A PRICELESS PONY

THIRTY-ONE years ago, my late grandfather rang my mum to say he’d bought me a pony. Mum was delighted, but Dad was dubious. The following day, an 11hh dark bay pony, Danny, arrived – I was three and he was four.

I learnt to ride on Danny, went to gymkhanas, took part in handy pony, fancy dress (usually as Andy

Pandy) and lead-rein jumping. Then once I’d outgrown him, my younger brother took over the reins where it was more cowboys and Indians and a need for speed. He did try a dressage test once, but ended up halting with his bum facing the judge!

Following his time with us, Danny headed off to my cousins then to a long list of carefully selected loan homes. And now, aged 34, Danny has taught a grand total of 18 children to ride and has finally come home for one last job: to teach my daughter to ride.

Clara is 18 months old and officially the luckiest little girl in the world. Danny has settled brilliantly, but I’m feeling a huge amount of responsibility to look after the pony who started my lifelong love of horses all those years ago. He’s been priceless.

Lucie Stephenson Goodmanham, E Yorks