October 2008 Following two years of professional dressage training, Regal is now ready for the hack ring and in October he wins his Ridden Riding Pony Stallion class at Morisset, Castle Hill, the NSW RPSBS Championships and finally at the prestigious National Stud and Pony Show.

The Somersby Championships also in October saw Pip and Regal not only win the pony division of the official novice tests, but also placing 3rd overall in both tests in a large field of quality warmbloods.  This was a fitting finale to a wonderful partnership and Regal’s final appearance with Pip as his rider.  Balledor is very grateful for the professional training of Regal by Pip Cooper of Falcon SportHorses.

 Click Here to see Full Results for Regal's tests on Page 3.

March 2008 At last we are able to compete again and Regal brings home blue ribbons and many lovely accolades.  Click here to see Regal’s current pony dressage results

December 2007

Balledor Debut is started undersaddle and will soon be see as a newcomer in NSW hack rings. Click here to see him ridden by John Cooper

October 2007

Equine Influenza had a devastating effect on the stud with all the horses at home suffering miserably with hacking coughs.  We were very anxious about the health of our unborn foals and heavily pregnant mares but all managed quite well with medication and constant supervision.  Fortunately, Pip’s property, Falcon Park remained EI free and we were able to vaccinate Regal to protect him, and he was also able to stay in work.

August 2007

and Regal's talents begin to unfold!

5th August Regal wins both tests at first official outing with Pip at Salt Ash 60.2% for 1.3 and 64% for 1.4. 

Click here to see Regal’s current pony dressage results

this very talented stallion revealed that he can also jump, as shown in the photographs which capture an unschooled demonstration of considerable raw, natural talent!

Regal improves on his first appearance with Pip and wins both his tests again (67% for 1.2 and 72.8% for 1.4)and is sashed Preliminary CHAMPION at Somersby Equestrian Club.  The judges' comments "A gorgeous little performance horse capable of mixing it with the big guys" and "A beautiful pony with 3 regular paces, showing good impulsion.  Active and engaged behind with consistent rhythm throughout

But then disaster struck the equine industry in Australia and particularly the eastern states as Equine Influenza was diagnosed in an imported stallion and due to lapse quarantine measures, the virus escaped into our equine population. We were about to leave for a competition on 25 August when we heard the dreadful news.  Little did we know then that we would be locked down for 6 months!

Balledor Encore

Encore is a stunning mahogany bay yearling gelding with black points foaled 28 Nov 2005 and registered with RPSBSA and AHSA.  Expected to mature big galloway, he is by Pendley Gold Cup (imp) out of thoroughbred mare, Spirit of Balledor, who carries Current Winner bloodlines.  

His temperament and manners are unimpeachable but it is the engagement of his hocks that results in his spectacular movement and makes this pony truly breathtaking.

During a short introductory showing season in Spring 2006,  he was awarded Reserve Champion Colt or Stallion by Alan Peston at Castle Hill Spring Show, first in his class at Cooranbong Youngstock by Val Males and Champion Led Arabian Riding Pony at French's Forest Ag Show.

Because Encore was over the riding pony breed standard of 14.2hh even as a two year old, it was decided during 2007 to geld him, followed by a spell in the back paddock to mature and just be a horse  again. Encore will be started under saddle in 2009.

photo above Tracey Bavinton

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