Northwinds Breeze is certainly an eye-catching and impressive looking horse; she sailed into an early lead at the Hagyard Midsouth CCI* by leading the dressage, and almost looked like she was going to run away with the trophy, but for an unlucky rail in the final phase. As her rider, and owner Penny Rowland explained however, her connections couldn’t be more thrilled with a second place , especially considering that her original owner, Wendy, gave her away to Penny as a filly because she was too much for her to handle, and they call her “Beastly” as a pet name.
I managed to grab a few words with Wendy before the prizegiving, and she confirmed, that contrary to appearances, “Beastly” is as “Beastly” does! While all the time the mare stood there quietly looking like butter wouldn’t melt in her mouth, Wendy chronicled the baring of teeth and turning her quarters to you in the stall just for appetisers, and told me appearances can indeed be deceptive.
Personally, I’ve always loved talented coloured horses, but not particularly mares, and especially not mean ones, and I have nothing but the utmost admiration for Penny for sticking with her, and as Penny told us, she certainly does look like one to look out for in the future.
I think there are definitely people who prefer mares over geldings or vice versa, and a few who can ride anything equally well. I find the dynamics of that whole personality/relationship with your horse really interesting, and would love to hear what you think; please do write in and tell me about your special mare, or why you only ride geldings, or just your opinion.
Thanks for reading, congratulations to Northwinds Breeze and her connections, and go eventing!
