Scott and his Shetland pony are mane event in Oxenholme (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Scott and his Shetland pony are mane event in Oxenholme

10:00am Friday 5th February 2010 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
• Comments(0)

THE sight of a ten-year-old boy riding bareback on his Shetland pony through Oxenholme has been creating quite a stir among villagers.

Scott Svejnova and Shadrach the pony are now a regular fixture in the village as they pass through on their daily ride around The Helm.

And little Scott has even customised his riding hat to look like a policeman’s helmet to make sure he catches everyone’s eye.

The Crosscrake School pupil, who has been riding Shadrach for two years, said: “It’s a bit of fresh air for me and I think it’s better riding bareback rather than having a saddle, I just find it really easy.

“My policeman’s hat used to have a badge on it too until Shadrack bit it off one day.”

Scott’s father Philip said he was pleased his son had such an active hobby.

“He loves that horse and takes such good care of it,” he said.

“He grooms it, feeds it, mucks it out and it’s great to see a young lad out and about when most children are sat inside.”

Mum Alison said: “He really does bring a bit of joy to the village and makes people smile.

“He’s always getting waves and people stop to take his photo.”

When Scott gets too big to ride Shadrach this summer the family plans to buy him a cart and harness so he can keep up his hobby.

Alison said: “He thinks the world of that pony and doesn’t want to move on to a bigger horse yet. They’re really strong Shetlands so he won’t have any trouble pulling him along. ”