Devastating News
Posted on 11/08/2008It is with deepest regret that we are writing this as part of our news- we cant even believe it ourselves! However last night ( Monday 28th July ) Shropshire was hit by a fierce thunder storm. Our area and specifically our yard was lashed by thunder, lightning and torrential rain. During this freak storm lightning struck two of our ponies and we have tragically lost them - Penucha Lochlan owned by Karen Gillot and ridden by Georgia Renshaw-Smith and Pebbly Pepperpot owned by Kati Choynowski and ridden by Alexa Choynowski.
We have had so many messages and calls today from the team and outside to send us their thoughts. Thank you - it has made the day seem a little better to know that so many of you are thinking about us all and specifically Alexa and Georgia. We have lost two great ponies who were loved by us all.
RIP x
We have had such an overwhelming response this afternoon from everyone, including phone calls texts and emails (including one from one of Peppers(Blues) first jockeys Mum, who used to hunt her!) we felt it was only right to share the messages with you all...........
Dear Julie and all,
this is a very belated message to you all, the 2 darling ponys wee
riders.
I cannot imagine the pain you have all felt, I prey that time will
heal, and those precious memories you will all keep in your hearts.
How very lucky we are, to enjoy them, and I know they can never be
replaced but we will all appreciate our ponies so much now.
Both will be in a magical place, alongside so many special ponies and
people, and be gaurding their young jockeys in the future.
With all our thoughts and love
Linda, Robyn(NCPA Cumbria bursery winner) her sister Mel and all of us
at Moschatel Ponies,
Penrith, Cumbria
Huge hugs for the girls x x x xx x
i was devastated to hear about blue (as i knew her). Blue gave me my biggest success in the show ring and my only ride at HOYS in 2003. where we were placed 3rd in the non natives. she made me cry on many occasions when i rode her, and i was in tears when i read some of the lovely comments people have made. in the showing world she clearly made a big impact on peoples lives. she made many peoples dreams come true! she bought so much joy to all of her owners and riders. we were all blessed to have had her and i hope alexa continues her successful season, its such a shame she wont be able to have blue. thank you blue for everything you really were one in a million, we will never forget you. alice and beverley daffurn. R.I.P "pebbly pepper pot" xxxxxxx
just returned from holiday my thoughts are with you all god bless lisa and brooke
very sorry to hear about your wonderfull ponies god be with you Terry Mellor
Julie, I just wanted to send my condolances, I have only just heard about your ponies from our farrier. I am so sorry to hear of your loss and hope the children soon feel better. Best Wishes Sharon Harrison x
Dear Georgia and Alexa I am so sorry to hear the very sad news about your best friends LOCKY and PEPPER .I feel very sorry for you ,it is such a shock . I am sure they will be doing there best gallops in pony heaven . love from Jessie duncalf xxx
so sorry to here about 'the ponies' please pass on condolences to all concerned. 'pepperpot' had many fans within chapsuk and will be missed. regards Caroline Hamilton
so sorry to hear about the two ponies and our thoughts are with you all. Love leah and jan p.scame on to check results as we are in fuerturvetura see you soon!
Just heard your terrible news, thinking of you all. Love from all at Basford Stud
hi guys the same thing happenned to one of my ponies 2 years ago. I would never wish it on my worst enemy. Unfortunately my pony was not killed straight away and was found in the paddock in the morning. But if he hadn't been killed then i would not of had Moortown Hamish who is a lovely pony. So just remember to hold your chins high because something great is just around the corner! Jack Bowlby
Julie, Fiona and all, So very sorry to hear of your devastating news and the loss of two wonderful ponies. Our hearts go out to all concerned. David Thomas and family.
