn him out to chill out, fill out and grow up over the winter months. He will be turned out 24/7 and then in the spring when he is 4yrs old I will bring him back in and start his education in earnest. So keep your eyes peeled for Dustry updates I will be adding photos and reports throughout his progress, and if you can’t wait for Dustry’s ‘before and after shot’ then here’s one to keep you sweet. Soap when I bought him off the track in 2006 and at the end of this season September 2009, spot the difference?…
