Not all the new horses that find their way to Park Lane Stables make it as an RDA pony. When we first meet them we get a sense of their personality, but each has a different life story, and their experiences may mean they’re nervous, easily frightened, or unpredictable.

We work with each one, quietly and gently at their pace, to see how they respond to what we ask of them, of the new environment, and of being around people all day.

It’s time for you to meet Santa, who’s been with us a year now and is showing promising signs of being a perfect addition to the team. Originally from Spain (where Santa means Saint), he’s still young, what we would describe as rising 6. You often hear that there are few good horses for sale, and Santa was considered unexceptional by his owners. But something about him felt right – he seemed to have a sweet and calm nature.

We have to thank a generous anonymous donor who bought Santa for us. You know who you are, thank you!

Santa is still a work in progress. He can’t tell us what’s gone before, so for us it’s all guesswork, reading his behaviour and not rushing him by asking new things of him too fast. In this way, he should be able to accept new challenges without getting stressed. Asking too much too early takes a lot of time to put right if pushed too far.

What’s emerging as we get to know him is a quirky, laid-back, cheeky boy, but above all one who is calm and kind – the two qualities so essential in an RDA pony. We’ve started taking him out and about, including two trips to Epsom for RDA Dressage events, and he’s risen to the huge challenges of horsebox travel and a new environment.

Will Santa be taking part in the RDA National Championships in the spring? It’s early days, but we’re provisionally booking his place in the horsebox…