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Kohatu Erin with an 11 year old Emily Butcher aboard

Kohatu Erin, was the first pony to bear the Kohatu prefix, and she has done the name proud. Erin was by Barwidgee Erriff, and out of a part-bred Arab mare Eliza who had showjumped successfully for the Adorian children of Waipara in her youth. Erin was bred with the intention of being a riding pony for Sheila. However, when she was backed, Sheila was told that the filly was 'too bloody good for an old fart like you to waste, she is best out there doing something worthwhile'.

Judy Smith (nee Nichols) who show jumped for NZ in the 60's, was a near neighbour of Kohatu, knew the person who had started Erin, and so also knew about the dilemma being faced over Erin's future. At that time, Judy was also a trainer for the young Emily Butcher (now one of New Zealand's leading young event riders), and so recommended her to the Butcher family. Emily took the green pony through to winning the Top of the South Showjumping Title, competing at Springston Trophy, and cattle mustering the watersheds of the Whataroa Valley before she was sold to another family.

Kohatu Windsong with her new rider

Kohatu Windsong is by Londsdale Moonwind, and out of the Thoroughbred mare My Two Dads. Windsong was an out of season foal, being born in April - her dam had run with the stallion, that by all acounts was infertile. Windsong was another foal we bred with the intentions of being a riding pony for 'us'. Liz backed her as a bored three year old, and again, it was decided she was too good a pony for fat old people to toddle about on. After a rush of blood to the head, Emily Butcher was approached to see if she had any interest in the pony for her pupils. It seems to have caused some local curiosity to see Emily out and about on a pony again!

Windsong has now been sold on, and things are looking promising for an excellent partnership between the young pony and rider. This is one of those homes, that as a breeder, you can only dream of placing your ponies in, and already their list of achievements is too long to list!

Kohatu Harvest Gold

Kohatu Harvest Gold (Harvey) is a 2005 foal by Sun n Air of Summer Valley, and out of My Two Dads. Harvey was bred as a potential hunter for Erica, but as she appeared to be taking more after her mother in height, the decision was made to sell her to someone wanting a medium sized hack. Harvey is now with another experienced family, with the intention that she will eventually become the 'first hack' when the ponies are outgrown.