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News from Foster Horses and Ponies |
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EHPPS, like many of the equine welfare centres around the Country, receives countless calls from horse owners asking us to take their horses in – with reasons varying from they can no longer afford to keep the horse, their marriage has broken up, the children have lost interest, the horse is no longer rideable – the lists is endless. Time and again we have to explain that EHPPS was formed as a rescue and rehabilitation centre – not a retirement home. Believe us, the cruelty cases we deal in keep us more than busy – in both time and cost – so retiring horses is simply not something we could even consider. We INVESTIGATE welfare concerns, RESCUE where required, REHABILITATE and, wherever possible, REHOME through our Fostering Scheme. Every time one of our horses or ponies is placed in a foster home, a valuable space is created for us to help another needy case. Fostered horses remain in the ownership of this Charity for the rest of their lives and they are strictly monitored by our team of Fostering Officers on a regular basis. Here are some of the horses and ponies we have rescued and eventually placed into suitable foster homes. These horses have been rescued from abject cruelty and neglect - thanks to EHPPS and YOU, our supporters, these horses have gone on to lead happy and useful lives in their foster homes. |
| ELLIE LAVER and DERBY O'GILL |
| Hey,
hasn't it gone quick, i still remember the day of collecting him from the
Sanctuary, i didn't sleep that night. He is literally my dream come true. Him and my other main horse, Billy get along so well as well. And so does Derby and the rest of the heard. Him and Billy truly make my world complete, if they weren't there it would be like a jigsaw puzzle with some pieces missing. 12 months, i really cant believe it, its hard to think that it has gone so quick and yes, we have had our ups and downs like many other horse and rider but its just like one step forward two steps back. He has proved to me he can do things, but then a few months later he turns round to me and says "well mummy i cant do that!" and throws a tantrum. I am slowly learning the ways on derby, this was his settling year in and it was my move to horses year although I am still riding billy until it is his time to retire. Now this next coming year is his improvement and competing year. He is going to a little show on Wednesday to get the atmosphere and see what happens and I hope to get him out and about loads this year. I'm speechless, he's my little star, he neighs to me everyday, has impeccable manners, i could trust a 5 year old to lead him but I think they might get squashed. He has the best stable habits ever like not poo'ing on his straw, and doing it on the concrete and he has a ball to kick around. He never fails to make me smile and laugh he does the funniest things. Like if he has a itchy leg he would get his other leg and itch it (like if his left leg was itchy he would get his right, cross them over and rub them together to scratch it) bless him. My family love him to bits and he is mums dream horse. I hope to get her on him one day when he is being sane. Cor i've jabbered on a bit Anyway to the point, to celebrate our one year i have made a video, well two. I wasn't completely satisfied with the first one so i made another. Also included some extra footage of him rearing vertically upright well the beginning of it. Here are the links |
| CLAIRE and ABBIE FRANCIS and TANYA | |
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Dear Sue and all at
EHPPS. It's Claire Francis here, I adopted Tanya from you on
18th April this year.
I just thought I'd drop
you a line to let you know how things are going. I can't believe we have
only had Tanya for 6 weeks. It feels like we've had her forever,
and she has settled in so well at her new home. We've actually nicknamed
her Mary Poppins - practically perfect in every way, although at the
moment she looks more like Hannibal Lecter with her muzzle on! lol. One
of my other horses came down with laminitis a week after getting Tanya
home, so we're taking no chances with her, hence the muzzle. Abbies
confidence with Tanya increases every day. She is now riding her without
the lead rein and practising her rising trot in walk (quite funny to
watch). Abbie loves her to bits, as we all do, and has already told her
Dad we are keeping her "forever and ever".
Take care, Claire
Francis.
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| ROSANNE and NICOLE BARHAM and LOTTIE | |
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Hi
Sue, Just thought I would
drop you an e-mail to keep you posted on Lottie’s progress! We
had a few ‘issues’ to begin with as the little madam refused to be
caught by turning her bottom and threatening to kick.
