I first met Flint 10 years ago. He had a chequered past and already had 6 previous owners owing to him being a bit of a handful. Tracing his history, I also found out that he’d been rather cheeky and covered 6 mares in one night when he was 2 years old! I have since met and ridden one of them.
Flint had previously competed in local show jumping and low level dressage competitions and I was wanting to progress through the ranks in dressage, so was looking for the right pony to help me achieve my dreams. He was a blank canvas and with the right support I knew we could do great things together. We started from scratch – ground work, pole work and basic riding skills and built up from there. As I am a para rider, I needed to not only voice train him, but teach him to react to the way my body works; sometimes I faint, so Flint needed to be taught that when I lean/fall onto his neck, he needs to stand still.
We started off competing at Intro and now compete at Novice level against abled bodied competitors, with some amazing successes. My first ever Prelim class was against 16 competitors and I was placed first…I was ecstatic!
For fun we have also been in the show ring winning many classes, including a Reserve Championship that we were very proud to receive!
Flint is now 20 years old and still going strong, still competing and loving life. He is truly a one in a million pony…who will always have a very special place in my heart!
Amelia Ealson
Lucky Lane Fahrenheit
S46/358(G) 2004 (Lovelyhill Uplift / Fir Tree Clare by Mudeford Sovereign) Bred by Mrs E M Gerrelli, owned & competed by Amelia Ealson.
