Portmeirion - aka Rocket- was bred by Ann Hill in Auckland and born in Southland. He is by Mill Creek Valiant out of black pony mare Sabrina. He is registered as a Welsh Partbred gelding with the WPCS NZ. He has a very interesting gene showing up in his colouring which is silver fox mane and tail. He was shown In-Hand as a yearling to win Champion Youngstock Welsh at Winton A&P and then Ann sold him to local Auckland rider Janet Martin. Janet has two girls at Bombay Pony Club, Catherine and Olivia.

Janet took over the early handling of Rocket and has worked hard to produce a delightful pony. I had the pleasure of meeting him when he was about 2 and a half years old and I was impressed by his complete connection with and trust in Janet. Rocket was backed as a 3 yo and has been carefully brought on by Janet choreographing his outings so as to nuture him and his young rider.

He is the third pony for 10 yo Catherine and she is having a great time with him. In 2009 after a Ribbon Day the judge of her ring, came into the carpark looking for Catherine to ask her the breeding of her pony, as she was so impressed by him.



The photo above is Rocket as a 4yo, ridden by 10yo Catherine in a large covered arena - his first time in such a space.

Well done to you all - we love hearing about the fun you have with him.