Our Story
Pony Magic (established April 2009) is owned Julia Padwick BHS Level 3 complete coach
I have worked with horses since leaving school (a long time ago!) I gained experience in various jobs and took British Horse Society exams in teaching, horse care and riding and enjoyed competing in various equstrian competitions. I ran a livery yard and training centre for several years and also enjoyed working at my friendly local riding school and teaching all ages for many years.
When my 2 daughters came along and were still very small it became clear that a slight change in career direction was needed and the planning started during my second pregnancy! Keen to share my love of horses with the children and justify buying a Shetland “Pony Magic” was soon on the road!
The plan was to run a mobile pony party business and provide pony rides at country shows, fetes, farm parks and many other community events. Dinky the palomino Shetland was the first pony I bought and he soon had a little friend called Spike.
Before long we had a pony truck and a whole team of ponies out and about! With help from family and some very special friends we travelled across the south and many thousands of children enjoyed a first experience of riding on one of our ponies.
Pony rides proved so popular that we soon launched our weekly pony care and riding sessions and were very fortunate to use the great facilities at the Oasis Riding Centre and these still run all year round but now at our own stables here in Curdridge. We have a brilliant team of staff to welcome you bringing a wealth of experience and enthusiasm!
In 2017 with Madgwick Carriage Masters we bought our own new premises here in Curdridge and after lots of hard work we opened the gates at Oaklands in the New Year of 2018 to offer riding, parties and other related activities for younger riders aged 2 – 8.
Madgwick Carriage Masters established 1976 provide beautiful horses and carriages for those special occasions when you want to arrive in style! You can also book a carriage driving experience, please CLICK HERE to visit the website.
Over the years Pony Magic has faced some big challenges and due to the pandemic we were closed for many months.
I still enjoy my work and attend regular cpd training sessions to keep my knowledge up to date and hold all the necessary certification such as DBS, safeguarding and first aid. In recent months I have also completed the British Horse Society Coaching 4ALL qualification, an interactive course designed to equip equestrian coaches with the tools and confidence to support diverse clients in a positive way, providing equal opportunities and increasing participation. I am not a health care professional but have attended several short courses to improve my knowledge of mental health, autism and ADHD. I am keen to ensure every client has the best possible experience at Pony Magic.
We always look forward to the season ahead and welcoming customers old and new!
See you soon!
Julia x