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View Full Version : Sometimes you think you are saving them, but they are really saving you.


aspenlucas
May. 17, 2009, 12:05 AM
So in March I embarked to find my 2 year old a pony. I missed out on the one I "wanted" and was alerted to a cute but rough pony.
http://s535.photobucket.com/albums/ee359/aspenlucas/?action=view&current=Pictures3-14-09078.jpg
His name was Splash. He came to us and he was underweight, hairy was an understatement, the hair on his legs must have been 3 inches long from the elbow and stifle down. He had little elf shoes for feet, not horrible but enough to make most good horse owner's cringe. Yet no matter what I did he never took a wrong step.

I began to clip him up as I was dying to see his color. I was pretty sure he has some belly spots that had matted on poop on them! I body clipped his whole body, the whole time him standing quietly for me and after a good bath and his first show this is what I found!
http://s535.photobucket.com/albums/ee359/aspenlucas/?action=view&current=SplashTaylorShow.jpg

Splash's show name is Poker Face. He lets me kids crawl all around him, he's never pinned an ear or picked up a hoof the wrong way. The kids lead him around all over the farm. He trots willingly and stops when they stop. His first show he was a gem. Didn't balk or spook at a thing. We went on a group trail ride and Splash was the one that led the trail ride with my five year old on him when the other horses were spooking at the cows. He is the most amazing pony ever. And as much as I think I saved him from the auction/broker lot. I'm pretty sure he's saved us, my kids. We love him so much. He loves people and when you call him in the pasture he will come running for pats and scratches. He truly loves my kids, and we all know those ponies are worth more then their weight in gold. I am so glad I took the time to allow him into my life.

We also at the same time rescued a NSH mare for $50, she was so thin they were going to shoot her, she didn't get a bid at the auction. She's gaining weight and we've found her a great couple as her new owners. But she is boarding with us. I've never had two horses that were more eager to please humans and truly love them. Just thought I'd share!

jenm
May. 17, 2009, 12:09 AM
Awww...what a great story and what an ADORABLE pony! Splash is one lucky guy.

I know what you mean when you say a rescue has saved you. Thanks for sharing this heartwarming tale and please keep us updated with lots and lots of pictures. :)

Congratulations and thank you for saving two lives!

Ambrey
May. 17, 2009, 12:09 AM
Maria, he is SO adorable! Don't you love hairy ponies?

He looks so sweet!

aspenlucas
May. 17, 2009, 12:11 AM
See Ambrey, I told you I'd give you pony pictures! Oh the hairyness was an understatement. He had the unhealthy LONG hair. Now that I body clipped him he has a peach fuzz that I'm wondering if he's shed? But oh well. He was shedding like mad with that long coat and his purple lead rope would be covered in hair literally after the girl's leg him, it was sort of comical. I just love all my horses, but he is one special little man.

Ambrey
May. 17, 2009, 12:37 AM
LOL, yeah my hairy half-pony got clipped in February and is finally getting sleek and shiny :) The funny thing is when they shed razor stubble!

You'd think they were bred to live in antarctica instead of Wales or the Shetland Islands!

He has a kind of welshie face, doesn't he?

Pookah
May. 17, 2009, 12:38 AM
What a fabulous story, and an ADORABLE pony!

TrueColours
May. 17, 2009, 07:04 AM
A terrific story is right and what a fabulous pony that sounds like he is worth his weight in gold!!! :)

he's adorable to boot, so how can you go wrong?! ;)

Congrats on finding the perfect match for your daughter ...:)

aspenlucas
May. 17, 2009, 07:24 AM
He has a kind of welshie face, doesn't he?

He does have a cute face, he doesn't have a teacup muzzle, but it's not an ugly face by any means. And the way he looks at you through his eyes. He just loves people, not a mean bone in his body!

Zu Zu
May. 17, 2009, 08:51 AM
How Wonderful and A GRAND FIND / RESCUE FOR EVERYONE INVOLVED!!!! TOO CUTE!!!!

HighFlyinBey++
May. 17, 2009, 09:18 AM
How cute!!! What a lucky find :D

As for the unhealthy long hair & remaining fuzz, have you thought of testing him for Cushings? You've done such a great job so far that I'd hate to see you accidentally overlook something. If it's not Cushings, it could just be old, basic unhealthy hair from his previous diet--I once bought a 2-year-old with a sad, dull coat. Within a month of properly feeding him, his incoming summer coat was bright and shiny while the old icky winter coat was shedding like crazy.

Keep up the great work, that little boy is a gem!

Ambrey
May. 17, 2009, 10:31 AM
Or, it could be that ponies have long hair because of their genetics;) Ponies and Cushings go hand-in-hand, though, though, and it's best to monitor them- I have my vet checking my half-pony for clinical signs regularly, since he takes so strongly after his welshie mom.

A good vet should be able to discern what is normal pony and what is not :)

AnotherRound
May. 17, 2009, 11:40 AM
Usually. Except that the cushings bloodwork often tests a false negative. Just keep your eye on the coat and watch for founder or signs that he ever did founder?
http://www.chronicleforums.com/Forum/showthread.php?t=205084

DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"
May. 17, 2009, 12:01 PM
Maria, your thread just makes me beam. Thank you - you have made all the difference in the world to these two. And what a wonderful "life lesson" for your children!

pj
May. 17, 2009, 12:30 PM
Lucky lucky you!! Those extra special ponys are hard to come by and absolutely worth their weight in gold.
Your story brought a big smile to my face..thank you. :)

ArtilleryHill
May. 17, 2009, 12:54 PM
Congratulatiosn and THANK YOU for posting the wonderful story about your two finds! I hope people read your post and think again about the term "unwanted horses." That makes it sound like no one wants them, when in actuality many of these horses aren't so much unwanted as unfound. It sounds like these two are so glad you found them, and I'm so glad you're all making each other so happy!