Royalwood Songbird

Surprise

RPSB, ASP, ARP – Chestnut, 13.2hh

‘Surprise’ was awarded Supreme Champion Led Riding Pony at Sydney Royal, backing that success up later in the day with Champion Ridden Riding Pony, accompanied by her breeder Joanne Prestwidge. Her career achievements include National Champion Newcomer Ridden Riding Pony of the Year, SHC Preliminary POTY, Canberra Royal winner, Runner up EFA Newstar Large POTY, Royal Show Pony Hack wins & places, not to mention countless multi Agricultural Show Champions in her relatively short show career.

A star in the show ring, she has also proved herself a consistent producer of high class progeny who themselves have gone on to successful at National, Royal & HOTY level, in-hand and under saddle.

The Story of Surprise

On deciding to once again head into the hack arena after spending many years showing Clydesdales in-hand and in harness, the search for a suitable Riding Pony mare was on. We were looking for a pony, in excess of 13 hands, that would be competitive in-hand & under saddle as well as carrying a pedigree that would later see her became our foundation broodmare. Apart from the usual considerations my only other criteria was that she not be chestnut – after recently losing our 27 year old chestnut pony a short time earlier I thought it time for a change.

After what seemed half a lifetime of searching it was suggested we head down to ‘Royalwood Stud’ as Joanne Prestwidge had a number of yearling fillies on offer. On arrival we were introduced to the finest, most elegant little chestnut yearling filly and the rest is history. Surprise came to live at Glendonbrook a short time later and become the foundation mare of what is now Carlingford Park Riding Ponies.

Out of Oakvale Songster, a full sister to celebrated sire Oakvale Serenade, by Langtree Stud’s imported stallion Wedgnock Coffee Pot (imp) Surprise has proven time and time again her value as a broodmare.

Since the day she arrived Surprise has been a source of absolute pleasure for us both in the show ring and in the paddock. Her show ring successes are too many to recall, her babies to special to forget. Our special little mare has provided us with many exciting wins not only herself but also through her progeny and in doing so has created many wonderful memories that will never fade.

Now well into her twilight years our precious girl relishes her role as Nanny to the CP babies and still remains Queen Bee of Carlingford Park.

Her progeny include: