I bought my Piaffe Bracelet in memory of my lovely part Arab pony Hydref (Welsh for Autumn and pronounced Hudrev)
I first saw Hydref in 2000 when he arrived as a working livery at the riding school where I was riding. It was love at first sight, he was the pony I had dreamt about all my life. He had been bought as a first pony but he soon proved to be rather unsuitable. I was allowed to ride him and he was certainly a challenge, being quite willful and rather naughty. He was also extremely grumpy when being groomed or saddled. He was however, well behaved on a hack so long as he was with other horses. I loved him and learnt a lot from riding him.
In 2005 I was able to buy him and at the age of 52, I finally had my dream pony. We soon developed a bond and Hydref was much happier once he knew who he belonged to. He was usually waiting at the gate in the mornings or if not would come to call. He was always so pleased to see me.
We had many happy times together, taking part in local shows and dressage competitions and he always gave of his best and behaved perfectly. He was a star in fancy dress competitions with my friends son riding him.
In 2008 I was diagnosed with osteoporosis and was told that I should consider giving up horse riding but I trusted Hydref so much I decided to carry on. In 2011 I fell (not off a horse!) and broke my leg. It was 6 months before I could consider getting back on. I had to mount from the right but Hydref stood like a soldier and was so quiet and steady I felt safe. It took a long time for my leg to strengthen and for me to regain full confidence but Hydref knew how to look after me. On a Sunday morning my husband would come and walk alongside while we went for a lovely amble around the lanes and bridle paths. We loved those times - it was a respite from our often busy and stressful lives. My husband is not a horsey person but he came to love Hydref too.
Hydref was a huge comfort following the death of my mother and throughout my sister's cancer and subsequent death. He had so many more years in him. I now have a huge hole in my life and my heart that nothing can fill.
I am very pleased with my bracelet and it is a lovely way to remember my special pony. Gwyneth, Janaury 2018
