stable talk

This month's Stable Talk features a stunning pony we "spotted" at the HRCAV Combined Training Day hosted by the Monash Adult Riding Club last month.  We were thrilled when his lovely human mum, Maddy agreed to let us interview Casper for this month's Stable Talk.

VITAL STATISTICS
Stage Name: Tralee Brilliant
Stable Name: Casper
Age: 19
Height: 13.3 hh
Colour: Bay Leopard
Breeding: Australian Spotted Pony
Discipline: Everything (dressage, jumping, games, trail riding)
Human Mum: Maddy Theobald
Riding Club: South Eastern Dressage Club

Welcome to A&A's Stable Talk where horses get the limelight.  How long have you been with Maddy Theobald and how did you come to find her?
I have been with Maddy for nearly 2 years now and I am having SOOOO much fun with her.  She found me when she was selling her horse to my former owner and my former owner recommended me.  It was essentially a switcheroo.

Tell us a bit about your human.  What things do you like doing best with Maddy?
I love jumping and playing Cowboys and Indians with Maddy!  I love zigzagging around any jumps that are in the way when we are playing Cowboys and Indians.

You really stand out with your spots against all solid colour horses.  Do you think this is an advantage or a disadvantage in the competition ring?  Do you think other horses are jealous of your spots?
I definitely think this is an advantage in the ring because the judge pays very close attention to pretty ponies like me!  And yes I do think the other horses would be VERY jealous of my amazing spots!

How do you feel when people call you a Dalmatian pony?
I think it is kind of funny because I am too big to be a Dalmatian but I guess I do look like a giant Dalmatian.  Maybe like a giant version of Alex!

What would your human and you like to achieve this year?
We would really like to be successful at Intro!  Mum keeps saying how she knows I can do it but she is not sure about herself.

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Do you have any special talents?
Of course I do!  I can stand really still when Mum is doing silly things on me while I try to keep in my frustration because she is doing it wrong.

Do you have any paddock/stable companions?  What would they say about you?
Yes I do.  His name is Freddie.  I reckon he would say I am really fast in our races and always win and that I am a bit of a grumpy old man.

What are your favourite things in the world?
Liquorice, carrots, apple, Mum, my hard feed and jumping.

What do you love most about your human?
Maddy gives me very yummy things to eat and does fun things with me.  BUT she tries to kiss and cuddle me which I hate!

If you were a human celebrity, who would you most likely be and why?
Mum says I would be the new and improved Steve Price because I am grumpy and old.

What is your favourite song and why?
Drinkee because Mum likes it and I am now over 18 and can drink!

Many thanks to Casper's mum Maddy Theobald for helping him with this interview.