We are very excited to be asked to share our thoughts and experiences as new British Riding Pony breeders with the NPS members, and grateful for the opportunity. Based in Burnley Lancs, our little stud was established in 2018 when a lifelong dream came true and we bought our farm. Riding Ponies have always been a passion of ours since children, nothing we loved more than to watch the huge rings of beautiful shiny animals at the County shows and from there we developed the passion and the ambition to one day breed ponies to stand in these lines.

25 years ago the popularity of the British Riding Pony was huge, and kids would do Pony Club, Hunt and Mounted Games as well as show these incredibly versatile ponies. Our mission is simple – to breed true to type children’s ponies that can not only win in the show ring but have the temperament to also be a child’s best friend.

We have been lucky enough to have had some fantastic advice from very experienced breeders who have helped us on our journey, and have acquired some lovely mares with some excellent bloodlines as our foundation. We will introduce you to some of these in later blogs.

We are right in the middle of foaling at the moment with 1 on the ground and 2 more due this year.   Our first foal is a colt by Royalview Splendour and out of Pendley Blue Charm (Camargue Tribute X Pencroft Lady in Blue).  Stable name “Cyril” his registered name will be Linsop the Parting Gift, named so because we rehomed his dam after the sad passing of her owner at new year, Duncan at the Menedh Stud. We are so happy with him and expect him to make a small ISRT. He didn’t have the easiest start in life but is now thriving.

Also due are Ellenbrook Ladies Day, a former HOYS 13hh SHP bred and produced by the Helliwell family, in foal to Royalview Splendour and Brookhall Miss Milly, a very old fashioned substantial B mare that passes on her bone and temperament to her foals. She is in foal to Jackets Shades of Blue, and we are hoping for a filly to run on, as Milly will be retiring to be the nurse mare very soon.

Thank you for reading and if you would like to see anymore photos or follow our journey as new BRP breeders, we have a Facebook page (search Linsop Stud). Would also love to connect with more breeders so please feel free to get in touch!

Lindsey Hewitt & Sophie Clohessy