Meet the horses and ponies (and sheep, pigs and cat!)
At Island Riding Centre, we have an interesting mix of horses and ponies, old and young. From the giant Clydesdale Donald to the cute Shetlands Rosie, Po and Poppy with lots more characters in between.
We are passionate about animals great and small and let’s not forget the Island’s most friendly sheep Lambo who is rather partial to a digestive biscuit or two and is building quite a following of his own on Trip Advisor. He came to us at a day old after being orphaned and grew up in the house, sleeping next to the Aga, he really is like a friendly dog following us about!
Maggie and Wilson are our resident ‘recyclers of food’…..sorry pigs who are always happy to meet new friends and our resident cat Buster is never far from the office – he came from a rescue shelter and we were told he was feral and non friendly – now, his favourite place is greeting visitors, having a chin rub and sleeping in the office..
We’ve also got chickens of all sizes and beautiful Aylesbury Ducks..
Follow our animal tales on our Facebook page – Island Riding Centre | Facebook
Alfie
11HH / Dartmoor X / Black
Alfie is our mini tank of the yard, he’s only small but he’s very strong – this is great for the fact that as well as being super at being ridden, he also loves to be driven as well. We do have his cart and occasionally take him out as he really enjoys his time in the trap.
Donald
Donald is our Clydesdale - a soft and gentle giant
GG
10HH / Welsh Section A / Bay
GG (aka Greedy Guts) quickly steals the hearts of our riders, she may be small but she loves being ridden and enjoying a jump. If you look closely you can notice her one blue eye aswell. She can be known for being a cheeky monkey whilst walking to and from the field as she may not look strong but if she sees nice green grass then she will be taking you for a walk so she can get to it.
Focus
14.1HH / Welsh X Warmblood
/ Bay
Focus is definitely the biggest character on the yard – he will be used for the more experienced riders and for riders wanting to learn how to jump a bigger fence. Jumping really is Focus’s forte, this is what he was bred to do and he is amazing to watch. Under his lovely looks and his big personality he is a real sweetie though and loves having a fuss made of him.
Charlie
11HH / Mini Cob X / Tri-coloured
Charlie is our cheeky chappy of the yard. He loves going for little hacks and really looks after his little riders. He is great for confidence as he is a very quiet little guy. He loves his long mane being brushed and having a really good groom. I’m sure he would tell us his favourite part of the day is going back out into the field with all his friends.
Bluebell
13.2HH / Cob / Blue Roan
Bluebell has quickly become a real favourite of the yard. With her gorgeous looks and an amazing temperament to match, there is nothing you can dislike about her! She looks after every rider she has on her back, whether you are a complete novice or more advanced, she just changes to suit everyone!
Lady
12HH / Dartmoor / Dapple Grey
Lady is our little lady on the yard with a big movement. Her trot is massive for such a little pony although she is not your average looking Dartmoor we still think she is gorgeous. She loves being made a fuss of and enjoying her grooming time!
Bonsai
Bonsai is one of our rescue ponies from World Horse Welfare who after lots of tlc and a year of hard work is now loving life making new friends in the riding school
Colin the Cob
Colin the cob is a 14 hh silver dappled cob. With blue eyes he’s a kind and whizzy cob he enjoys dressage on Sundays but most of all he loves to be groomed and eat!
Apache
Apache arrived with Bonsai from World Horse Welfare where he had been rescued from neglect. With lots of love and attention he has become a valued member of the team!
Warbie
Warbie is a 15.2hh scewball cob.
He‘s kind and gentle and sometimes is popular with our RDA riders. Don’t be fooled by his age though Warbie goes at speed on the beach and often overtakes the younger ones!
Thomas
Thomas is a piebald cob 14 hh with huge feathered feet. He is a great pony with a very kind nature who loves to be cuddled and spoken to until he falls asleep
