Charlotte & Snowy: “He’ll Be With Us Forever”

Charlotte had been hoping for a pony of her own — something small, something special. On July 14 last year, she spotted a jet-black gelding at Addington and thought he was “pretty cute.”

As it turned out, he’d just finished his racing career and was looking for a new home.

Charlotte’s brother Jayden was working for the Bruce Negus stable at the time. So with a quick email from her mum Kirstyn — and a kind offer from Bruce — Bets On was theirs.

“I emailed Bruce and said, what are you doing with Bets On?

He said, ‘He’s yours if you want him.’” – Kirstyn

Snowy — as he’s now called — was an instant hit. Small, sweet, and just the right size for Charlotte.

He’s around 14 hands high, jet black, and six years old now. But most importantly — he knows who his person is.

“They love each other,” says Kirstyn. “He’s part of the family.”

Charlotte, now 13 and in her first year at Geraldine High, lives with cerebral palsy. Since bringing Snowy home, the difference in her physical strength and stability has been huge.

“Before I got Snowy, I used to fall over and trip on my own toes and feet,” she says.

“Now, doing exercises on the horse — like ‘around the world’ — has really stabilised me.”

She’d previously ridden once a week through Riding for the Disabled (RDA), but now she can head down to the paddock any day of the week. And it shows.

“She’s got a more stable and straight core,” says Kirstyn.

“She’s stronger, and she’s more confident.”

Snowy may have left racing behind — but his story is just getting started.

The pair have already been to their first show, a Have a Go day in Palmerston, Otago. They came home with a few ribbons and Reserve Champion.

“Over winter we’ll do some hacking up and down the roads,” says Charlotte.

“Then in spring, we’ll go to every show we can.”

She’s got big plans: In-Hand showing, Pony Club, and whatever else comes their way.

“He’s a pet, really,” says Kirstyn. “But one day he’ll be a beautiful show horse.