Poppy’s Stormy Girl - Stormy

1999 - Registered Paint Mare, 15.2 H

Back in 2000, I took a trip to Chesterville to look at a 2 year old paint gelding but I liked his sister so much that I brought her home instead. Stormy has been at SkyLine Farm since she was 3 years old and the rest as they say is history.

She wasn’t so happy when she first arrived - every time I entered or left my house, she would run up and down the fence line whinnying and calling as if to say "take me home - now". It was a few months before she must have realized that she was here to stay and so she appeared to settle in for the long term.

Stormy had been well started under saddle by her previous owner and it is a testament to her versatility that her training has continued in western, dressage and jumping.

In addition to producing two foals Stormy has mothered many young horses that have come to the farm. In particular, Elmo who quickly learned to run and hide behind Stormy whenever his larger stablemate Dino took to chasing him around and dear little Hooligan who just needed someone to show him the ropes. Stormy rules the pasture with a mere flick of her ear or the occasional hard stare - that’s all it seems to take to maintain peace all around.

Stormy is one smart little cookie - she takes care of her beginner riders but has a lot more to give for a more technical ride. She carried me successfully for my EC Western Level 1 Coach certification, has twice been the season high point youth western mount at the Dwyer Hill Riding Club Shows and has often received compliments on her ability from several local dressage coaches despite her decidedly QH physique. She has also placed well at hunter, Fairs and dressage schooling shows. But I warn you now, hang on if you run the barrels with her - we don’t let her do that often but when we do - she’s at the first turn before you know that you’ve left the gate.

Best horse friend - Stormy likes everyone as long as they let her eat first

Favourite treat - mints, mints, mints

Best Trick - Offer her a mint and she will give you a smile as wide as the grand Canyon.

One more fact - Ricky is Stormy's uncle.

Born - Chesterville, Ontario