Gems Ballykissangel
Photograph by Real Time Imaging

After winning the 133cms HOYS WHP class in 2000 with Shandryn April’s Lad, we never dreamed of owning another superstar until good friend Aly Boswell presented “Boysie” to us.

Soon, Lauren and “Boysie” (Gems Ballykissangel) were filling the house with trophies and rosettes. His amazing jump and paces tempted us to go down the FEI route but with his looks
and manners, the workers prevailed along with as much eventing and hunting as we could.

Bred by Richard Deptford, Boysie is one of the last of the Pretty Polly line. Coincidentially, Pretty Polly was partnered by Aly Boswell as a child.

Boysie and Lauren’s successes are too numerous to mention but their highlights are their 2003 win at HOYS after being 2nd in 2002. Two years on the winning English Teams plus the individual 14hh. Many championships at Peterborough and winning the 2004 Champion of Champions and finally their swansong, winning the Desert Orchid after jumping the only clear round and then taking the championship.

So, thank you Boysie, for four wonderful years and good luck to the Malins who are his proud new owners. We hope Sam and his brothers and sister will have as much fun as we have had with him.