Vaidosa
“Dosie”
Lusitano, mare
Born 2002
Dosie is leader of the family herd and is mother of Emilio and Francis. She is a very trustworthy mare who has lots of experience, it is rare for Dosie to be upset by something and she is disciplined and controlled. Not only does she lead the family herd, Dosie has taken on a crucial role in helping to bring members of the young herd into work. She has spent many hours chaperoning the youngsters, demonstrating how to overcome obstacles and being a barrier in unnerving circumstances. She loves to canter around for fun and will often wander off with Bonnie in the paddock.
Emilio
“Mr Me”
Lusitano, gelding
Born 2009
Emilio is our very own gentle giant, he stands at 17. 2hh, much taller than both his mother, Dosie, and his father, Saturno. Emilio is very good in his work, though he likes to work using as little energy as possible. He really loves going out trekking with his family. Emilio likes to hold everything and anything he can get hold of in his mouth and he’s not always keen to let it go again. He hates going through water and avoids puddles at all costs!
Lia
Thoroughbred, mare
Born 2013
Lia is our only thoroughbred, she is Emilio’s girlfriend and the pair are often found in the field grooming each other. If the younger boys get a little unruly Lia is the mare sent in to sort them out and restore the peace, she is a capable and effective leader with the younger boys. She is very gentle, she loves being groomed and will often try to groom you back. Lia loves to go trekking, she always either leads or is very near the front of a trekking group as she hates being left behind. She is a bold, playful character.
Saturno
Lusitano, gelding
Born 1999
For many years Saturno stood as an entire graded stallion, however as he got older he was gelded to allow him to reunite safely with his family. Saturno is father to Emilio and Francis, he is a real Casanova and very popular with the ladies- especially Dosie!
Before being retired Saturno loved his work and was an outstanding show jumper, nowadays he enjoys his time chilling in the paddocks and watching the youngsters learn how to work.
Bondosa
“Bonnie”
Lusitano, mare
2006- 2022
Sadly, Bonnie passed away in 2022. Bonnie was Dosie best friend, she had acted as an aunt to Emilio (and his brother Francis) and disliked being parted from Dosie for long periods of time. Bonnie had oodles of energy and loved all different types of work. Bonnie’s world meant doing everything as fast as possible, but with calm energy Bonnie was definitely one of the most amazing horses to work with! She was known to be a little quick on occasion but she was sturdy, reliable, intelligent and very sensible, she taught many riders (novice and experienced) a thing or two in her time.
Bonnie played a massive role in the making of Equine-Connect, she helped many of the young herd be safely backed, supporting and encouraging them along when situations were scary or tricky without a second thought.
We are forever grateful to this amazing mare- rest in peace Bonnie.