Native Pony People.

Name
Jackie Webb.

Stud Name
Blackthorn.

Breeder
Exmoors, Connemaras, Thoroughbreds.

Current / Former panel judge
Current NPS / PUK / BSPS / Exmoor / Connemara / Shetland / New Forest panel judge.

Society / Rank
Chairman of NPS Competitions & Show Committee.

1) How and when did you first become involved with native ponies; what was the first native pony that you owned?
I first became involved with native ponies as a child, I was part of a Prince Philip Cup Team and rode several welsh ponies and one Exmoor, although I suspect they were not registered.
The first pure bred I owned was an Exmoor mare called Bracken Sunbeam bred by Lilo Lumb.

2) Do you have a soft spot for any pony in particular, owned by yourself or someone else?
I would have to say Siskin, it was a privilege to have owned such a superstar.

3) Please state your most memorable judging experience, be it good, bad or amusing?
Without doubt, Olympia 2002. It has to be the pinnacle for any native pony Judge.

4) Speaking as a judge; what do you believe to be the most important aspects of native pony showing today?
Freedom of movement in native ponies, too many are going like show hacks.
I like to see a well balanced pony; true to type, going within its breeds capabilities.

5) When judging in the ring, what brings a smile to your face?
Children on Shetland ponies, who always seem to be smiling.

6) Speaking as a breeder; what do you believe to be the most important aspects of pony breeding today?
Breeding for type, temperament and performance. Having bred winning TB’s, Hacks & Native Ponies they must all do a job of work.

7) Speaking as a breeder; please state your most memorable experience during your years of pony breeding, be it good, bad or amusing?
My home bred Thoroughbred, Miss Blackthorn, winning her first race on the Flat.
The thrill of standing in the winner’s enclosure is something I shall never forget.

8) What is the inspiration behind your prefix name?
Our very first farm was surrounded by the bushes.

9) Speaking as a competitor; please state your most memorable experience at a show, be it good, bad or amusing?
My Connemara Stallion, Bunowen Castle Ri, winning HOYS & Olympia in 2005.

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?
Siskin and Redsyke, in my opinion the best Exmoors ever.

11) Can you recommend a good Native Pony book?
Mountain & Moorland Ponies of the British Isles, Peggy Grayson.

12) Any 'words of wisdom' you wish to share?
Watch and listen, and don’t be afraid to ask.

13) Any further comments?
It would be nice to turn back the clock when showing was fun, you met up with your friends and had lunch and a glass of wine between classes. I remember at PUK many years ago all the Exmoor competitors were sat together at lunch time and somebody remarked you must be the Exmoor lot. We laughed and said why have we got mealy muzzles the reply was you Exmoor people are always happy and joking. Perhaps we were not quite so competitive in those days.

Breeder information at:www.blackthornstud.co.uk