Ponies go walkabout

Our ponies like to find somewhere different to go every day – one of them will decide to go down by the menage, or the hillside at the back of the stables, or into the front yard –  they have a lot of different options.   Today they headed off for the bank and scrambled up the steep slopes to graze among the bushes and scrub land.   It’s the highest point in the sanctuary and they love it up there.  Is it the view of Chesterfield?    No, I don’t think so, they always seem to be looking the other way over the valley and towards the Brushes, which is an area of woodland close by to us.   Now if they could get in there, they would be very happy, ponies love to be among trees.  It’s because they like the shade, the shelter, the sweet grass and herbs – there’s few chemical fertilizers in woodland and all animals are sensitive to them and prefer not to eat them.   Most farm animals have no option and the grass is ‘forced’ to produce, just as they are.    We are organic and there are plenty of herbs for the ponies to pick from.    Isn’t it important for horses and ponies to have some natural interest in their lives?

They like to meander in and out of trees and have a varied terrain,  we believe it helps them to relax and feel contented.   So many horses live in tiny flat paddocks even without any trees.    If you can provide some interest with trees, sheds, a bank, a pond, hedges etc, you will encourage wildlife and have happier horses.   It’s not easy of course but I can guarantee that if you made an Irish Bank in your field and then turned your horses out, they would straight away go and stand right on the top of it!

Some people aren’t aware that horses and ponies like to play when they are outdoors and a varied landscape gives them much more scope for their ‘mad moments’ and games of hide and seek.   This evening I was watching the ponies placidly grazing, suddenly they put their heads up and charged up to the highest point of the bank.    They paused and then hurtled back down, their manes flying.   How do they communicate this joint manoevoure?   They stood still for a few seconds then did it all again!   If only I had a video camera!

Would you like to adopt one of our ponies?   It costs £15.00 per year and we’ll send you a photograph, adoption certificate and ‘your’ pony’s story.   You’ll also get updates and can come and meet your chosen friend at one of our Pony Open Days.    We’ve taken in two more horses in recent months and we need to constantly raise funds to care for them.  All our horses and ponies stay with us for the rest of their lives.    Please send us your details and if it’s for a gift, the name of the recipient.   Payment can be by paypal or cheque/p.o. made payable to Pet Samaritans. [donate]