Meet the Ponies
At Holly Riding School, the welfare of our horses is our top priority. We ensure that our horses are never overworked and receive high-quality nutrition, living in a natural herd environment with ample grass, shelter, and well-maintained stables. We proudly accommodate riders of all levels, offering lessons tailored for beginners, intermediate, and advanced riders.
To maintain our horses' well-being and prevent boredom, we implement a varied workload, engaging them in diverse activities across our ménage, indoor school, trekking tracks, and cross-country course. We firmly believe that a happy horse translates to a happy rider.
All our horses are safe for road hacking and enjoy regular outings. Regardless of your experience level, height, or weight, we are confident that we can find the right horse or pony for you.
Our only requirements are that riders be 4 years old or older and weigh under 14 stone.
From small to big...
TOM- Peraidd Braveheart
12h Welsh Section A Strawberry Roan Gelding (2019)
Tom is a recent addition to the riding school, he has joined us from a lead rein home where is sucessfully shown and did working hunter. Since his arrival, Tom has shown enthusiasum for jumping. He is forward going yet remains safe and sensible, making him super versatile.
NOAH - Apache
12h2 Welsh X Coloured Gelding (2013)
Noah came to us from a lovely home in Telford, where he was a well-rounded all-rounder before being outgrown by his previous rider. Now, he plays a crucial role in our riding school, focusing on teaching our smaller riders to ride independently. His gentle nature and patience make him the perfect teacher for those just starting their equestrian journey. He’s incredibly forgiving. However, when the time calls for it, Noah can step up to the challenge and showcase his impressive jumping ability. Noah truly is an invaluable asset to our team, he remains a favorite among the younger members.
TEDDY- Doylan Teddy Bear
12h2 Welsh Section A Palamino Gelding (2010)
Teddy is a forward thinking pony with a fantastic track record. He's Taken part in plenty of shows, both on and off the lead rein, and loves to jump! He's not been with us long and we are loving getting to know him more.
MILO - Pigbush Nutcracker
13h2 Newforest Bay Gelding (2010)
Milo joined us from a private home where he was actively involved in various Pony Club activities. His background has given him a solid foundation in multiple disciplines, and he has successfully jumped up to 1.05 meters, proving his athleticism and skill. As a classic New Forest pony, Milo embodies the breed's versatility and charm, making him a favorite among the team. While Milo can be a bit stubborn at times, this spirited personality is part of what makes him so endearing. His determination often challenges riders to think creatively and develop their skills, and we appreciate his unique character. Milo is an incredible asset to our team, not just for his jumping ability but also for the joy he brings to our yard.
KEITH - Inspector Keith
13h1 Coloured Cob Gelding (2011)
Keith is an invaluable asset and a beloved character at our yard, consistently winning the hearts of both staff and riders alike. His friendly demeanor and playful personality make him a firm favorite among everyone who interacts with him. Before joining us, Keith came from a low-level riding club environment, where he excelled but was eventually outgrown by his previous rider. He is calm and reliable. In addition to his safety, Keith has also made a name for himself in the competitive arena, particularly in dressage. He is known for consistently scoring the highest marks in competitions.
BOWIE
13h2 Coloured Cob Gelding (2013)
Bowie came to us from the same home as Noah. One of Bowie’s standout qualities is his incredible ability to read his riders. He has a unique sense for when someone is feeling underconfident, and he instinctively slows down, providing them with the reassurance they need. This makes him an ideal horse for riders who are still building their confidence. On the flip side, when the moment calls for it, Bowie can really step up his game. He has a fantastic jump. His versatility makes him a beloved choice among our riders.
KARINO- Karino Z
13h3 Grey Connemara Gelding (2011)
Before coming to us, Karino was competing at the top level in British Showjumping. He’s represented England and jumped in the prestigious Horse of the Year Show qualifiers, showcasing his talent on countless occasions for Great Britain with great success. We bought him for our daughter to compete, but sadly, she outgrew him. Instead of letting go of such an amazing horse, we decided to keep him for the riding school so that our small adults and young riders could benefit from all the experience he brings in both dressage and showjumping. Karino has become an absolute favorite in the riding school, and he’s always in high demand! His gentle nature and impressive skills make him a fantastic partner for our riders, and they always look forward to their time with him.