However we have now cracked that little problem and she now comes
to call from the field - that in itself is an achievement. Lottie
trusts me and my daughter Rosanna totally now and its such a nice
feeling to get that from a pony, let alone a pony that has not had a
great start in life. She loves to be groomed now, again that was a
slight issue to begin with as she didn’t seem sure that it was
‘okay’ to be brush and fussed. Lottie will now stand for ages letting Rosanna fuss and
cuddle her. As you know Lottie isn’t the most willing little lady and if she could get out of doing any work she would. However the bond between Lottie and my 11 year old daughter Rosanna is there for everyone to see. She rides her brilliantly. Lottie is enjoying her work (most of the time!) and is learning to canter. We can now do about 7 strides! She is popping small jumps, although that is if she can be bothered, bless her. We had to build up Lottie’s fitness slowly but progress is being made very single day. The difference in her shows in the attached photos – she is amazing! Lottie absolutely loves going over the heath with her hacking buddy Fred for a nice stroll, ears pricked and a jog in her step, having a good look around her, watching the dogs and dog walkers without batting an eye. We are having so much fun teaching her new things and are very proud of her and ourselves for the progress we have all made. It really gives you a sense of satisfaction knowing that we have all worked together to get her where she is now; the future is certainly very bright. Rosanna and I love Lottie to bits and wouldn’t be without her. Many thanks for matching Lottie to us and watch this space as they say! Nicole and Rosanna xx
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| NINA WOOLLARD and ROMEO |
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Hi Sue, Sorry I
haven't been in contact sooner. I've been so busy.... haven't we
all!
I have some great news.... on our first outing at affiliated showing, Romeo qualified for Hickstead! He is now competing as a maxi cob. He came 3rd in his class, it was only 1st - 3rd that qualify for Royal International, so we just managed to get in but still, we are going! He was a bit of a monkey. He kind of switched off and didn't go as nicely as he could have being the first one of the season still think he did well as took it all in his stride.... as always! We are still going to go to all the other planned shows for the summer, the next one in Stevenage (25th May) but the one I'm most looking forward to (other than Hickstead) is the Royal Norfolk at the beginning of July. Hopefully I will be able to get some nice pictures to send to you. Hope all is well. Love Nina & Romeo-the-Superstar! xx
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| SARAH ROGER and ELLIE | ||
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Hi all at EHPPS. I
thought I would send you some pictures of Ellie. She has grown so
much we can now tack her up, groom her, wash, brush and pick all 4 feet
up. I can mount her on a mounting block and from the floor with no
problems. Ellie has become a very affectionate friendly mare who
is growing in confidence. We have learnt to jump logs and are now
starting poles which she is getting used you. Here some pictures
of her. I love her very much - she is a wonderful mare.
Sarah x
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| RAINE OYLER and AMBER | |
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EHPPS Trustee, Glynis Cox, who is also one of our Fostering Officers, received this lovely letter recently from one of our younger fosterers: "To Glynis, I am writing to tell about that my beautiful bay mare (Amber) that you and the other staff recommended to me. She is my ultimate dream and I love her so much. We have our moments, but I have learnt now that she is a voice pony. If I use my voice all the time, then she is a little angel. If I don't, then she can get up to some mischevous little things! Yesterday evening I rode her and she was naughty at the beginning, but by the end, she was cantering properly and even doing a whole course of jumps in very quick time. I hope you are happy with how I am keeping her as I try my very best to keep her clean. I have a new show name for her "PINK PRINCESS" as mostly everything of hers is pink. She is my little princess and I love her more than anything in the whole universe. Thank you. Love from Raine xx
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| ANGELA DAVIES and JASMINE | ||
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Hi
Sue, How
are you and all the equestrians at the Sanctuary?
I just wanted to drop you a note to let you know that Jazzy
and I are back in the saddle and rearing to go.
I am so pleased - she is my little diamond. We recently
entered into the Billericay Riding Club Dressage Walk and trot this
Saturday gone 2nd May and came 3rd. Words cannot express how very proud of her I am, this being
our first ever dressage competition. We got some lovely feedback and
had such a wonderful day out. As usual, she loaded perfectly and was calm,
relaxed and (bless) such a "professional" hee hee. I have attached another brag picture of us on the day. It
has been very hard post recovery of my op and the bereavement and I
wondered if I'd ever get my strength back.
