I thought it might be fun to see how some of the cute little Akehurst foals have matured as grown ups! So if you have an Akehurst pony and would like to contact me with some photos and tell me about their life with you, I will pop them onto this page. So in no particular order lets start with.....
Sire Lowhouses Jet
Akehurst Katrina
Born 7/6/2007 Grey Bobbie
Dam Rosebarr Kizzie Sire Akehurst Robin Akehurst Molly Mandy
Hillbro' Molly Thursday
Sire Lowhouses Jet
Akehurst Katrina
Born 7/6/2007 Grey Bobbie
Dam Rosebarr Kizzie Sire Akehurst Robin Akehurst Molly Mandy
Hillbro' Molly Thursday
Katy was born black but telltale grey hairs over her eyebrows meant she would turn grey.
Here she is aged 2yrs grazing with other youngsters in Sussex.
Here she is aged 2yrs grazing with other youngsters in Sussex.
Now rising 3 years old, she has moved to Wales.
Lucy is being silly but Katy is not amused!
Lucy is being silly but Katy is not amused!
Katy is still owned by me and lives here in Wales. She has a tremendous character and some quaint habits!! She often speaks to me as I pass her pen, and if she is ignored will turn her head almost upside down, so you just have to laugh at her. Never leave a full wheel barrow within reach, as she will delight in up ending it. Not funny! She thinks it's hilarious.
At lambing time Katy becomes John's chief assistant, taking a keen interest in the ewes giving birth, keeping an eye on the the playful lambs and getting very agitated if she thinks there is a problem. John and Katy have long discussions on lamb care and when things get too stressful she can always grab a snack from the Jersey house cow!
In 2011 Katy had a filly foal, she was an excellent mother, but had a bit of a rocky start. Early one morning, I went to the field to get her in, as the farrier was due, and found she had just given birth.
All was well, but Sally, one of my other broodmares, who was not in foal that year, had taken over new born foal, and Katy, who was new to the game, didn't like to argue with such an experienced mum as Sally, so was just standing by, looking a bit worried. The poor foal had no idea who was mum and it was quite tricky to get Katy and her foal away from Sally. Once in the pen, Katy was able to start caring for her newborn baby Akehurst Dawn Surprise.
After her foal was weaned it was time for Katy to start ridden work. My friend Lynette came to stay and started working on her for me.
Katy took it all in her stride and soon was being ridden quietly round the farm
Katy took it all in her stride and soon was being ridden quietly round the farm
After she was backed Katy went to stay with Lynette's friend Sarah who continue with her schooling and took her for rides along the side of the river Thames where she used to enjoy a paddle. She came back here when Sarah's job took her abroad.
Katy was kept busy on her return to Wales, being ridden by a friend who came to help with the ponies.
At the moment I have no one to ride her so I will probably put her back in foal later this year, I'm sure she will enjoy being a mum again.
Here are a few more photos which I believe sum up Katy's character.
Here are a few more photos which I believe sum up Katy's character.
Who's next ?
Sire Broscoe Joseph
Sire Akehurst Kilroy
Dam Rosbar Kizzie
Akehurst Alfie
Born 7/6/08 Sire Akehurst Robin
Dam Akehurst Agatha
Dam Whitworth Sarah
Sire Akehurst Kilroy
Dam Rosbar Kizzie
Akehurst Alfie
Born 7/6/08 Sire Akehurst Robin
Dam Akehurst Agatha
Dam Whitworth Sarah
Sadly I cannot find any photos of Alfie as a young foal and can only assume they have been deleted in error, as I always take photos when a new baby arrives. These photos are from when, he was about six months old on wards, he spent most of his time playing with his great pal Peggy, who was born two days after him.
Here he is as a yearling. As part of his education we took him to a few shows, but most of his time was spent enjoying growing up.
As the stud was moving to Wales in 2010, I knew we were going to very busy getting the new farm up and running, so in the March just a few days before our move, Alfie found his new home with Sharon and Martin Pink.
Sharon now continues the 'The life of Archie'
Sharon now continues the 'The life of Archie'
Akehurst Alfie was 21 months old when he came to join us in Berkshire in March 2010. He settled in very well with his field companion Baron’s Boy Bobbie another bay Dales Pony who has ten years on Alfie.
