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THE SUPER-COB SERIES: MAY 2023
SION
 

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Meet Sion, one of the many wonderful horses that provide invaluable opportunities and experiences under the fantastic care of the Cavalier Centre in Much Wenlock.

Aged 15 and standing at 14.2hh, Sion is a valued member of the team of horses at the Centre. Offering a multitude of disciplines to the centre's riders, including Dressage, Carriage Driving, Hippotherapy (physio therapy from horseback) & even Vaulting. During the last 5 years at the centre, Sion has simultaneously maintained his loveable & cheeky character alongside his level-headed & quiet attitude to work, securing himself a spot as a firm favourite amongst many of the Staff, riders & Volunteers.

Originally from Stoneyford Riding Centre in 2018, Sion spent his days teaching people how to ride & since joining the team of horses at the Cavalier Centre, Sion has become a huge asset to the centre, turning his hoof to any job asked of him & thus, aiding in opening the doors of Equestrian Sports to the wider community.

- VERSATILE & HARD-WORKING -

Alongside the fantastic day-to-day work Sion provides for the Cavalier Centre, he has also given numerous Para-riders the opportunity to compete across the West Midlands.

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Over the course of the last two years he travelled out to Warwickshire on several occasions to compete in the Dressage & Countryside Challenge events. Sion and his rider Georgia came first in Grade 1-6 Walk & Trot, gaining them a qualification for the Nationals. In the Grade 7 Walk & Trot Dressage Class, Sion and rider Di Field came 2^nd and also qualified for the Nationals. Jacqueline and Sion also went on to take 1st place in the Grade 1 Dressage class, ensuring yet another qualification spot for him in the National Championships.

Sion also gave several top three rides in the Virtual National Championships, placing 3rd in the Vaulting class & also placing 2nd within two other classes.

Most recently, just last week, Sion achieved a fantastic score of 70.71% whilst competing at the RDA Training Centre Regional qualifiers, securing yet another qualification for the National Finals, which are to be held at Hartpury Equine later this year.

As well as his superb competitive career, Sion was also selected to attend the Carriage Driving Sports Group Para Clinic, which was hosted at the Unicorn Trust based in Stow-on-the-Wold. Lisa Bartlett, Yard manager of the Cavalier Centre, stated 'He is a favourite amongst our carriage driving participants...he performed so beautifully & gave a real confidence boost to his drivers'.

In addition to being competitive within numerous disciplines, Sion's emotional intelligence & calm nature rises above all. Making him the perfect horse to visit former Colleague to the Cavalier Centre, Sam, whilst in palliative care at Severn Hospice, to provide much needed joy & comfort throughout the family's most difficult times, as well as other Patients at the Hospice.

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- HORSES MAKE THE DIFFERENCE -

Following several nominations for the title of RDA Horse of the Year, it is clear to see why Sion is so deserving of the Super-Cob title, and why he is such a valued member within the team of horses that help to provide the incredible opportunity for Equestrianism & horses to be enjoyed by all.

Lisa observed that the Cavalier Centre relies upon horses that are totally unflappable, maintain personality on the ground, but most of all enjoy their ridden career.

'They are truly magical creatures that we know are hard to come by; making it so important to remember how precious each of our wonderful horses are'.

THE CAVALIER CENTRE

Founded in 1995, Jane Barker founded the Perry Riding for the Disabled Group from her North Shropshire home, due to local Children being unable to access RDA sessions anywhere else in the county. Beginning with just two ponies & four helpers, as donations & demand increased, the Group also expanded & began utilizing Carriage Driving & Vaulting within the Group.

After outgrowing its original site the Centre relocated to its current premises in Much-Wenlock & was re-opened in April 2019 by HRH The Princess Royal, after the mammoth task of raising £1.4 million to build the fully accessible State of the Art Facilities that the Cavalier Centre now proudly calls home.

Since opening, the Centre maintains its Ethos that 'Horses Make the Difference' and continues to offer a diverse range of inclusive lessons, therapies & opportunities, thus opening the access door to Equestrian Sport & Therapies even wider.

Alongside its Trustees, the Centre relies upon its Army of over 120 dedicated & Hard-working Volunteers & Staff in order to continue to provide the very highest level of care to both their Human & Equine counterparts.

- CLICK HERE FIND OUT MORE -

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DO YOU HAVE A SUPER-COB?

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THE SUPER-COB SERIES: APRIL 2023

WACTON BILLY

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Purchased from his breeder in 2015 by current owner Becky, Wacton Billy was intended to be a project to bring on and sell, but as Becky began to recognise his untapped potential, he secured himself a firm slot within Becky's life & yard.