Alas time is a great healer and my Jasmine, well she’s the best
medicine in the world! We are
also hoping to join in on all the fun of the Sponsored Ride and are
currently still begging for a hitch hike lift on someones trailer.
Hopefully may very well see you there. Look
out for Pocohontas and Pinto! Ang and Jazz aka Madame Zingara x x x |
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| CHELSEA HICKFORD and PIPPA | |
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Hey everyone,
Just thought I would update you on my little star Pippa. She is
living life to the full. She took me to my school prom after beig
reintroduced to driving, which didn't take long. Pippa definately likes
to try and go fast when driving, I'm constantly reminding her that we
can't go at 70 mph.
I also just took her to my
Pony Club's Hunter Trial on Monday, 4 May. I was up bright and early
getting everything ready and when it came to loading her on to the
trailer she was jigging and jogging like a race horse, I new I was in
for a interesting ride. I hadn't jumped Pippa in a while so I was a bit
concerned about how she was going to be but as soon as i presented the
jump to her in the warm up arena, I knew my problem would be slowing her
up for the jumps not actually getting her over the jumps! well I got
called to the start gate with Pippa jogging and spinning on the spot.
The count down started and before I knew it Pippa was well on her way
round the course. I encouraged her to go faster when we could have
a little stretch of the legs (not that I needed to). There was no
doubt she was going to do every jump (and at her pace not mine). we went
through the finish gate and it took a while to come back to trot (I
think she could of gone round another three times). My mum and sister
met me after and said I think you may have gone to fast! Oops I thought
but at least I knew Pippa had enjoyed herself. We waited for the results
thinking I would get penalties for going as fast as we did. I looked at
the results and was shocked to see that Pippa had won first! She had
managed to go faster than the time but only by 3 seconds (the time had
to be as close to 2.40 min as possible). I am absolutely thrilled
with the result, Pippa throughly deserved it, she put her heart and soul
into the round. She got a fabulous rosette and trophy.
I'd just like to say a big
thank you to everyone at the Sanctuary for thier brilliant hard
work to give all the fabulous horses and ponies a second chance in
life. And thank you for letting me foster such a special little
superstar. Keep up all your great work. Lots of love, Pippa
and Chelsea x
P.S. Attached are a couple
of photos of Pippa taking me to my prom and Pippa jumping (flying) off
the bank at the hunter trials.
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| From EHPPS Fostering Officer, Norma Davenport (MOLLIE RAYNE and KIM) | ||
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Having already done my
foster check on Mollie (known to the Stewart family as Rayne), I was
invited back yesterday to see Mollie being ridden by Kim, Jane's niece.
I have to say Mollie has improved so much since I first set eyes on her
and clearly enjoys her work and wants nothing more than to please Kim.
As the bond is there for everyone to see, Mollie and Kim
demonstrated how good they were at jumping. Mollie and Kim are off
to a traditional showing show near Stansted on Sunday so on behalf of
everyone at EHPPS we wish them the best of luck. Keep up the good
work girls.
Norma Davenport
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JADE LIMBER and MINSTREL |
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Hi
Sue, Just thought I’d send you an update on Minstrel. I took
him to his first showing show at the weekend, and I was delighted at how
well behaved he was. We entered three classes - Senior Rider, Ridden Cobs
and Cobs in hand. Unfortunately the In hand Cobs and Ridden Cobs
classes clashed so I had to cancel the In hand Cobs class but we came home
with 2nd and 3rd. I was so pleased with
him. The
judge in the Ridden Cobs class wanted to take him home - she loved
him!
