MEET OUR HORSES
Ambury Park's horses are an essential part of our riding therapy programmes. Every child who attends the Centre, either as a part-time rider or as a full-time student in our school, is assigned a horse. The horse/child interaction is both physical and psychological. The way the child bonds with his or her horse is the cornerstone of our successful programmes.
Some of the horses have been with us a long time, others are relatively new. We have both mares and geldings, and a variety of different breeds. Each horse has a distinct personality and, depending on a number of factors, is used for therapy rides, or by our full-time students, or both of these.
OUR HORSE OF THE MONTH
Amara
DOB: 2001
Height: 15.2hh Bay crossbred mare. Amara has been at the Centre since 2009. She is in training for both the full time students and part time therapy riders. She loves having her neck rubbed and enjoys cantering.
Amara is looking for sponsorship
Teka (Brightwater Chiqilton)
DOB: 2010
This recent arrival has an abundance of presence. A 14.1 hh (144cm) Gypsy Cob has arrived at Ambury, and got on with the job. There's many an argument over who is going to groom and ride her.
Magpie
DOB: 2001
What a gem. This very cute piebald pony stands at 14.2 hh (147cm) and his can do attitude allows him to do his job as well as it did when he was competing in his earlier years.
Magpie is kindly sponsored by the Kelliher Charitable Trust
Lorry (Golden Delight)
DOB: 2009
Mostly black ex-racer standardbred gelding Lorry came on lease to us in 2023 to keep fit until his family can ride again. Nothing bothers him after his racing days. This 14hh fella is a true delight!
Manuka
DOB: 2012
This 15.3 hh Clydesdale mare needed some TLC when she first arrived at Ambury in 2022. As sweet as her name suggests, Manuka loves belly scratches and is the perfect size for our riders whose physical needs require a heavier horse.
Sarah (Serenity Wishaw)
DOB: 2003
We are lucky to have this 16 hh (162cm), pretty bay Clydesdale mare who has as much to teach as she has to learn. She has settled into her work more each day. Her calm personality draws people to her, and she enjoys the fuss.
Tommy (Thomson Rhapsody)
DOB: 2005
One of the kindest horses you could wish to meet. A big boy at 16.3 hh (170cm), he can adapt for a walk over the farm to a dressage arena in the blink of an eye, as he changes his tempo to suit his rider.
Tommy was purchased by UPS Power Solutions and is kindly sponsored by Kelliher Charitable Trust.
Gin (Gin and Tonic)
DOB: 2015
Straight out of the bush in 2023, this 14.2 hh young skewbald crossbred gelding settled in straight away. Although docile in therapy rides he has plenty of vigour to keep our Academic students on their toes!
Lollipop (Teddy Tullock)
DOB: 2010
As his name suggests, he's a very sweet and curious little guy. He is a Chestnut Welsh pony who stands at 13.1 hh (134cm), who was bred for the purpose of equine therapies, and knows his job well.
Bobby
DOB: 2007
An extremely cute Palomino Icelandic pony with personality plus, who likes to interact with everyone who comes his way.
Bobby is kindly sponsored by Sam Hugli and family.
Fable (Oaklane Mulan)
DOB: 2008
This very pretty mare has been in the Ambury stable since 2020. She has great breeding for the purpose of therapy riding being half Haflinger, known for their gentle nature, and Quarter Horse for athleticism. She is every little girl’s dream, being the living picture of Barbie doll’s best friend. Fable is a shade under 14:2 hands high.
Fable is kindly sponsored by Team Jared Hards (Ray White Mangere Bridge)
Angel (Galaxy Angel Jane)
DOB: 2008
This versatlie 14.2 hh English skewbald mare arrived in 2023 and is as comfortable in therapy rides as the dressage arena. Certified angelic pony personality!
Spy
DOB: 2011
This little guy was a real find and seemingly born to do the job here at Ambury. He is a diminutive 12:1 hh but always ready to foot (or hoof) it with the big boys. It would be difficult to come across a more kiddy-friendly pony. He is the perfect confidence builder as who could possibly be intimidated by this sweet wee marshmallow? He is one of the special few who stepped straight into his role on heralding his arrival in early 2021.
Spy is kindly sponsored by the Kelliher Charitable Trust
Dusty
DOB: 2007
A striking looking fellow with a good chunk of Clydesdale in his bloodlines. Dusty has a very wise philosophy on life and takes most things in his stride. He very quickly showed how versatile he can be adapting seamlessly between being a safe therapy mount to a fun ride with many ‘programmed buttons’ to challenge the more capable rider. We have owned Dusty since his arrival in 2020. Dusty measures in at 15:2 hands.
Dusty is kindly sponsored by the Kelliher Charitable Trust
Dakota
DOB: 2009
This sweet hardy Kaimanawa bay mare joined the Ambury herd in 2023. At 13 hh this diminutive cutie is already proving herself to be a valuable therapy ride pony.
Smudge
DOB: 2002
We are very fortunate to have this personality-packed pony on long-term lease. He came to us in 2018 to help fill a gap and has happily been with us ever since. Smudge is a full sized pony at 14:2 hh and had a successful jumping career in his former life. He can be best described as a true school master with plenty to teach his young riders.
Sammy
DOB: 2002
Sammy comes to us from a much-loved family who wanted this 14.1 hh gentle pony to enjoy light work in her twilight years. Boasting a white star just below her forelock, this Black Beauty is a firm favourite with our grooming teams.
Quest
DOB: 2001
This gentle gelding is a real ‘people person’. He is largely thoroughbred and adores human fuss and attention. Being kind and obliging, he is also a very honest, steady jumper for those ready to try something more daring. Quest is a fraction under 16 hands and joined our team in 2020.
Quest is kindly sponsored by
Chris Merriott
Romeo
DOB: 2009
This loveable 14.2 hh skewbald gelding was initially a little shy upon his arrival in 2021, but has since developed into a much more confident and well established member of the painted pony herd.
Bella
DOB: 2000
In her youthful years Bella was a beach racer as well as a pacer. This graceful, kind 15 hh mare enjoys a quieter pace of life with us, thanks to her owners who have loaned her to us on a long lease.
Highlander
DOB: 2014
This 17.1 hh bay clydesdale is a real "people horse" who thrives on attention. Despite his massive size he is a gentle giant and perfect for those whose riding needs require a larger mount.
Highlander is kindly sponsored by Doug and Adrienne Alderslade.