Wacton Billy, aka Billy, has proven himself to be a formidable power within the Dressage world. The (now) 12 year old Piebald Gelding, based in Shropshire, enjoys a varied life from Dressage & eventing to Hunting, 'Happy Hacking' and most recently, the fast paced world of Team Chasing.

Becky states, 'Billy was very easy to break in, he was quiet & slow to start with but became more forwards going with time & furthering his education'.

- A Talented All-Rounder -
 

Described as a total 'Dude' Billy has successfully competed at BD Advanced Medium Level; taking the win in the AM91 Class at the BD Petplan Area Festivals, hosted at Solihull Riding Club in February, with an admirable score of 66.24%. Billy recently went on to top this score, with a PB of 68.38% securing him yet another win at Advanced Medium Level. And in 2021 also secured an Individual win in their Open Class, representing the Ludlow Pony Club at the JCB Pony Club Championships, with a huge score of 71.25%.
Becky has hopes to continue his education even further up the levels, with ambitions of moving onto PSG by the end of this year.

On Top of his impressively decorated Dressage career, Billy is equally as talented within his Eventing & Jumping Career; taking the lead at the BD Combined Training Championships (December 2021) after producing the highest Dressage score of the whole two day Championship, where the duo scored 75.63% in an Elementary level test alongside a 90m Clear Round. More recently, Billy also took 3rd place in the 2022 Pony Club Eventing Championships with a total score of  33.2 in the Novice Section. The superstar duo also enjoy tackling the Shropshire countryside together, whilst hunting throughout the Winter season, negotiating huge hedges & challenging terrain.

Becky recalls, 'Billy has a super jump, he definitely wakes up when he’s jumping, however he never gets strong, just bouncier. He’s got a careful jump and tries really hard to pick his big feet up - he rarely touches a pole!'

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- He's My Horse of a Lifetime -
 

 'Billy has such a wonderful and easy going temprament, often going up to groom other horses before even saying hello to them!'

Becky continues We've achieved so much together & we've had loads of fun throughout the years.
Despite not being a flashy, big moving horse, Billy holds his own as he always tries his hardest to do an accurate & obedient test for me.

'He's my horse of a lifetime & I'm very happy he's staying here for good'

DO YOU HAVE A SUPER-COB?

THE SUPER-COB SERIES: JULY 2022

THINGY MA BOB

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Thingy Ma Bob - also known as 'Bob' proved to be the childhood pony of dreams for owner, Lucy.

Purchased in 2009 for self-confessed pony mad child, Lucy, by her parents; Lucy & her family were first-time horse owners & 'inexperiened buyers' looking for the horse to make Lucy's dreams of competing and galloping through open fields a reality. After spending weeks of searching for the right pony, Bob's advert was spotted in a newspaper & after 5 minutes of sitting on him, the rest was history.

Bob has since had a very successful career competing with Lucy, including competing at Trailblazers in 2016 & 2017 - where he won his Preliminary Category with 74%, as well as competing at the Petplan Area Festivals in 2018, coming 5th in a section of 25 with 68%. Bob has also shown successfully at local level & has enjoyed going on Fun Rides & going to local Showjumping Competitons.

However, it wasn't all plain sailing;
Lucy explained that her idyllic vision of pony ownership was quickly crushed upon Bob coming into their life. Quickly realising Bob had never been properly backed, he too was nervy & inexperienced. Lucy had Bob professionally backed & continued to try & further his education, but as a First-time owner fresly out of a riding school, found herself struggling with nerves & the childhood dream of competing slipping away.

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'DIVA, OPPORTUNITST & VERSATILE'

With a fresh new start of a new livery yard & instructor, Lucy & Bob began making quick progress together as a newly found confidence was forged. Lucy slowly found the confidence to begin chasing her dream & began competing Bob.
'We spent months in the Intro classes, coming last every time, but we were finally working towards something. My parents used to give us a thumbs up & a grin after every test, knowing full well it would never win, but they were nevertheless so proud of our efforts'.

Enjoying being the centre of attention; Bob took to competing 'like a duck to water'.

'I'd love to say bob doesn't know how special he is, but the reality is, is that he definitely does! He's a Diva who loves to show off and would be bitterly dissapointed in realising he's only 14hh!'

Bob, now 16, has seen Lucy through every important milestone in her life - from School, University, becoming a Home-Owner & more recently, Motherhood. Lucy states, 'Bob has truly turned his hoof to everything, and will stay with us for the rest of his life'.

After a long break from competing, Lucy & Bob are looking forwards to getting back into the ring towards the end of the Summer, to once again fullfill that Childhood dream.

