Native Pony People.

Name
Jackie Lane-Blandford.

Stud Name
Lanesfield Ponies.

Breeder
Currently breeding Welsh Section A and B ponies in France.

Author
Articles accepted for many Native Pony publications.

Current / Former panel judge
Former Ponies of Britain ride judge - usually too busy competing.

1) How and when did you first become involved with native ponies; what was the first native pony that you owned?
1960/61, Rebel, my first New Forest pony.

2) Do you have a soft spot for any pony in particular, owned by yourself or someone else?
I have owned and bred too many ponies to select just one. I could name about 10 Dartmoors,
6 Shetlands, 1 Fell and about 10 Welsh that I will never forget! I cannot choose from between about 10 to 12 really special ponies in my life.

3) Please state your most memorable judging experience, be it good, bad or amusing?
Ride judging the large breeds M&M at PUK Ascot! The very well known pony we pulled in first 'looked' a wonderful ride for it's owner/rider; it had no brakes and no steering at all, i was lucky to ever stop to dismount! It is really amazing what can be hidden by a good experienced, and very strong, show rider.

4) Speaking as a judge; what do you believe to be the most important aspects of native pony showing today?
Good manners from competitors would be an improvement! Native pony showing used to be a friendly and enjoyable experience, with everyone helping and supporting one another. No longer!
Too much money has changed native pony showing; but has brought the 'hairies' into the limelight and probably helped breeders?

5) When judging in the ring, what brings a smile to your face?
A smile on the face of the exhibitor, especially a child, win or lose!

6) Speaking as a breeder; what do you believe to be the most important aspects of pony breeding today?
Keeping to breed type and heights, correct conformation and movement, and good temperaments.

7) Speaking as a breeder; please state your most memorable experience during your years of pony breeding, be it good, bad or amusing?
Possibly riding Brandsby Sorcerer at Olympia the first time, but I didn't breed him; being invited to take part in the NPS M&M musical ride at the Royal Show.

8) What is the inspiration behind your prefix name?
Tried everything with 'Holly' or 'Hollies' in it, but all were taken; so went for my name instead, which is 'movable' wherever I live.

9) Speaking as a competitor; please state your most memorable experience at a show, be it good, bad or amusing?
Winning my first sash, when they were very rare. Or each time I qualified for Olympia!

10) If you could wave a magic wand and have any pony brought to your yard; be it past, present or future, who would it be?
Too difficult a question because I would choose too many!

11) Can you recommend a good Native Pony book?
The Handbook of Showing, by Glenda Spooner. It should be read by anyone interested in showing.

12) Any 'words of wisdom' you wish to share?
Smile, and have good manners at all times, in and out of the show ring.

13) Any further comments?
None of us can always own, breed, or be the winner. No matter what price we pay, unless of course one can bribe the judges! If we could there would be no more shows.
There is never the perfect pony, even if the owner thinks they have it, we all have different likes and dislikes, and so do judges.

Breeder information at: Lanesfield Ponies