I started riding when I was 3 years old, I had always wanted my pony but was always told “when you're a little bit olderâ€
When I was 11 and had just started high school, I had lessons twice a week and helped out at the riding school at weekends.
That’s when Jasper came along……
He arrived at the riding school, as a gangly 3-year-old Welsh section D.
He was newly broken and very green, and was too feisty for the riding school due to him throwing the odd cheeky buck so was put up for sale.
I instantly fell in love, he had the kindest brown eyes, a velvet nose, a big white blaze, bright flaxen mane and tail, a rich chestnut coat and 4 striking white socks.
I begged my parents and finally, they gave in and bought him for me and little did I know then that he would become my best friend…..my world.
Jasper taught me about responsibility, patience, the value of hard work, bravery, confidence, routine and most importantly love. All these attributes are what makes me who I am today and I have him to thank for that.
We had a great bond, had many lessons and hacked for miles all over our local area. Once I gained some confidence I started by competing at our local show, Urmston riding club, winning many rosettes, trophies and sashes over the years.
One year we represented the riding club and won supreme of the show in the mountain and moorland pairs class. This was a massive achievement for us both.
Jasper loved his trips out, whether it be to the beach where he could gallop and go for a swim or jumping at fun rides and his favourite place Somerford Park.
Jasper was stabled for most of his life on Willow farm where he had many followers, he was famous in Urmston everybody knew him and his blonde locks, He touched so many peoples hearts.
Sadly on Friday 17th September 2021, he was very sick with colic, I couldn’t believe it when I got the phone call to go to the yard as he had been so well the day before. In the 20 years of owning him, he had only had the vet for cough and his yearly vaccinations so this was a huge shock. He had made the sad choice for me and sadly it was time to say goodbye to my best friend.
I always knew that one day Jasper would go to rainbow bridge with some tail missing but I didn’t think it would be so soon. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to him.
A few days after he had passed I began to search for keepsakes, that’s when I found Tail End Jewellery on Instagram, I was amazed by all the beautiful pieces Alison has made and wanted her to make my remembrance pieces.
I decided to order a ring and horseshoe heart to remember my boy, I’m so excited for them to arrive.
I will always have him with me where ever I go.
Jen & Jasper
