Simple but Sparky

I WAS three years old in 1974, when this photo was taken, at the Mid Surrey branch of the Pony Club under-10 show at WaltonOn-The-Hill. I was riding my older sister Clare’s pony, Red Spark (Sparky), who was 12.2hh. He had a huge buck in him when Clare was riding but always looked after me; I used to sit in front of Clare on the pommel while she cantered circles in our field.

My mother had to make the jacket I’m wearing because she couldn’t find one small enough to fit me. The elastic strap holding my hat on wouldn’t pass health and safety tests these days. I love the fact that Sparky’s wearing a simple eggbutt snaffle and cavesson noseband; you so rarely see a pony in such a straightforward combination these days. But I don’t miss the old string girths.

This also reminds me of the wonderful Pony Club shows we used to spend our summers attending. We would compete in such a broad range of activities, from showjumping to showing to gymkhana, and learnt so much along the way.