To Julie and all at Long Barn Words cannot express how sorry I am to hear your sad news. Our thoughts go out to you and all involved especially Alexa. Lots of Amanda, Ian and Liberty x
Dear Julie and the Team, We are so sorry to hear of your dreadfull loss, what a tragedy, you must all be devestated. Thinking of you all at this time Lorna Fitzgerald, Jenny and Alice Greenwood xx
Just heard your tragic news deeply sorry thinking of you all and the children love Jayne Tarnya shields
Have just heard the terrible news about the ponies. Please can you let Katie and Alexi know that we're thinking about them at such a sad time. Nick, Nicky, Jack, Harry and Georgie
Dear Julie, So sorry to hear this very sad news! you must be feeling terrible. Our thoughts are with you and the little jockeys, and all concerned. Love, Kathy and Amy Mitten xxxxxx
Sorry to read your sad news on the website , we are thinking of you all with special thoughts for the children. anne, nicola and family
hi julie, fiona and team so sorry to hear about locky and pepper i no mum text u but i feel that i should tell you that we are all thinking of you and im truely sorry for the loss of two great ponies in the prime of there lifes. Also i dont no weather you no but we owned locky as a foal and broke him in then sold him to sarah so i really feel for both owners, jockeys and everyone esle involved this is really a sad sad loss. we have a lovely picture here of what sarah sent after lockey went supreme at soctish horse in 2007 and i have framed it and put it up in the kitchen. words can not express the feelings yu must be going through. all my love and thoughts go to you all at this tragic time. lots of love for you all bertie xxxxx
Julie we have just heard your dreadful news. Our thoughts are with those little jockeys, the family's, your team and of course yourself and Fiona. Kobbe family.
To all at julie templetons show team and the owners Due to me not having access to my computer for the last few days i am emailing with great sympathy for the loss of the 2 ponies . How tragic. Heart goes out to you all. RIP Zara xx
Dear Julie and team, We met at Three Counties (Arthur's breeder). I'm so sorry to hear your tragic news. Terrifying. My sincere condolences to all concerned. Sarah Borg
Hi So sorry to hear your very sad news our hearts go out to all concerned. with love Kelly Nick Emily and Ruby Ward Anne and Caroline Lyons xxxxxxxxx
Hi Julie and Team Not seen you for a while but mum keeps me updated.However, i would like to offer my deepest sympathies to you all regarding the loss of 2 very special ponies! It is such a tragedy and appears unjust and unfair when something like this happens. We're thinking of you all at this sad time RIP little ponies Rebecca and Marian Sargent
Hi Julie and Fiona, I was horrified to hear your news yesterday. I am so sorry and can't imagine how devastated you must all feel. My thoughts are with you, Phill.x.
Hi Julie and Fiona, so sorry to hear what happened to your two little ponies both Dannie and
i are gutted 4 u and little jockeys. only wrote on horse gossip what a cute pair they were when they
won the royal. Just wanted to say sorry for all invloved, good job you are such a tight unit together.
Lots of love kim and Dannie Brice xx
Julie Have just heard the sad news. Really sorry 4 u and the children
Kath, Gem and sophie x
So sorry for your loss thinking of you all bev and simone x x
DEAR JULIE,FIONA,MITCH AND THE REST OF THE TEAM. JUST HEARD THE DEVASTATING NEWS OF YOUR TWO PONIES.WE'VE LOST FOUR OVER THE YEARS AND KNOW THE HEARTACHE IT CAUSES.JUST TO LET YOU KNOW WE'RE THINKING OF YOU ALL AT THIS SAD TIME AND THE LITTLE JOCKEYS WHOSE PONIES THEY WERE. LOVE AND HUGS SHELLY,PAULINE AND KERRY ARGYLE. XXXXXXXXX
Really really sorry to hear about your ponies. Hope you and Fiona are OK
Tana
I have just heard the awful news following the recent storm.
Although we are not involved with you personally in your yard please accept our sympathy following such a devastating blow for you all.
An absolute nightmare we all fear.
Our thoughts go out to you and all your team.
Regards
Mandy & Jennifer
Moor Hall Stud
Hi Julie and Fiona We have just heard about the horses that was struck by lightening. Sorry to hear this its such a freak of nature. Keep you chin up and I hope things get better for you Paula and Laura
Hi Julie & Fiona
God knows how you feel this morning. Sorry it was only a quick text yesterday, but I heard the news on the way to my lessons
so could only do a quick reply. Our thoughts are with you all at this time especially the two little girls.
