My story 💕

Good day to you! I’m Duchess, and I’ll admit it… I’ve got a pretty lovely backstory. My previous owner was a wonderful woman who truly understood my spirit, and she wanted to find me a place where I could really shine. That’s how I ended up at Rise and Ride, ready to make friends with humans and horses alike. 🙂
 

I’m a Dales Pony, which is a rare breed, and yes, we’re a bit endangered too. We come from England, and we’re known for stamina, strength, and being just clever enough to keep things interesting. Long treks, cross country, a bit of fancy dressage if you’re into that sort of thing, I’m happy to give it a go. If there’s a spotlight shining anywhere, you can count on me to stroll right into it like I own the place.
 

And water? Oh, I love water. I splash like I was born for it, and I sometimes swear I’m a fish in disguise. If there’s a puddle, a pond, or anything worth stomping around in, I will find it.
 

One of my favorite things each year is our 5 day horse clinic. I get to spend several days learning, refining, and stretching my brain in the best way, with lots of good horsemanship and fun challenges along the way. It’s the kind of week that makes you feel proud and polished, and it always leaves me even more tuned in with my rider.
 

Now, I can be a bit peppy and lively, but here’s the truth. I get excited to work with kids. I’ve got patience for the little ones, and I genuinely enjoy being part of their confidence building. Meet and greets, quiet rides through our private woods, slow moments where everyone can breathe, those are some of my favorites.
 

So if you ever visit, keep an eye out for the flashy lass with the flowing mane and the “watch this” attitude. That’ll be me, making my grand entrance wherever I go. ♥︎