A Fine Horse in New Country

Yeoman of Caenlochan
6yo gelding
Glenkyle of Shielhill x Laura of Caenlochan

We've never had another pony quite like this one! Although 'pony' is hardly the word: in spite of being a purebred Highland, he has grown to 15.2. We think this is due to his early habit of suckling every mare in the field - very unusual, as mares will rarely allow a foal which is not their own to suckle them.

As he is not eligible for Highland show classes, due to his size, I have shown him lightly in novice cob classes recently, hence the hogged mane! His mane is growing in again at the moment, in preparation for our big ride (when you're intending to camp in places called 'Glenmidge' it seems only fair to give him as much protection as possible.) At the moment he looks like a loo brush...but hopefully, all will be well soon.

A complex, sensitive and clever chap, he is extremely athletic (his favourite evasion in the school is flying changes - sometimes one-time ones!) He was not easy to start - in fact he spent most of his first year under saddle standing on his hind legs (oh, dear, I think I'm getting too old for all this...)

We have worked quietly over the last two years with excellent local instructor Shonagh Steven, who was extremely patient in the early days when he used to leap out of the school without warning. The steady, structured work is now paying off and he is on his way to becoming an excellent ride.

In terms of a long distance horse, there is a lot to like:

His manners on the ground are very good (they need to be, with a horse of this size and strength.)

He is tireless! In the words of the old horsemen, I have never 'got to the bottom of him' - meaning, never tired him out.

He is short-coupled, with lots of bone, so is an excellent weight carrier.

He has good feet, and has - so far - not been prone to lameness of any kind (touch wood.)

He is becoming confident, and has proved himself willing to negotiate bad ground, rickety bridges, and water, and is reliable in traffic.

He enjoys jumping small natural obstacles.

He settles well in strange environments.

The reason I kept this foal was I hoped he would turn out just like his half-brother Doogs, who has been such a great and willing friend. Hmm - not exactly how it turned out, BUT I have learned so much from having to deal with what was initially a real challenge! Perhaps now we ought to stop referring to him at home as 'Spawn of Satan'...