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RHEA FIRTH and LOU LOU |
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Eight year old Skewbald Trotter mare, Lou, came to us back in the Spring of 2007. She had been hospitalised at our vets, Paton and Lee, for some weeks previously after having been found collapsed in a field following the still-birth of her twin foals, resulting in a severe case of toxic laminitis. Lou was dangerously ill when she was admitted to the vet’s intensive care unit and it was touch and go for some time as to whether she would pull through her ordeal. Lou’s coat and huge areas of skin were also sloughing off caused by generalised dermatitis, which left large, raw weeping patches of flesh exposed. All in all, Lou was one very sick horse. (See Photos Below) The vets asked us if we would be prepared to give Lou a home should she make a recovery, as she had nowhere else to go. We were more than happy to oblige. Once she was out of danger, Jonathan Lee felt Lou would benefit from coming into the Sanctuary for her convalescence and so Lou came home to us at the end of March 2007. Lou’s rehabilitation continued for some weeks and, although she was making a steady recovery, Lou was still on box rest due to the laminitis. During this time, Lou was attended by Paton and Lee’s surgical farrier, who regularly fitted digital support shoes to Lou’s feet, which helped to support the pedal bone. By the summer months, Lou was well enough to turn out in a small paddock for a couple of hours a day. Some months later, when Lou had made a full recovery, one of our ex-fosterers contacted us as she was looking for a rideable horse. The particular fosterer was well known to us and is a very experienced and dedicated horse lover. We introduced Lou to Rhea, who fell for this lovely mare’s charms immediately. Lou joined Rhea Firth on 25 November 2007. Over to Rhea ... |
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Lou Lou has come on really well since I took her on in November 2007. She is a real sweetheart and hasn’t a nasty bone in her body. Lou is, without doubt, the easiest, yet funniest horse, I have ever backed. Not once has she bucked or bolted. The very first time I got on her after a couple of months of ground work to strengthen her up, she just turned round and looked at me as if to say “yeah and?”, so I had to put her favourite sweet (extra strong mints) on the gate post just to get her to walk over! We then went back to basics on the ground to teach her the voice commands and then, once on board, told her what to do and she does it. Squeezing or kicking just don’t bother her at all. Lou is an absolute angel to ride out, even on the main road nothing ever bothers her. However, she loves the local woods because that is where she normally finds plenty of children who, more often than not, want to give her a cuddle or, even better, some of their packed lunch! Lou loves people, chocolate, mints and a good scratch. I think her favourite person is my 7 year old god son, who comes down every so often to the field with her tasty treats, jumps on her back and lays down with his arms round her neck. He rides her in from the field and then refuses to get off her back in the stable and proceeds to brush her, scratch her itchiest bits and make a good fuss of her! Lou most definitely is not a fan of geldings or schooling which, to be fair, just results in her stopping, stamping her feet and putting her ears back. We went to Ferness Farm Cross Country Course in the summer and she was so well behaved. The other horses were able to go off over the jumps whilst we walked, trotted or cantered round most of them. Again, she never put a hoof out of place. We had a go at a couple of small jumps like the ditch, coffin jump and the steps; she went straight over without any hesitation. Lou even loaded straight away there and back even though she had to stand next to a gelding!! We still have a lot to work on, to build up her muscles and pick up her front feet higher because she is a bit clumsy and trips a lot. We start lessons soon and once the ground is a bit dryer and less slippery we will be out and about for a bit longer every day, not that she minds, but it frightens the life out of me that she might seriously hurt herself . She has got away with mild scratches so far, so we are sticking to smooth soft surfaces at the moment! Lou and Rhea Firth
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MADELEINE FORD and ESME |
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Hello
– This is Maddie just emailing to tell you all the good news.
On 20 March 2009, we fostered Esme from the Sanctuary. Esme
has progressed very well in her behavior and learning.
She is very calm and never aggressive.
We are very happy with her. Esme
is like my best friend. She loves her food and is in perfect condition.
She gets on very well with the horses at our yard and is always
willing to learn. We
have a nice saddle that’s been fitted and she rides very well in a ménage.
We have a very good instructor who is coming in on Sunday to assess
and teach us both. So far she
has been great on the road (touch wood”) and rides out well with other
horses. I’m very proud of Esme and spend almost every spare minute
I have with her. She loves big hugs and kisses too. I think she would be good at dressage, so we will be entering
our first show at Longwoods in the beginners dressage. Esme is particularly good when she has something new to
concentrate on. We have
started going over jumps now too. She did have a thing about dogs,
but today, instead of spooking when she came across one,
she got up close and made friends with the dog – hopefully
she’ll be alright with dogs in the future. I spend at least two
hours a day grooming her (which you may think is a bit too much!) but she
loves it and her coat is very shiny and in fantastic condition, which
I’m really proud of. Esme doesn’t like being left on her own or
she calls for you and gets distressed, so I take her every where I go.
