I had spent a few months looking for a special galloway to show until
I found Muffy in March 1992. When I saw the photo in the ad in Horse Deals
for her, I knew she was the one. She was a 5 year old 14.3hh liver
Chestnut mare by the riding pony, Chippenham Casting, out of Matchabelli
Flash. I rang her breeders and bought her after looking at a video of
her. We had to travel 3 hours to pick her up. I was
so excited. I new she was going to be special.
She settled into her new
home easily. Together, we started a great partnership. She was such a treasure
to show. Together we had lots of success, including winning many
ribbons at Melbourne and Canberra Royals over her showing career. Muffy also
helped me fulfill my dream of learning how to ride side-saddle. This I also
did at Royal Show level.
Over the years, my eldest
daughter had grown out of her pony. It was not long before we both decided
that she should start riding Muffy. Together, they too had huge success,
including winning the Side Saddle Rider and Side Saddle Turnout class at
Melbourne Royal Show in 2002.
With my daughter now her
rider, Muffy also learned to jump, and she did many Dressage competitions.
Besides doing all the showing and competitions, Muffy would love to go riding
through the beautiful bush around the Yarra Valley.
It was decided that Muffy's
last Royal would be Canberra 2003 where she still placed in 5 classes at
16 years of age. We felt that if we were going to have a foal out of her,
we had better not leave it any longer. She was loaned out on a foal to foal
basis, and we were excited about the prospect of having a little Muffy in
the future.
The first season she missed,
as she had trouble learning to be a horse again. The second season, she gave
birth to a filly. We eagerly awaited for the next spring as she was to be
carrying our foal. This unfortunately was not to be...
On July 19, 2006, I
received a phone call to say that Muffy had been galloping around the paddock
and had slipped, doing the splits with her front legs which resulted in breaking
her shoulder. She had to be put down. We still cannot believe she has gone.
She would have been 20 years old this year. Her filly from last year has
been named Kaidon Park Miss Muffet, and we look forward to seeing her grow
up.
Muffy was the best horse
that I had ever owned. She gave me so much and will always be
missed.
Matchabelli Muffet 
