Rehoming stories

Blue Cross pony Harlequin Star is the love of Hannah Adams’ life – and he’s a Pony Club superstar.

Harlequin, known affectionately as Harley, came to Blue Cross because his owner sadly had an accident and lost her confidence.

It didn’t take long before he found the perfect new home with 15-year-old Hannah, in February 2009.

The 17-year-old 14.3hh Welsh section D cob and his new rider were a match made in heaven. Hannah says: “From the minute I first got on Harley I trusted him. As the weeks went on, I loved him more and more and it became clear that he was a one-to-one kind of horse and that he loved me too.” 

It wasn’t long before Hannah, a member of the North Staffordshire branch of The Pony Club, decided to take him to his first rally. She says: “I was anxious about taking him into an indoor school in case he hadn’t been in one before but I needn’t have worried – he was an angel and the instructors adored him.

“After about six months we went to our first Pony Club camp. He really shone and I knew then that I could never part with him.”

Hannah soon discovered that Harley loved jumping. She says: “His jumping got better and better and we started winning competitions. We won the under 16s jumping trophy and a collection of rosettes. He was also very successful in the pairs jumping at The Pony Club, which he has now won three times.

“Before we knew it 2009 was over and 2010 was quickly here and Harley got off to a good start. He won the starter stakes and qualified for the Championships. He also got picked to represent The Pony Club in their show-jumping competition at Somerford Park and our team came second out of 16 teams.

“Harley loves life and we all love him! There’s no question – he’ll be staying with us for the rest of his life.”