This week’s Horse Of The Week is Hushy.
Yoorana Hush, known as “Hushy”, is a 15.3hh Australian Stock Horse and the much-loved partner of Josie from Londonderry Pony Club, Pony Club NSW.
Hushy is six years old, rising seven, and only joined Josie in mid-January this year after working as a stock horse mustering sheep and cattle for a kind family.
“Hush had never seen city lights until I bought him.”
Not long after arriving, Hushy was thrown into a very different world when Josie took him to the final Sydney Royal Team of Four tryout.
“Poor Hush was thrown in the deep end, and only a week after I bought him, I took him to the final Sydney Royal Team of Four tryout. Hush is a very pretty boy, but he was still quite green.”
Despite his limited experience, Hushy made the team. With weekly training, the pair soon had a memorable result to celebrate.
“Only three months later we brought home a 3rd place in the Team of Four.”
Pony Club has also introduced Hushy to the fun of sporting, where he has quickly found his enthusiasm for the job.
“Hush found his love for sporting through Pony Club and gets quite excited, but then can micro-sleep between rounds!”
Their first Pony Club competition at Castle Hill proved to be a successful day out.
“Our first Pony Club competition was at Castle Hill, where we brought home the Overall Age Champion title, won 4 out of 5 sporting classes, as well as the Pony Club Mount award.”
A few weeks later, the pair headed to the Camden Agricultural Show and added even more ribbons to their growing list of achievements.
“A couple of weeks later, we went to the Camden Agricultural Show where, yet again, we came home with a clean sweep, winning 1st place in my rider class and all of the sporting classes.”
Hushy has also discovered a love for jumping. Their early rounds were a learning experience, but he is now gaining confidence over the fences.
“Our first course at Pony Club was a little rough, knocking a few poles, but now, doing our 65cm rounds, Hush is flying over them with at least 20cm to spare.”
Away from competition, Hushy is known for his friendly nature and love of people.
“Hush is such a people-loving horse and will try to make friends wherever he goes. Whether he is tied to the float or standing in the yards, he will look at you with a little twinkle in his eye, hoping for a snack or a pat.”
Although they have only been together for close to six months, Josie says their partnership already means a great deal.
“Even though I have only had Hush for close to six months, he is a horse that I trust so much, and I know he will take care of me or a complete beginner.”
With plenty still to learn and experience together, Josie is looking forward to seeing where Hushy’s Pony Club journey takes them next.
“We still have so much to learn about each other and there is still so much more education to put under Hushy’s belt. He is such a willing horse and will give everything a crack.”
- Think your pony or horse should be next? Send us some photos and a few details to marketing@ponyclubaustralia.com.au
Please ensure gear in photos is PCA-compliant and well fitted.
