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...
BUBBLES
11h Shetland X Grey Gelding (2011)
Bubbles came to us in the summer of 2017 after he was sadly outgrown by his previous rider. He has a strong background as a lead rein pony, having been used for hunting and Pony Club, which highlights his reliability and gentle nature. His experience in these roles has made him an ideal choice for teaching young riders the fundamentals of riding in a safe and supportive environment. As a lead rein pony, Bubbles excels in providing a stable and reassuring presence for beginners. He is patient and attentive, allowing young riders to gain confidence as they learn to ride. His calm demeanor makes him a favorite among children, and he truly enjoys spending time with them, both in the saddle and on the ground. In the stable, Bubbles is equally wonderful. He is very good with the little ones, demonstrating his kind and gentle personality. His ability to connect with young riders and create a positive learning experience is what makes him such a cherished member of our equestrian centre. Bubbles continues to play a vital role in fostering a love for riding among our youngest students.
DENNIS
11h Shetland X Chestnut Gelding (2008)
Dennis has always been an exceptional lead rein pony, known for his incredible safety and calm demeanor. He has a natural talent for being around younger children, making him a favorite among our little riders. His gentle nature not only shines in the saddle but also extends to his interactions on the ground, where he is super gentle and patient. This pony is fantastic for teaching our younger riders the basics of horsemanship and riding. He provides a stable and reassuring presence, allowing them to build confidence as they learn. Dennis's nurturing personality and experience make him an invaluable asset to our riding program. He plays a crucial role in fostering a love for riding in our younger students, helping them grow both in their abilities and their passion for horses.
ELK - Talsarn Rough Diamond
12h2 Welsh Section A Grey Gelding (2007)
We got him from the same lovely home as Noah, where they lived together for many years and have formed a strong bond that makes them practically inseparable. This pony is truly amazing off the lead and showcases a brilliant jump that never fails to impress. He regularly participates in our showjumping competitions and consistently brings home ribbons, demonstrating his talent and competitive spirit. Elk is a forward-thinking pony who is good for all riders. He has an incredible ability to read his rider well, allowing him to adapt his pace and become steady for less experienced riders while still providing an exciting experience for those looking for a bit more challenge. This versatility makes him a fantastic choice for a range of riders, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their time on him. Elk's presence in our team is invaluable, and he continues to help riders to reach their goals.
NOAH - Apache
12h2 Welsh X Coloured Gelding (2013)
Noah came to us from a lovely home in Worcester, 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. One of Noah's standout qualities is how easy he is off the leg, allowing young riders to develop their confidence without feeling overwhelmed. He’s incredibly forgiving, which helps create a safe learning environment. However, when the time calls for it, Noah can step up to the challenge and showcase his impressive jumping ability. His super jump not only thrills the riders but also encourages them to push their boundaries and improve their skills. Noah truly is an invaluable asset to our team, bridging the gap between learning and enjoyment. His ability to adapt to the needs of each rider ensures that he remains a favorite among the younger members.
COCO - Action Man
13h2 Welsh Section C Bay Gelding (2000)
Coco has been a cherished member of our team since he was just 6 years old, and now, as he enjoys his semi-retirement, he still participates in a few lessons to keep him active and engaged. His experience and gentle nature make him fantastic to ride, and he truly is practically push-button, making him accessible for riders of all skill levels. One of Coco's standout features is his incredible jumping ability. He has a natural talent that shines through, and he used to dominate our chase-me-charlies, consistently coming out on top. Even in semi-retirement, Coco remains an integral part of our yard, with his calm demeanor makes him a beloved partner for riders looking to improve their skills or simply enjoy a relaxed ride. We're grateful to have Coco with us, and he continues to leave a lasting impact on everyone who has the pleasure of riding him.
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. Recognizing his potential, we decided to bring him on board, and it has been a fantastic decision. One of Keith's standout qualities is his exceptional safety on the roads. He is calm and reliable, making him an ideal choice for riders who may be apprehensive about roadwork or riding in busy environments. His steady nature allows riders to focus on enjoying their time in the saddle without unnecessary stress. 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, showcasing his impressive training and natural talent. Whether out on a hack or competing in the dressage ring, Keith continues to shine and inspire all who have the pleasure of riding him.
BOWIE
13h2 Coloured Cob Gelding (2013)
Bowie came to us from the same home as Noah and Elk. 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 and is always ready to tackle more challenging courses. His versatility makes him a beloved choice among our riders, whether they’re looking to enjoy a leisurely hack or push themselves to new heights in their jumping skills. Bowie truly embodies the perfect blend of sensitivity and athleticism, making him a remarkable companion in the riding school.
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 the Manchester area, 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 standout qualities is his dressage training, which allows him to work seamlessly off the rider's voice commands. 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 tackle jumps 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 and flourishes, bringing joy and confidence to all his riders.
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, always looking out for his riders and ensuring they feel safe and supported. 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. With Dylan, riders can trust that they are in good hands; he will always look after them, helping to build their confidence and encouraging them to push their boundaries in a safe and supportive environment.
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 excels on the lunge, making him a fantastic choice for beginners. His lovely, smooth trot provides a comfortable experience for those just starting their riding journey, allowing them to build confidence and develop their balance. 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!
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 to rising trot or tackling your first jumping course, he’s there to guide you. His forgiving nature and kind spirit make him a favorite among students, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and supported as they develop their skills.