Combining the two arts of Falconry and riding, Using an intrinsically wild animal along with one of our longest domesticated species, the ultimate predator in conjunction with one of the ultimate flight/prey species…..A recipe for disaster or an amazing combination?
Just to make it more interesting I only use -Recycled racehorses to fly pursuit falcons and eagles
Reasons being they’re fast ,quick on their feet, very important over the varied terrain of Dartmoor, the good ones have an incredibly sane temperament, vital when you have an eagle with a 7′ wingspan leaving straight over your head and on a personal level I just love thoroughbreds, they suit me down to the ground and I would not ride anything else (I was accused of being a horse snob a few days ago,it was one of the nicest things anyone has ever said to me)
It’s one of the great joys of my job, bringing on a new falconry pony as they go from nervous to accepting,to enjoying working with the various falcons and eagles (and in the case of Tommy utter adoration, he loves them and ambles off to see Artemis “his” eagle anytime he has the opportunity)
Working with ex-racers is so rewarding, but it does have its heartbreaks as well,l as both my original thoroughbreds had to be put to sleep as old racing injuries that were beyond repair surfaced, but I look at the fact that both had a fantastic life with me and achieved things that very few horses in the world will ever do
We’re currently working with a team of 4,Myladtommy is the number one pony, an absolute stalwart does everything from teaching to main ring displays
Weaam got dropped in at the deep end and was doing main ring displays for us within12 weeks of arriving with u
Caymans and Shubaat came to us in August from Godolphin and what fantastically versatile boys they have turned out to be, taking everything we chuck at them with real enthusiasm
we have a great team here and will update on everyone’s progress as things develop
