Thanks guys
Don't know about being the best parents
it was a completely selfish act so I could enjoy their reaction
And, as with most things here.........there's a story attached.
The pony looks a real sweetie - name? CV?
Her name is Polly Pocket, Sally (she came with the name
) she's a 12 year old mare and hasn't had the best of lives by all accounts
My friend was at a horse sale a while ago and saw this poor little, terrified thing being hauled about by the 'meat man' (tail forced up, hold on the mane and basically just pushing her about
)
She just
couldn't leave her there
and had to bring her home. She's a bit short of space and hadn't planned on any more horses/ponies (being an equi-dentist and having more than enough of her own
) but wanted a home where she knew she'd get a bit of TLC and be loved.
From what my friend has found out it would seem she's been used to breed foals, has run out all her life and has obviously had a few beatings
She is terrified of men but loves kids (thinking small people aren't as intimidating)
However, my wonderful husband (the feral pony tamer extraordinaire
) has brought her round in the last couple of weeks
she's still nervous, but we hope with time, reiki and attention she'll get over the nerves. We've no plans to 'do' anything show wise or riding wise with her but just want to see how the kids cope with the responsibility of regular horsey type chores before maybe, possibly, sometime considering something bigger - maybe !
So, that's the CV covered
She didn't seem too fazed by the pigs (she had to walk through the shed where they all are to get to her little corner of it) she planted herself for a minute but then walked on fine and doesn't seem at all stressed by them or by being in. She's enjoying the straw bed and full haynets as well as kids up stroking her and feeding her carrots (from her trug - not from fingers
) so far, so good
My hope is that once the Shetland calves arrive (which I've been reliably informed,
will be soon
) all 3 will run together quite happily together - but we'll have to see how that goes. Jack the bullock thinks of himself as an overgrown labrador
(he's been bottle fed since birth
) and the wee heifer is getting more used to people and handling, plus at the minute their horns are just little diddy things - but we'll watch them all carefully.
Will keep you all
posted bored rigid