Jamie came to us as dignified old gentleman who fell instantly in love with April, my chestnut mare. He was a little unsure where to go at first but in no time he learned the ropes of what to do. My most exciting moment was when I went down the field and called him for tea. Once he had located where I was he came trotting up the field to me.
He was an incredible character and an amazing limber escapologist. He was quite capable of slithering under a barrier and could find his way into places where his eyesight should normally have precluded him. Despite these little hiccups everyone loved him.
Usually he and April would graze contentedly together giving each other mutual grooms. She would be his eyes and he would follow her trustingly to new places. Whenever April was taken out of the field he would wander off to do his own thing. The minute April returned however he would wander over to find and greet her. He was such a calm and generous companion to April that there is no doubt that she misses him greatly.
Everyone who came, family friends and visitors, all fell in love with him. Sadly his last illness proved quite debilitating even though he kept fighting and rallying; his determination was enormous. In the end the greatest kindness we could do for him was to send him on his next journey of peace and contentment. He will be sadly missed but we have so many happy memories of him that he will never be forgotten.
(Editors note from Brownbread: Jamie, a beautiful grey cob came to the Centre many years ago with very impaired eyesight. Despite this disability he was able to work enthusiastically in the school with our disabled riders. After this he moved to the foster home nearby with Truda, Purdy and Simon Proctor where he lived happily many years until the property sold. This is when he went to Carol and his eyesight continued to fail. He easily adapted to his loving new home and we are grateful to Carol for supporting him there in his final illness. This wonderful, gentle pony is sadly missed by all who knew him.)