The Family

Rackwood Velvet (1984)

Dam: Rackwood Dewdrop Sire: Rambler of Ayresome

Velvet was special from the day she was born because she was the first filly foal out of my father's favourite mare Rackwood Dewdrop. Velvet's gentle, kind and patient nature made her a pleasure to handle and I enjoyed breaking her to ride and hacking out around Hamsterley Forest. She was very successful in the show ring being FPS Breed Show Female Champion and Supreme Champion in 1986 and FPS Breed Show Female Champion in 1987. She was awarded Fell Pony Champion at many local shows throughout her life.

My most memorable moment with Velvet was in 1987 when she won the Fell Pony Championship at Lowther Horse Driving Trials and Prince Philip came into the main ring to present the rosettes. Our lap of honour was overwhelming. When the spectators sitting on the embankment applauded I was lifted off the ground by Velvet as she went round the arena in an extended trot. Thank goodness the exit gate was shut!

My father gave Velvet to me in 1995 when his physical health started to deteriorate and I needed to know if I could manage to ride again following my serious accident in December 1987. She had not been ridden since the summer of 1987 so we both had to take things slowly. She gave me the determination and confidence to overcome the pain and together we had a lot of fun. When Velvet was seventeen years old, because I had other ponies that needed my attention, I agreed for her to go out on loan.

Velvet's Family

Rackwood Dawn, 1990, Filly
Rackwood Ruby, 1992, Filly, Sold
Rackwood Beauty, 1994, Filly, Sold
Peahill Basil, 1996, Colt, Sold

Velvet Died: 03-06-2010

< < Back to Family Page