'He is definitely the pony I never outgrew'

DO YOU HAVE A SUPER-COB?

CWMDOVEY FINTANS MARV

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Cwmdovey Fintas Marv;
also know as Marv/Marvin is a 14 year old Welsh Cob x ID, purchased as a yearling from the Llanybydder Horse Sales in 2009 by a friend of current owner, Jenny.

Jenny explains that her friend purchased Marv from the sales due to seeing potential due to his good confirmation & nice breeding (out of Welsh mare, Coryn Crugwen, and by ID Stallion, Fantan Himself).

Jenny explained that Marv was turned away for several years before coming back to Jenny for backing at age 3 & Marv was then turned away for the winter and re-backed and ridden away as a 4 year old.

A year later, Marv's owner decided to sell him, as he became 'chunkier' that anticipated & he was then placed onto sales livery. Whilst on sales livery Marv didn't attract much interest - Jenny pointed out that two people who came to view him fell off at the viewing, as Marv's party trick is to drop his shoulder! After unsuccessful viewings & not much interest, Marv came back home with Jenny's name on his passport and has 'continued to drop his shoulder with me and various unsuspecting friends and family members ever since!'

Since then Jenny and Marv have built their relationship together & enjoy competing at low level local events, as well as going out hunting together accross the UK. Jenny states that Marv is not necessarily the fastest or scopiest out on the field but he always gets them to where they need to be & always lasts the full day's hunting. On top of hunting they have also competed in local One Day Events, Cob Showing classes, Dressage & Showjumping together.

Over the last three years, Marv & Jenny have also began taking Side-Saddle lessons, which Marv took to very well, noting that they came Overall Show Champion at the first show they did Sidesaddle. Jenny later explained that one of their goals is to go out hunting Sidesaddle as they did not manage to do this over this winter, but it is 'on the agenda this year'.

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'HANDSOME, KIND & A TRIER'

Jenny explains that despite Marv's cheeky 'party trick' & being a bit of a 'worrier' he is her horse of a life-time & she knows him inside & out.

'I'd like to think that we have a good understanding & level of trust. He can be cheeky & makes me smile everyday. Although he has had me off more times than I care to remember, he is generally very laid back and not fazed by much and I really wouldn't have him any other way'.

DO YOU HAVE A SUPER-COB?

THE SUPER-COB SERIES: MARCH 2022

ORLA

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Orla, an 8 year old skewbald cob has proved to be the perfect partner to get owner, Jane Robinson, back in the saddle.

After owning ponies as a child and giving up horses when she was 14; Jane took a 48 year long break from horses but welcomed Super-Cob, Orla into her life as a way back into Horse riding & ownership.

Though Jane & Orla don't go out competing, Jane enjoys taking Orla to hacking & to Fun-Rides including: Apley, Larden & Eaton Mascott Fun Ride - as well as particularly enjoying taking Orla around 'The Isle' in Shrewsbury. 

Alice (Jane's daughter) explained that Orla is the ultimate safe hacking cob, and has allowed her mum to enjoy riding once again despite her arthritis, so much so, that Jane even did her first Jump on a Fun-Ride with Orla.

Jane states 'Orla is forward going and likes to lead - we always say she is a bit of a sprinter...starts of fast & slowly runs off puff!!' Daughter Alice reminisced her most fond memory of going on fun ride with her mum & Orla - 'mum charged past me at 100mph killing herself laughing and we got a cracking photo to prove it!' 

Safe, Reliable & Fun, Jane explained Orla is a forwargoing ride - full of personality - yet safe enough for Jane to enjoy spending time in the saddle.

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'SASSY, CUTE & FULL OF PERSONALITY'

Having owned her for 2 years - Orla came to Jane & Alice as a five year old, 'filthy...covered in mites & lice'.

Alice explained that over the years Alice & Jane have 'slowly built up her confidence up from not really being able to brush her to now even being able to clip her without sedation...just lots of snacks are needed to distract her!'

Originally purchased just to be a companion for Alice's horse; Orla has certainly won over the hearts of Jane & Alice, and has in turn shown herself to be the perfect companion for Jane to rekindle her childhood love of horses.

DO YOU HAVE A SUPER-COB?

THE SUPER-COB SERIES: APRIL 2022
BLUE CROSS DOUGIE

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Fostered from the Blue Cross during 2013 as a 9 month old in very poor condition, Dougie has defied all odds and transformed into a superb all-rounder for both owner Samantha & her daughter.
At the time of being fostered, Dougie was underweight, riddled with lice, 'totally feral' & presenting with Neurological issues. Owner Sam saw him on the way home from a tack sale & decided to give him a chance with some 1-1 care for three months & they haven't looked back since.
Sam explains 'He flourished with all of the attention...we used to take him walking up & down the hills on the lanes to help build his strength up...he started to grow & we knew he was going to be staying forever'.

