scats
Well-Known Member
Hand graze in the sunshine this evening.
A little addition
- Thread starter scats
- Start date
ycbm
Einstein would be proud of my Insanity...
scats
Well-Known Member
Bless her, look at that backbone
She was very poor. The only reason her ribs cant be seen is due to all that old winter coat, but they are very much prominent under that hair. Its matted in places. I’m hoping to get a brush on her in the next week to try and get some out.
scats
Well-Known Member
Big day for Meg! Today she went out in a little paddock next to the girls.
One little escape attempt, but she was swiftly popped back in and fencing was secured. I popped back several times today to check all was well and also went in and checked I could touch and scratch her. Opted to use ‘limp hand on a stick’ with this to start with, which worked fantastically because she then let me scratch her neck and chest within about 2 minutes. Then I walked off and left her so she realised that I’m not always about asking her to do stuff!
It meant that this evening she was comfortable to be caught, again using the assistance of the hand on a stick first (godsend if anyone has a nervy/feral pony)
She’s now in for the night. It’s been a huge day for her. She had her little feed and a nice haynet for the night so think she is quite content. The girls are in next to her as always. Same again tomorrow so she starts to get her head around her routine.
One little escape attempt, but she was swiftly popped back in and fencing was secured. I popped back several times today to check all was well and also went in and checked I could touch and scratch her. Opted to use ‘limp hand on a stick’ with this to start with, which worked fantastically because she then let me scratch her neck and chest within about 2 minutes. Then I walked off and left her so she realised that I’m not always about asking her to do stuff!
It meant that this evening she was comfortable to be caught, again using the assistance of the hand on a stick first (godsend if anyone has a nervy/feral pony)
She’s now in for the night. It’s been a huge day for her. She had her little feed and a nice haynet for the night so think she is quite content. The girls are in next to her as always. Same again tomorrow so she starts to get her head around her routine.
splashgirl45
Lurcher lover
That’s great, you’ve got there very quickly . She is a very lucky pony
scats
Well-Known Member
I was a bit worried about catching her when I first put her out because while I was tidying fences up and mooching about, she was keeping a distance from me and legging it if I went too close
But I thought that if I kept everything similar to how we’ve done things in the stable, she might be more likely to come round.
scats
Well-Known Member
I wouldn’t mind some thoughts on the eventual introductions with the girls. Obviously I’m not contemplating this for many weeks, possibly a month or two. I want to make sure that they are well used to each other in adjoining paddocks.
I’ve done many introductions over the last 30 plus years, but never with a pony quite so small, plus Millie and Polly are a very ‘tight’ unit and Polly is quite dominant and a little odd (px variant horse).
Polly is showing a LOT of interest in Meg and I think she will be the one more likely to be a bit of a pain. I did wonder about putting Meg and Millie together first but Polly wouldn’t tolerate being kept away from this and would smash through fencing if I did this. I also couldn’t leave her in her stable if she knew Millie was in the field as she would have a meltdown of insane proportions.
Suggestions appreciated for the safety of everyone. I wish I could explain what an odd horse Polly is, but you really have to meet her to know what I mean
I’ve done many introductions over the last 30 plus years, but never with a pony quite so small, plus Millie and Polly are a very ‘tight’ unit and Polly is quite dominant and a little odd (px variant horse).
Polly is showing a LOT of interest in Meg and I think she will be the one more likely to be a bit of a pain. I did wonder about putting Meg and Millie together first but Polly wouldn’t tolerate being kept away from this and would smash through fencing if I did this. I also couldn’t leave her in her stable if she knew Millie was in the field as she would have a meltdown of insane proportions.
Suggestions appreciated for the safety of everyone. I wish I could explain what an odd horse Polly is, but you really have to meet her to know what I mean
ycbm
Einstein would be proud of my Insanity...
You are lucky with her size. You can create a pen with a fence high enough for her to get under, but too low for them, when you first mix them. I had a Shetland who was seriously attacked by my cob when she was first turned out with them and I did this and it worked brilliantly.
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scats
Well-Known Member
That’s a great idea ycbm, thank you!
I’m very attached to little legs now and the thought of her being scared by Polly makes me feel a bit sick
scats
Well-Known Member
Tired after her day out (and witnessing Polly’s crazy switch go!)
This little pony coped so well with the idiotic exploits of the girls who were galloping and screaming up and down the field while I was bringing Meg in.
I’m getting so attached to this pony already
This little pony coped so well with the idiotic exploits of the girls who were galloping and screaming up and down the field while I was bringing Meg in.
