So, after Polly's (Shetland pony) limbo dancing under fences escapades to get to our neighbours ponies we found her a couple of companions. They arrived last week (in between Kaitlin coming out of hospital on Saturday, then having to be re-admitted on Wednesday
) so now that it looks like we're home for good
I'm getting a chance to post these photo's here (apologies facebookers, you'll have seen these already
)
They've been kept seperate from Polly since they arrived (much to her disgust
) she's been trying to climb the gate to get in beside them
so this afternoon I plan on haltering them all up and walking them down to the big field for their first proper introduction
Both boys are geldings and great to work with. Before they arrived I was all about the donkey (I'd been led to believe that Spud was quite bitey and a bit kicky) but I have to say that I'm
completely in love with the wee fella - he's such a sweetheart
He suffers from cushings disease (we have his medication) and is at least 30 years old but he's bright and happy, Murphy is believed to be the same age.
I'm also looking for a bit of advice in regard to drawing up a 'health plan' for them all please (I have one for the pigs but feel a bit lost in the equine world) so if anyone can give me advice about worming, parasite control and vaccinations (how often and some names of meds) that would be great
I've been looking on-line, but it seems to mainly relate to brood mares and show horses. These guys won't be out and about at shows or with other equines, Polly won't be getting bred from again - they are purely 'pets' who are here to live out the rest of their days in peace and quiet, so your input would be appreciated as to what's best for them in this situation
I'll get some more and better photo's on soon, once Spud is cleaned up a bit
He's really manky and quite matted - do you think clipping would be a better option than trying to wash and brush him
He also has some bald patches on his sides (some have little scabs in the middle of them, but some don't) He's been rugged all winter - if that's relevant
Murphy's coat is in excellent condition and they've been kept up to date with worming & parasite control as far as I know - is it just his age that could be causing this ?
Sorry for all the questions !
Karen x