Alfie progressed from being handled on a daily basis, being good with the farrier and vets and eventually he started his training by being long reined with a long term view to being a carriage driving pony.
He took everything in his stride, being very inquisitive in his surroundings and what he was being asked to do, and good positive progressed was made. Soon it came time for him to be backed for riding and he was sent away to “boot camp”, as we called it, to be professional schooled.
Alfie has since then been broken to harness, again starting from scratch by wearing the harness, pulling an old tyre on the ground, progressing to a two-wheeled training vehicle, and eventually now he is being put-to in a four-wheeled Bennington competition vehicle and this year he has qualified for the Indoor National Championships.
Alfie, like all new young ponies, I am sure, had days (and sometimes still does!) when he would have a tantrum and the front leg would strike out, but we worked through it and never gave in. Alfie is now 15.1hh and is not a pony anymore. He enjoys his work being ridden or driven and he loves Bobbie to bits. We would still like to put them together as a pair for carriage driving, but because of the size difference (Bobbie being 14.1hh) we won’t be able to compete as a pair, but we could do pleasure drives.
Alfie, like all new young ponies, I am sure, had days (and sometimes still does!) when he would have a tantrum and the front leg would strike out, but we worked through it and never gave in. Alfie is now 15.1hh and is not a pony anymore. He enjoys his work being ridden or driven and he loves Bobbie to bits. We would still like to put them together as a pair for carriage driving, but because of the size difference (Bobbie being 14.1hh) we won’t be able to compete as a pair, but we could do pleasure drives.
I’m so glad I found Delia’s web site all those years ago and so proud of being an owner of this breed which I would highly recommend to anyone.
Thank you Sharon, Good luck with his events and keep me posted.
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Thank you Sharon, Good luck with his events and keep me posted.
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Well, look what I found in my emails this morning, Alfie as a new born foal, thank you Sharon, I'm so pleased you still had copies.
Next we have
Akehurst Robin
Sire Akehurst Heather's Lad
Dam Highhouse Heather Bell
Akehurst Smoothie ( Peggy)
Sire Burdon Hero
Born 9/6 /2008
Dam Akehurst Smooth As Silk
Dam Black Velvet of Akehurst
Peggy arrived in this world two days after Alfie. She was the 100th Akehurst foal and the 53rd filly, so celebrations all round! She and Alfie were always together. Rory the third foal born that year, had arrived in April, so was a little more independent, he joined in some of the games but most of the time he was doing his own thing.
Akehurst Robin
Sire Akehurst Heather's Lad
Dam Highhouse Heather Bell
Akehurst Smoothie ( Peggy)
Sire Burdon Hero
Born 9/6 /2008
Dam Akehurst Smooth As Silk
Dam Black Velvet of Akehurst
Peggy arrived in this world two days after Alfie. She was the 100th Akehurst foal and the 53rd filly, so celebrations all round! She and Alfie were always together. Rory the third foal born that year, had arrived in April, so was a little more independent, he joined in some of the games but most of the time he was doing his own thing.
Peggy was a real poser, enjoyed being handled and having her photo taken!
2009 was a very busy time for us, as we were searching for a new farm, ours was under compulsory purchase, due to a new bypass, so not a lot happened to Peggy except the usual training my yearlings have, general handling, in/out the horse box which me make into a game, up and down the ramp.
2009 was a very busy time for us, as we were searching for a new farm, ours was under compulsory purchase, due to a new bypass, so not a lot happened to Peggy except the usual training my yearlings have, general handling, in/out the horse box which me make into a game, up and down the ramp.
In March 2010 Peggy had to say goodbye to Alfie and set off on her big adventure, the long journey to Germany, her new home, where a very excited family awaited her arrival. Alfie also found his new home at the same time, so they arrived almost together and left almost together, though Alfie only had to go as far as Berkshire. A few days later, the rest of Akehurst Stud left Sussex for their new home in Wales
Peggy arrived safe and sound after her long journey.
As you will see from these lovely photos Kerstin has allowed me to use, she was a lucky girl to find such a wonderful new home, where she has become a very useful member of the family. Over the past seven years it hasn't been always been easy, but Kerstin has always done her very best for her.