After making a full recovery under Sam's care & attention, Dougie was backed at age 4, 'he was so easy, it soon became clear he was a talented little pony'.
Dougie is 10 this year & despite his rough start in life he has gone onto having a successful career in dressage - taking Samantha's daughter to the Pony Club Championships in 2019, as well as currently training at BD Novice Level at home. However, Dougie also knows how to step it up a notch & also boasts a 'super jump', proving him to be successful competitor in the Eventing ring - completing several Hunter Trials & ODE's.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, NHS Worker Samantha fell very ill after catching Covid and losing a colleauge to the virus. Samantha explained it 'took the use of my arms & legs...even though I had little balance, I rode Dougie to build my strength back up...Dougie seemed to know I was fragile & was so gentle with me' almost as if to be returning a favour from many years ago...

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'SENSITIVE, LOYAL & A PLEASURE TO OWN'

Dougie has frequently been used by the Blue Cross to showcase what these little cobs can flourish into, despite their past, as well as the fantastic re-homing work that the Blue Cross centres offer for neglected & abandoned equines all around the UK. Samantha states 'Dougie is a great example to showcase what these little cobs can achieve with a little bit of love & training'.

Dougie was so incredibly patient & friendly when I went to visit him for his Photoshoot; it almost took me a-back with how confident & trusting he was around someone he'd never met before. Dougie's nature & success is a true testament to the hard work of Samantha, her Daughter & the Blue Cross.

Click here to Discover More Information about the Blue Cross

DO YOU HAVE A SUPER-COB?

THE SUPER-COB SERIES: MARCH 2022

COLOURED MONOPOLY

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'Coloured Monopoly' a.k.a. 'Smartie' is a 21 year old Skewbald Cob, owned by Ellen McCallugh & her Sister.
Purchased on the 26th September 2009 as a 'scruffy & unschooled' 8 year old,
Smartie has proved himself to be a reliable, fun & successful Cob, taking many people into the Show Ring as well as having a successful Ridden Showing Career with Ellen 'rarely coming home without a First or Second place' whilst competing at Local Riding Club Shows such as South Staffs, East Shropshire & Penkridge Riding Club.

As well as, most notably, placing 2nd in a large class at a High Horse Showing Society show & subsequently qualifying for CHAPs that year.

Ellen Explains:
'We learnt together...we got him going and looking well.
There isn’t anything he hasn’t tried: Hunting, Dressage, Fun Rides, Showing, Working Hunter, Showjumping!
The only thing he doesn't 'do' is hosepipes!'

After a nasty accident in 2019 resulting in Ellen breaking her back & having to learn how to walk again; Smartie was the first horse she got back on 'There was nothing else I would trust, to this day it is only him I will occasionally ride!'
Now retired from the Showing Ring, Smartie appreciates a quieter lifestyle 'being treated like the King that he is' & enjoys going for the odd hack out with Ellen.

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'HONEST, LOYAL & NOBLE'
 

Ellen describes Smartie as the perfect all-rounder: 'Through what he has taught so many people, as well as being the best friend possible to us...He's opened up so many doors to us & given so many amazing opportunities for me & my sister...
I think cobs are massively overlooked as a whole. I think they are one of the most versatile breeds that really will turn their hoof to anything asked of them. They are so honest and wear their hearts on their sleeves, everyone should give a cob a chance!'

DO YOU HAVE A SUPER-COB?

The model call has been released, numerous applications have been recieved and the Super-Cob series is due to begin very shortly! I've already received some amazing stories for this series, but I wanted to shed some light on why I have decided to do this Photo-series before the first blog for the Super-Cob series is launched.

Throughout my years at university I always felt that my artwork had to have some meaning/reason for being created and put into the world - I don't particulalrly like the idea of 'Art for Art's Sake' as I feel it can be a powerful tool and so it should be used with the intention as such.
 

This intention has closely followed through into my Photography Work; my Private Photoshoots aims to capture, immortalise and show off an Important puzzle piece of my client's lives, and my event photography aims to catpure achievements, success and motion.
All of which serves a purpose to go out into the world - it is not just art for art's sake.

But when trying to come up with an idea for a Photo-Series that felt original & worth-while I seemed to hit a brick wall. I came to the idea of the Super-Cob Series with thanks to reflecting upon my own experience of horse ownership & the Equestrian Community/Competition Circuit.

OLIVER

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Purchased in 2012 as a hairy, uneducated & unruly Five Year old, Oliver wasn't exactly the 'perfect first horse' that you may of wished to purchase for an equally as unruly and uneducated 12 year old...