I don’t like leaving her either and I put her before anybody and
make sure she’s always safe. Here’s some pictures of us both. I will send you some more soon. Thank you for giving me the best pony that I could ever want. I’m so happy with her. Esme’s come on really well and hopefully she’ll be a star one of these days! Will be in touch again soon. Love from Madeleine Ford |
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SUZANNE HERON and TYSON |
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Hi Sue, Hope all is well at the Sanctuary. We were so sorry to hear that you’ve lost Bonnie. She was at the vets when my boy (Monty) was, and seemed to be making a good recovery. Monty is making slow and steady progress, still a long way to go but the vets are pleased with his progress so far and he is being such a good boy. He has certainly grown attached to Tyson, and whinnies like mad when it’s time for him to go out in the evening. Tyson is doing well, and such a good boy, everyone loves him and it’s hard to imagine life without him now! I’ve a attached a letter from him (!!!!), and some pictures that you are welcome to use on your website if you wish. We have ridden him a few times now, just for 20 minutes at the moment at a walk and he loves it. Ben and Jonathan advised us to stick to walk and trot only on flat soft ground and to see how he goes, and then they will do some more x-rays after 6 months. He has been sound and really seems to have benefited from the short rides. Tyson is so well behaved and has excellent manners when ridden. He must have been well schooled in the past. We took him to a show this weekend, as a companion to my friends youngster Harry, who absolutely idolises Tyson, and he was such a good boy. It looked as though he was itching to get in the ring. We may do some in hand veterans with him in the summer once his feathers have grown back. Anyway, hope you enjoy the letter and pics, I assume we’ll be hearing shortly re our 3 month visit? Best wishes, Suzanne
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Dear Sue and all my friends at EHPPS Just thought I’d drop you a little note to let you know how I’m getting on in my new home. I just love the attention. I even have my own giant liquorice lick which gets all over my nose. I’ve made lots of new friends too. Monty is the one with the poorly leg which is the reason why I came here in the first place. He has to stay in his stable all the time until his leg heals and I keep him company. In the evening, when Tommy comes in, I go out with Harry and Pablo and sometimes stay out all night. I have lots of fun with Harry as he is only 3 and we chase each other around the field. I have a lovely new rug (which is really muddy now) for when I’m outside and a stripy rug for when I’m in – but I’ve ripped it already. It keeps me cosy though and at the moment my hairy winter coat is coming out in handfuls. They keep saying they can’t wait to give me a bath. They all keep calling me Dyson instead of Tyson – I wonder why that is? Maybe it's because I eat everything in sight! I’m being a very good boy and get lots of pampering. I make them all laugh when I drink out of the hose when I’m having my muddy feet washed. There’s just one annoying habit I have and that’s tipping full wheelbarrows over – I just can’t resist it – so they’ve moved them well out of my way now! The vet came to see me the other day and he took some blood and x-rays. Unfortunately because I was poorly treated when I was young I now have liver damage but the vet said that my liver is working fine, and I have to take 4 milk thistle tablets a day. The x-rays showed I have multi-jointed arthritis but it shouldn’t cause me any problems at the moment but I’m on a joint supplement to help my bones. The vet also said that I can be ridden again so I’m getting really excited about going out for short walks round the fields. I might even get to go to a show this year too so I’m really looking forward to that. Got to go now as it's feed time – my favourite part of the day. I’ll write again soon. Love Tyson P.S. Here are some pictures of me at my new home. |
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JULIE SMALL AND CHILLI ("MR CHILTON") |
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Hi Sue, Just a few pictures of Chilli on 22nd March jumping at Longwoods. He did really well attending the show without his friend Pinky and was very well behaved. Chilli came home with a 6th place. Unfortunately he caught a pole in the jump off but he had the 3rd fastest time overall in the class. He also attended a jumping show a short time ago and came away with a 1st and a 4th individually and a 2nd in the pairs with Pinky. My
friend Sophia is pictured on board as I am too old and fragile to jump and
she is the brave one! Chilli is six in May. I can't believe
the last four years that he has been with me have gone so quickly. |
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KAREN
MILES AND ARCHIE |
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Hi
Auntie Sue - Just thought you might like to see me all
grown up (nearly 5). I am very clever now and can walk trot
canter and Gallop!! - I love Gallop......... This is me out with my
friends at Thorndon Park last week. I had a lovely time and had to
pull Mummy Karen up the hill by my tail - next time she is going to
ride me as I was soooo goooood. Hope you
are all well at my old home and cous Rory is behaving!!!!!!!((not)) We are
hoping to come to the sponsored ride so I hope I will see you there. Lots of love - Little Archie |
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| GEORGA AND ARCHIE (aka SVEN) | ||
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Dear Sue and all at
EHPPS, Sorry its been a while since
I updated you on Sven's (now known as Archie) progress, but as you know
life with horses leaves us with not much spare time to do much else.
