Jewels & Nathan: Learning, Laughing and Giving Everything a Go

Meet Jewels, a 15.2hh, 9-year-old chestnut Stock Horse mare and the much-loved partner in crime of Nathan, 15, who is turning 16 this month.

 

Nathan and Jewels are members of Jimboomba Pony Club in Pony Club Qld, where they have been learning the ropes together for almost two years.

 

Known as a real “conversation starter”, Jewels is always sneaking pats and attention from other riders, judges and, of course, other horses. Nathan describes her as a “little steam train that never stops”.

 

Jewels loves pats, rubs, attention and affection, and always greets Nathan in the paddock.

 

Nathan and Jewels have built their partnership from the ground up.

 

“Jewels and myself have come a long way, learning together in leaps and bounds. Jewels has tested herself and me along the way here and there. We’ve achieved a lot over the years of doing Pony Club, achieving plenty of milestones on our way, being successful in Pony Club and shows, and never coming home without a placing.”

 

Their story began with both horse and rider still learning.

 

“Between being freshly broken in May 2023 and me being a green rider learning to educate her, we have achieved so much. We both had leaps and bounds to make, but made it together.”

 

Along the way, there have been some special milestones.

 

“The best moments overall for Jewels and I have been winning our first dressage, achieving our first reserve champion, and going to our first ever hack show to compete and achieve goals.”

 

For Nathan, Jewels’ personality is a big part of what makes her special.

 

“Jewels is a very sensitive horse who relies on my guidance and comfort. Jewels has always gone the distance for me. I enjoy her goofy moments and her ‘what the funny’ moments we’ve had. She’s a fun mare to take out and about and have overall fun with.”

 

And while they have enjoyed plenty of success together, Jewels is much more than a competition partner.

 

“Jewels always tries her best to please, and I love her for that. Jewels isn’t just a horse, she is my best friend, and I enjoy every moment I get with her.”

 

Nathan loves that Jewels is the kind of horse he can try different activities with.

 

“I love the fact that I can do all things with her and have fun doing it together.”

 

Pony Club has given the pair plenty of opportunities to learn, try new things and grow their partnership.

 

“We both enjoy going to Pony Club and events to learn and have fun along the way.”

 

This year has brought a few challenges, with Jewels needing time after sliding into a fence earlier in the year and also dealing with ulcers.

 

Nathan and Jewels are taking things steadily and looking forward to getting back out together.

 

“This year has been limited due to Jewels sliding into a fence at the start of the year and ulcers. We are slowly getting back into it and looking forward to achieving more goals for us both, trying new things together.”

 

Sporting days are a favourite for this pair.

 

“Jewels and I enjoy sporting days very much, as we are both competitive towards many events and love bending and barrels. Jewels’ favourite event above all is Bonfield Bounce, and we always look forward to the next one.”

 

There are plenty more adventures still to come.

 

“We intend to explore new opportunities to find more adventures that we enjoy.”

 

And wherever Jewels goes, her personality shines through.

 

“Jewels and I are a unique duo that enjoys our goofy moments and loves to give things a go, as Jewels loves to get attention from others and never gives up a pat from other riders.”

 

From paddock greetings to Pony Club days, shows, sporting events and new goals ahead, Nathan and Jewels are building a partnership full of trust, fun and character.