The winsome Welsh Pony and Cob! We are celebrating these ponies as our September Breed of the Month on YourDressage!
Did you know that dressage riders who choose a Welsh Pony or Cob as their dressage mount are eligible for special awards through the Adequan®/USDF All-Breeds Awards program, as the Welsh Pony & Cob Society of America, Inc. is a participating organization?
Here, a young rider from Region 8 shares the moment she first laid eyes on – and fell in love with – her own personal superhero: Batman the Welsh Pony!
By Breanna Lampen
My name is Breanna Lampen, and I am a 13-year-old rider from Gorham, Maine (USDF Region 8). Batman (Actions Night Rider) is a twelve-year-old Welsh Pony owned by my trainer, Cassandra “Cassi” Martin, the owner of Life’s a Ride Equestrian Center in Saco, Maine.
I started taking riding lessons with Cassi about four years ago, and I immediately fell in love with Batman when I first met him. I wanted to ride him so badly! He definitely is one of the cutest ponies at our barn. I just knew that he was my heart horse, but I also needed to get more experience riding. Now, Batman and I have been partners and showing together for about two years, and we are currently showing at Training and First Level.
As I started to gain more experience in the saddle, I let Cassi know that I wanted to start showing more, including at recognized shows. She partnered me with Batman, my first Welshie, because she knew he would do well in the show ring and as a teacher for me. It took a bit for us to click, but now, he runs up to me in the pasture and searches my pockets for treats. Batman has held my hand through life’s highs and lows!
One of my greatest accomplishments has to be showing Batman, and qualifying for the Great American Insurance Group/USDF Region 8 Dressage Championships with him. Every time I go down the centerline with him, I already feel like I have accomplished so much!
Our partnership has influenced me as a rider by teaching me not to give up, even when I want to. He’s also taught me how to be patient and learn what I can do as a rider to improve. Batman can be a challenging pony, and whenever I do something incorrectly, he will let me know immediately. He has taught me so much! He has also taught me to be patient and not give up in my life outside of horses, as well as the importance of setting goals and working hard for what you want.
One of the most special things about Batman is his personality; he is very affectionate, and loves kisses on his nose, scratches, and treats! Whenever we go to horse shows, Batman loves to be the center of attention. However, the most special thing about Batman is how much he has taught me and made me the rider I am today. I will never forget the lessons I have learned with him – he is such a special boy, and he definitely deserves the world.
I would definitely recommend riding a Welsh Pony or Cob to everyone! From my experience, they work so hard and are very loyal and sweet. With Batman, I’ve learned they teach you to expect the unexpected, and to be a good sport no matter what. I do have to mention that nothing and no one is perfect, so you can’t just go into it thinking everything will go your way, especially with a Welsh!