I’m getting so attached to this pony already
toppedoff
Well-Known Member
She's so sweetTired after her day out (and witnessing Polly’s crazy switch go!)
This little pony coped so well with the idiotic exploits of the girls who were galloping and screaming up and down the field while I was bringing Meg in.
I’m getting so attached to this pony already
View attachment 139214
scats
Well-Known Member
She's so sweet
I’m getting a bit obsessed with her and actually starting to worry about her being in with the girls when Polly’s loony switch goes. I’m planning to always have a section fenced off that she can duck under to stay safe if she needs to.
I was even scouring companion ads last night to get her a nice quiet small companion so I don’t have to inflict my two idiots on her!
Which wasn’t exactly the plan!southerncomfort
Well-Known Member
She looks very happy and content with life!
ycbm
Einstein would be proud of my Insanity...
I’m getting a bit obsessed with her and actually starting to worry about her being in with the girls when Polly’s loony switch goes. I’m planning to always have a section fenced off that she can duck under to stay safe if she needs to.
I was even scouring companion ads last night to get her a nice quiet small companion so I don’t have to inflict my two idiots on her!
I loved having 2 minis, they were so cute together.
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Fransurrey
Well-Known Member
She looks fab, Scats and I'm loving the updates and how gently you're taking things. With the fur, my sweet itch mare absolutely loves having hers gently pulled out, like it's another pony mutual grooming, so I work my way along her neck and back gently pulling it in 'bites'. She's always been a very nervy type and even now (15 years later!), I sometimes have to 'talk her through' what I'm doing. I hold up the rug or brush and literally tell her what I'm about to do, ask if she's ready and so on (if she ever replies, I'll sh*t myself!).
scats
Well-Known Member
I don’t know why we plan these careful introductions…
Arrived down this evening to find Meg has introduced herself to the girls
No issues so far. I’ve left her pen up but taken the bottom strand off so she can duck in and out if necessary. I can’t see that she will though, she seems far too happy!
Decided to leave them out tonight rather than disturb the introduction. I went and gave her a scratch with limp hand to make sure I can catch her, and all seems fine there.
So they’ve swapped themselves to night turnout and they’ll come in for a few hours tomorrow.
Arrived down this evening to find Meg has introduced herself to the girls
No issues so far. I’ve left her pen up but taken the bottom strand off so she can duck in and out if necessary. I can’t see that she will though, she seems far too happy!
Decided to leave them out tonight rather than disturb the introduction. I went and gave her a scratch with limp hand to make sure I can catch her, and all seems fine there.
So they’ve swapped themselves to night turnout and they’ll come in for a few hours tomorrow.
94lunagem
Well-Known Member
She is absolutely gorgeous, and has definitely landed on her feet with you!
Love the progress updates
Love the progress updates
scats
Well-Known Member
Thought I would go down a bit earlier this morning to check Meg was ok/hadn’t escaped and to make sure I had time to spend if she was a bit awkward about catching.
I needn’t have worried. She was absolutely fine, still in the field with her sisters (and no signs of scraps or trouble) and came in no issues.
She’s a little wary of electric fencing as she’s obviously had a zap and I always block the main gate off with fencing (I have nightmares of horses with legs in gates) so she’s a bit wary of coming through that, but bless her she always does what I ask, even when she’s worried.
She came in to a nice bed, a little net of soaked hay and a tiny feed as a treat. I’m trying to make every interaction positive and make coming in from the field something to look forward to.
Millie and Polly were great too. Polly has adopted Meg, but she allowed me to bring her in first and wasn’t too silly while waiting for me to come back to bring her and Millie in. Millie isn’t too bothered either way
Soggy pony wondering what on earth her life has become
I needn’t have worried. She was absolutely fine, still in the field with her sisters (and no signs of scraps or trouble) and came in no issues.
She’s a little wary of electric fencing as she’s obviously had a zap and I always block the main gate off with fencing (I have nightmares of horses with legs in gates) so she’s a bit wary of coming through that, but bless her she always does what I ask, even when she’s worried.
She came in to a nice bed, a little net of soaked hay and a tiny feed as a treat. I’m trying to make every interaction positive and make coming in from the field something to look forward to.
Millie and Polly were great too. Polly has adopted Meg, but she allowed me to bring her in first and wasn’t too silly while waiting for me to come back to bring her and Millie in. Millie isn’t too bothered either way
Soggy pony wondering what on earth her life has become
splashgirl45
Lurcher lover
Such a lovely update, really glad she has slotted in so well . She looks really sweet and once she has filled out and her summer coat is through she will look fab…
ycbm
Einstein would be proud of my Insanity...
