Today was my horse's 24th birthday. For those who don't know much about Andy and I, I've had Andy since he was 2 and a half. I was about 14 when Andy came into my life. We have grown up together and he has been the most wonderful companion. Years of competitions has led us to journeys all over Victoria and competing in different disciplines.
As my health deteriorated, Andy was the perfect horse - with his lovely temperament, he didn't need a lot of work and I could still take him to comps easily. He is easy to float so it was no hassle when I wanted to go home to Mum and Dads and have a holiday. He is easy to handle and Mum and Dad can do his rugs and feed him confidently or even float him themselves when I wasn't well enough to take care of him.
Other people have ridden and competed with him when I wasn't well enough anymore to do it myself, and most recently a lovely lady called Kate has been keeping him fit until I can begin riding him again....which will be in about a months time, when he returns to his agistment in Melbourne. Cannot WAIT! :)
Andy loves people and other animals and it's just a joy being with this beautiful animal! :)
A reader has requested Andy pics, so how can I not oblige? :)
First Gymkhana 1989
Jumping in Pony Club, 1991
1994, Echuca Show
Kyabram Gymkhana - Mum and us
More jumping - Pony Club Days!
2005 TTT HRCAV Showing Championships |
2007 Mentone CT Comp day. Brother Mike, Andy and I |
2006 HRCAV TTT Showing Championships Andy and Gen working out at Andy's agistment, 2004 ( I know, the hands, such a bad habit of mine!) |
2008 Melbourne Royal Show |
Dear friend Mel competing on Andy at the 2007 TTT HRCAV Championships. |
2002 HRCAV Combined Training Championships. Won the teams and my section! |
Giving Poppy Mason a ride! |
Hanging out in Bamawm with Grandma and Grandad. January 2006 2008 Doongala HRCAV Horse Show. Photo taken by Julie Wilson. Julie's website is http://www.jwep.net/ |
Barastoc Show, 2008 |
Andy meets himself - Sculpture of Andy by Karen Grigson. |
Gen and Andy, May 2009 At mum and dads swimming in the channel. Gen, Andy, Oscar the dog and niece Stephy. Christmas 2009 |
Melanie Wu riding Andy in the Seniors Class at Barastoc 2010 Photo by Suzanne Coutanceau |
Gen, thank you for the great Andy pics and the back story. How timely considering it's his birthday! Barbara
ReplyDeleteYes it was great timing Barbara! My pleasure! Thought of a few more pics to sneak in...:)
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos. Wonderful times. Miss you Gen xox
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