Tiny pony has joint problems

Bridget came into the sanctuary earlier this year and she is a very tiny foal, only 28 inches even now.   She is perfectly proportioned and in fine condition except for one of her front legs, which is not growing as it should.  Ponies, like people, sometimes have abnormalities and leg problems are fairly common in these miniature ponies.  Is it because there isn’t quite enough room inside mum when they are developing?   It seems logical.  Bridget is the sweetest little pony imaginable and has become good friends with Sundance, who watches over her.

She also wanders round with the goats – she’s around the same size -perhaps she thinks she is a goat!   We have asked the vet for advice but the only suggestion was to have her x-rayed and see if an operation to straighten her leg out would be possible.   However, horses do not cope well with anaesthetic and they are very sensitive to pain.  We hesitate to put this little pony through such an ordeal.   Her leg does not bother her at all at the moment.   She can trot, canter and race Sundance to the gate, I think he sometimes deliberately lets her win.  If there was any discomfort we would know, Bridget is a very happy little soul.    The worry is if her leg gets worse as she gets older so we’ve come up with another solution.

The remedial blacksmith visited last week and after examining Bridget carefully, he thought that if he adjusted the shape of her hoof slightly, it would bring her leg back into line.   It has to be done gradually as it will slowly alter the way she walks and we don’t want her to be uncomfortable.   The first trimming has gone well and she is running around just the same, so it hasn’t worried her.   The blacksmith is going to come every week to rasp her hoof a little bit and he may build it up with silicon glue to help balance her leg, in due course.   We are not looking to make Bridget into a show pony – just to make sure she can get about without any problems in the years to come.   We’ll let you know how she goes on.

Having the farrier come to treat Bridget every week is a big expense, if you’d like to help by ‘adopting’ her we’d  be very grateful.   Pony adoption costs £12 per year, we’ll send you a photo and information about ‘your’ pony – let us know your birthday and you’ll get a card from Bridget too!    Send your details to Pet Samaritans, Broomhill Road, Old Whittington, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S41 9EA.  Many thanks.  [donate]