It was a stud tour in early 2015 of Sandra Lackas' Charmosa Pony Stud. We had not long been into showing the Welsh Mountain Ponies with Woranora Jasper and were looking for another pony to bring along to the shows with him. It was then that I spotted 'Leo' with his dam in the paddock standing under the shelter. Wow, that little palomino face. Gorgeous big bug eyes and markings I could only dream of. He was for sale and I was obsessed. I decided to be sensible and settle that we didn't need two geldings competing against one another. In conversation at home with my mother I could stop bringing him up. A week or two later I receive a call from mum to tell me to stop dreaming; she has bought me the pony! The most exciting time was upon us.
Leo wasn't doing well on his dam and was subsequently weaned at 4 months old to ensure he was getting enough feed. Leo arrived not long after weaning. A small foal with spindly legs and and awkward body. He took a long time to really thrive and plump out. Looking back, I see now that he had some serious growing to do - maturing at 11.3hh and bulking out beautifully as a 2yo. It was a foal and youngstock show hosted by CCHSA in Elmore where it clicked for me that he was special. Despite looking like a very awkward baby, the judge put him up to Supreme Led Welsh/Part Welsh Foal/Youngstock Exhibit over older ponies.
Leo matured greatly from weanling to yearling, and even better again from yearling to two year old. He was competitive in hand within colour and breed. A somewhat particular temperament, he was easily spooked by quick actions and interestingly - men. Any man. Anywhere. He was a pony I always very gently led, talked to constantly and always softly corrected when needed. A sensitive boy but always very kind and first to the gate to see you. He had a wonderful expression and lovely stretchy movement that allowed him to excel time and time again in hand. 
As a rising 3yo he went acutely lame. All avenues of diagnostics/treatments were explored and management of pain was undertaken to try provide a good quality of life. Unfortunately as a 5yo he was laid to rest after a tough battle to get him to maintain good health. Such a waste of a gorgeous, quality pony with the kindest soul. I miss seeing him out in the paddock greatly. He lives in my memory of his short time here with us and within the gorgeous photos we captured of him.