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.
Teka (Brightwater Chiqilton)
DOB: 2010
This mysterious beauty has an abundance of presence! At 14.1 hh (144cm), this striking Gypsy Cob arrived at Ambury and got straight 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!
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!
Gin is kindly sponsored by Chris Merriott and family.
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 (Hallgrimur fra Stugudal)
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 versatile 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.
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.
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.
