Bognor pony, 40, in running for national ‘Horse of a Lifetime’ award
A remarkable 40-year-old pony who has helped children learn about horse care in Bognor Regis has been shortlisted for a major national award.
Ginger, a New Forest and Shetland cross standing just 11.2 hands high, just under 4ft, is a finalist in the Agria Horse of a Lifetime category at the annual Horse & Hound Awards.
Ginger belongs to Amy Kingston, who has kept the mare at livery with club founder Katie Hall for around 20 years. When Katie launched Katie’s Horse Care Club, five years ago, Amy agreed to loan Ginger for non-ridden activities.
Children practise grooming, bandaging and long reining with Ginger, while their gentle handling, massage, stretching and affection help keep the veteran pony active and happy.
“Ginger adores people but was always quite mischievous when ridden,” says Katie. “She may not be the easiest horse but she’s the most forgiving and teaches children the most, in a very unmalicious way.”
While Ginger helps the children at the Club by letting them practise grooming, bandaging, long reining and more with her, the children help Ginger by keeping her gently moving, massaged, stretched and receiving plenty of affection.
Despite her age, Ginger requires no medication. “She’s kept alive by the kids helping to manage her the right way,” said Katie. “She’s so happy doing what she does, she’s very sound when she trots in the field, and she has more fire in her than plenty of ponies half her age.”
Having nominated her wonder pony for the Agria Horse of a Lifetime award at the annual Horse & Hound awards, Katie was thrilled to see Ginger chosen as a finalist.
The winner is chosen by public vote and will be announced on 25th November at the Horse & Hound Awards.
Previous winners include the Fell pony Carltonlima Emma, who was the regular riding pony of the late Queen Elizabeth II until shortly before her death.
“Winning the Agria Horse of a Lifetime award be an amazing tribute to a pony who has brought so much pleasure to so many,” Katie added.
Agria UK’s CEO, Vicki Wentworth, said: “At Agria we have always recognised that the horses who have the biggest impact on society are not always the 'big' ones who win medals and rosettes - being special comes in all shapes and sizes.
“Agria does not limit the cover we offer older horses at all, because we know how precious they can be to their owners and riders, at any age.
"That’s certainly the case with Ginger and how wonderful to see her so well, happy, full of joie de vivre and importantly, beautifully busy at the incredible age of 40.”