Breed: Irish
Height: 15hh
D.O.B.: 2017
Mabel joined our Equine Team in May 2024. She came from Julia Martin at Kingsmead Equestrian. We have bought horses from Julia for more than 40 years, including Candy, one of our most valued school horses! Mabel has been a great addition to us and this picture was taken schooling through the water at the Mid-Surrey Pony Club field with Liz Turner, one of our freelance instructors. Ears pricked she looks as if she is enjoying herself!
Mabel sadly was the victim of a prolonged dog attack on Epsom Downs when I was escorting a private hack when she had been with us for just a few months. We had reached the car park at the top of the downs when a small papillon launched itself at her. It was leaping at her snapping and barking and almost landing in my lap. I was trying to keep her facing the dog so that she didn’t kick it. The owners could not get near enough to catch it as it was coming in so fast and Mabel was spinning, rearing, kicking and striking out in fear! The attack seemed to go on for ages and then the dog went for Rocky and my client. Rocky bucked and kicked out at the dog, dislodging the rider (who was luckily unhurt) and both horses bolted!! I eventually managed to turn Mabel to the right and circled back towards the car park, but the dog was still chasing us so I crossed the racecourse and let Mabel run. Rocky was still with us and so was the dog!! I eventually managed to turn her into the trees at the top of the hill where Austin, one of the downs keepers came to my assistance. We were unharmed but poor Mabel was trembling, sweating and shaking.
Caroline Baldock has worked with Monty Roberts for 4 years and made it her mission to get Mabel to trust dogs again – a difficult task and some horses will never get over a terrifying experience like this. Mabel is a brave soul and seems to be coping well after her ordeal and Caroline’s patience and expertise has helped her enormously. Thank you Caroline!