Meet the Savvy Ponies

You can read about Heather on another page but here is some information about the special ponies in her life…

Heather says…..

I cringe when people ask me the usual question when they discover I have horses… “so what do you DO with them?”… Why must my herd DO anything to justify their existence? If I were to be truthful I would actually say my herd are all there to willingly help and accompany me on my own spiritual journey of understanding and communication, and are always in the background of all my work. More usually I probably say something like “…oh… I enjoy being with them…”. There is WAY more to horses than just riding – although two of them do also have the onerous task of occasionally lugging me about!

When will people realise that horses are not ignorant, stupid, belligerent or emotionless. Horses are intelligent, emotional, deep-thinking, sensitive, sentient and spiritually lightyears beyond the Human Race!  Horses have so much to teach… if only their humans were ready and willing to learn.

This is Homer who has been with me for around 8 years. He’s a Shire x ID and is 12yrs old. He is the herd’s Deputy Leader and is a fantastic teacher in so many ways. He is a wonderful reminder that not ALL horses are meant to be ridden, and instead can offer many other talents.

Chester

Chester – Boss of the Herd and an utter gentleman. He is also 12yrs old and if I had half his brain I’d be happy (or dangerous!) – he is very wise and is excellent at his job.

Gremlin

This is Gremlin, who was given to me last year. Another 12yr old and a gorgeous Welsh Section D.

Whilst not afraid of humans as such, he is very afraid of what they may ask of him. He is a really sweet soul and is like a lost little boy much of the time, but very funny and cheeky when he knows you and is confident in the situation!

Benjamin – the joker in the pack! He is a very complicated introvert/extrovert who needs lots of understanding and leadership. Very witty and always being a smartass…

Owl – the newest recruit. He came for training in 2008 and didn’t want to leave! He came to join us permanently in 2009 and is gradually settling in and finding his feet with the herd.

And finally… a VERY special pony. I found Lucy tied to the wall of a lorry container in Feb 2008, terrified out of her mind and with her bones sticking out. She will be around 18 this year.

A year and a half later she had totally transformed – tho will always be “wild” and only allowing any contact on her own terms. With her past I think that’s perfectly fair as we have struck a great “herding” deal for moving her around and she lets me stroke her at quiet moments. If I was to force anything else on her I’d be no better than any of the previous humans she’s met, would I?  Lucy also has a special job looking after any ponies that are in for intensive healing or training, making an excellent “nanny”. I am SO proud and pleased for her that at last she is able to be herself without worry and knows she is loved for who she is… not simply how many foals she can provide as was her past…! This winter she has moved in with the “boys” in the big field and is enjoying safe, happy freedom and a lot more exercise than in her little paddock!