Grey’s Village Melody at the Connemara breed show

Grey’s-Village-Melody-2.jpeg — (Image credit: Emma Rugman)

Connemara gelding Grey’s Village Melody melted hearts at this year’s British Connemara Pony Society breed show when he was spotted carrying a three-year-old jockey in the show ring, on his debut in a showing class.

Grey’s Village Melody, known as Brian by his connections, is an eight-year-old by famed stallion I Love You Melody out of Barana Grey. Owned by John and Emma Rugman of Clarkstown Connemara Ponies, Brian had jumped double clear at a BE100 a week before his mini rider jumped aboard.

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Born and raised in the Lake District, Alex has grown up on the showing scene. She has qualified and competed ponies at the Royal International, Horse of the Year Show and Olympia and has first-hand knowledge of the current issues in the showing world as well as the horses, ponies and riders who compete in the sport. Alex joined H&H in January 2018 as showing editor, cementing its place as the leading equestrian publication for both showing reports and current showing news in the UK. She moved on in October 2024 to pursue other opportunities, but continues to write for us on a freelance basis.

Eventing Connie with ‘talent and temperament’ takes three-year-old jockey into the show ring

Emma bought Brian as an unbroken three-year-old from Ireland. She had had a penchant for the stallion and mare combination for many years, since she bought Brian’s brother from breeder Brian Tuohy.

“The line just works for us and so I’ve always sought out ponies with this breeding,” said Emma. “I bought Brian unseen from Cian Fenney; I’ve owned his siblings so I was pretty sure I’d like him.”

Although Brian mainly events, Emma said that he would do any job: “He’s just up for anything, though he lives for his jumping. At home he’s a nanny to all the youngsters but there’s not really anything he can’t do.”

Last season, Emma’s stepdaughter Izzy Rugman took Brian’s reins, but this term Annabel Ridgway has taken over the ride. They have qualified for the Pony Club championships and are hoping to qualify for Badminton at a Voltaire Design Grassroots Championships qualifier next month.

“They’ve had some amazing results after some brilliant performances,” Emma said.

At the Connemara breed show, Emma’s three-year-old niece Ida Crutchley steered Brian in the family pony class to finish third.

“He was as good as gold, even though it was his first showing show; it was all very different for him, though he did a lovely show and looked after Ida,” said Emma. “Ida was desperate to be let off the lead rein and have a trot on her own, but we said maybe next time!

“This line has fitted in with us so well; the ponies have the perfect combination of talent and temperament. I’m now very lucky to have the dam at home with us, at the age of 23. She arrived with us seven weeks ago from Ireland and she’ll live out her days here.”

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