Our Ponies | Gareloch RDA

Bobbie is the leader of our Carriage Driving Team. He decided some years ago that he had had enough of being an RDA riding pony. Luckily, he demonstrated how much he enjoyed being a carriage-driving pony and quickly became a star for us. He is 19 years old (2023), but is fit and well and enjoying his work. He is predominantly a Dales pony, so clever, strong and very beautiful!

Breon: I am the biggest of the Gareloch RDA horses at 16.2 hh. I was born in 2012 and am an Irish Draught X.
I am the gentle giant. As well as doing my riding sessions, I love ‘speaking’ to the guests who come to Tea With A Pony and EFL. I have a very big fan club.
Together, Brodie and I have been to the regional and Scottish dressage competitions in Glasgow. We are getting better each time we go.
When I am not doing RDA work, I am on loan to Louise. She is going to do a lot of ground work with me to improve my balance and listening.
I know that I look beautiful as a grey horse but I really would prefer to be a bay or a chestnut, or indeed black. I do my best to put on my full mud camouflage most days!!!
When I lived in Ireland, I pulled a carriage. Unfortunately, Gareloch RDA do not have one that is big enough for me!

Brodie: I am the clown of the herd! I can’t help getting up to mischief. Sometimes I am too clever for my own good. Although I am 12 years old, I don’t act like it. I like to think of myself as a pocket rocket at 13 hh but, when I need to behave and be careful for my riders, I can do that too.
People do say I am very handsome with my ‘blagdon blue’ colouring!
I used to be a driving pony but unfortunately had an accident in the carriage which means I am unable to drive any more. I am actually rather frightened of carriages now. I am very happy being ridden.
I am very lucky as I now have Alison working with me to help make me more ‘streamlined’ and give me lots of fun things to think about.

Costa: I arrived with Gareloch RDA in February 2023, all the way from the other side of Glasgow! I had been working in a riding school near Uddingston. I very much enjoy my work with the RDA, particularly when games are involved.
I am told I have a very sweet nature and a nice smooth trot.
At 15 hh, sturdily built and 14 years old, I am perfect for the job. I have little riders and bigger riders.
When I am not doing RDA, I am on loan to Danny. We are working on getting me fitter and more supple. We are looking forward to going out hacking with the other horses.

Dolly by name and dolly by nature – I am a really pretty little cob with a clever mind. I have proved particularly good at connecting with Tea With A Pony guests, EFL and Stable Management participants.
I am roughly 15 years old and originally come from Ireland. Gareloch RDA bought me from near York in June 2021. On the way to Scotland, my lorry broke down on the M8, just before the Erskine Bridge. It could have been a disaster but, despite all the off and on vehicles, I was perfectly behaved.
When I am not doing RDA, I am on loan to Jess and her mum. I like to hack out with Jess, either on our own or with our friends. Recently, jess has been trying me out over jumps. I am much better than she expected!!! I love being pampered.
Although I only do ridden work at the moment, I have been a driving pony.
My very best friend is Ralph.

Ralph: I was born in 2009, somewhere near Gloucestershire perhaps – at least that is where I came from. I am registered with the Dartmoor Society.
When I arrived in Scotland, I was a very solid fellow. Unfortunately, I had a nasty scare with colic in 2022 and had to have major surgery. After 6 months of recuperation, I was a good deal better and have returned to my RDA duties.
My shape is a little ‘unusual’, which often makes people laugh, but I am a really lovely boy and have a very large fan club.
When I am not doing my RDA work, I am on loan to Rachel. We go out on hacks and adventures all over the place.
My best friend is Dolly.