Ginger participated in the Nosey's Neighborhood Petting Zoo where she also found the family for her new home.
Braeberry Silverton participated in the Nosey's Neighborhood Petting Zoo again. This is our fourth year providing ponies for this event.
We entered Greenholme Viv and Braeberry Clarabel in the halter classes as these ponies were willing and nearby in Lincoln, CA. Clarabel took 6th and Viv 3rd in their classes.
Our son agreed to help with the first time showing of Cassie and Nutmeg. His first show also. We all had fun and the ponies did great.
Braeberry Silverton participated in the Nosey's Neighborhood Petting Zoo. This is our third year providing ponies for this event.
We partnered with Blooming Dales Pony Farm and Stirling Ridge Farm to bring Fells and Dales to the Northwest Horse Fair & Expo in Albany, Oregon. Braeberry Silverton was the last minute Fell example, as the ponies from Stirling Ridge Farm could not make it due to heavy snow in the Cascade Mountains.
Braeberry's Cassie, our Welsh cross, made such an impression last year that she was invited back to the Nosey's Neighborhood petting zoo of a local Agricultural Festival. It was such a good experience for her last year that this year we also took Braeberry's Poppy for the exposure. They both had a great weekend, very popular with kids and adults alike.
We partnered again this year with Blooming Dales Pony Farm and also Stirling Ridge Farm to bring Fells and Dales to the Northwest Horse Fair & Expo in Albany, Oregon. There were three Fell Ponies and two Dales Ponies. We had a few firsts this year. Our first grey Fell, our first bay fell, and music background for the first time. MidnightValley Thistle was our representative.
Braeberry Farm sponsored an informational booth sharing videos, photos and information about both Fells and Dales. Maybe we'll have a pony there next year! There is talk of partnering with a Dales owner in the area for this event also.
BroughHill Hadrian's Wall and four other Fells represented Fell Ponies in Sacramento for the first time.
Braeberry's Cassie, our Welsh cross, had her first experience off the farm in the Nosey's Neighborhood petting zoo of a local Agricultural Festival. She enjoyed the attention but was glad to get back home. Interestingly, the first thing she wanted to do when she got back to the pasture was to nurse from her dam, and she's been weaned at least 6 months.
Braeberry Bonnie Lass represented Fell ponies at the first (to my knowledge) west coast M & M class. She presented herself well, especially with regards to Fell temperament, not flinching at the wind blowing pop cans or the very noisy race cars on the other side of the fence. A Highlander and Connemara where also there. This was my first time back in a show ring since 4-H 25 years ago!
We partnered this year with Blooming Dales Pony Farm to bring Fells and Dales to the Northwest Horse Fair & Expo in Albany, Oregon. The two breeds have much shared history in their native Northern England home.
Braeberry Bonnie Lass and Deerstones Lillian represented the Fell ponies.
We represented Fell Ponies in the Breed Alley. Rene' came up from Northern California and helped out at the booth and rode BroughHill Hadrian's Wall for each of the breed demonstrations. Hadrian did an excellent job and behaved as if this type of event was ‘old hat.’ We plan to be there again next year. Thank you to all who stopped by to say hello and visit with Hadrian.
We participated in the Breed Alley with Musta Hevonen Farm, representing the Fell Pony Society of North America. BroughHill Hadrian's Wall was our participant, and despite having never been in an event like this, he did exceptionally well. His half sister, Newfarm Apple Blossom was his demonstration partner, and she also did a great job.