The Perfect Pair

Axel - 'Our Main Man' - 14.2hh 24yrs

I can't actually believe he's 24!

I first met Axel 2000 when a friend, Breffni, was horse shopping. We were 13 and set off on the bus in hopes of finding her the perfect horse. Well we found him!

Handsome... greys and all!

After the purchase, Breff had a few great years on him doing all sorts including a spin around Milverton HT behind myself & Abbey. I will never forget jumping over a wide, flat table type fence & after we jumped it, I looked back over my shoulder & see Axel jump on & off it... the clever boy banked it!!!

When Breff outgrew him, he was sold to a friend of my Mum's, Judy, to begin the next chapter. Her 3 children learned to ride on him and they had years of Pony Club fun together.

Meanwhile, Elebert Equine was growing and I went in search of buying an "Axel". I kept striking out until I got word that THE Axel on the market... a no brainer, he was ours!

On arrival to us, he was affectionately nicknamed "The Dublin Thug" as he was immediately the boss of our other horses. He was always fair though, a good boss! Because of this, he was my secret weapon. I would put him with the young horses & he safely taught them about manners and respect... a lifesaver for me, literally!

Support your Friends!

It's hard to describe how valuable he has been for Elebert Equine. He has taught 100+ riders of all ages. Endless patience. He is my 'go to' for a 'first canter', understanding my voice commands & taking care of his rider above.

As well as understanding English, I believe he can also tell time!?... He knows (even before me!) when the end of the lesson is approaching & turns into the middle of the arena. In a Mexican wave effect, I end up looking at 5 faces that have turned in & looking at me like butter wouldn't melt!

These days, Axel still has a big presence in the lessons and is still in winning form at the pony camps. He often makes us laugh with his spurts of energy and loves a cheer! When he's ready, this special horse will retire to the field but for now, the only thing giving away his age, is a few extra grey hairs!

Our 'Eddie Rocket' or 'Eddie The Teddy' -Shetland 21 years

This little character is owned by Suzanne (who also owns Ruben) and he has been a valued member of the team since 2008.

What's the problem?

I could not write a post about Axel without partnering it with his shadow, Eddie. You won't find one far from the other, however, I'm not convinced the feelings are totally mutual. When 'the little fella' becomes besties with the boss, I can't help think this friendship may have started as a smart tactical move on Eddie's part!

Being honest, I had my reservations about him coming to us. When I asked Suzanne what he was like, I got the full & frank lowdown! "He may try to escape out OVER the stable door", "He might throw a little buck", "He has been known to roll once or twice... during a lesson!", "But he's GREAT!". And she was right... he IS great!

Nowadays, Some of his quirks have leveled out a touch, We figured out the reason he tried to escape out over the stable door is because it was too high and he couldn't see out... So we made him a step.

We figured out that he only bucks when the rider's leg slips a little too far back... he's ticklish!

And as for his spontaneous rolling... we are sure he was just trying to teach us all the 'Stop, Drop & Roll' in the event of a fire!

Seemingly happy now that we are all fully caught up on our fire safety procedures, he has retired this move, but I must say, we do miss it sometimes! (disclaimer, no children were harmed in learning of these lessons!)

Those Famous Freckles!

Not all his mischievous moves have been retired though as he has now mastered the act of procrastination. He will check to be sure that the contents of the arena drinker has not changed since the last lap or you will find him starting a tip-tapping fight with Mallow and then running to hide behind Axel (remember the smart tactics?!)

We have all long fallen in love with this little man and even though he can get away with absolute murder!...our lessons just wouldn't be the same without his super charming face of freckles!

The Perfect Pair