This prestigious new sale will present an exclusive collection of elite ownership opportunities from one of Britain’s most respected and prolific pony breeding programmes.
Thistledown Stud has produced generations of ponies celebrated for their elegance, temperament, and success in the show ring.
Official Auctioneers: Clee Thompkinson & Francis, 13 Lion Street, Brecon, Powys, LD3 7HY.
Catalogues are now available to purchase. Call Grandstand Media on 02476 858 205 to pay for and reserve a hard copy, which will be posted directly to you – £7 including postage.
Lot 1
THISTLEDOWN JENSON
Sire: Mompesson Wild Party
Dam: Thistledown Glorious Lustre
Born 2018, 7 year old – Gelding – Chestnut – 13hh – Section B
This lot is one of the stars of the sale. A proper hunter pony with bone and substance. He has started his education with Sharn Linney and an update of his progress will be given on sale day.
Lot 2
THISTLEDOWN RIBBON TOPPER
Sire: Thistledown Porsche
Dam: Thistledown Velvet Ribbon
Born 2022, 3 year old – Colt – Grey – 11.2hh – Section A
This colt has done a few shows this year for education but we see his future with a saddle on. He is by Thistledown Porsche, a former Royal Welsh Male Champion and out of Thistledown Velvet Ribbon who is out of a full sister to the five times HOYS winner Thistledown Van-Der-Vaart. Royal Blood indeed.
Lot 3
THISTLEDOWN CHANCELLOR
Sire: Thistledown Stroma
Dam: Thistledown Princess Charlotte
Born 2021, 4 year old – Gelding – Grey – 11.3hh – Section A
A lovely little gelding who has been broken by Sophie Webster. His mother was sold at the WPCS sale in 2022 for £5,000 and has since produced a Royal Welsh Male Champion this year. Thistledown Stroma has produced stars for Thistledown Stud and for Friars Stud. Chancellor has the sweetest temperament and handled daily by children.
Lot 4
THISTLEDOWN BOOM BANG-A-BANG
Sire: Thistledown Esteem
Dam: Thistledown Lulu
Born 2020, 5 year old – Mare – Grey – Section A
Probably the most experienced of our Lead Rein offers at this sale. She has been to a few shows this year and already has a championship to her name. Hacks out and rides off the lead at home. Thistledown Esteem’s daughter is definitely top class. Broken by Christina Gillet.
Lot 5
THISTLEDOWN SYMPHONY
Sire: Thistledown Esteem
Dam: Thistledown Something Special
Born 2018, 7 years old – Mare – Grey – 11.3hh – Section A
Mares as nice as this don’t come on the market that often, Esteem is the HOYS top Section A Sire by some distance and he leaves lovely temperament in his stock. Her dam, Something Special has had several relatives at HOYS. We believe this mare could compete in Lead Rein or First Ridden classes. Broken by Sharn Linney and looks like she could be a star.
Lot 6
THISTLEDOWN CAERWYN
Sire: Thistledown Artic Air
Dam: Thistledown Cwm-rhondda
Born 2021, 4 year old – Gelding – Chestnut – 12.1hh approx. – Section B
We believe this one could squeeze into the 123 Show Hunter Pony Class. He has nice bone and is a lovely mover. He is with Craig Elenor for breaking and further details of his progress will be declared at the sale.
Lot 7
THISTLEDOWN GRACELAND
Sire: Mompesson Wild Party
Dam: Thistledown Goodness Gracious
Born 2018, 7 year old – Mare – Roan – 13.2hh – Section B
A full up Section B, which is very hard to find. Her mother was broken to ride and Mompesson Wild Party has produced some lovely ridden ponies for Thistledown Stud including HOYS winners. Graceland is ready to hit the show circuit having been broken by Sharn Linney.
Lot 8
THISTLEDOWN ATLANTA
Sire: Kallared Heartbeat
Dam: Thistledown Athene
Born 2025 – Colt – Grey – Section B
A top class colt foal by this years HOYS Section B winner and out of Thistledown Athene, who has won at the Royal Welsh and Royal Welsh Winter Fair. Thistledown Athene has also qualified for The Price Family In Hand in 2023. If we like Kallared Heartbeat, you should like the foal.
Lot 9
THISTLEDOWN SPRIG OF HEATHER
Sire: Thistledown Special Agent
Dam: Thistledown Scotch Heather
Born 2020, 5 year old – Gelding – Grey – Section A
A gelding with a lot of potential, who has just recently been bitted. If you like breaking yourself, here is your opportunity. His sire, Thistledown Special Agent, has several relatives at HOYS, including, Thistledown Special Edition, Thistledown Special VIP, and Thistledown The Special One. His mother, Thistledown Scotch Heather was a sister to Thistledown Scotch Whiskey, who was one of the first Thistledown’s to qualify for Olympia.
