My Favourite Horse: from Wendy Barsley
This is a picture of me taken on Winsford Hill. I am riding Fudge from The Exmoor Pony Centre near Dulverton, and I was totally unaware I was being 'snapped'. I have been in show business practically all my life, and my first inclination would have been (had I known) to sit up, raise my eyes, and exude an O.T.T. toothy grin! The truth is, I lagged dreadfully behind the rest of the escorted ride partly due to the fact I was still recovering from radiotherapy. The momentary solitude was overwhelming, and I loved every minute of it! The moor makes its own decision on the weather, and though it was June it was a keen blustery morning, with a hint of drizzle.
Riding an Exmoor pony is a bit of a culture shock! I rode Jingle as a child, a feisty little soul, with a, 'Let's see what mischief we can get up to today' sort of attitude. The most memorable was being pitched head first into the sea over a breakwater! Jingle was not in the least fazed, but I was mortified. Clothing was still on coupons, and hard to come by. My Mother had gone to great lengths to kit me out, and had managed to secure a much sort after riding hat.
I have ridden Abbi, Rama, and Dylon from the E.P.C., but Fudge will forever be in my heart as my favourite! Why was he so special? I think because that morning, my thoughts told me, the life I loved was about to change. I was so right! By Christmas and the New Year, after the loss of a close friend, everything at Edgcott near Exford was gone including the horses. I returned to London numb with misery. Grief is a terrible thing. You can either wallow in a black hole, or pick yourself up.
Salvation came in the form of an advert from Wildwoods Riding Centre in Surrey. It simply stated B.H.S. exams would be starting shortly. I passed everything I intended, and even went on to lecture The Juvenile Club on the Exmoor Pony and the importance of its survival. I finished the talk holding a picture of Fudge, and concluded, "I stand, Braveheart, through a thousand years, and another thousand before. I can claim my fame in The Domesday Book, though I roamed the lands of yore! With my 'mealy nose', and sturdy frame, I am known by my diamond star! With your help, I will roam for a million years, for Exmoor is where we are!
Wendy Barsley December 2011
