Riverton Lodge Pinto Pony Stud

04/09/2026

Paddock Gurus – The Winter‑That‑Refused‑To‑Leave
Winter had slunk once again back into Riverton Lodge like an uninvited guest who’d forgotten their coat.
Just when everyone was halfway through shedding the fluffies and dreaming of sleek spring coats, the cold snapped its fingers and said, “Not so fast.”
Gordy – The Mountain Trail Worrier‑in‑Chief
Gordy had been stressing for days.
The Mountain Trail day was coming, and he was convinced he wasn’t ready. He’d been practising his “serious face,” his careful steps, his “I am a professional athlete” trot.
But the return of winter threw him completely off.
He kept muttering things like,
“I can’t perform under these conditions,”
as if he were a diva preparing for a Broadway debut.
Dakota – Princess of Selective Participation
Dakota wasn’t interested in Mountain Trail…
until she heard Gordy was doing it.
Suddenly she wanted a turn.
She strutted around announcing,
“I could do that. I should do that. I will look fabulous doing that.”
Fancy overheard and rolled her eyes so hard the wind changed direction.
Fancy – Too Sophisticated for Silly Games
Fancy took one look at the Mountain Trail idea and declared it beneath her.
“Silly games for children,” she sniffed.
She then spent the next ten minutes posing dramatically against the grey sky, proving she was above such nonsense.
Floof – The Wind‑Powered Enthusiast
Floof, meanwhile, was bouncing around like a caffeinated cloud.
“Pick me! Pick me! Pick me!”
She shouted into the wind, her shaggy coat flapping like a windswept dandelion.
She was absolutely ready for Mountain Trail.
She was ready for anything.
She was ready for everything.
Except bad news.
When she heard about Sweetie, her little show friend, getting tangled in a fence, Floof’s whole world paused.
Her floof drooped.
Her ears sagged.
She whispered, “Not Sweetie…”
But once she learned Sweetie only needed a few stitches and was otherwise fine, Floof perked up again — though she insisted on sending “healing floof vibes” across the great sky paddock.
The Great Paddock Shuffle
Everyone except Floof, Fancy, Galaxy, Spellbound, Coco, and the two roomies — Glengarry and Maestro — got a paddock change.
The youngsters, still with their mums and Walker, were thrilled.
New digs.
New grass.
New places to run amok.
They took off like rockets, legs everywhere, squealing with joy.
The Ladies in Waiting, Gordy, and Dakota joined in, galloping their new perimeter like they were inspecting a new kingdom.
Dakota declared it acceptable.
Gordy declared it inspirational.
Walker looked on from her new paddock declared it “fine, but don’t get silly.”
Glengarry & Maestro – The Roomies of Wisdom (…sort of)
The old boy Glengarry watched the chaos from his paddock with the serene calm of a creature who has truly seen it all across three decades — fashions in feed, trends in tantrums, and every variety of youngster silliness imaginable.
Beside him stood Maestro.
Two years old.
Full of opinions.
Absolutely convinced he was Glengarry’s intellectual equal.
Maestro sighed like a retired professor, despite having only just graduated from the “don’t run into the fence” stage of life.
“Children,” Maestro murmured with great authority.
“Absolute children.”
Glengarry didn’t even bother lifting his head.
He just gave a slow, ancient nod — the kind that carried thirty years of knowing exactly how ridiculous youngsters could be.
“You were one yourself, you know,” he replied, voice warm and amused.
Maestro puffed up indignantly.
“I was never that dramatic,” he insisted, even though he had once cried because a leaf touched his tail.
Glengarry’s ear flick said everything.
Maestro’s tail swished in dignified denial.
Spellbound & Coco – The Secret She Carries
Spellbound was in full stallion‑in‑spring mode, even though winter had rudely returned.
He strutted.
He posed.
He flicked his mane like he was starring in his own movie. The wind blowing through his creamy locks.
He had absolutely no idea that Coco was carrying his child.
Not a clue.
Not a whisper.
Not even a suspicion.
Coco, meanwhile, moved with quiet purpose. No bouncing around the paddock for her — she had enough bouncing happening inside. Every step was measured, every stretch thoughtful, every breath a little softer than usual.
She kept her secret tucked beneath her thick warm coat, guarded with the calm wisdom only mares possess.
Spellbound thought she was simply being elegant.
He admired her from afar, thinking she was just embracing her “queen of the paddock” persona.
If he knew the truth, he’d be unbearable — proud, dramatic, and convinced he needed to supervise her every move. He was bad enough as it was strutting about batting his blue eyes. So Coco kept her secret close, letting him enjoy his clueless confidence.
Galaxy – The Confused Young C**t
Galaxy, the three‑year‑old c**t with more questions than answers, stood in his paddock staring into the wind like it might explain life to him.
He wasn’t sure what he was supposed to be doing with himself these days.
Were his future wives meant to be arriving soon?
Was he supposed to be getting ready for shows?
Was he meant to be practising his trot, his stand‑up‑straight pose, his “I am a very important young man” expression?
Life was… confusing.
Last week he’d had a taste of warmer weather — a glorious, golden afternoon that put a spring in his step and made him feel like the world was opening up just for him. He’d strutted around imagining himself as a future champion, a future ladies’ man, a future something.
But now?
The wind was howling.
The rain was coming in sideways.
The paddock felt like a cold, soggy disappointment.
Galaxy flicked his tail, shivered dramatically, and made a decision worthy of a c**t with big dreams and very little tolerance for discomfort.
He retreated to his warm stable.
From there, he could watch the world without getting wet, think deep thoughts without being blown over, and contemplate his destiny in comfort.
Maybe his wives would arrive tomorrow.
Maybe the sun would come back.
Maybe he’d figure out what he was meant to be doing.
But for tonight, he was staying dry, warm, and wonderfully confused — a young c**t waiting for life to make sense.
The Humans – Masters of Weather & Dinner Time
Winter may have returned, but the Paddock Gurus were as dramatic, chaotic, and endearing as ever — shedding fluffies, stressing about events, bouncing in the wind, galloping into new paddocks, and sending healing vibes to friends in need.
And through all of it, the humans still arrived every evening with food.
Rail, hail or shine.
Sideways rain, howling wind, mud up to their ankles — didn’t matter. Dinner always appeared.
To the horses, this was nothing short of sorcery.
The youngsters watched in awe as the humans changed coats with the weather.
One day light jackets, the next day thick raincoats, then suddenly vests, then back to rain gear again.
It was like magic — a skill the babies were convinced must take years to master.
Walker tried explaining that humans simply had “options,” like her rugs, but the foals didn’t believe her. They were certain humans possessed some kind of mystical wardrobe power.
Even Glengarry admitted it was impressive.
Maestro, of course, pretended he understood the system completely.
Floof thought humans must shed their coats like ponies do.
Fancy declared it “fashion, darling,” and refused to elaborate.
But every night, no matter the chaos, the cold, or the sideways rain, the humans arrived with feed buckets and gentle words — the steady heartbeat of Riverton Lodge.
And the Paddock Gurus, dramatic as they were, settled into their dinners with grateful snuffles, warm breaths, and the quiet comfort of knowing that even when winter sneaks back in, some things never change

