Beautiful ponies bred by Denis & Robyn Bailey, Amberleigh Stud NZ. Darren Moore Photography
This photo is very similar to the one we used in our advertisement in the Australian Riding Pony Annual 2011. I loved the artwork done by Lorelle Mercer, who is a great designer and the original photos were taken by Darren Moore Photography. I have gotten to know Darren and his lovely partner Katrina when visiting Christchurch over the years for the NZ National Showcase Show, NZ Grand National Horse and Pony of the Year Show and Canterbury Royal Shows. Hence the following article. One I wished to share with you.
Robyn and Denis Bailey are the principals of Amberleigh Stud, Amberley in Canterbury, about 45 minutes out of Christchurch. Robyn first approached me several years ago to obtain semen to use on her mare Taratanaui Muirlea Rise. The results are A Gold Star and A Gold Touch. Beautiful ponies. The Baileys has been fortunate enough to get four fillies from four attempts at a.i. How’s that for wonderful luck. Jane Bailey, their daughter in law, is married to their son Jason. Jane and Denis break in the ponies and Jane gets them going at home. She has a lovely touch with the ponies and her horses and knows them all so very well. The team is a credit to all the Bailey family.
All ponies featured here are sired by our boy Pendley Gold Cup*. The pony in the foreground is Amberleigh Prima Donna. Stable name “Abby”, she is the youngest pony under saddle in the show team. Lightly shown, she never fails to bring in a big ribbon. ”Abby” is ridden by the loveliest of young ladies Gemma Holden. I was fortunate to meet Gemma and her mum Tara and grandma Ainsley last month at the Canterbury A & P Show. The photo above has Thomas (TJ) Madigan from Australia riding her.
The centre photo has TJ riding the beautiful Amberleigh Gold Star “Katie”. This elegant pony has amassed Supreme and Championship awards in her career. She was the first Gold Cup progeny born in New Zealand. We are very proud of her achievements.
The third pony in the photo is Amberleigh Gold Touch – “Janey”. She’s ridden here by Gemma Holden and this combination took home Champion 138cm Open Pony, Champion Dry Mare and Supreme Riding Pony Under Saddle at Canterbury A & P. I was so happy I cried! Crazy grandma I am (grandma to the pony, not Gemma of course!).
Will be back in New Zealand in 2012 to again follow the achievements of these youngsters.
