Chloe Chubb's showing blog: exciting first ride on new boy, Pop

Last weekend I got to ride Pop, my new section C (pictured right), for the first time. He has been with Ollie Burchell to be backed, although the snow and ice has got in the way a bit!

I was really excited to see what he was going to be like, if a little nervous — having ridden Jacob for three seasons, I’m very use to how Jacob moved and felt underneath me. I was keeping my fingers crossed that Pop was going to give me the same lovely feeling, while hoping he might be a little more forward going!

Pop was quite nervous when he first arrived, so the team has been putting a lot of work into getting him confident around people. When I walked into his stable, it was clear that their work had paid off. He was far more confident having me around and kept coming over to see what I might have for him. It’s funny as he is so different to Jacob, who is definitely not the nervous and shy sort — I have to remember Pop does not appreciate me throwing my arms around him yet!

He looked a real picture tacked up and was very good when I was legged on board. We set off a little bright, but he soon settled down to a lovely rhythm. He is like a different pony once you get on. I expected to have to be really quiet on him and not be able to use my legs, or even talk much, but he was really confident and very happy going on his hack. He had a lovely mouth and was quite happy with me banging about on board and chatting away to Ollie.

It was funny riding something with a very ‘cobby’ walk after riding Francis (my young Dartmoor) and Sandy (my Welsh Sec B), who are both very smooth in their paces. When we set off it felt very fast and uphill, but I soon got use to it and it was nice to have something forward going! We went for a nice hack through the woods and had a couple of really pleasing trots. Pop is lovely and active behind with real power and I think he will definitely have a few gears! I can’t wait until he learns to really step out — he might even give Jacob a run for his money with his movement!

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Chloe is a successful amateur showing rider and judge, who has been blogging on Horseandhound.co.uk since 2010. She mainly competes in ridden Mountain & Moorland classes with her team of ponies, as well as riding for other people. She lives in Kent and works full-time in London, so has to fit the ponies in around work.