My approach to fostering ponies is similar to that of life. Adopt a flexible approach, be open to different ways of thinking but most importantly surround yourself with people who are willing to share their experiences and mistakes, so you can learn from them. So I’m super excited to introduce two more Oracles: Lydia and Rosanna.
Lydia Pink
I met Lydia at my son’s nursery. Little did I know this chance meeting would be instrumental in pushing forward my understanding of handling horses. Lydia’s love of animals and her knowledge of training horses was music to my ears. I had high hopes that we would become friends and I looked forward to her visiting me.
Profile Started riding: At 11 years old, when she went to pony camp. Owned horse/ponies: Lydia bought her first pony a week after pony camp. She has owned horses and ponies throughout her life. Training: As an adult Lydia went to Texas twice and worked at a cowboy ranch breaking in wild mustang horses. She has also trained for a few summers in Wales with Ken Faulkner – Natural horsemanship.
Rosanna Hollands
Rosanna was my riding instructor at Saddles. I liked Rosanna right from the start. Being greeted by her dog Loki was an added bonus.
The riding lessons gave me an opportunity to ask lots and I mean lots of horsey questions. I often referred to Rosanna as my walking encyclopedia (no need to ask Google, just ask Rosanna). What stood out for me was Rosanna’s willingness to share her knowledge and help me find solutions to the issues I was facing with the ponies.
Profile
Started riding : At 4 yrs old.
Owned a pony/ horse: She shared a pony with her mum for 23 years.
Competitions: Rosanna has taken part in a few minor jumping competitions and a dressage competition while working in Portugal.
Training : She has done some training with ponies at the riding school, is working with a foal on the yard and has been taught some Parelli.
Experience: Rosanna studied at Hadlow college and has a lot of voluntary experience. When she was younger she helped out at riding schools and has volunteered at the Horse World charity. She has worked at show jumping competitions and as part of a jump crew at the Kent county show. While living in Portugal she worked on a dressage yard for an international dressage and Portuguese working equitation champion. Rosanna now works as Senior trainer and yard manager at Saddles.
I’ve finally got to grips with basic horse care and field management, it’s now time to turn my attention to the ponies. I’m hoping the new Oracles will help me to better understand horse behaviour so I can tailor my training to meet the needs of each pony. I’m excited by the new challenges ahead, I can’t wait to step outside my comfort zone.
