For generations, Welsh Ponies have helped farmers herd sheep and wild ponies. Infused by Thoroughbred blood in the early 1900s, today’s Section B Welsh Ponies are known for their long, low, ground-covering strides, while Section A Welsh Ponies and Section C and D Welsh Cobs are known for snappy knee action. Welsh Ponies’ natural balance and cheerful temperaments make them willing and versatile partners for carriage driving.
BETTINA SCHERER • Wellington, Fla. Horse: Bay Ridge Magic Blue Reflection (“Rio”)
About Bettina: Bettina got Rio, a 9-year-old liver chestnut Section B Welsh Pony, in 2009 and started driving with Florida’s state club, the Florida Whips. The pair competes in combined driving.
About Rio: Like most Welsh Ponies, Rio is tough and has tremendous heart. He also has extraordinary lung capacity and always finishes the marathon phase with a good heart rate and temperature.
What have been the highlights of your driving career? Winning the Florida Triple Crown as a Preliminary Pony Driver in 2012; winning the Triple Crown as an Intermediate Pony driver this year; and when Rio was awarded the Hanzi Prize for best of show at Live Oak International.
What do you love most about driving? I love being able to watch my horse in motion when I’m training. I’ve also become a better rider through driving. You’re so much more aware of your hands, the use of the half-halt, and contact with the bit when driving.
Why does Rio make a good driving horse? Rio is extremely smart and just gets better with each passing year. He’s sensible, athletic and a good mover.
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This article originally appeared in the October 2013 issue of Horse Illustrated. Click here to subscribe!
Horse Illustrated is the magazine for people who are passionate about horses. Each issue offers advice on horse health and care, plus user-friendly training tips for both English and western riders and engaging lifestyle features for horse lovers.
Welsh ponies are wonderful!
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