Love Nigel, Stuart, Penny, Alex, Stacey and all at Blue Slate xx
SORRY TO HEAR YOUR DEVASTATING NEWS THINKING OF YOU ALL EVE AND SHANNON X
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... My heartfelt condolences to all concerned. Heather x
i am so sorry to here about the ponies loss i hope it all gets better me and mum have had a good cry about it and they are not even are own ponies love from oliver beebee
So sorry to hear about the tragic loss of two of your lovely ponies, my thoughts are with you and those two little girls who must be devastated. Take Care, Pauline
So sorry to read your terrible news, they were both lovely ponies, can we offer you all our sincerest condolences and our thoughts are with you at this dreadful time. Avril and Tori
Hannah and myself send our condolences to all concerned, especially the children xxx
Just heard your terrible news, what an absolute nightmare for you all, we are so sorry for your loss. Simone and Carol Gilbert-Scott
So sorry to hear your sad news.Thinking of you all - Richard and Mei
Hey always have a look at your site to read the reports and results, so shocked to hear about your loss yesterday. My thoughts are with you and the children who lost there ponies, :) When i lost one of my horses when i was younger i was sent this, There's no need to cry I'll tell you the secret of why horses die I go to a pasture that's far away and above, But know that we're forever bound by our love I'll make hoofprints to heaven So you'll find your way, Wear the path smooth to keep you from wandering astray I'll carry your guardian angel nearby, With my wings wipe the tears from your soul when you cry, If you're ever alone, Or your life's hard to lead, Close your eyes and remember Me, your eternal steed, Who awaits, at the gates to carry you home So the last journey you make Is not made alone On my golden hooves we'll gallop, And on silver wings fly, Yes, this is the secret Of why horses die.
Will Parkinson
Dear Julie + Fiona, Just a note to say how sorry we all are to hear your terrible news about your two gorgeous ponies. The two little girls must be completely devastated and we cannot imagine the pain and shock that you must all be feeling. Take Care and you are all in our prayers, RIP little ponies Love Karen, Richard, Oliver and Dominic Beebee xxx
Dear Julie, Fiona, Alexa, Georgia and all, Our thoughts are with you all at this very sad time. Love Amelia, Peter and Sophie xxx
Hi julie and fiona, i am really sorry to hear what happened, I really loved pepper pot and watching her and Alexa. Its such a shame. All my love Charlotte Thompson
Hi Julie & Fiona, sal has just texted me the terrible news. All thoughts are with u and the owners. Sally Stuart x
I'm so sorry to hear of your devastating news. Best wishes to all those concerned with the tragic loss Henry
So sorry to hear about your lovely ponies. Thinking of u all. Maggie, keith, and duncan x
Thinking of you all at this tragic time. So so sorry 2 hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you all. Abbie & Keren x
Myles has phoned and told me the awful news; he was so upset for his
friend Alexa!
My heart goes out to Julie and Fiona, I know how tragic and totally
devastating it is to loose any animal, let alone two little superstars!
Thinking of you all at this very sad time.
Carol Cooper.xxx
Hi Julie and Fiona just to say how sorry we r 2 hear of your awful news it must be dreadful for all of you and your team. Best wishes gill, nick, charlotte and oliver
So very sorry to hear of last nights tragedy. A terrible event for you all to deal with. Sheelagh x
Hope yr all ok thinkin bout ya. so sorry 2 hear about the ponies. lv ana and bert x
Just heard of your tragic news. Really sorry. Our thoughts are with you. Edward, dinah and collette x
so sorry to hear about the two ponies what a tragic accident . Both
ponies were a credit to their jockeys and the team. Love to you all.
Team emmerson
Hi - Mum just told me the news about Blue (Pepper) and i am really sad for alexa cos she was lovely when I met her at Towerlands. I will always remember Blue as a great all round superstar - brillant at showing off but fab at hunting too. She was loved by us all and I will miss seeing her around - harry gaunt xx
Hi,
We are very sorry to hear about the sad loss of the ponies and hope
you are all okay.