02/09/2026

I’ll have a 2 yr old gelding available soon as a project pony black. Stunning boy. He has had very basic handling but I can’t find any dirt in him. Expected height around 10hh. Not broken in, not used to children as yet. Can catch in small yard. Will need adult handler for short time to finish off basics. If you’re interested, please contact me. No time wasters or photo collectors please.

11/08/2026

Riverton Lodge Pat’s Gift – “Floof”

On Saturday night at the Tasmanian Pinto Society, Inc. Hi Point Award Dinner our little Floof — Riverton Lodge Pat’s Gift — reminded us once again why she’s so loved. For a funky‑coloured, fluffy little pony, she certainly knows how to hold her own, giving the big ones a run for their money every time she steps into the ring.

Floof delivered an incredible set of results, bringing home:

Best 10.2hh & Under – Timarron Cottage Sonatra Memorial Award 25/26
Sponsored by Riverton Lodge Stud

Best 10.2hh & Under Performance
Sponsored by Suebi’s

Runner Up Filly 2/3 Years
Sponsored by Zintahn Coloured Warmbloods

Runner Up Best Presented
Sponsored by Polished Ponies Australia

Runner Up Owner, Breeder, Exhibitor
Sponsored by Heidi Matthews

And as if that wasn’t enough, she also helped Cassidy Longstaff to two Runner Up Handler Awards, showing once again just how kind, willing, and dependable she is.

