Watten girl receives gold equestrian award – was inspired by Lyth rescue pony saved from knacker's yard
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A Watten teenager is celebrating after receiving a special equestrian gold award last week and thanked the Lyth stable owner whose horse inspired her.
Gina Lewis (18) was visiting the Lyth-based stables Horsin' Around, owned by Natalie Oag, with her sister some years ago when first saw a rescue horse called Paris.
"She fell in love with Paris at first sight," said Natalie. "Her goal was to be able ride this horse – her determination and drive won in the end and Gina achieved her goal. It lead to the pair forming a beautiful bond."
They went on to win competitions and Gina achieved her riding exams as well as her Young Equestrian Leaders Awards (YELA), added Natalie.
"It's been a delight to mentor Gina through the YELA bronze, silver and gold awards. I have enjoyed the journey and it’s been a privilege to see her grow into a pleasant young lady.
"She has great determination and drive, is hard-working and never afraid to get her hands dirty. She has a true love for horses and is happy to care for them in all weathers." Natalie said she felt very proud of the young woman's achievements.
Gina said she chose to have her award photograph taken with the horse that initially inspired her, Paris, who was saved by Natalie from a French slaughterhouse.
Paris was an Irish Connemara destined for France to be killed for horse meat," said Natalie. "I was in Paris at the time modelling and heard about this little pony, so I decided to take a chance and buy her over the phone – hence the name, Paris.
"Paris was young and very wild. Gina was only a little girl herself and set her sights on this mare. All she wanted was to ride this pony and she put in all the time and effort helping train Paris." Natalie said she still remembers Gina saying that all the blood, sweat and tears were worth it for training Paris and how the "stars shone down on them both".
Gina said: “The YELA experience has helped build my confidence. [It] was very inspiring and has set me up for university.
"I would like to thank Natalie for putting the time and effort in for taking us on trips away to help me achieve this award. I would also like to thank her for believing in me and she has helped me become the woman I am today.
"For my project I wrote about our exhilarating climb up Scaraben – my most favourite challenge. At times, I found it difficult and wanted to give up but seeing Louis Vuitton [Natalie's Chihuahua dog] with his short legs climb it gave me so much inspiration as it showed me if he can do it, I can.
Gina said she had a "wonderful time" trying to attain the YELA awards and was delighted to find her "dream horse" Paris. "I have chosen Paris for my picture with my award as we have an incredible bond and we have been growing up together since I was 11-years-old. She has helped me achieve all my goals such as my exams and competitions. She has been a big lifesaver for my confidence and riding. I wouldn’t know what I’d do without her. I love her with all my heart.”