Tracey
so sorry to hear your tragic news devastated for you all x
Hi Julie,
Sue stayed over here last night, and told us the terrible news this
morning about the loss of your two ponies in the thunder storm. I'm
terribly sorry to hear it--it must have been an absolute nightmare, and I
can't begin to imagine how you and Fiona must have felt. I've just been
looking at your site (your mum gave me the address) and had only just
been admiring the little Pebbles pony when it occurred to me to look on
the news page and I realised that she was one of the ponies killed.
I hope you're both as okay as is possible in the circumstances, and
also the children who owned the ponies.
Love, and hope to see you at some stage soon,
Shirl xxx
We have just heard of your devastating news, we all send our love to you all. Debbie Morgan x
DEAR ALEXA JULIE AND FIONA
SORRY ABOUT PEPPER POT GETTING ILL AND DYEING SHE WAS A CUTE PONY AND
YOU LOOKED REALLY GOOD ON HER SHE WILL BE GALLOPING AROUND THE FIELDS IN
PONY HEAVEN
LOTS OF LOVE FROM
MYLES AND BUMBLE
XX 00
hi,
you dont know me but i am so sorry to hear on the tragic
incident that has happened. i feel so sorry for everyone on the team and
especially the young girls. i am only 13 and can imagine how they feel.
all my love elle xxx
just read your news and really cannot believe it. how sad we feel for
you all,give the little girls a big hug from us all. love mark,sian
william & paige johnson xx
My thoughts are with you and your jockey's at this very sad time ,
there are no words that can heal the pain you all must be going through.
Take care Vanessa xx
Just to say that am really sorry about the loss of pebbly pepperpot
what a stunning pony she was and she was a credit to you and your
team!!!!!!!! my heart goes out to her little jockey as i lost my pony at
christmas so have a understanding of how she feels laura mundy aged 12 x
R.I.P pepper xxx
So Sad to hear the new, those poor ponies and the little jockeys not to
mention everyone who has been involved with them, They will be much
missed in the showing world by such a dreadful freak accident. Our love
and thoughts are with you all Tracey Parry xxxxx
Words are never easy at such difficult times. Steph, Tristan and Jenny would offer this small token of our support and appreciation of such a tragic and very sad loss. Our thoughts are all with you x (Flowers now on Peppers grave) x
It seems unreal that two such beautiful ponies can be cruelly taken
away in one blow. Please pass on our regards and sympathies to the
jockeys and owners. xx Heather
Devastated 2 hear the awful news please pass on my condolences 2 everyone concerned. I know the owners will be stunned but its particularly hard 4 you both and michele to have to cope with but thank god neither you fiona or michele or anyone else was killed along with the ponies. Thinking of you all Maureen x
so sorry to hear your tragic news. Our thoughts are with all
connections. Such a sad loss to the showing world. Karen Archer
Dear Julie and Fiona,
You don't know me, but just to say all my thoughts are with you after
last night. My sister was struck by lightning last year, but even so I
can't begin to imagine what you're going through after losing two such
gorgeous ponies. Just remember all the happy times and success they
shared with their little jockeys.
Love,
Claire x
So so sorry to hear your awfull news, our thoughts are with you and
especially the little jockeys. Love The Aherns xxx
so sorry to hear of the loss of your ponies, really feel for you and
the little ones, but hope they remember the good times and fun they had
together Shelley Jones xx
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your 2 lovely ponies and want you to know I am thinking of you all especially the children. Love Pat Murphy, Caroline and Margaret Saul x
I cannot believe what I have just read. My deepest sympathy to you all,
especially the kiddies. It is such sad news and my thoughts are with
you. laura borrell xx
We would like to express to you all our condolences on losing two
lovely ponies. It could have happened to any of us with ponies out last
night (all ours were out too). We wish their little jockey much success and
happiness with any future ponies.
Allan, Paula, Katy and Alastair Seedhouse.
So very sorry to hear your devasting news today!! Our thoughts, as a
family, are with you all. No words can unfortunately help at a time
like this but I just felt that I needed to pass on our deepest sympathies
to you all.
