Q&A with Sylvia Ormiston

I first started showing Highland ponies for my, now, father-in-law many many years ago.

Tending to all the ponies needs, handling young stock, backing young stock, field and fence maintenance......the list goes on!

Preparation starts many months in advance before the showing season kicks off. There is a lot of educating young stock to be done along with their general bloom. Some ponies can produce quicker than others, it all depends on how quick a learner the pony is.

I would have to say that my favourite Dengie product is a draw between Healthy Hooves and Alfa-A Oil, depending on the time of year and the type of work the ponies are doing. Alfa-A Oil is ideal for the show ponies as it gives them excellent condition and coat shine; however Healthy Hooves is a simple complete fibre feed that I can give to the working Highland ponies.

Now that would be giving away all my trade secrets ;-) One essential piece of kit is a cactus cloth for removing stains; I could not be without it.

There isn't really one show that stands out for me, as I feel that all shows attended are special whether you win or not.

Whether you are a serious show goer or just go now and again, the important thing to remember is to enjoy your horse or pony for who they are. They do have feelings too and are not machines.

The main qualities I look for in a show pony are a level headed temperament, good straight action and as correct conformationally as possible. However no pony or horse is ever perfect.