Wolfie Woo

I still haven't managed to get Wolfie back into work. Things have been a bit hectic this week with Honey arriving and getting into a new routine,but things should hopefully settle down now I can start bringing Wolfie back into work or at least begin the groundwork when the weather allows. He's still being a menace and the farrier said yesterday that every time he drives past the field, he always sees Wolfie cavorting around. I just close my eyes now and pretend it's not happening. He will settle once he's being ridden consistently and tired! He's on a complete low sugar, fibre diet with soaked hay. That boy doesn't need any excess energy.

Wolfie was shod again yesterday. He seems to be between shoe sizes at the moment. The bigger size up however, is just a little too wide at the heels. The farrier said he would have a look into ordering a couple of different types of shoes to try on him.

Buttons and Honey now have their own blog and you read all about their adventures here http://ponytales-cat.blogspot.com/

Update on Honey

Honey has done remarkably well over the last few days in terms of settling and starting to gain a little confidence. She is a smart little girl and you can see her constantly watching and absorbing everything that is going on around her. The biggest help and influence to her so far has been Buttons. She obviously takes great comfort from him being there. She still doesn't want him completely in her space (which is understandable and being a mare she probably never will) but she keeps him in view all the time and in the stable will stand at the adjoining door between the two stables to be near him. I deliberately put her in the larger part of the stable so that she had the option to move much further away if she felt she needed to. I moved her hay further up the back of the stable so she had space to eat it without feeling she had to protect it from Buttons, but she will walk to the back of the stable, take some hay and move back to Buttons door and stand and eat it there. Buttons is such a great wee guy. At the most he can be a bit boisterous but never aggressive. He is so sociable. He has respected Honey's space when she has told him to move away, but he doesn't give up and has worked at encouraging her to start to let her barriers down and trust that he isn't going to hurt her. They now graze side by side in the field. The fact that she now has companions in the field that she can feel safe with and is not being bullied or hounded is hopefully going to help her confidence and general well being both physically and psychologically immensely.


Catching Honey to come back in from the field was a little difficult to start with. She wasn't acting like a horse that doesn't like to be caught in terms of it would rather stay in the field, but more warey. She couldn't understand why all the horses were all of a sudden getting their headcollars put on and led away. The horses are usually already standing at the gate by 3pm waiting to be brought in, knowing they are going to their stables where there is hay waiting. Honey, however had no way of knowing where the horses were being taken to and it might not have been to somewhere safe. She is however getting better every day. She doesn't know me or any of the other people who handle her so her trust will have to be earned.


The Dentist is coming out on Monday to have a look at her teeth. I've been watching her eat hay and it is obviously very difficult for her. It takes her a long time to try and chew the hay and by her body condition I imagine she is getting very little of the goodness from her food due to her teeth. I am going to gradually increase hi fi lite into her diet as a hay replacer as it is chopped it will be easier for her to chew at the moment. I have started her on a feed balancer but she will need ongoing dental care and I doubt we will see much improvement in her body condition until her teeth are improved. Her coat is very fluffy and fine, not at all like Buttons. I suppose like everything else that will improve with time when she starts getting the correct nutrients and care. It's hard to tell in any photographs how thin she actually is due to her coat, but she really isn't carrying any condition. I've ordered her a little rug, incase we get any more torrential rain.


The farrier and vet are coming tomorrow. The vet will start her course of vaccinations. Wolfie and Buttons are due to be shod / trimmed tomorrow so I will ask the farrier to have a look at Honey's feet as well. I will take some photographs of her feet before any farrier work begins to use to look back on. Her feet actually make me feel a little squeamish when I look at them with their overgrown and odd shape. And they are not anywhere near as bad as they were when she was rescued. I would like to wave a magic wand and make everything perfect for her but it took years of neglect to get her to this stage so it will take time to repair the damage. I'm very happy with the way she has progressed in less than a week and hope that it continues. Every night I notice her to be looking more relaxed. Her fear of the feed bucket disappeared quickly, surprisingly enough! She has suffered so much and I just hope we can undo the damage which people have caused her. Horses are very forgiving, but they don't forget. I will post some photographs soon and will get Buttons and Honey's blog started - if I can remember how I started this one.

And then there were three....

