Pumkins Pondi
©Tacante, Equestrian News/Salomé Leclerc, Franck Zaganelli
Pumkins Pondi is a 15-year-old grey Connemara stallion by Apollon Pondy and Dakota Melody. Pumkins was born in Gilles Le Mouellic breeding farm Elevage Pondi located near Pontivy in Brittany. Before his move to Ireland just over a year ago he was competing and shining under French rider Camille Condé-Ferreira’s saddle. Pumkins joined the Foley’s family in Ireland initially as Jason’s pony, the eldest of the 4 Foley brothers. He now has the immense pleasure of working under the saddle of Max.
Tacante is delighted to have had the opportunity to meet at the BIP in Fontainebleau Pumkins Pondi and his rider Max Foley who was travelling to France for the first time.
Where does your name come from?
I don’t know actually! I’d like to clarify something though. It is Pumkins and not Pumpkin, and my rider has never been Cinderella! My second name Pondi comes from the name of the breeding farm I was born in.
Where do you live? Can you describe your stables?
I used to live in France. I moved to Ireland in February 2017, back to where my Connemara roots come from I now live at the Foleys’ stables in Ballyloughan, County Carlow in the south-east of Ireland. I have 6 neighbours and I have my own stall which is big as I’m given preference… and not just for the size of my box!
How do you get on with your stable mates?
You won’t believe it. I might be a stallion with a French character I actually do get on with all my neighbours and even with the mares! I have learned the local language fast.
What do you like most about your rider?
I have only been working with Max since February as I initially paired off with his older brother Jason when I first arrived at the Foley’s. Max and I really appreciate each other. He is very gentle, and he gives me lots of carrots. He says that I am a very lovable pony and I totally agree with him.
What are your best attributes?
I am very good at jumping. Apparently, I have an extravagant behind!
What is your worst flaw?
I have no flaw and I am said to be extremely well mannered! I was brought up in France after all… ah ah ah ah!
What is your guilty pleasure?
I love apples and carrots. Max says that I have to earn them though. Mind you I have a trick to get more, I just need to give Max my special look “puppy-eye like” and he can’t resist!
What is your favourite colour?
I love black and white like a zebra!
Which dream would you like to come true in your life?
I would love to win the DHS – Dublin Horse Show – which takes place in August.
What is your favourite activity?
I love jumping and I also enjoy walking on the road. I see you are surprised, don’t worry we don’t see many cars on our roads in Ballyloughan!
What makes you feel the happiest?
When I jump good I get a polo. You know the round minty sweet with a hole in the middle! I learned to like them as I had never seen a polo before I moved to Ireland.
What do you dislike most in the world?
I can’t stand having my head washed. I don’t like water. What’s the point of being showered as I am going to get dirty again? There’s something else which annoys me. I don’t like when other ponies bully me. I like my own space.
What has been your best memory?
That’s an easy one: moving to Ireland. The Irish grass is so much greener and there is so much of it…! And I must admit I get spoiled by Max and Sorcha his mum!
Which frame of mind are you in at the moment?
I am in a good head space.
Do you have a life motto you would like to share with us?
Just win!
How can we keep up to date with your news?
You can follow my news on Max’s FB account and Max’s Instagram and also on his Mum’s Sorcha. And don’t forget my birthday on 30th of April
Additional reading: Meet Valma de Fougnard or Upsilon.