From one showing family to another
RIP little ponies xx
Evening, we still cant really believe your devestating news we cannot
imagine the shock and horror and how aweful it must have been to pass on
such sad news to the families, our thoughts go out to the girls. Holly and Amanda x
So Sorry to hear the terrible news about the ponies, very sorry for you all, love penny h x
Thats terrible about your ponies, what tragic news Mandy
Im so sorry to hear your sad news. Pepper was such a little character of a pony.
Thinking of you and Fiona Take care Claudia xx
Sorry about your dreadful news. Life can suck! Stuart x
Heart breaking news my thoughts are with you all debbie
Sorry 2 hear the sad news! Thinking of u all at Longbarn... Sandra kel and ali xx
Hope you are all OK all my love laura x
O my god - anything I can do please ring thinking of you all marie x
Am so sorry 4 u and the children. After all your care and dedication this is the last thing you deserve louise x
Omigod! Unbelievable. Dont know what 2 say Gillian x
Dear All, I was so sorry to read the sad news. Our thoughts are with you all.
Such a waste of two lovely ponies.
Love from all of the Hulme Family
Dear julie and Fiona,
Its with great sadness I write this Email, I cant imagine what you must all be going through.
Our thoughts are with all.
James,and Soph, xxx
From Horse Gossip .......
RIP ponies.
This is such a shame and it makes everyother horse/pony owner worried about the animal when they are out in a storm
I am so sorry to hear that., my heart goes out to all concerend x
RIP poor ponies, thoughts are with all those connected xxx
R.I.P Pepperpot.......such a stunner!!!!
xxx
Realy sorry for your loss, 
This is a terrible tragedy, my heart and best wishes go out to every one concerned with these two little treasures.
R.I.P Little darlings.
So sorry to hear about the ponies, my thoughts are with the riders, ponies and templeton show team x x
A devastating loss, had a big lump in my throat when I read the comments on Julies website. My thoughts are with all involved xxxx
Such a touching tribute to the two beautiful ponies on Julies website. Cant even begin to imagine how they must be feeling. Such a tragic loss. Deepest sympathies to all involved, especially the two little jockeys xWell done to everyone who competed, the standard of horses and ponies were amazing. One of the highlights of my week was seeing Julie Templeton's team on I think Thursday morning all riding down by the bridge and having FUN - that is what its all about.
Yes Julie Temps Team had a fab time - gave the ponies a funride around the grounds - this was Peppers last outing and gave her little jockey a fantastic time cantering around with the big kids. Julie always believes that the kids should have fun as well as the serious stuff.
Gone but never forgotton
Such a shame to loose two very good ponies
RIP x
This is sooo sad R.I.P
xxx
Cannot believe it, am totally shocked, adored this little pony and rider. Rip xxx
RIP ponies. How tragic for everyone concerned
Julie, Fiona & team have posted some very brave & lovely words on their website.
Totally devastating news. My heart goes out to the girls.
what a terrible tragedy ....RIP x
What a terrible thing to happen.
Sitting here in floods just reading this can't imaginge how Julie and her team are feeling.
My thoughts are with all those concerened especially the little girls that rode them so beautifully.
R.I.P
So sorry to hear about this terrible incident. My heart goes out to all the connections of these two ponies especially their jockeys - both were such super ponies and will be sadly missed in our small world of showing. RIP.
So sorry! My pony was anoying Pepperpot only a few days ago at rihs, he was eating grass to near to her! So hard to think she is now gone! RIP both ponies you where both stunning. xx
what a tragic loss. My heart goes out to the little girls and all at Templeton show team, too sad to put into words
Awful tragedy, thoughts to all... R.I.P
What a tragic loss, rip.
Oh goodness me i recognise both those ponies names i dont think Lochlan had been with this owner long if i recall, thats so sad, im sorry sorry, heartfelt condlenses to all concerned
Cannot believe it, am totally shocked, adored this little pony and rider. Rip xxx
How awful for all concerned, especially the children, our thoughts are with you at this very sad time. RIP
How tragic.RIP little ponies and thoughts to all concerned
what awful news, my condolences to the owners and riders
i am finding this so hard to write with tears running down my face can hardly see, it is so sad as they made the most cute pair i have seen for a long time, i am so sad for all involved its terrible for the children they must be heart broken. R I P.
