Eastdale Diva, Royal Champion Yearling and Pony Breeders Sash winner

Our show team this year was two of our broodmares, Greenlee Ballerina (Kirreway Uptown x Rosevean Merry Caper, Imp) and Windvale Just-n-Time (Kirreway Uptown x Kuriheka Mystic), the yearling filly Eastdale Diva, (Falconhurst Flashdance x Greenlee Ballerina), 2yr Monstevous Just-n-Pretoria (Ascot Royal Emblem x Windvale Just-n-Time) and our 3yr Eastdale Blissfull (Falconhurst Flashdance x Linden Whisper who was by Cusop Display).

Our first show, Ellesmere, saw Greenlee Ballerina get Champion Adult and W. Just-n-Pretoria reserve youngstock to the lovely Falconhurst Flashdance filly Pinewood Jitterbug. Next we were off to Northern A&P Show where it was pleasing to see big classes. G.Ballerina stayed home as she was close to foaling so we took Windvale Just-n-Time who was champion broodmare, our yearling filly E. Diva won her class, the Riding pony class and Pony Breeders Sash class ending up with Supreme. This was a thrill as she is only a little filly. Then off to the Royal Show. Again huge classes of top quality ponies. W. Just-n-Time was reserve Adult, E. Diva won her yearling class and was champion yearling and won the Pony Breeders Sash class and E. Blissfull third in her class. It was lovely to see the Falconhurst Flashdance stock do so well here, Champion and Reserve yearlings, reserve 2 yr old and winning both the Pony Breeders Sash classes. Courtney followed with E. Diva going supreme again and W. Just-n-Pretoria winning her class.

Eastdale Escapade, Champion foal Canterbury Horse and Pony Breeders Show

After a short break in the paddock they were prepared for the Canterbury Breeders Show. E. Escapade, full sister to E. Diva won her foal class, her futurity and was champion foal. Her mother Greenlee Ballerina won her class and was Champion Broodmare. E. Diva won her class, her yearling futurity, champion youngstock and supreme while also winning the Riding Pony Sash class, 2nd Pony Breeders Sash, and winning the best paced. E. Blissfull was 2nd in her class.

Throughout the season Falconhurst Flashdance progeny have won many major awards throughout New Zealand. One particular day three youngsters went supreme at different shows, Courtney, Nelson and Southland. In the North Island ponies such as Sherwood Spellbound, E. Rock and Roll, E. Copelia, and E. Caberat, and Glencoe Baywatch are all big winners. The Royal this year saw E. Alloutta with Emily Chamberlain get the Champion Group C, a big effort for a very young pony not long broken in. Being four years old, she is his eldest progeny.

Eastdale Legacy, Supreme at Nationals and best bred NZ Pony

On the foaling side we have some lovely babies from 12.2hh to park hacks. They all seem to have their father's stamp. Most of these will be for sale at weaning. They are out of some lovely English-bred mares and it's a great chance to look ahead for the ultimate show pony.

Eastdale Legacy just keeps performing beauitifully for her new owner, Barb Du Plessis, her latest big win being the Supreme at the Nationals and winning the best bred NZ Pony. She is such a bright pony with the most extravagant movement and that special look-at-me quality. And is turned out so beautifully, a credit to Barb.

In November on our annual Melbourne Cup Trip we looked at several colts thinking we need to look ahead for a quality stallion to put over the Falconhurst Flashdace fillies.

I have always been a huge fan of Sandborne Royal Ensign who has spent most of his life in England with owner Robert Cockram. When Robert and partner David immigrated to Australia two years ago they bought with them their cherished old stallion at the age of 26. After settling in he is still covering mares at 28 years old.

Canterbury Park Banbury Cross

Although a bit soon for me it was now or never if I was to get his bloodlines and we were fortunate enough to purchase a stunning chestnut colt by Sandbourne Royal Ensign out of the lovely Syon Royal Portrait mare, Canterbury Park Olivia.

This will gives us a 2 x 4 cross to the old boy as Syon Royal Portrait is by Sandbourne Royal Ensign.

How lucky can I be! A very tall elegant colt, correct, with the most extravagant front.

Canterbury Park Banbury Cross is due to arrive late March so this will be very exciting, not just for me but for all the discerning pony breeders wanting to get some of that famous old Sandbourne Royal Ensign blood.

Syon Royal Portrait himself has been a huge influence in Australia and with my lovely old Portrait mare crossing so well with Falconhurt Flashdance I feel sure this cross will continue to be outstanding.

Julie Douglas