July 2012 - I am delighted to introduce you to Butterlands Mezzo (pronounced Metzo, the Italian way), who I have been lucky enough to own from the end of April 2012. She is 9 years old and is Thoroughbred/Irish Draught. Standing at around 16.2hh, initially I thought a little big for my 5’0”, but it didn’t take long for me to realise (after a lot of chats, discussions and thought), that she has the most amazing, calm attitude and outlook that she is the horse I have dreamed off since I was a little girl, using the family swing seat as a horse with string for stirrups and reins!
Metzo has previously done some eventing but not for some while and has only been hacked for the past year or so – what a waste! She is delightful, affectionate, stunning to look at, willing, obedient and takes care of me – I might be a little biased of course!
I have fantastic support from Kerry (fantastic jump instructor, support and friend), Lewis (fantastic dressage instructor, support and lovely person), and all the team and liveries at MEC and Metzo lives in 5-star luxury with the opportunity to take her out to learn properly all about competitive and training life.
I didn’t think I would be lucky enough to buy another horse, but fortunately I guess my passion for these beautiful creatures shone through and Dave (my husband) understood the need and continues to support me and this idyllic hobby.
I truly believe this is the horse that will take me to my dream of eventing and I definitely hope that we will build a relationship that will support that dream – she is my absolute joy
Meg and Tailor
We arrived at Middleton Equestrian Centre just over 2 years ago on our daughter’s 5th birthday, as a little surprise for her, not really knowing what reaction we would get from her.
We received a really warm and friendly welcome from everyone at MEC and all we can say she was hooked immediately.
The weekly lessons started and Tailor really enjoyed learning to ride and being around horses, after a while Tailor attended a few ‘own a pony days’ the staff at MEC looked after and cared for all the little ones, Tailor enjoyed learning how to look after the ponies as much as riding them.
Tailor then joined ‘Pony Club’ attending every Sunday mainly with Will who has been a supportive and patient member of MEC staff, Tailor would often leave laughing but we never find out why (Will would you like to enlighten us).
Pony Club camp with Will and Kathy has been great they are well organised weeks where Tailor has learnt loads and thoroughly enjoyed herself, the Friday has always been a great day where us parents can attend and enjoy the prize giving.
After this year’s enjoyable ‘Pony Club’ we thought maybe we should look at the next step, and after expressing this to Kerry the completely unexpected opportunity came to buy ‘Meg’ (Kerry we thank you so much), and here is where Tailor’s story starts.
Tailor was, and is still completely surprised she has her own pony, we are complete novices at owning a pony, but the support and kindness we have received from all the staff and other livery owners has been amazing nothing is ever too much trouble (I promise one day we will stop asking questions, maybe!)
Meg, I love you loads, you are a great pony and you really look after me, Love Tailor xxx
Emily and Tara (Apollo's Tara Noir)
Jul 2007 -
So with my first pony Shadow doing very well with his new owner, Fudge was next.
Unfortunately he got a bit too strong for me, then came Charlie didn't last long, only 2 days, vet said he had a bad leg. So dad has a little trip to Doncaster to see a dark bay mare called 'Lottie' - (Yuck Name!) He liked her. So on a nice Sunday morning, Dad, Kerry, Sally and myself set off to see her.
Dad told the person selling her that he had brought in the expert (Kerry). After riding and jumping 'lottie' and looking her over, Kerry said 'Yes I like him' we all said 'its a mare, Kerry!' Kerry replied 'Is it?! I don't look at them bits! - AS A JOKE!!!!' Anyway we all agreed, this was the one for me - "Apollo's Tara Noir" or Tara for short.
She jumps WOW, Cross country WOW, Dressage - well no-ones perfect! though now under training!!! Watch this space.......
Ruth, Sarah & Warrior
April 2009.
We have owned Warrior for just over 18 months. We quickly learnt that he has a great love of all things edible, so we can always keep a friend in him with an apple or mint, or … well anything really! On the whole Warrior is a very happy chappy. He is well looked after by everyone and spoiled rotten by us! We like to think he loves us for it though!!
Warrior can be found in the school when he’s well and is a really good boy generally and a dream to ride. He loves jumping and cantering about and likes to learn new things and do lots of different exercises. He does like to try and guess what you want him to do though!! He has also been known to go to the odd jumping competition , which he enjoys and has been known to do quite well, especially with slightly bigger jumps. We are still hoping to enter him into the upcoming dressage competitions, but he always seems to be out of action when they are on!! I wonder if he’s trying to tell us something??!
Warrior certainly doesn’t like to make life simple, or stress free for us, with his recurring bad backs, or the fear of them?!! Who knows?! But we love him loads and wouldn’t swap him for the world! Thank goodness for all the more knowledgeable “horsey” people around to help us, with lunging and riding and offering advice when Warrior will only do sideways and reverse gear!!! Not to mention the bucks! Gemma, the new livery manager, has been most patient with our ongoing texts since she started her new appointment and has been great at giving us all the information we need! Thanks Gemma!
Love Ruth, Sarah and Warrior!
I love being at Middleton and thank everyone for doing such a good job of looking after me, in sickness and in health, and even when I’m a grump! X
