Cwmkaren Itoje Express

Introduction:

Joey is a much-loved family favourite with plenty of talent, a wonderfully affectionate nature and a real enthusiasm for his job. This 9-year-old Welsh D loves the jumping ring and offers a confident junior or small adult a competitive partner with whom to have plenty of fun.

Registered with WPCS and EA, Joey is black with three white socks and stands approximately 13.3–14hh. He combines an impressive jump for his size with a broad education and a sound, sensible outlook. He is super sweet and smoochy — a pony who would love a person of his own.

Education, skills and experience:

Joey has competed successfully at 70–80cm showjumping and is confidently schooling 90cm to 1.00m. He enjoys his jumping and has plenty of talent for a rider wanting to continue developing their partnership.

He has schooled cross-country to 80cm, confidently tackling water, brush, ditches and fill. His one official EVA65 start resulted in 5th place. He has also competed in Combined Training at 65cm and Preliminary dressage, with wins and placings in ridden classes and working hunter at local agricultural shows and the QLD All Welsh.

On the flat, Joey schools leg-yield and Novice movements. Further focus on his flatwork would help prepare him for a stronger emphasis on pure dressage. He is schooled in a snaffle and has been jumped in a Neue Schule elevator.

His experiences also include working equitation-style obstacles, Pony Club and adult rider activities, trails, farm work, mustering and swimming at the beach and in rivers. He has enjoyed a varied life with his family.

General demeanour under saddle:

Joey is forward, willing and responsive, with a soft, light feel in the bridle. He adapts to his rider, steps up for a more experienced partner and is tolerant of mistakes.

Jumping is where his enthusiasm shines. He enjoys taking his rider to a fence and is described as having 'no stop', with easy adjustability between jumps. The family’s youngest daughter is particularly keen to keep him because he is so much fun in the ring.

Joey is generally calm and reliable but, like most horses, is not completely bombproof if something major happens. He can step quickly, if excited, but has no vices or quirks.

Current workload / fitness:

Joey is currently in light work, ridden once or twice a week. He is safe to get straight back on after a spell.

Handling:

Joey is well mannered and straightforward on the ground. He leads, ties, washes and has his feet handled easily, is good for the vet and self-loads. He stands quietly for travel and unloads calmly.

He is generally easy to catch and will often come to his person in his regular paddock. There have been occasions when he has been harder to catch in a large herd paddock but he can be bribed with food! He is barefoot and does not require shoes.

Feeding and management:

Joey is a good doer, maintained on grass, hay and a simple hard feed as required. He can live alone or in a herd and is comfortable stabled or paddocked, including in a busy environment.

Medical history:

His owner reports no past or present medical issues. A vet check is welcome at the buyer's expense.

Rider Suitability:

Joey would suit a confident child, junior or small adult wanting a versatile, competitive pony for showjumping, eventing, combined training and interschool competition. He goes best with an intermediate rider receiving regular professional instruction.

There is plenty of pony underneath the rider despite his height. The owner’s eldest daughter, pictured riding him in the dressage photograph, is 175cm tall with very long legs. His build and deep ribcage accommodate a longer leg, making him worth considering for a suitably sized small adult.

Joey love a person of his own, although he has also been part of a team of horses without issue.

Reason for sale:

Joey’s primary rider, the owner’s eldest daughter, has moved away from home for work. Her younger sister would dearly love to keep him, particularly because she enjoys jumping him so much. However, she already has two ponies and will be entering Year 12 next year, leaving insufficient time to keep three in work.

Joey is too talented and enjoys his job too much to spend his time waiting in the paddock. His family would love to see him out having fun with someone who appreciates both his ability and his sweet, affectionate personality.

Finding the right home matters enormously and there is some flexibility for the right match.