It took some convincing but I managed to convince Sandra to let a colt out of the Astral camp.  Maximus of Astral was finally mine, a lifetime dream had come true.  Maximus is by Strinesdale Matador (AI UK) (Twylands Troubadour / Gredington Natalia) and his dam Furzey Mostly Mink (Syon Royal Portrait (IMP) / Copythorne Call Me Madam (IMP)) and represents some of the finest English bloodlines available in Australia on both his Sire and dam lines.  Maximus was purchased bearing in mind a need to produce quality young stock that have height and a breathtaking way of going, yet still maintaining the pony characteristics and elegance of a true riding pony.  

In 2004 Maximus of Astral, at the age of 3 years, took out the Champion Led Riding Pony Stallion at The Sydney Royal Easter Show and won the Supreme Ridden Pony Stallion of the Show.  In the same year he won the National Ridden Riding Pony Stallion of the Year under English Judge, Julie Rucklidge.  We were astounded with his success in his first season under saddle, winning such a prestigious event at the age of 3 years was a dream come true for us.  This "boy" has such heart, he loves to be ridden and he looks and performs like a true champion.  Maximus was retired at the ripe old age of 3 years as we believed he had nothing left to prove in the showring.  His young stock will carry his dynasty for many years to come!!

Melody Park's main aim was to collect generations of exclusive English Bloodlines (particularly with our mares).  I believe today the influence of Sanbourne Royal Ensign, Syon Royal Portrait, Courtland Boy Blue, Strinesdale Matador, Vale Park Spotlight and Rotherwood Footlight gives us a cocktail of some of the best English blood available in Australia.  Each of our mares adds something different to the end product we produce at Melody Park.  We have bred Royal Show winners and Champions in a short time from a small crop of foals.  It is a dream come true to be as successful as we have been with such a small breeding program.  [next page]