I have rehomed another Shetland pony from the SSPCA. Her name is Honey, she is 13 years old and approximately 10hh, so a little bigger then Buttons. She is also chesnut with a flaxen mane and tail, but more of an orangey colour in the body and her mane and tail are not as flaxen as Buttons. She was taken into the SSPCA as part of a welfare / neglect case with a horse and her Shetland pony mum. Unfortunately her mum had to be put to sleep 2 weeks after they were rescued. Her feet were horrendously overgrown and she has been badly bullied. The farrier at the SSPCA has said that her feet do show signs of having had laminitis in the past. She has been in the centre for a few months receiving treatment and became available for rehoming at the start of last week although she will need the Dentist and ongoing farrier work. I went to see her at the centre on Thursday with my sister. She is very sweet, very timid but basically going through the motions every day to survive, not to want to live. Her eyes and coat are very dull and there is sadness oozing from every part of her. At the centre they tried keeping her with the other horse she came in with, but the horse terrorised her so they kept her with a 6 month old colt who was there who has front leg deformities. There was no way I could leave her, so I applied to rehome her. We went home and Susan brought Zoe to see Buttons. Looking at him after seeing Honey was like night and day. Glossy coat, eyes bright, full of mischief, just the way he should look. The SSPCA inspector came to do a home check on Friday afternoon, just to check where Honey would be and see Wolfie and Buttons. We saw Wolfie in the field, he was a little unsure (might have been the Vet disguised in a uniform), Buttons came into the stable and was Mr Charming. She thought he was lovely. Buttons makes me laugh. He never discriminates, he was raking through the Inspectors pockets of her big coat. He treats everyone the same, it could be the Queen visiting and he would still raid her pockets or her handbag. Buttons stable has a partition as he used to share with a Section C pony. The doors are all shetland pony height so they can see over. The Inspector said she was more than happy to pass us. She called the centre there and then and it was arranged that I would pick Honey up yesterday.

She loaded and travelled ok, she did manage to turn herself around in the trailer so travelled backwards. She went out in the field with G and Buttons for an hour. She was ok, but didn't really know what to do. She was waiting to be attacked and on the same note was defensive, sort of I'll get you before you get me, but she's not very threatening. Buttons has fallen in love. He was doing extended trot across the field with his neck arched. In the stable he was just standing looking at her looking absolutely delighted. At the moment she's very unsure, her life has been turned upside down again, but it is for the greater good. She's very protective of her hay, I found out that she's terrified of plastic bags and she was scared of the feed bucket when I took it into the stable. She just needs time, consistency, a lot of TLC and reassurance. So Buttons and Honey will have their own Blog which will detail Honey's road to recovery, her feet, Buttons daily antics and managing laminitis. I will try and get some photographs today.

When I told my dad I was thinking of rehoming her, he said I couldn't rehome them all. I know I can't but I'm sure I can make a difference to this little girls life.

When I last posted, I said I was going to ride Wolfie. I was a little optimistic with the weather as we were hit with severe storms, so I still haven't ridden, so fingers crossed for the weather.

Happy New Year!

'what might seem to be a series of unfortunate events may in fact be the first steps of a journey' Lemony Snicket.

It's 2012, another year has passed. In some ways, I would like to close the book on the events of 2011 and not re-open it. Wolfie's virus, Buttons laminitis, we lost 2 horses at the yard. Ridden wise I did not accomplish many, if any of the goals that I set out at the beginning of the year. However, on the other hand, we got through it, the three of us and we are a much stronger team because of it. I have learned many lessons from all that has happened. Both Wolfie and Buttons, despite being such different characters have one thing very much in common and that is spirit. I look at them now, their eyes are bright (Wolfie's gleaming with mischief)and they are both in good health and happy. I am so proud of them both and what we haven't achieved in terms of showing or competing, we have made up for in just spending time together and strengthening our partnership and our understanding of each other. Wolfie is back to misbehaving in the mornings, not standing to be rugged, bouncing around on the way to the field and generally just making a nuisance of himself. Those who have read previous posts will know that this is a pattern which occurs around about this time every year. He's bored and he's letting you know that it's time to get back into work, winter and his holiday is over for him. Normally, I get a bit upset about this, when I hear the tales of his 'naughtiness', however, this time, I am delighted. He is in great shape, he looks physically strong, he's back to cavorting and carrying on in the field. Wolfie is back and 'misbehaving' or not, I would rather have him this way than quiet. As soon as he gets back into consistent work, he settles down. I don't know what weather January will bring, but Wolfie's holiday is now over and I'm going to ride today. I am so excited to be getting back on him. Our main goals for this year, are to enjoy ourselves and have fun and we will do some Trec.

