“A great horse will change your life. The truly special ones define it.” author unknown
Louise Askew’s horse of a lifetime was Molly, and this article celebrates everything special about Molly the Pocket Rocket.
How Louise found Molly
Louise’s mother purchased Molly in 2014 as an all-around family horse. Molly would transition Kendall from ponies to horses, provide a hack for Louise’s mother and give Louise some fun in the saddle. Molly would be all things to all riders.
Molly’s Breeding, and Age on Purchase
Molly’s passport name was Alto Heather and with Thoroughbred and Hanoverian blood she measured up very well for the family requirements. Molly, at 15.2 hands high and aged 11 years became the family horse. Many new and exciting adventures lay ahead.
Molly is a Pocket Rocket
Molly loved jumping. Her gallop-and-go style naturally suited cross country. Molly had all the credentials for being a “pocket rocket” with boldness and a willing attitude she would go far.
Boldness above Carefulness
Molly’s bold jumping style made for quirky showjumping, but in time she adapted and could produce jumping rounds with rhythm and cadence. Molly then became the horse of a lifetime.
Kendell’s Ride
Molly had fun teaching Kendell the difference between riding ponies and horses. For two years Kendell and Molly enjoyed Pony Club camps and local competitions.
Louise’s Ride
Inevitably Kendell outgrew Molly and Louise needed a new competition horse. So little Molly became Louise’s horse of a lifetime.
Early days with Louise
Louise quickly upgraded from eventing at 80cm to eventing at 90cm. Molly performed well apart from thinking skinny jumps were beneath her. Once over this hurdle, she flew around 90 cm courses with style and precision. Initially, the show jumping phase caused problems. Both Molly and Louise found a compromise and courses could then be completed without rushing.
Molly the Winning Machine
By mid-2017 the team was unstoppable. Fresh challenges were needed for Louise and The Pocket Rocket. Bigger and more technical fences were now on the horizon with Molly stepping up to jumping 1-meter courses. Molly had a few runouts before learning her job, but by 2018 the pair hit the ground running. They were an unstoppable winning combination.
Molly flying high. She was bold and very careful at cross-country and this is a rare combination.
2018 Successes for Louise and Molly.
Louise and Molly qualified for and competed in the following fixtures:
- The National Hunter Trial Championship,
- The Festival of The Horse National Championship – Eventer Trial,
- The Riding Club 3 Day Eventing Championship,
- The Riding Club National Showjumping Championship,
- The Horse and Hound Three Day Event at Keysoe.
Little Molly flew around those huge courses with speed and precision and gave Louise the season of a lifetime.
Molly was retired in 2019
At the age of 16 and still ready to go Molly broke her pelvis while playing in the field. She is now happily retired, loved, and cared for.
Louise’s eventing dreams were made possible by this special little horse. Molly defined Louise and the team became unstoppable. Molly the Pocket Rocket had a big heart and always gave her best. You could ask for no more.
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