16/10/2026
Well, Mando had his show outing yesterday, and he wasn't exactly the highlight of the week, but I'm still bloody proud of him. 😂
Third place in the Part Welsh male class! And considering last year he went unplaced in a class of four, I'll happily take that. We even managed to beat one of the horses that beat him last year, so that's an improvement in my books!
He was a bit fidgety standing around and had a bit to say for himself here and there, but honestly, he was well behaved. He didn't carry on, didn't do anything silly, and was happy enough walking around mares and everything else going on. He's only just turned five, he's actively breeding, and he's still learning about the big wide world. He's allowed to be a bit chatty!
I think yesterday's class definitely favoured the more refined riding pony head, and fair enough. The beautiful little bay who won was lovely and beautifully presented, and second place went to my beloved Gussy, who I sold to a client years ago. I've always loved that pony, and he's an absolute stunner, so I was genuinely chuffed to see him up there too with Margie.
Mando isn't a little riding pony type, and he's not pretending to be one. He's a more substantial, hunter type horse with his Welsh and Quarter Horse breeding, and that's absolutely fine by me. Besides, if I had a little refined riding pony, my fat arse would probably squash the poor thing. 😂
I still absolutely LOVE Mando's head, his expression and the type of pony he is. He's got substance, he's got presence, and he's got a lovely way about him. He might not be everyone's cup of tea in the show ring, but I wouldn't change him just to fit a particular judge's preference.
He's done a bit of everything already, from western and trail riding to jumping, dressage and led classes. He's been ridden by a 13yo girl, and he's the sort of pony you can bring back into work after time off without feeling like you're starting from scratch with a completely different animal.
And then there's his babies! He's producing some absolutely lovely foals, and watching them develop is a huge part of why I'm so excited about him as a sire. He's still young himself, so we've got plenty of time to see what he produces and where he goes from here.
He might not have come home with the big ribbon today, but he went out, did his job, behaved himself and gave it a crack. That's a win in my books.
Good boy, Mando. Third place this year, and we'll keep chipping away. ❤️
