Rathowen Toy Soldier

Rathowen Toy Soldier in the paddock with his son Iona Park Virtuoso. Virtuoso undid his gate and got in with his father who is used to living on his own - it was so funny to watch as at first he said "what you doing in here it is my paddock" and after a few mins it was "oh well lets eat and play together then". Love these pics of our darling boy.

Toy is very excited at the prospect of the stud season starting. This is the first year that we have had Toy Soldier progeny under saddle and they are proving to be safe, sound and both Virtuoso (galloway) and Vivaldi (hack) have been bought for 12 yr old girls. Virtuoso is now competing with his new owner Carlie and was Champion show hunter galloway at Luddenham. We have many more galloways and ponies coming up through the ranks so watch this space!

Joni

FOR SALE: Glamorous 14.2hh unraced thoroughbred. This lovely galloway has become our property as our agister owed us many thousands of dollars and couldnt pay so gave Joni to us, we have her papers and she is being prepared for sale. A lovely mare with so much potential. She loves trail rides has some lovely movement and should make a really good show prospect. Lots of chrome and flaxen mane and tail. Very quiet and easy to do.

Iona Park Harmony

Iona Park Melody (Penny) 12.2hh 4yrs old with 5 regs by Rathowen Toy Soldier out of Cattreath Laurellinda (open pony HOTY) This little pony has been out 4 times with wins each time culminating in being Champion Show Hunter Pony at the Luddenham winter woolley show. Penny is a superb pony bred in the purple with a lovely attitude to work and very easy to do. We keep being told she is an open pony so we have decided to try both. Very exciting prospect as she is a newcomer this year and will be for sale in September with entry to HOTY. A super childs pony. (Rider Stephanie Chenery)

Iona Park Rhythm

Iona Park Rhythm (Jack) approx 15.1hh Riding Pony x th/b out of Lemon Tang

Jack being ridden by our Team Member Stephanie Chenery in the arena. Jack is so trainable and a delight to work with he will be on our show team for 2011. Watch this space.

Iona Park Harmony approx 14.2hh rising 4yr old

Iona Park Harmony (Lilly) and Laura Thompson (Iona Park Team member) working beautifully in the arena. We are very excited about this little galloway by Rathowen Toy Soldier x th/b. Harmony will be on our 2011 show team.

Iona Park Melody & Iona Park Virtuoso

The two photos below are of our gorgeous 12.2hh pony (out of winner at HOTY Cattreath Laurelinda and Sire Rathowen Toy Soldier) Iona Park Melody went to St Ives show on Sunday 16th May with the following results. 1st led riding pony, 1st ridden riding pony mare ne 13hh, 1st led Saddle Pony filly 2yrs and under 4yrs. 1st novice Saddle Pony, 2nd ridden Australian Saddle Pony mare ne 13hh. 1st Intermediate Show Hunter Pony ne 13hh, 1st Open Show Hunter Pony over 12hh ne 12.2hh. & 2nd Show Hunter Pony ridden by a child. Our fantastic rider Stephanie Chenery and Melody are a great team and we were blown away with Melody's fantastic temperament. This little pony is showing herself to be a true future champion. We are very excited.

Iona Park Virtuoso two pictures above was also at the show with his new owner Carlie. Their first time out and just getting to know each other they were 1st led riding pony gelding under 4 yrs, 1st led Saddle Pony under 4 & 2nd ridden novice saddle pony. Well done Carlie and Iona Park Virtuoso. This is a great start for a 12 yr old girl and her young galloway!

Iona Park Open Day

Thank you to everyone who attended our open day on 25th April. I didnt realise when I first set the date that it was both Anzac day and Hawkesbury show but all in all we had a great day. Iona Park Virtuoso was sold and we have interest in some other young horses. Toy Soldier was a star and showed off his amazing temperament which culminated in a number of interested parties wanting to bring their mares to him this season. Our photographer did not turn up on the day so very sadly we have no good pics for our news pages but here are some that my husband took as happy snaps. Firstly is I Pk Harmony, followed by Rhythm last but not least two of the girls leading Concerto and I Pk Freedom. Sadly not good photos but more to come as our newly broken in young hack Iona Park Rhythm, Galloway I Pk Harmony, and I Pk Maestro get into their work all three year olds! Watch this space...