Very sad, my heart goes out to all concerned. Like caroline1278 I had read recently about the ponies on the website, and was so touched how peppers little jockey just spoke about her so lovingly and was so proud. An awful tragedy for anyone, but for such a little 'un to lose her pony this way is heartbreaking. And not just her, the other child also must be equally as devastated. I feel for all involved to be honest, I cant begin to imagine the pain.
RIP little ponies.......
What a horrible tragedy. RIP little ponies love and hugs to all concerned
So so sorry to hear this tragic news, its heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers go out to julie and her team, the owners and jockey's and all the staff.
At least you have the memories of these beautiful ponies and were luck enough to be a part of their lives.
God Bless them and take good care of them in that pasture in the sky, Gone but never forgotten.
Loads of love
Shirley
So sad, I was just reading about these ponies on the website last night. My thoughts are with all involved with these poor ponies. R.I.P
How awful for all concerned, such a tragic loss. My thoughts to, are with all the ponies connections. R.I.P.
R.I.P pepper
So sorry to hear of the loss of two lovely ponies, our thoughts are with the two little girls and the rest of the team.
R.I.P
Im an soo sorry what a stunning pony pepper was and a credit to julie tempelton and her team my heart goes out to his little jockey she must be deverstated i lost my 12'2 show pony at chistmas and it is an awful thing to happen to a little girl !!!!
R.I.P pepper
R.I.P im soo sorry for all of you
RIP pepper, I have fondly followed this pony since it first came out as a youngster. Such a tragic loss. Everyones thoughts are with all connections and of course the little jockeys xx
i am so sorry to hear this.
R.I.P pepper.
"Only you know how you would feel at this time, everyones thoughts are with you"
xx
Godbless both the ponies and the poor little jockeys xx
This is sooo Tradgic .. when i heard i just couldnt believe it! What stunning little ponies ... My thoughts are with team templeton and the little girls and there familys who own these ponies!
it makes you realise that you never know whats round the corner ..
Poor souls, how heartbreaking. It was the most violent thunderstorm I have seen for ages.
What an awful awful tragedy. RIP to those 2 ponies and love and huggs to all concerned.xxxx
How awful!
Thoughts to all concerned.
RIP
This such terrible news i was hoping it was just a horrid rumour-
Both ponies where not only winners but best friends to there jockeys and familys. My heart goes out to all concerned.
RIP little ponies. x x x
I was so hoping it wasn't true!
What a sad sad loss Alexa and Pepper where a fab combination my heart goes out to the Family and all @ Long barn Stables.
how tragic, our thoughts are with everyone involved x
What sad news. Super pony. Sympathy to everyone x
How very sad. Condolences to all connections
Good god what a tragic thing to happen. Sorry to hear this
So sorry. Thoughts with those connected, and of course little jockey.
Yes, what a terrible thing to happen, our thoughts area with all those connected,especially the little jockey xx
What a horrible loss! I love that pony!
My heart goes out to her little rider....no child should have to go through losing their best friend!
My thoughts are with everyone connected with the pony we are in the same area and the weather was truly awful last night and I had ponies out over night very nearly went to get them in at one point the lightening went on for hours over us.
RIP Pepperpot
OMG !!!! we never know what is round the corner??
RIP little pony
thoughts are with every one connected xxxxxxxxxxxx
How very sad RIP xx
OMG That is awful, poor ponies and poor owners. Pepperpot was one of my favourite ponies for a long time.
What terrible news my heart goes out to all. xxx
How absolutely awful- my heartfelt condolences, such a lovely pony.
Phone calls from ......
Tony Fluck
Helen Mccerron
Sally Coates
Julie Cook
Amanda Welford
Becky Newby
Claire Dawkes
Pam Wallace
Lisa and Kevin Galbraith
Amelia Taylor
Heather Turner
Kirsty Duncalf
Angela Haynes and family
Kris McCall
Mandy Haddon
Paddy Ahern