Introducing Tracy and Brandy

How long have you had Brandy? 5 years. We got him on 18th February 2015 from the Hereford Branch. His groom was Meg. He was rescued because the council where he was found him with no apparent owners. He still had all his “man bits” and all 4 legs had mites for many years. His scaring under his feathers is dreadful with terrible rolls of scar tissue left behind. Didn’t like men, scared of everything, absolutely zero spacial awareness. I had to groom with a hat on for a year. I can never carry a stick. Terrible trouble picking his feet out, couldn’t even hold a foot up for more than 3 seconds before he would slam it back down. Phew, thank goodness those days are gone.

Your favourite thing that Brandy does? No one thing. He has survived a lot of trauma in his life. It has taken loads of hard work and patience to get him where he is today. About 3 months after receiving him a good friend said: “are you sure you want to buy him a new saddle, you should think about if you want to keep him, its a lot of money to spend.” But we got the saddle and kept on doing what we were doing. Slow and sure, quiet and gentle.

He’s now a lovely boy, his passport says he is 16 this year. All his little creases have been ironed out. He’ll never be that family pony but he is our family pony and he’ll be with us until his last breath. It’s not just me, I have to thank everyone at my yard. Those special people who love him too; Sarah, who moves him around during the week and worms him, Diane who works with the farrier, Jayne the yard trainer who rides him once a week. Brandy needs his extended family, they make him confident in trusting people again. Now he is a solid, dependable, calm, quiet (95% of the time) pony. You don’t want them all good all the time, where is the fun in that?! Ponies should have that 5% cheeky, a naughty streak that should never be broken.

What has been your most fun moment with Brandy so far? Completing a sponsored ride around the Estate at Windsor and coming runner up in the Champion class at a local horse show.

What are you planning to do with Brandy once lockdown is over? Some in-hand showing and more sponsored rides.

Find out more about becoming a Perfect Partner!
Back to top