19 October, 2025
Jess (a long time family friend) reached out to share this lovely story about her daughter Alice and KIRKBYS STUD ANNABELLE’s pony club adventures. Annabelle is by KIRKBYS STUD ECHO and out of BONZER STUD PEPPY ANN, who was bred by my uncle, Dad’s brother Clive Kirkby.
In January, Jess and Alice were gifted Annabelle, a mare who’d spent time droving and as a broodmare. Now, at 22, she’s happily teaching Jess’s daughter Alice the ropes — going to Pony Club, riding around home, and being part of the family.
Annabelle traces back to some of our favourite lines and I’m not surprised she’s been such a gentle, generous family mare; that temperament runs deep! Echo who was out of the great KIRKBYS STUD ORCHY, an elite open campdraft mare and kids horse herself. Echo’s sister, KIRKBYS STUD MIRACLE, is a juvenile and open draft winner and her daughter, KIRKBYS STUD MARVEL, has been piloted by kids as a 5 yo mare. These horses are the perfect blend of temperament and performance.
Hearing that Annabelle’s loved, sound, and giving confidence to a new generation is exactly why we do what we do. Thank you Jess and Alice for sharing such a beautiful connection — may Annabelle have many more laps around home with her little rider enjoying her ride. 🐴💛