Lot 10
THISTLEDOWN BLUE GRASS
Sire: Thistledown El Toro
Dam: Thistledown Forever-blue
Born 2019, 6 year old – Gelding – Grey – Section A
We think this gelding will make a top class Lead Rein Hunter Pony, although he is also safe off the lead. His sire, Thistledown El Toro is the best moving stallion at Thistledown, and many will have seen him in the ring at HOYS and top county shows. Thistledown Forever-blue is one of the stars of the 100 strong A broodmares at Thistledown. This gelding has been broken by Sharn Linney and is ready to hit the show scene.
Lot 11
THISTLEDOWN AIR CADET
Sire: Thistledown Artic Air
Dam: Mintfield Aurora
Born 2021, 4 year old – Gelding – Chestnut – 12.2hh – Section B
A lovely gelding who could suit the American market. He has good bone and is being broken by the Craig Elenor Show Team. Further progress will be declared at the sale. Related to some of our best performance geldings, which have gone abroad.
Lot 12
THISTLEDOWN KINGDOM OF GOLD
Sire: Thistledown Artic Air
Dam: Thistledown Love Over Gold
Born 2021, 4 year old – Gelding – Chestnut – 12.1hh approx. – Section B
We believe this pony might squeeze into the 123cm Show Hunter Pony class, and you know how hard they are to find. He is a lovely mover with good flat bone and a beautiful front. Groundwork will be done prior to the sale by the Broughton Stud, and he will be ready to back.
Lot 13
THISTLEDOWN SISKIN
Sire: Thistledown Vanbasten
Dam: Thistledown Songbird
Born 2020, 5 year old – Mare – Chestnut Roan – 11.3hh – Section A
Something very different for the Lead Rein class, she has lovely bone and feather and is a very special mover. Thistledown Siskin is similar to Thistledown Red Wine who was second at HOYS this year. Thistledown Vanbasten is a half-brother to Thistledown Van-Der-Vaart and Thistledown Songbird is a Royal Welsh prize winner. This pony is bred to go to the very top as a Lead Rein with Waxwing blood on both sides of the pedigree. Do not miss this one. Broken by Sharn Linney.
Lot 14
THISTLEDOWN RAINMAKER
Sire: Mowbray Pilgrim
Dam: Thistledown Summer Rain
Born 2020, 5 year old – Gelding – grey – 12.2hh – Section B
A lovely grey gelding who is a beautiful mover. A very kind pony, who will have a very bright future under saddle. He has been bitted and long reined but has not been sat on yet. Several of his siblings out of Thistledown Summer Rain have gone on to be top ridden ponies.
Lot 15
THISTLEDOWN THE ICE KING
Sire: Thistledown Esteem
Dam: Thistledown Weeping-Willow
Born 2020, 5 year old – Gelding – Grey -11.3hh – Section A
This gelding has been broken by Sophie Webster and her young daughters. He has been out in novice and open classes with these young girls on him all summer. Several of his siblings have qualified for HOYS including Thistledown Iceman and Thistledown Ice Warrior. If you are looking to buy a top first ridden, this should be the one.
Lot 16
THISTLEDOWN WHISTLE POP
Sire: Thistledown Artic Air
Dam: Thistledown Lollipop
Born 2021, 4 year old – Mare – Liver Chestnut – 12.2hh – Section B
“If I was twenty years younger, I would not be selling this lovely mare”- Sandy Anderson. She has the best of Cottrell breeding on both sides of her pedigree.
Lot 17
THISTLEDOWN DANCE OF THE SUGAR PLUM FAIRY
Sire: Rendene Royal Charm
Dam: Thistledown Fantasia
Born 2021, 4 year old – Gelding – Roan – 13hh – British Riding Pony
This gelding has been broken by The Craig Elenor Show Team, and we all think he is very special. He is a fantastic mover and could go to the top as a SHP or Working Hunter. The choice is yours, but if you have the jockey, this could go all the way in the Arena of Dreams.
Lot 18
THISTLEDOWN MADISON
Sire: Thistledown Artic Air
Dam: Thistledown Corn Marigold
Born 2022, 3 year old – Colt – Chestnut – 13.1hh – Section B
This colt has been shown very successfully this year, winning bronze, silver & gold medals. He was Youngstock Champion at the Royal Welsh and Reserve overall. Champion B at the Pembroke County and Bath & West, as well as many other successes. He has a lovely temperament, we believe he will have a great future under saddle.
Lot 19
THISTLEDOWN PUSSY CAT
Sire: Donys Gwrda
Dam: Thistledown Little Miss Muffet
Born 2020, 5 year old – Mare – Bay – 13hh approx. – Section C
The only C we have in the sale, but she is top class. Thistledown Donys Gwrda is the sire of this years M&M Champion at HOYS, Thistledown Superstar. The dam of this mare, Thistledown Little Miss Muffet, goes back to the famous Wyken Rob Roy, who’s breeding dominated the C’s at HOYS for quite a few years. She has been broken by the Gillett Show Team and is developing well. One not to miss.
