On 28th May, 2009, that legendary 12.1hh chestnut show pony stallion, Sandbourne Royal Ensign, was put to sleep. He was 28 years of age.
He has had a truly unbelievable impact on show pony breeding with offspring now in England, Wales, Ireland, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand and the USA. Well known progency on this side of the world include Syon Royal Portrait, Westacre Copeila, Janinos Little Joker, Deanhills Benjamin, Radway Right Royal, Radway Royal Sonnett and Fleetcroft Royal Whisper, among many many others.
While I was a child competing in the UK, a number of his sons and daughters had a huge impact on my love and understanding of show pony breeding. The two 12.2hh Horse of the Year Show champions, Glenmoss Juliet and Bradmore Catkin, will stick in my mind forever for being two of the most exquisite animals I have ever seen.
One of his more recent charges, Deanhills Royal Portrait, is one of the most stunning 12.2hh stallions out there at the moment and- along with his brothers and sisters- will hopefully continue passing on those valuable genes, that go right back to the famous Bwlch Valentino, with as much success as his sire did.
Ensign's Horse of the Year Show record remains unequalled. He produced four different overall Show Pony Champions, the 13.2hh Pony of the Year and the Llyods Bank (now Cuddy) In-Hand Pony of the Year.
He had recently made the move to Australia with iconic British horseman, Robert Cockram, and was still happy and going strong until the very end. Ten mares at Deanhills Stud are in foal to him this year and if they are anything like their sire they will be little crackers.
Goodbye Ensign- and thank you for the oustanding work you have done in improving the quality and beauty of our show ponies over the years
You can read Robert Cockram's tribute to Ensign over at the Deanhills Stud website
Guide to the images in this post: first photo is Sandbourne Royal Ensign in his younger days, second photo is Bradmore Catkin and the third photo is Deanhills Royal Portrait
No comments:
Post a Comment