I will let Kerstin tell you about Peggy's life in Germany.
It was in 2009, when we finally found the home we were looking for, for a long time. A house with a separate barn to keep my silly Trakehner cross heavy horse mare at home. So I started to look for a companion and decided, I wanted a Dales Pony, without having ever seen a real Dales!
I found Delia´s homepage and got in contact. She sent me photos and a video of a beautiful little filly, so two friends, my husband and I went to the UK for a weekend in January 2010. I never forget the disbelieving face of our host where we stayed, when she asked, why we were travelling to Bexhill on Sea in January, and I answered, that I wanted to buy a pony. “Are there none in Germany ???”
I fell in love with Peggy at once and she arrived at our home in March. She settled very well and soon was everybody´s Darling. She caused a lot of interest, since there are only a few Dales over here in Germany. I was asked, why we went to the UK to buy a small Friesian…?
Peggy was always a pleasure to own. Since my husband and son are very interested in traditional farm work, Peggy got taught to wear a harness. She took everything in her stride and soon proved to be very useful. She transported the Christmas tree to the fireplace, did some snow ploughing, draw a sledge and did some farm work. She built a very special bond with my son. She followed him everywhere, even through the narrowest gaps. She always loved to be part of any venture. I was not allowed to back her, since both, my husband and son were sure, that I will never mount my silly mare again, when I started riding Peggy. They were right! I started lunging her, when she was five and she caused no problem at all. One day, I just mounted her and she was brilliant. She was always a star. We went hacking, took part in some clinics and she always behaved impeccably.
Unfortunately, Peggy became very ill and in the end, she suffers from a very bad arthrosis. She did not cope with the pain killers and we had a very hard time, since she was lame for a very long time. I spent many sleepless nights, thinking about the advice to put her to sleep. I finally decided to wait a certain time until the decision had to be made. I was very lucky, when Peggy got better just by forcing her to walk and choosing a good farrier. Right now we are restarting her and I am hoping to ride her again.
I got seriously infected by the Dales Virus, Peggy is the pony, I was looking for. She is much loved and a family member.
I got seriously infected by the Dales Virus, Peggy is the pony, I was looking for. She is much loved and a family member.
Plus: I am very happy, that I got to know Delia, who became a real friend. Me and my family went to visit her and John in Wales last year and we enjoyed a great Holiday. Thank you, Delia.
It was great to have Kerstin and her family staying for a few days on their way to the Dales Pony Society Centenary Celebrations last year. Added bonus was that my Dales got ridden and John had help with the silage wrapping!
It was great to have Kerstin and her family staying for a few days on their way to the Dales Pony Society Centenary Celebrations last year. Added bonus was that my Dales got ridden and John had help with the silage wrapping!
Well next it's just got to be Cyril
Lowhouses Jet
Akehurst Take A Chance Akehurst Robin
Born 6/6/2009 Akehurst Heather's Rose
Highhouse Heather Bell
His registered name came about because his mother came back to me to be resold, and it was decided to put her in foal and offer her for sale in foal. A purchaser was found but didn't really want the foal, so I bought her unborn foal, hence I 'Took a chance' ! He became known as Cyril, but I can't remember why!
Lowhouses Jet
Akehurst Take A Chance Akehurst Robin
Born 6/6/2009 Akehurst Heather's Rose
Highhouse Heather Bell
His registered name came about because his mother came back to me to be resold, and it was decided to put her in foal and offer her for sale in foal. A purchaser was found but didn't really want the foal, so I bought her unborn foal, hence I 'Took a chance' ! He became known as Cyril, but I can't remember why!
Cyril was very cute, not the sturdiest of foals, and he became quite ill, scouring badly, soon after his birth, he was so brave standing having his bottom washed twice a day and became very friendly straight away.
He palled up with a large filly foal called Hetty, and the two of them went around together, Little Cyril and Big Hetty. I went down to the field one day and found a surveyor for the proposed road, standing surrounded by my mares and foals. The expression on his face was ' Oh how sweet' but it changed when Cyril and Hetty started approaching with 'trouble' on their minds. So I stepped in and rescued him from the terrible two. In the third photo he is chatting up Katherine, one of the four other foals born that year.