Well I'm pleased to say, all
is going well. We did have a few problems at first: one was his right
stifle kept locking. I called the vet to examine him, but he assured us
that this was due to Archie's previous lack of work so he was poorly
muscled, he advised us with regular work the problem would
resolve, and thankfully it has. Secondly, he started loosing
weight quite drastically and became severely lethargic. Initially I
thought the we had overworked him, so rested him for a week, but still
he was not improving, so Edie advised to call the vet. It turned out he
had a mild liver condition. This resulted in him having another month of
rest, then under Edie Neill's guidance we gradually brought him back
into work. I am pleased to say, he is now fit and healthy and enjoying
his life.
As you are aware, Archie was
adopted for my daughter Georga who is 12 years old. Initially I spent a
couple of weeks working him under Edie's guidance, to get him
steady enough for Georga to ride. When they were introduced it was love
at first sight!! she absolutely dotes on him and leads him round the
yard as if he is her dog, I must say the relationship is mutual, Archie
adores Georga and they spend hours together just "fussing".
In January Georga decided
she would like to play polocrosse. She joined the Ashfields Polocrosse
Club, where Edie also teaches, Georga has really taken a shine to
the game. At present she attends practice every other Sunday morning,
while the weather is still poor, then it increases to every week.
Initially; Archie
unfortunately was not so keen, he is now fine with the racket being
carried and waved about, but still finds the ball everso 'scary'.
Thankfully Edie's background was playing Polocrosse internationally, so
we have the best teacher, and together we are gradually changing
Archie's opinion of the game. He was almost ready to go to
practice with Georga this Sunday, but unfortunately with the heavy
snow we have had, all training came to a holt, and we don't want to take
him until he is fully comfortable and ready to go and enjoy
himself. We are now planning to take him on Sunday 1st March.
Although the snow halted
Archie's training, as you will see from the photo's attached, Edie took
the opportunity to work on the ground with Georga progressing her racket
skills - so not all was lost.
Well as I have said
previously. Archie has settled really well, he is now a much loved
member of the family and it's hard to remember life before 'Archie'. Both
Georga and I can't wait for the weather to change so we can start
taking him out and about and introduce him to the big wide world
outside. I know this is the beginning of many 'fun' years ahead of
us, its really exciting! So I have to again thank
you, for without the work you all do at the Sanctuary, Archie would
never have come into our lives, and that would have been a real tragedy.
Well that's all our news.
Hope all is going well at the sanctuary, and I will keep you updated of
their progress. Kind Regards. Jane Caine
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| Georga and Archie (Sven) | Georga and Archie (Sven) | Edie Neill with Georga |
| ELLA AND MARINA | |
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Dear EHPPS |
| "MAMA MIA"! | |
| Mia went out on foster to Glynis Cox, one of the EHPPS Trustees, on 14 September 2008. Glynis already has a 15 year old Shetland X gelding called Hamish who drives under harness. Hamish was originally rescued by the RSPCA many years ago and was rehomed with Glynis when he was still in quite a sorry state—much different to the much loved and well cared for pony that he is today. The day that Mia first met Glynis back in August 2008 sticks in all of our minds as the little filly, although extremely friendly anyway, made such a huge fuss of Glynis and was obviously of a mind to make an impact, that she even tried to sit on Glyn’s lap! (See photo on right)! Well, who could resist such a sweetie? The pair quickly formed a mutual admiration society resulting in Mia joining Glynis and Hamish at their yard some weeks later. Mia has slightly deformed back legs, which our vet tells us will become arthritic as Mia gets older. Glynis kindly gave us the following update on Mia’s progress: |
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“Mia
came to keep my pony, Hamish, company on 14 September.