Lot 20
THISTLEDOWN ARISTOCRAT
Sire: Rendene Royal Charm
Dam: Thistledown Aileen
Born 2021, 4 year old – Gelding – Bay/Brown – 12.2hh approx. – British Riding Pony
The first Thistledown riding pony to be sold at auction. We think this is a pretty good first attempt. He is being broken by Sharn Linney, and could squeeze in at 12.2hh, but he has not been officially measured. Further details on how far he has come on will be declared on the day.
Lot 21
THISTLEDOWN PILOT
Sire: Thistledown Artic Air
Dam: Paddock Plush
Born 2021, 4 year old – Gelding – Chestnut – 12.3hh – Section B
A nice gelding again by Artic Air. An outstanding mover, all groundwork will be done by the Broughton Stud, and will be ready to back by the sale.
Lot 22
THISTLEDOWN SHEER ROCK
Sire: Thistledown Artic Air
Dam: Thistledown Sheer Lustre
Born 2021, 4 year old – Stallion – Chestnut – 12.3hh – Section B
This stallion is truly bred in the purple and a super mover. He is out of the same dam at Thistledown Shereef, who was twice gold medal winner at the Royal Welsh and second at HOYS under saddle. Thistledown Sheer Lustre was also a gold medal winner at the Royal Welsh. This stallion could have a bright future under saddle either as an entire or gelded. He has a great temperament and should be ridden away by the sale.
Lot 23
THISTLEDOWN KINGFISHER
Sire: Thistledown Artic Air
Dam: Thistledown Gala Queen
Born 2022, 3 year old – Gelding – Chestnut – 13hh – Section B
We think a lot of this pony. Thistledown Stud would have kept him as a stallion if he had two testicles. Our loss is someone’s gain, as this is one of the best in the sale. Shown as a yearling, he was never out of the top 3 and Reserve Champion at The Royal Welsh Winter Fair. This year he has been broken by Team Tibbey and has progressed well.
Lot 24
THISTLEDOWN JOYCE
Sire: Thistledown Artic Air
Dam: Rhydspence Sheer Joy
Born 2019, 6 year old – Mare – Chestnut – 13.2hh – Section B
If you miss out on the earlier up to height Section B, this one may suit you better. Thistledown Joyce is full up 13.2hh and very athletic, not yet broken.
Lot 25
THISTLEDOWN TALISK
Sire: Thistledown Breeze Up
Dam: Thistledown Silver Lustre
Born 2019, 6 year old – Gelding – Roan – 13hh – Section B
A really top class SHP, broken by Team Gillett, we believe will be a star of next years showing circuit. Ponies of this calibre do not come on the market every day of the week. This could be the next Thistledown Sea Mariner – a regular star at HOYS.
Lot 26
THISTLEDOWN KING OF THEIVES
Sire: Thistledown Artic Air
Dam: Thistledown Gala Queen
Born 2021, 4 year old – Gelding – Liver Chestnut – 12.2hh – Section B
This pony had a fantastic season in hand in 2024. With Championship at Royal Three Counties, Royal Bath & West and several wins including Royal Cheshire. Since then, he has been gelded and broken by Sharn Linney. He would make a great First Ridden or a junior pony. A real big mover who will go far in the right hands.
Lot 27
THISTLEDOWN KINGS CROSS
Sire: Thistledown Sherreef
Dam: Thistledown Gala Queen
Born 2025 – Colt – Chestnut – 12.3 full grown – Section B
The pedigree of this colt is outstanding, he is full of Royal Welsh Champions in his back pedigree, and he looks certain to make a stallion. However, he could also follow the performance route, as he is a half-brother to the previous lot, Thistledown King of Thieves.
Lot 28
THISTLEDOWN PEARL CITY
Sire: Thistledown Sherreef
Dam: Paddock Pearly Necklance
Born 2025 – Colt – Chestnut – Section B
A really nice colt foal who has already been a champion at Avon & Borders.
We expect this colt to collect many more ribbons as he is a super mover and smart looker.
Lot 29
THISTLEDOWN MORTY
Sire: Thistledown Hawaii Five O
Dam: Thistledown Special Moment
Born 2021, 4 year old – Gelding – Grey – 11.3hh approx. – Section A
This pony is very used to small riders and will make a top class First Ridden. His sire, Thistledown Hawaii Five O has graced the Arena of Dreams and his dam, Thistledown Special Moment is a sister to Thistledown Special VIP, Thistledown The Special One and Thistledown Special Edition, all of whom have appeared at HOYS. He has been broken by Sophie Webster and her two young daughters.
Lot 30
THISTLEDOWN LILLIAN
Sire: Thistledown Hawaii Five O
Dam: Thistledown Lilibet
Born 2021, 4 year old – Mare – Grey – 11.2hh – Section A
If you miss some of the broken A’s earlier in the sale you might fancy this one to bring on yourself. Thistledown Hawaii Five O has proved himself at HOYS level and Thistledown Lilibet is a daughter of the famous Gartconnel Shooting Star who has nothing to prove under saddle or in hand. This mare will be a top class ridden in any company.
