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Several ponies sold to Sweden
When Shane was younger, his dad had loads of horses. When Liam started in college, most of the horses were sold. Five years ago Liam started to buy horses back. Then he trained them, sold them and bought more and a little better horses, and that's how the stable has worked.
- Right now we're building the biggest sand field in the whole Ireland, and I think we have 13 or 14 stables, Shane says.
His family has been successful and they have sold many good ponies to Sweden. Shane's favourite, Carlton Flight, is still left though.
- Carlton Flight is a fantastic pony, probably the best pony we've ever had. We're not going to sell him in a long time, Shane smiles. He has actually competed in steeplechase with Carlton Flight.
Nowadays Carlton Flight takes part in Grand Prix trials. He's ridden by one of the best pony riders in Ireland, a 16-year-old boy, who last year was chosen Jockey of the Year.
Searching for favourite pony
One of the ponies sold to Sweden is Jasper. You can catch a warm twinkle in Shane's eyes when he talks about Jasper.
- If Carlton Flight is my favourite pony to ride, Jasper is still the one closest to my heart. He was a real family horse. First my brother Liam rode him, then my older sister Denise, and then me. We sold him to Sweden some years ago, and I really miss him. If I find out where he is, I want to buy him back.
Shane tells that Jasper, officially called Carlton Guy, is a small grey B pony with a short-cut mane. He's now 23 or 24.
Misses his family and friends
It's obvious that Shane misses horses a lot. When we met he hadn't ridden in six months. Being in the spotlight of fame means a lot of sacrifices but horses are always waiting for him at home.
- That's right, you have to give up a lot, but this is what I've always dreamed of. I want to be famous and sing on huge stages and sell millions of records. Even though I miss my family, my sacrifices have been worth all this. My dream has started to come true now.
He's goal-directed and very humble at the same time.
- Us band members take things as they come. We're going to continue like that, one single at a time.
Translated (from Finnish) by Pami.
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© 2001 Pami