As Mia came off the Sanctuary’s trailer, she looked so very tiny
and sorry for herself. My
yard owner, Mr Search, kindly gave me the largest stable he had and Simon,
my son-in-law, made a small separate stable at the back with a low wall so
that Hamish could get his head over to see Mia.
Hamish stood with his head over that wall nearly all day when Mia
first arrived -
gazing at her in wonder. The
pair soon became firm friends and are now always together.
They have their own paddock and graze together every day. I had to get my vet in during December to check on Mia’s eyes as they were constantly watering. The diagnosis was that Mia had an ulcer at the back of her left eye which is caused by UVitis. This is caused by malnourishment and can reoccur at any time. My vet, Mark, tells me that her vision will always be blurred in this eye. He came back a couple of weeks later to flush our Mia’s nasal passages and her tear ducts, which should significantly help the problem. Poor little Mia had to be sedated for the procedure, but both Hamish and I were there with her holding her hoof throughout. I would like to take this opportunity of thanking Mr and Mrs Search for allowing me to convert the stable so that Mia could be with Hamish.” Glynis Cox |
| BEPPE - From a Shaky Start to a Fantastic Future | |
| Beps
was rescued by the Society when he was a yearling. He was so
emaciated that he was unable to stand when we found him. The local
Fire Brigade carried Beppe across the field on a tarpaulin to our awaiting
horsebox. This little mite was also suffering from pneumonia and was
gravely ill for some months. Thankfully, he was a fighter and won
his battle for life.
The photograph on the right show Beppe a couple of weeks after his arrival at the Sanctuary - standing, but still incredibly weak. |
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| "Well, what a busy 2008 Beppe and I have had. During January 2008, Beppe went for a short stay with Edie Neill, who was going to back him for me later in the year. Beppe spent this time being introduced to a saddle and bridle for the first time. When Beppe came home, I decided to take him out to a couple of in-hand shows to see how he would react. Beppe took everything in his stride and walked off with a couple of rosettes, 4th in the Coloured Class and 6th for Best Condition and Turnout. The day in July eventually came when I had to take Beppe back to Edie Neill’s for a stay of six weeks. I felt lost without my little man and went to visit him a couple of times a week to watch how his training was coming along and to give him a groom. After Beppe had been with Edie for around three weeks, I finally got the chance to have my first ride on him. I had waited two whole years for this moment and cannot begin to tell you how I felt. I spent the last week of Beppe’s training with him and Edie so that she could teach us together. I also got to hack out under the supervision of one of Edie’s grooms, Beth. Beppe had his third birthday while at Edie’s … poor Edie is still getting over all the birthday cards Beppe received, which I placed along her hay bales! Since being back home at our livery yard, Beppe has gone from strength to strength. We hack out most weekends with our friends, Hannah and Lad, Tracy and Tookie and Lisa and George, who all look after us, especially when Beppe decides there is something lurking about that he is unsure of. We also have weekly riding lessons with our instructor, Helen, which Beppe is not keen on as he prefers to be ridden out in the open countryside (and I can’t say that I blame him!). Beppe’s first organised ride was the Thorndon Country Ride put on by Essex Bridleways back in October 2008. It was great fun riding him around the country park and we even managed a little canter which Beppe was very keen to show me. Beppe collected his rosette for completing the four mile ride, but was too tired to have his photo taken as he just wanted to get back on his trailer. Considering the start in life Beppe had to endure, he is now a healthy and happy pony with his whole life ahead of him. I have so many places that I want to take him, but I still have to remember that, at just three years old, he is just a baby." Norma Davenport | ||
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