2008

Followed by  News from the Stud - January to June 2008       Freddie (Balleroy Mercury) won the NPS Picton           Qualifier at Malvern in June with Helen, in his                           first ever ridden class. Balleroy Minstrel has just been backed and seems relaxed and happy about this new proceedure. More New Arrivals East Anglia Native Pony Society Show - Huntingdon Ricky (Balleroy Maverick) had great success at Huntingdon. He was ridden beautifully by Kelly Gorman & brilliantly shown in hand by Kelly's father, Tony. He had a near repeat of his younger brother's (Balleroy Minstrel) successes in 2007, winning: In Hand Highland Adult Championship In hand M& M Gelding Championships In Hand Mixed M&M Championship - Haven Trophy. Then they won the Large Breeds Picton Qualifier at BSPS Show Brockenhurst Balleroy Yana Balleroy Yana (by Minstrel of Whitefield o/o Yasmin of Whitefield) 2001 - 2008 (Pictured here in 2007) Sadly Balleroy Yana died of Acute Grass Sickness on 10th April 2008. She and her half-brother Balleroy Monarch (Muffy) lived in Perthshire, Scotland. Yana had the most fabulous temperament and is sadly missed by all who knew her, especially her owners Angela, Alan and David. Followed by the Good News: The arrival of the 2008 foals Yoyo had a colt we named Rocky and Isla of Strathmore's filly is Iona. Next, the arrival of Dudu's colt foal, Robbie, followed closely by Rose having a filly whom we have called Rosella Royal Windsor 2008 We had a very traumatic arrival at Windsor Show, where Ricky was 3rd. in the senior class. He has now gone to Kelly Gorman, who will be riding him for me at some more shows this year. In between times the thoroughbreds have produced the goods, Polly having a particularly smart filly, called Mandoline, full sister to Manchega both being by the eventer McGuigan. I know these are not Highlands, but Polly thinks that she is a Highland and has brought up her foals accordingly! News from the Stud - July to December 2008 A sad end to the year for us - Yasmin of Whitefield, one of our original mares, died peacefully on December 23rd. Winner at the Royal Highland Show, as was her daughter, Gloria of Whitefield, she was dam of many lovely ponies, including Maverick, Monty, Yoyo and Minstrel, all of whom have won numerous Championships between them, also Yana and Yashmina. She was also foster Mum to Angel and Connie, who both benefitted from her care, love and attention. The dear lady is irreplaceable and missed enormously. Although we haven't had much time for 'In Hand' showingthis year, our venture into the Ridden world has been very exciting and we now have the 'bug' - as long as we have Kelly and Sarah to ride the ponies! Our thanks to Kelly and her 'team' - Katherine, Sarah & Tony - who produced Ricky (Balleroy Maverick) to perfection. Balleroy Minstrel's introduction to ridden classes as a 4 y.o. has been as spectacular as it can get. From three entries, he has been Ridden Champion each time, qualifying for PUK Championship show in the spring. For more information and photos, see Cate's web page: www.taliskerhighlandponies.com Monty continues his dressage successes, qualifying for the NPS Championships at Addington Manor next spring. Inca had her first outing under sadlle at the same venue, with pleasing results and 10 out of 10 for 'Best Behaviour'.     Very sadly, our sweet Mistral has gone to Green Pastures. Our condolences to Mel Bailey and her family who treasured this lovely pony and are devastated at his loss. Youngsters September 2008 Balleroy Minstrel has had an excellent start to his ridden career. BSPS area 16 - 1st Heritage Novice ridden and qualified for the BSPS championships Newton Hall - 1st Heritage Novice ridden - 1st PUK confined novice - qualified PUK championships - Champion ridden M and M EANPS Autumn Show - 1st NPS novice ridden - qualified for NPS championship - Champion ridden. Enjoying your Highland Pony 7/8 August: Ricky (Balleroy Maverick) had a successful show this week at NPS Malvern, winning the NFU Mutual Open Ridden Highland class, making him Champion Ridden Highland. He was also 3rd in the Highland Section of the NPS Picton Final. Their big excitement was then to ride in the Evening Performance, with music and floodlights - where Ricky behaved beautifully under Kelly's careful guidance. All very exciting for a pony in his first year of showing under saddle and we are thrilled. Above Photos by courtesy of Colin Nicholas Photography