Enjoying Retirement:

French Connection (Harry)
Harry came to Bill from Vere Phillips via Chloe Newton during the 2008 season, having previously show jumped in France/Ireland. Bill took him from Novice up to three star level and his last run was at Blenheim in 2011 where he jumped clear across country and had a single rail show jumping.

He has retired to the hunting field, a career that he will love.

Political Trump (Tim)
Tim is owned by Janet and Matt Prior and the Levetts. Matt produced Tim up through the grades, winning Blair CCI** along the way (beating Bill in to second place with Blacker Cat NJ) and completing Bramham and Blair CCI*** and Badminton and Burghley (twice) .

Bill took over the ride in 2010, finishing 28th at Badminton, only their third ever event. This was Tim’s highest completion at four star to date and resulted in selection as a reserve for the 2010 WEG. His last run was at Burghley 2011 where he produced a personal best dressage test.

Basil
While Joshua’s first pony was Peggy Sue (see below) Ursula favoured something a little younger than her brother. Now 28, Basil contested the local shows, including all and any mini show jumping Ursula could twist daddy’s arm to enter!

Basil has now moved on to give joy to another family – he’s a very special pony.

Minuto (Min)
Min, owned by Angela Dimsdale-Gill, was placed 10th at Burghley in 2004. He is a firm favourite with all of ‘Team Levett’, and has been based with us since 2002.

He is a very kind and gentle horse but was brave as a lion when it came to eventing. Min had leg trouble on and off during the later part of his career – he’s currently in good health and in full work, but has been retired from competition.

Peggy Sue
Still going strong, albeit not currently at Little Charingworth, Peggy Sue was very much Joshua’s pony. Peggy is an angel unless you ask her to go beyond walk and a gentle trot, and she has a habit of making her dislike of cantering shown with the odd decisive buck which usually sorts out most of her small passengers.

Now 40 years young she has gone on loan to Joss and Juliette Gray (eventing friends of ours) to introduce their two young children to ponies. She will be well within her comfort zone as a pony pram for little ones – what she’s born to do. She will eventually come back to Little Charingworth when she decides that her ‘working days’ are over.

Sea Oro (Bella)
Bella was due to run at Burghley 2010 but she injured herself in the run up. She has now returned to her owners, the Kemps, for her rehabilitation and most likely won’t be coming back to pursue a competitive future again but instead may become a brood mare.

I had some great rides on her over the years across country and, despite her driving me mad on the flat, I have a huge soft spot for her. Her going has left a big hole in the yard.

Master Buzz NJ (Buzz)
Buzz is an Australian TB gelding, a fun horse who helped Jenny rebuild her confidence riding with the gentlest, quietest kind nature.

He is very good on the flat, and was frequently in the lead or top few after dressage as well as being the perfect leading rein horse when the kids were out hacking.

He’s now moved on to live with a local Pony Club mum.