Elisheba (Sheba) was born in June, 1976. Her sire was an Arabian stallion named Kizarin and her dam was a Welsh/Hackney cross by the name of Vicky. Sheba is a bay pinto and she is 12.2 hands tall.

Brianne Henderson was born in August, 1982. Her Dad, David, decided when she was two years old she needed to have a pony. Brianne's Mum, Janet, was very much against this idea in the beginning. A very loving Dad, and two loving grandparents took Brianne's Mum to see every little pony in the area. Janet was still not convinced. When Brianne was 2 1/2 (1985), Janet had a dream of her daughter riding a pinto pony. About two months later, quite by accident, we found someone wanting to sell a pony and she just happened to be a registered Half-Arabian. Sheba was nine years old, had been started under saddle as a six year old, and was definitely a diamond in the rough.

Sheba was one of the most wilful equine's we had ever had the pleasure of owning. Although she was a pill with the day to day training, she looked after Brianne with a wise and knowing sixth sense. Brianne showed Sheba at the Port Colborne Saddle Club's last two shows of the season (there are four per year) and won the year end trophies for leadline and turnout classes. Brianne continued to show the saddle club shows with Sheba until Brianne was 12. They have many ribbons and trophies to their credit. Brianne also competed in Pony Club events, and led the Canada Day Parade in the village every year, proudly bearing the Canadian Flag. Our diamond was now cut and polished. Brianne also rode in a few competitive trail rides with Sheba - they were never out of the top three.

At the Luther Marsh ride, Brianne was awarded water wings with her ribbon - it had been a little wet that year, and Sheba was above her knees in water at one point.

Then it was my turn. When I was three years old, my Mum and Dad arranged for a pony named Magoo to live at our farm. She was a nine hand black Shetland. I rode Magoo in many shows and parades. When I was Six I out grew Magoo, so she went back with her owners, and I started sharing Sheba with my sister.

I showed Sheba in leadline and turnout classes at the saddle club shows and we won high point and reserve high point trophies. When I was a little older, I showed her in the walk trot classes and we have trophies for those too. We held a lot of pony club events at our farm so I participated in those too.

Sheba also can be driven. When I was in grade three, my parents drove her to my school so I could do a presentation. When it was over, I drove my parents home. I like to ride Sheba over to my grandparents house, and in the winter, Sheba pulls the toboggan around the back field. Sheba likes to be "nanny" to the foals that are born here, and she has taught countless children to ride, with my Mum as coach.

In 1994, I did my first competitive rides. I was 9 years old and Sheba was 18. I started the Ganaraska training ride, but didn't finish. In July, my parents, sister and I competed in the Allen Park ride in Walkerton in the Novice division. That was a very scary ride but it was nice we all rode together.

I like the competitive trail rides because they are fun. Sheba is awesome. Nothing bothers her and she loves to move out when she sees the trail. I have learned a lot about what is a good heart rate, the importance of keeping a horse drinking and eating and soaking your horse down in the hot weather. Sheba doesn't get excited about anything on the trail and because of that, her finishing heart rate has been as low as 36.

Sheba has done about 350 competitive miles. After the Thames Valley ride in August, 1998, I announced Sheba's retirement from competitive trail riding. She is now 23 years old and still does about six lessons a week. I like to ride her for fun and she still is a blast to drive around the village. Sheba needs to feel needed - or she gets grouchy. She loves to get lots of carrots.

Drew Henderson

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