She's a lovely pony Scats, she's going to be a picture when she's got her coat through. She looks nicely made, do you plan to show her or is she just there to make you smile?
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FinnishLapphund
There's no cow on the ice
Sometimes you just have to both love, and laugh at the sense of timing they can have. It's priceless that this thread went from your Sunday thoughts about planning to do a careful 2-3 months introduction, to the very next evening posting to say Oops, she's introduced herself. 
Hope everything continues onwards and upwards as smoothly as possible.
Hope everything continues onwards and upwards as smoothly as possible.
scats
Well-Known Member
No plans really other than to give her a lovely life and kiss her to death
. Though a few in hand shows at some point to help her see the world might be on the cards.The trust she puts in me is heartwarming. She genuinely will do anything I ask of her, even if it scares her at first.
scats
Well-Known Member
I am obsessed with this pony.
She’s getting used to the summer routine and happily walked straight over to come in this morning (no limp hand needed!). She can still be a bit sticky when leading, but nothing a bit of gentle pressure/release isn’t sorting. She’s a very quick learner!
The man who lives in the bottom flat of the old farmhouse has kindly offered to sort her door out for me (he loves tinkering in the workshop building stuff!) so she’ll be able to see over the door properly soon.
I’ve got Monday off next week so I’m going to pop up to Charlie’s in queensferry for her own grooming brushes and a little fly rug if they have one. I’m going to start introducing her to a fly rug before the horseflies come out.
She’s a treasure. I can’t believe how lucky I was to find her. I think she might be a bit fond of me, too
She’s getting used to the summer routine and happily walked straight over to come in this morning (no limp hand needed!). She can still be a bit sticky when leading, but nothing a bit of gentle pressure/release isn’t sorting. She’s a very quick learner!
The man who lives in the bottom flat of the old farmhouse has kindly offered to sort her door out for me (he loves tinkering in the workshop building stuff!) so she’ll be able to see over the door properly soon.
I’ve got Monday off next week so I’m going to pop up to Charlie’s in queensferry for her own grooming brushes and a little fly rug if they have one. I’m going to start introducing her to a fly rug before the horseflies come out.
She’s a treasure. I can’t believe how lucky I was to find her. I think she might be a bit fond of me, too
Kunoichi73
Beware... My Plants...
It's lovely to see how well she's coming on with you! She's a little star!
scats
Well-Known Member
Meg has been with me for 3 weeks today, and what a difference!
She is settling brilliantly into the summer routine- she comes in during the day for a brush, a snooze and a bit of hay. Then when she goes back out in the evening once Millie and Polly have been worked. She’s getting confident with her leading (initial nappiness over coming in/electric fencing is subsiding already), loves being groomed and gives me endless kisses and wants to sniff my face and rub her nose around mine For a pony that just 3 weeks ago came at you with her teeth barred if you let her sniff you, this is quite remarkable!
Millie and Polly are amazing with her. They have accepted her without fuss and let her come in first without any problems.
Straight down for a snooze today. I could eat her she’s that cute.
She is settling brilliantly into the summer routine- she comes in during the day for a brush, a snooze and a bit of hay. Then when she goes back out in the evening once Millie and Polly have been worked. She’s getting confident with her leading (initial nappiness over coming in/electric fencing is subsiding already), loves being groomed and gives me endless kisses and wants to sniff my face and rub her nose around mine
For a pony that just 3 weeks ago came at you with her teeth barred if you let her sniff you, this is quite remarkable!Millie and Polly are amazing with her. They have accepted her without fuss and let her come in first without any problems.
Straight down for a snooze today. I could eat her she’s that cute.
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Jeni the dragon
Well-Known Member
She looks so happy there! What a lovely picture!
babymare
Well-Known Member
She just looks so happy and content 
scats
Well-Known Member
My friend laughed the other day and said Meg has already got that look of “I’ve clearly landed with a mug who is going to pander to my every whim, dedicate her whole existence to me and roll out the red carpet for me, life is GOOD!”
Clodagh
Well-Known Member
That last photo she looks so much more relaxed and content in her face, all that subliminal wariness seems to have gone.
I love roans. She’s beautiful.
I love roans. She’s beautiful.
Goldenstar
Well-Known Member
She’s lovely and very lucky .