17/09/2022
Well here's a (true) story...
Back in June we went to see a pony for Rubin to learn to ride.
After over an hours drive and we were excited to meet him. He was super cute but the size of a golden retriever!! And not the pony for riding that we had hoped for, BUT he was there with his mate in a yard at the property. There was nothing for them to eat and they were both starving.
The pony wasn't suitable.. his age and health status were questionable and his size made him inappropriate for a 7 year old gangly boy to ride. As for his massive mate, we didn't need another horse and we were not looking. Here the story should end with us getting back into the car and driving off into the sunset. Actually, this is where the story begins...
20 minutes after arriving i was negotiating a price to bring the pair home, no idea why or how, but knew i couldn't turn my back on these beauties.
It's not easy re-feeding starved horses. It's an investment of time, money and love. You have to go slow, little and often (feeds 5 times a day in the beginning) and watching for signs of overloading their system. You have to have the vet check them over, fix their teeth from years of neglect. However, when i saw them, none of that mattered.. The risk that you were buying a truly sick horse, the investment of both time, money and worry. I went with my heart and the feeling i had to do the right thing for both of them. That meant bringing them home.
Fast forward 12 weeks and they are both thriving.
Troy has gone from a nippy bitey pony to one who never nibbles your fingers. Even though Rubin can't ride him, they are bonding and he is learning how to care for his pony - Troy is a bit of an escape artist and lowering fencing been an arduous task for Mr.Spain but hey-ho!
Channie is the perfect gentleman. The gentlest of souls with people. He can be possessive over the food with the others, but hey, who wouldn't be if they had been starved?? Now he has gained weight we can work on building back his muscles and return him to his former glory.
Would i do this again if a starving horse crossed my path? Absolutely i would, in a heartbeat.
Welcome home Channie and Troy!