However, after almost 10 years of hardwork, lots of sweat, tears and some blood on the odd occasion he has turned out to be, in my biased opinion, a Super-Cob.

Hunter Trials, ODE's, Showjumping, Dressage, Polo, Arena Eventing, Photoshoots, Beach Rides, Horsey Holidays, Pony Club - he's done it all - and even had a very successfull competition career during my teens - almost always coming back home with Rosettes.
(see below photos spanning from 2012-2021)

However, as a Cob owner of 10 years I also know that the breed doesn't necessarily have great notorioty within the equestrian community & often comes with a lot of stigma and a questionable reputation - particularly at the higher levels of Equestrian Competitions.

So much so that it has even impacted the way I think in a warm-up arena; feeling eye-catchingly underwhelming when warming up surrounded by much flashier horses.

This is exactly why I have set up the Super-Cob Series.

The aim of the Super-Cob series isn't to find tons of world-beaters, but to show off the breed for the versatile, trust-worth & beautiful breed that they truly are.

This is a breed that is incredibly close to my heart - and I want to show other people that they can be much more than 'just a fat hairy cob' and that they can be just as competitive as they can be safe enough for beginners to enjoy and learn the ropes on.

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DO YOU HAVE A SUPER-COB?

EQUESTRIAN ESSENTIALS:
The Black Background Photoshoot

There's no denying that Black Background Sessions have soared in popularty over the last 5 years, becoming a staple of any Horse owner's wishlist for their Equine Best Friend.
They are the Perfect Session for Many Horse Owners, but Why?

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Though Black Background images look absolutely Stunning,
they actually require a very Simple Location & Set-up.

- All that is Needed is an Indoor Space -

This could be a Stable, Barn, Indoor Arena or even a Field Shelter!
So long as the indoor space has three solid sides and a roof, I can work with most locations. The most ideal location is a Barn/Indoor arena as these tend to have a wide doorway, thus meaning that there is much more space for us to create a more varied range of poses & more artsy style photographs for you to enjoy.
(if you would like that kind of thing on your session!)

Still worried about the location you have on offer:
Why not send me a Photograph of your location when you Enquire?

A quick phone snap on your phone showing me the indoor spaces you have in mind for the session will allow me to have a look at the location and put your mind at ease before Booking.

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-  Minimised Session, Maximum Impact -

With Black Background Sessions lasting for up to 20 minutes, it makes them the perfect session for young, spooky or fiesty horses.
Combined with my 10+ years of Equestrian experience; I have handled and encountered a huge variety of horses & personalities throughout the years & I can ensure you:
nothing your horse could do will surprise me.

Horses will be Horses & so I take on a 'patience is the best policy' approach to Photoshoot Sessions & will adapt the session to suit each Horse's individual needs & Personality.
See Sharon Ashcroft's review to read her Photoshoot Experience with her 'fiesty' mare.

 Camera-shy Owners need not Worry!

If you would love to have photographs of your horse, but the thought of being in front of the camera/having your photograph taken makes you feel a bit queasy then a Black Background session is the perfect way around this.
You do not have to be in any of the images if you don't want to - at the start of the session I always ask my clients if they would like to be in the photographs or not.

Most clients say 'I'd like to be in a few but not all of them' which is totally fine too - it's you & your horse's session so you can dictate who you'd like to be photographed on the day!

There is absolutely No Pressure to be in front of the Camera.

Concluding Top Five

The Concluding Top 5:

1. Any Colour Horse will Look Beautiful - and yes - this includes Black Horses too!
(they're actually one of my favourite colours to photograph for Black Backgrounds as their shine will look amazing!)

2. Your Horse is Your Pride & Joy. These Portraits will show your horse off to their absolute best - this will never age when it is hanging on the wall in your home.

3. Almost every yard has an indoor space that will work. I'm yet to arrive at a yard that doesn't have an adequate space to create Black Background Photographs.

4. Multi-Horse Discount. Why not save some pennies by getting your livery yard/friends involved? Beautiful Photographs of your pony & Saving some money? Win Win!!

5. They're for Every Horse. Regardless of your Horse's age, height, colour, Discipline or Breed.
Every Horse will look Stunning & and it's Never Too Late to book them in.

Find out What's included in my Black Background Sessions Here
- or -
Click to Enquire Here

~ Fiona x

Ⓒ Fiona Moore Photography
West Midlands Based Specialist Equine Photographer
Award Winning Equine Photographer available for Equine Photoshoot Sessions,
Equestrian Event coverage & Equestrian Brand/Business Photography.