PG . 18
AQHA FEATURE
Tommy shows softness as he strides out - Photo by : Tania Hobbs
often , because it ’ s one of his favourite things . But , perhaps one of the most endearing things about the big horse is that , despite his size , he seems to have a real soft spot for kids and other animals , and is always very gentle around them . A few months ago , Tommy gave an 11yo horse-loving boy his best birthday present ever , by allowing him to have a ride .
‘ Tommy really looked after Lachlan , who even ended up having a canter on him , and doing a great job ! He enjoyed it so much he told his Mum he didn ’ t want to go to Pony Club anymore — he now wanted to ride this type of horse ! I guess that ’ s a great way to introduce new youth to the industry , because since then , Lachlan has been riding Tommy more ! He and his Mum will be coming along to the shows soon , so Lachlan can have a go at riding Tommy in a Youth class . Even Timmy , our house cat , also likes to have a ride on Tommy , and he goes as far as climbing up on the fence and hopping on Tommy ’ s saddle by himself . He ’ d probably come along to the shows if he could , too !’
HUNTER UNDER SADDLE
Early on , Robyn knew that Tommy would be a great Hunter Under Saddle horse , perhaps from the moment she saw him ! Hunter Under Saddle , it turns out , has always been Robyn ’ s
favourite class . She just loves it , and Tommy , as expected , continues to excel in the event .
‘ Tommy has always been a beautiful mover . He ’ s a soft-footed horse , and he ’ s clean through the shoulders , which makes it easy for him to have that naturally long , smooth stride needed for Hunter classes . His first HUS class ended up being at a GDWPC Show at Nambour , the same venue I first saw him at ! He was so wellbehaved , exhibiting a lovely walk , and I heard that the judge was ‘ blown away ’ by his amazing trot , although his canter was ‘ not quite there yet ’. It was good to know just what we really needed to go home and work on more , and I went home very happy with him . Tommy ’ s performances today have really improved in all gaits , and I ’ m more than happy with his canter , and that trot of his still astounds me . He has that groundcovering , lengthened stride , with that moment of suspension as he lifts and almost floats , and it ’ s such an amazing feeling ! He ’ s very obedient to show , too , regardless of what ’ s going on around him , and I think he and I have arrived at a very easy & happy working relationship . It took some finding , but we now seem to just click .’
Robyn says that she doesn ’ t believe Tommy has reached his peak yet , but , ‘ give him another 12 months , and I think he ’ ll be there ’.
AUSTRALIAN QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION - WWW . AQHA . COM . AU