Clever, social, and quick on his feet, Atlanta makes the perfect new mount for his young and ambitious showjumping rider, Molly. With his second-place finish at Badminton Grassroots last year, his sale brought a ferocious silent bidding war as buyers fought to acquire the uniquely coloured performance stallion. Molly's mother hardly batted an eye; the pony's cost was hardly more than the handbag she'd brought back from Paris last month, and it would keep Molly busy and out of the house while she got to know the horse.

To Molly, his experience makes him a valuable partner, but his cooperation comes at a price: he regularly tests his rider, and can make schooling sessions difficult with his energetic protests at shoddy riding. Though this new duo still has the occasional miscommunication, they're quickly rising through the showing levels at the local pony club and are one of the favourites for the end-of-season Pony of the Year award.