WATTLE RIDGE SOLCERI

........................................................ Photo by Derek O'Leary

Photo by Paws 4 a moment ........................................................ Photo by Derek O'Leary

Sire: Wattle Ridge Sun King Dam: Wattle Ridge Dawning
D.O.B: 21/12/96 - Mare

I was fortunate enough to spend my early years under the guidance of Wendy James of “Jarosite Stud” and though many years have passed since I was actively involved with ponies, my love and admiration of New Forest Ponies hadn’t diminished. So when my daughter, Emily entered the world of horses, I hoped that one day she would own her own New Forest Pony.
We are very thankful to Ruth and Chris Feltoe for their part in making this come to fruition. We purchased “Sausage” (Sos) from Ruth and Chris in August 2004 as a 7 year old. She had led a charmed life to that point. She had been in light work on and off for short periods but mostly spent her time filling her belly (hence how she earned her pet name). What a culture shock she was in for! In true New Forest style she took it all in her stride and she and Emily embarked on a huge learning curve.
Together they launched themselves into the world of pony club, shows, dressage, show jumping and eventing. Under the close instruction of Ricki Raadsveld the pair have gone from strength to strength. Sausage is quick to learn and eager to please, taking on anything asked of her. They have found their niche in eventing and have been very successful, rarely not placing in the past 2 seasons and highlighting this season as members of the winning Barwon Zone grade 4 team at the Inter-Zone state horse trials. This pony just loves to jump!
She also possesses that fabulous character that keeps you smiling! Her 1st beach experience started a little cautiously, with Sos snorting at the huge expanse of water facing her and ended in her cantering happily through the water and, deciding that they hadn’t gone in nearly deep enough, proceeded to roll ( yes saddle and all!!). Early morning eventing starts have me diving for the coffee, Sos obviously also isn’t a morning person, nudging ever so hopefully for some of that freshly brewed coffee, licking around the edge of the travel mug for the drips! She is truly a member of the family, tolerating my 3 young boys all over her (I’m sure she never factored kiddy pony rides into the ‘must dos’ in her life) – she is ever so patient with them! She has become quite the actress – at times feigning extreme tiredness during a dressage session, only to be miraculously recovered when moved to the show jumping or cross country !! It is such a pleasure to have your child on a pony that you are confident will do the “right thing”. If only these ponies grew with your child!
Thankyou “Sos” for giving Emily such an amazing ride!
Nicki Hartney