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Derby Girl is a 1986 mare that stands at 13.1 hands. I have owned
her since December 21, 1996. We have had many memories together, and I'll never forget the heart she would give me everyday.
Although she is now semi-retired and has been spending her days just being a horse, one day I would like to breed her.
Derby has many good traits that should pass to her offspring. First,
she is a pleasure to be around. Her ground manners are superb, and she will wait anywhere forever. I remember at time when
I first got her: I had the leadrope looped in her halter. I let her go into her stall, she lowered her head, took a step,
and her fore leg went right through the loop. For a few seconds she was standing with her leg in the air, held by the loop
in the leadrope. At first I rushed to her thinking she was going to panic like most horses would, but she just looked up at
me with her expressive eyes as if saying, "Mommy, please help me."
Derby also has outstanding movement. Although she is spirited
and can get out of hand in the dressage ring, we manage decent scores because the judges love her movement. I remember a judge
coming up to me and saying something to the effect of, "You know what you have to work on with her. What saved you is that
this pony is a very good mover." When I started taking dressage lessons with Bob at a place we boarded for one month (while
the fence was being built at our farm), my new trainer asked, "Don't you have that cute little pony that was here a couple
of years ago? She was a great mover; why aren't you taking lessons on her?" This is another reason why I want to breed her;
I want to produce a dressage pony. Recently becoming a trend, ponies in dressage have proven that they have what it takes
to compete with the big guys, and not only in dressage. They are also becoming worthy competitors in eventing and show-jumping.
Derby's forte is definately show-jumping. She is quick and extremely
agile and balanced. She can canter in place if you asked her to. I have jumped her to 3'6"+ in a grid, which I think is impressive
for a 13.1 hand pony! We have competed to 2'9"-3'0" courses at shows. She beats the big thoroughbreds in the jumper ring!
And she loves it; she gives her all. She is also very honest and lets you know when she isn't liking something about what's
going on.
She's also brave cross-country. Although bigger obstacles sometimes intimidate her, she has
no problem with most Novice level fences. She has never refused water, ditches, banks, drops, or tight spaces.
I would like to teach Derby to drive. I think she would make an awesome combined driving pony.
She has movement, bravery, and agility, among many things.
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