We know we already posted today, but we are trying to fit all these gals in before we leave for the race!
We would like to introduce you to another brave jockey – Sarah O’Halloran
Sarah on her big white pony Patrick
So, Sarah, inquiring minds want to know….
Who are you riding?
My horse is Patrick. An enormous 16 year old, 18 hand, now white pure bred Irish Draught. I’ve had him for about eight years. I was supposed to sell him on, but some of them are just “keepers”!
Where are you coming from?
I’m originally from the U.K. and now live in Dickerson, MD.
How long have you been riding and when did you start riding sideways?
I grew up riding and doing pony jumpers and then eventing. My mother bred two Cleveland bay crosses for herself to hunt but the one horse was outstanding. I junior evented him and he was eventually sold to Kent Leather Distributors who hired Richard Walker to event him, John of Gaunt was his name. The pair won Burghley HT in 1980. I’ve done lots of other horse things during my life. Polo ponies and driving. But my childhood ambition was to hunt aside. Not just go out and look pretty, but really hunt! When out hunting on my grubby little gray pony there was one old Mrs. Chevalier who used to hunt with the Essex Hunt. Every time she was out I spent the entire day admiring her. Her beautiful bay horse, impeccable turnout, her veil, her horses manners….. Looking back on it I wouldn’t be surprised if she had never learned to ride astride. Anyway, it was an ambition that never left me. We moved to Maryland in 1995 and I joined the local hunt. There I met Betty Alexander. Hunting aside and jumping everything in sight. Wow! And when asked about it she immediately fixed me up with a side saddle, a habit and before I knew it I was out hunting. Betty has probably introduced more people to the art of riding aside than anyone I know. Sadly for me she retired to S.C. a few years ago, where she has introduced droves more people to her art. Lucky them 🙂
Are you a foxhunter? If you are how long have you been hunting and who do you hunt with?
I started fox hunting on the leadline at age four and I am now a member of the Patomic Hunt in Maryland.
What do you do when your not riding?
I am busy with my husband and we have two beautiful grown son’s who rode their ponies and still hunt with me occasionally.
Chasing a Fox wishes Sarah and Patrick good luck on race day!
For more information about this fabulous race go to- cheshirepointtopoint.com