SPOT- Tresmeake Spot
14h Apaloussa Gelding (2010)
We brought Spot to our team from Cheshire, where he had been part of a riding club home until he was outgrown. Spot is a forward-thinking horse, making him a perfect fit for riders looking for a horse that responds well to leg aids. One of Spot's best qualities is his dressage training, which allows him to work off the rider's voice commands & seat. His training enables him to perform various movements, providing a solid foundation for riders to build upon. Recently, Spot has begun his jumping career with us, and it's clear that he is enjoying the variety that this new challenge brings. His willingness to jump and explore different disciplines showcases his versatility as a horse. As he continues to develop in this area, we are excited to see how he grows.
DYLAN- Radiven Stelliana D'oro
14h2 Black Welsh Section D (2006)
Dylan is a wonderfully cheeky character, embodying the typical spirited Welsh personality that makes him so endearing. His playful nature often leads him to stroll right into the middle of the school during lessons, seeking a cuddle and a bit of attention, which never fails to bring smiles to everyone around. Despite his mischievous antics, Dylan is incredibly kind and gentle. Having participated in numerous show jumping competitions with us, as well as in his previous Pony Club home, Dylan has developed a strong sense of experience and confidence in the ring. He has become a firm favorite among our more underconfident riders, as he has a natural instinct for providing reassurance.
BROCCOLI- Genal Tywysog Broc
15h1 Grey Welsh Section D Gelding (2013)
Broccoli came to us from a friend in Devon, where he enjoyed hacking along the beach and participating in fun rides. Before joining our team, he hadn't had much experience in the school, but it quickly became clear that he was a fun and forward ride who truly enjoys his work. What stands out about Broccoli is his passion for jumping; he thrives on the challenge and approaches each jump with enthusiasm and confidence. His eagerness to tackle obstacles makes him an exciting horse for riders looking to improve their skills. Additionally, he is a fantastic choice for beginners. Broccoli's combination of fun, energy, and willingness to learn makes him a cherished member of our riding school.
DAFFY- Aesmand Dafydd
15h2 Bay Welsh Section D Gelding (2013)
Daffy came from a lovely woman in Monmouth, Wales, where he mainly hacked for the first couple of years. We saw a lot of potential in him as a brilliant all-rounder, knowing he could do more than just hacking. Since then, Daffy has become one of our most popular horses, thanks to his beautiful looks and friendly personality. He’s incredibly versatile, teaching both children and adults their first steps in riding, while also stepping up for our more advanced riders. Daffy produces lovely dressage tests and has great scope when it comes to jumping. His adaptability makes him a favorite among riders of all levels!
ANDY
16h Grey Irish Sports Horse Gelding (2019)
Andy was recently imported over from Ireland, we've only had him a few weeks and he's being introduced to the job slowly. In Ireland he hunted and had popped over some small jumps, since being with us we are doing lots of flatwork and schooling and indroducing him to some jumping. We are loving getting to know him.
BILLY - The Main Fuse
16h2 Bay Irish Sports Horse Gelding (2007)
Billy came from a Huntmaster in Ireland, where he jumped over 6-foot hedges for fun. With us, he’s competed up to 90 cm in showjumping. As the biggest horse in the riding school, he’s our main weight carrier and is used in lessons for all levels. Billy really enjoys jumping and has a big personality that makes the place feel special. We wouldn’t be the same without him!
FOREST- Forestland Clipper
16h2 Bay Thoroughbred Gelding (2006)
Forest has quite the impressive background! He came from a hunting home in Worcestershire, where he enjoyed several seasons of hunting. Before that, he had a successful eventing career, competing up to BE 90. We brought him into our lives in 2019, and since then, we've competed with him up to BE 100 and in British Showjumping up to 1 meter. At the riding school, Forest has truly shone, showcasing his safety and adaptability with riders of all levels. Whether you're just learning rising trot or tackling your first jumping course, his forgiving nature and kind spirit make him a favorite among students.