He palled up with a large filly foal called Hetty, and the two of them went around together, Little Cyril and Big Hetty. I went down to the field one day and found a surveyor for the proposed road, standing surrounded by my mares and foals. The expression on his face was ' Oh how sweet' but it changed when Cyril and Hetty started approaching with 'trouble' on their minds. So I stepped in and rescued him from the terrible two. In the third photo he is chatting up Katherine, one of the four other foals born that year.
Cyril was a yearling when we came to Wales, and he travelled in my three horse- box with my elderly mare Primrose and two in foal mares. We stripped out the tack area and he fitted perfectly. We stopped over night with a friend near Cheltenham, where he enjoyed a picnic with the grown ups, he had a lovely time standing on top of a mound in the field, playing Big Boys, though Primrose was very concerned he might hurt himself! When it was time to leave for Wales, like all well brought up little boys, he helped Heather clean up the field.
Here he is grazing on the Welsh grass as if nothing had happened. And a couple of photos later in the year, wearing his Summer coat.
He lived with the mares and new foals that year. I was not sure how that would work out, but Primrose, 31 years old,
who was official foal nanny when the mums were too busy eating to keep an eye on them, was pleased to have his help as he could play games and keep them occupied.
who was official foal nanny when the mums were too busy eating to keep an eye on them, was pleased to have his help as he could play games and keep them occupied.
Cyril always loved to keep busy and here he is as a 2year old, playing in the arena.
Here, he is three and soon to be going to his new home.
Here, he is three and soon to be going to his new home.
Cyril has an enormous personality, and has found the most perfect home with Lynette, he comes visiting sometimes and now his half brother and sister have joined him at his home with Lynette.
Lynette now takes up the story:
I brought Cyril in 2012 as an unbacked 3 year old. He was the first pony I have ever backed and he made it all very easy. I’ve now had him nearly five years and he has grown into my pony of a lifetime. When he was younger he always had ants in his pants and couldn’t stand still for toffee which made me laugh. Now he is pretty much perfect realising that messing around is a waste of energy as Mum will be asking him to work soon enough! We have done so much together from hunting, qualifying for the Trec Nationals, side saddle showing and eventing, but I guess our real ‘thing’ is dressage. We are currently competing British Dressage Elementary level and we are often seen doing this side saddle. This spring I have been working hard to convince Cyril he likes jumping with the aim to doing some ODE’s and Workers (probably side saddle) and hopefully we will have progressed to Medium dressage by the end of the year all being well. He is super fit at the moment, so is a bit lean for a show pony but has the energy to do everything I need from him. I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to Dales ponies and I am truly hooked. Currently there are 3 in the field looking at me and they are all a total delight.
Lynette now takes up the story:
I brought Cyril in 2012 as an unbacked 3 year old. He was the first pony I have ever backed and he made it all very easy. I’ve now had him nearly five years and he has grown into my pony of a lifetime. When he was younger he always had ants in his pants and couldn’t stand still for toffee which made me laugh. Now he is pretty much perfect realising that messing around is a waste of energy as Mum will be asking him to work soon enough! We have done so much together from hunting, qualifying for the Trec Nationals, side saddle showing and eventing, but I guess our real ‘thing’ is dressage. We are currently competing British Dressage Elementary level and we are often seen doing this side saddle. This spring I have been working hard to convince Cyril he likes jumping with the aim to doing some ODE’s and Workers (probably side saddle) and hopefully we will have progressed to Medium dressage by the end of the year all being well. He is super fit at the moment, so is a bit lean for a show pony but has the energy to do everything I need from him. I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to Dales ponies and I am truly hooked. Currently there are 3 in the field looking at me and they are all a total delight.
Cyril seems able to turn a hoof to any job Lynette asks of him.
Sometimes he gets to do less serious tasks just for fun.
Sometimes he gets to do less serious tasks just for fun.
Well done Cyril and Lynette, keeping the Dales flag flying.
I'm glad I 'took a chance' and purchased an unborn Cyril!!
I'm glad I 'took a chance' and purchased an unborn Cyril!!