Floof may be small, fluffy, and full of character, but she has the heart of a champion. To say we couldn’t be prouder would be an understatement — she continues to shine, continues to surprise, and continues to make every moment with her an absolute joy. Thank you to all our sponsors and the TPSInc. for a wonderful season.

09/08/2026

Feed time. Pony

03/08/2026

Paddock Gurus – Gucci’s Big Brave Day
Gucci had always been the wild child of Riverton Lodge.
Not naughty — just scared of absolutely everything.
A leaf moved? Terrifying.
A bird sneezed? Catastrophic.
A gate creaked? End of days.

He wanted so badly to be a good boy, but his nerves were always two steps ahead of him.

The Day Everything Changed
Then one afternoon, a little girl arrived.

She stood at the gate with her shoulders slumped, eyes sad, hands tucked into her sleeves. Something about her made Gucci pause mid‑panic. He lifted his head. He blinked. He took one brave step toward her. She had carrots!!! Oh he did love carrots, nearly as much as he loved bread.

The human food bringer watched quietly.
Gucci tried another step.
And another.

He reached the gate — trembling, but determined — and the little girl’s face lit up like sunrise.

That was the moment he heard it.

The human food bringer said he was going to live with the little girl.

Gucci’s heart did a somersault.
His very own human.
Maybe even two humans — because the little girl had a friend with her. A larger human. She smelt similar to the little one maybe it was her human. But he was too nervous but excited at the same time to think too much about that right now.
Humans who might brush him, feed him, cuddle him, tell him stories.

It was thrilling.
It was terrifying.
It was everything.

The Night Before the Journey
The human food bringer put him in a yard that evening.
Gucci didn’t understand why, so he did what any anxious boy would do:

He ran.
And ran.
And ran.

Round and round until he was covered head to tail in mud, muck, and questionable artistic choices.

The human food bringer just laughed softly, brought him extra food, and sat with him. She told him stories about where he was going, about the little girl, about how he needed to be a good boy now. There was a heart to be mended. That is why he had to leave to go and be with new humans.

Gucci listened.
He wanted to be brave.
He wanted to make her proud.

The Morning of the Big Move
Bright and early, she brought him super yummy food — the kind that makes your eyes half‑close with happiness. After a few bites, Gucci felt… different.

Woozy.
Chill.
Calm.
That food had a slightly funny taste but it made him feel good so no point wasting it.
He wasn't too sure about the purple polka dot elephant that kept appearing in the corner of the pen. Man this stuff is good.

For the first time in his life, the world wasn’t scary.

Then she rolled a huge white cave in front of his yard.
It smelled strange, but inside were two big bales of hay.

Hay.
His favourite thing. Well, next to bread.

She asked him nicely to go in.
So he did — because hay is hay, and bravery is easier when breakfast is involved.

The Journey
The white cave moved.
The ground shifted under his feet.
The cave made strange noises. It shook, it shifted, it moved side to side.

But Gucci didn’t mind.
He had hay.
He felt safe.
He felt… ready.

The Arrival
After what felt like forever, the white cave stopped.
The door opened.

There she was.
The little girl — smiling so wide it made Gucci’s chest warm.

The human food bringer stroked his neck and said softly:

“This is your new home.
You must be a good boy now.”

Gucci stepped out, ears forward, eyes bright.
For the first time in his life, he wasn’t scared. He was still a bit woozy but there was grass. Yum.

Then his food bringer said goodbye and he saw from the outside the big white cave leaving. He wasn't worried.

He had humans. A little one he heard called Willow.
He had a home.
He had a future.

And he was ready to be the good boy he’d always wanted to be.

02/07/2026

Paddock Gurus – The Winter Shuffle
Winter had settled over Riverton Lodge like a damp woollen rug.
Cold. Wet. The kind of weather that made even the bravest pony reconsider their life choices. There wasn’t a show worth polishing a hoof for, so the herd did what all sensible equines do in July — they hunkered down and rearranged their social politics.

Walker, bless her pragmatic soul, had resigned herself to living with the small ones at the farm.
Not just living with them — educating them.
She’d taken it upon herself to teach the babies the ancient and sacred laws of paddock hierarchy:

She is the oldest.

