NHT Magazine Autumn 2018

PONYFILE
“he performed the biggest handstand known to man”
Back in the spring we ran a front page cover competition asking for reader’s photos -
we had over 200 photos submitted! There was one photo in particular that caught our
eye! It was the caption that went with the photo that really made us chuckle. We just
had to find out more about ‘Mickey – The Expert Child Flying Instructor’ The photo
was taken and sent in by Fae Loudoun. Fae together with her Mum are the proud
owners of Mickey. Fae told us all about Mickey in our first ever ‘Pony Files’.
Pony File:
Colour: Chestnut with four white socks and a big white face with flaxen mane and tail
Height: 11.2hh Age: 26
Breed: Mickey is an unregistered Welsh Sec A. Mickey was originally based in
Buckinghamshire; he is now in Norfolk, happily retired and making the most of the grumpy
old man syndrome.
Please tell us about his personality: Mickey is a very sweet and loving pony; he loves
everyone but me (Fae)! He likes to lull me into a false sense of security and then do something
naughty like bite my finger…
Please tell us about his career: We purchased Mickey in 2002 from Fiona at RAF Halton Riding stables,
where he was a riding school pony.
Since we brought Mickey he as done a bit of everything including pony club, sponsored rides, Hunting and
even Polo!. Being Mickey's jockey really wasn't for the faint hearted!, as he made a name for himself as not
being very easy to ride. I remember once when I was about 8 years old I took him to Halton Sponsored Ride
and he performed the biggest handstand known to man right on the start line. I cried, but mum told me I had to
do it because it was expensive… I had to finish the ride. In the long term, learning to stay on (or hang on in
some cases) improved my riding so I’m guessing I must be thankful to him?
Other Memories: “I bought Mickey for my eldest sons 4th birthday. He was sold to me as a perfect child's pony that would do anything that was asked of
him. To a large extent this was true! As a lead rein pony, he was foot perfect. I ran a military saddle club and he was used for lead rein lessons and Riding
for the Disabled, he rarely put a foot wrong, although I'm not sure he ever really bought into the whole RDA scenario as he found it quite boring and it was
much more fun to try and nip the leaders and side walkers. However off the lead rein, this is where he worked out he was both stronger and more switched
on than his riders. It was so much fun turning a circle into a quick whizz round the arena in all directions than it ever was going round and round. That wasn't
enough fun at all. Mickey was fine out hacking and would gladly have gone all day but school work, quite frankly was beyond him!!!!!!! Sadly, after
persevering for a long time with him, the decision was made to
sell him to Fae and we have kept in touch with him ever since.
You can't help but love Mickey, his cheeky face speaks
volumes, but underneath is a pony with a heart of gold who is
definitely a character many of us will never forget”.
- Fiona Lightfoot
Rider Memories: “I remember riding Mickey when I was about
12 years old me and Fae used to have so much fun taking the
ponies out for rides and jumping in the fields. During this time I
had ground inspections! Mickey was so cheeky and used to
throw in a few bucks here and there. He definitely helped me
become a better rider as I had to learn to sit up and keep my leg
on. He was challenging at times but what a talented little pony,
one in a million”.
- Jj Baker
What he is doing now: Mickey is happily retired, living in my
Mum’s garden carrying out a useful task as a glorified lawn
mower.
13 NorthantsHorseTrader Magazine
Send your stories to: features@nhtmagazine.co.uk