Therefore, she is the boss.

Questions will not be taken at this time.

The foals adored her, of course. They trailed behind her like fuzzy ducklings, wide‑eyed and impressionable, learning how to read ear flicks, tail swishes, and the subtle art of “don’t push your luck with Auntie Walker.”

Meanwhile, Floof and Fancy had been at their new digs long enough to develop a reputation.

Windswept and interesting.
That’s what you’d call them.

Fancy carried herself like a retired supermodel who still expected the paparazzi to be hiding in the hedges. Floof, on the other hand, was the eternal little sister — equal parts pest, shadow, and chaos gremlin.

Floof’s favourite hobby was annoying Fancy and escaping.
Fancy’s favourite hobby was pretending Floof didn’t exist.

Floof would sidle up, nibble at Fancy’s tail, flick her tail in Fancy’s face, or do that dramatic “accidental” bump‑past. Fancy would respond with the same look she’d perfected years ago in the showring: a slow blink of pure disdain, as if to say,

“I cannot believe I share equine DNA with you.”

But despite the theatrics, there was comfort in their winter routine.
Floof’s mischief kept the paddock lively.
Fancy’s elegance kept it dignified.
And together, windswept and interesting, they weathered the cold.

Back at the farm, Walker’s little kingdom thrived under her rule.
Floof and Fancy’s distant outpost remained dramatic as ever.

Back at Riverton Lodge, the boys were doing exactly what boys do in winter:
as little as possible.

Spellbound, the new blue‑eyed heart‑throb, strutted around like he owned the joint.
He had Coco — his winter wife — by his side, which only inflated his ego further. He’d toss his mane, puff his chest, and give his best “I am stallion, hear me roar” impression.

Coco shut that down with a single ear flick.

Spellbound would freeze mid‑pose, recalibrate, and quietly follow her like a chastened schoolboy. Winter romance at its finest.

Garry, meanwhile, had fully embraced his role as the paddock’s resident old man on the couch.
If he could have a couch, he absolutely would — preferably with a knitted throw rug and a remote he refuses to share.

He spent his days conserving energy, watching the youngsters carry on, and dreaming of spring. Spring meant new wives to woo, charm, and impress with his seasoned gentleman routine. For now, he simply waited, like a pensioner marking off days on a calendar.

Then there were the teenagers: Galaxy, Maestro (now Strully, because teenagers reinvent themselves), and Gucci.

They had declared all work cancelled due to “slip hazards.”
The human agreed, which they took as a personal victory.

No work meant:

extra feed

bonus treats

pats on demand

and absolutely no expectations

They were thriving.
If someone rolled a warm fire and a TV into their paddock, they’d never leave. Galaxy would hog the remote, Strully would critique every show, and Gucci would fall asleep halfway through the opening credits.
Winter at Riverton Lodge wasn’t glamorous, but it was cosy, chaotic, and full of personality.
The boys were content, the girls were dramatic, and the Paddock Gurus — scattered though they were, continued their seasonal saga , mud, mischief, and all.
The human was grumbling about the wet and the wind and the rain and they continued writing their story in mud, breath, and winter wind.

Send a message to learn more

19/06/2026

The Timarron Cottage Sonatra Memorial Award, proudly sponsored by Riverton Lodge Stud, celebrates the very best of the 10.2hh & Under division while honouring the legacy of one of the most exceptional Shetland stallions to grace the Tasmanian Pinto community.

Timarron Cottage Sonatra — known to all simply as Sonny — was an outstanding example of the Shetland breed. As a youngster he shone brightly in the show ring, to more recently claiming Supreme Senior at the State Show shortly before his sudden passing to colic. Sonny has left a legacy far greater than his years.
A multi‑award winner, Sonny was admired not only for his quality and presence, but for his gentle nature. He was a true gentleman — calm, kind, and impeccably mannered both in the ring and at home. His influence continues through his progeny, many of whom have followed in his footsteps by winning this very award.

Riverton Lodge Stud sponsors this memorial award to ensure Sonny’s spirit lives on, recognising the best 10.2hh & under pinto ponies who embody the same heart, character, and brilliance that made him unforgettable.

16/05/2026

Waiting for the Tucker truck

16/05/2026

Zoomies

16/05/2026

Zoomies this afternoon