I've been very lax in posting for the last few months, ever since Wolfie's virus really. Things have just been ticking over really, concentrating on getting Wolfie stronger and back on his feet. With it being dark at half past 4 at night now, it's a case of trying to ride in the school during the week, weather permitting. Wolfie's flat work is really coming on though. We work in walk and trot and practice lateral movements. I'm not introducing canter again in the school just now as it's very badly lit with flood lights and Wolfie still thinks there are horse eating goblins lurking in the corners and over the fence. He's becoming much more rhythmical and our work and transitions are much more consistent.

I wormed them both a couple of weeks ago, it's the syringe and paste type. This is what Wolfie thought to it.

Buttons is doing great. His weight is fantastic. He is fenced off on restricted grazing with his favourite mare and they both are watching their waist lines. The mare can be a bit of a nippy sweety with other horses, but for some reason she adores Buttons. His laminitic rings have grown down and now as they are growing out they have caused some separation of the white line. It is a concern that he may develop an abcess if any dirt or grit tracks up, but so far (touch wood) he's been fine. The farrier is checking his feet every 3 weeks, so fingers crossed we can get his feet back in decent shape.

With the weather being so mils, Buttons is really feeling the heat with his full winter coat. I keep waiting for the temperature to drop, but so far it hasn't.

I've decided to make Christmas cards this year using photographs of the horses and also the dogs. I thought I would practice with the dogs today, until I can decide on how to make a good Christmas background setting. They are very good and so good natured, they really do humour me. Bilbo, the cat decided to get in the photographs (mostly facing the wrong direction!) so I ended up giving him something to wear too. When taking the real pictures, getting them all to look the same way, may prove to be very difficult if today is anything to go by!

Lucky Horseshoe Superstition

I'm decorating a couple of Wolfie's shoes to give as gifts to two friends who are getting married soon. It got me to thinking of why the horseshoe is considered lucky. Like everything, there are plenty of superstitions, old wives tales and myths surrounding horses.


According to ancient folklore, small-framed 'fairy folk' existed during the Stone Age across what is now Northern Europe and the British isles. When migrating Celtic tribes began invading the lands around 400BC, the fairies hid in forests and camouflaged themselves by wearing green – much like today's leprechauns. The new settlers told stories about the mysterious, magical 'little people' living in the woods, who were also referred to as elves and goblins.


The goblins were accused of causing many misfortunes among the settlers, from casting spells to prevent cows from giving milk and chickens from laying eggs to causing infertility in couples. Legends also told of babies kidnapped by the fairies. It was believed that the primitive goblins feared the metal weapons of their enemies, and were therefore afraid of iron.


To ward off goblins and evil spirits from their homes, the people hung iron horseshoes over their front doors. Horseshoes were doubly frightening to the little people because they looked like the Celtic moon god's crescent. The horseshoe resembles the crescent moon and is thought to protect against the evil eye. Similar shaped charms were used amongst the Chaldeans and the Egyptians. Related to animal worship, it approaches the form of a serpent biting its own tail, a universal symbol of eternity. The horseshoe invokes the crescent moon shape of pagan moon goddesses and so invites their protection.


Horseshoes are considered for their healing powers, and are believed to cure hiccups (this would probably work, if the horse stood on your foot whilst still wearing the shoe!) and for their protective influence. Horseshoes were commonly made from iron. Iron was considered to have magical powers and repels fair-folk and witches, keeping your house free of mischievous demons, imps, pixies and elves.


Traditionally there used to be 7 nails in horseshoes, invoking the traditionally lucky number. There is a time honoured belief in the magical power of iron. Blacksmithing is considered to be a very lucky trade because it involves work with fire and iron. Blacksmiths were often identified as sorcerers and the efficacy of fire as a bane to demons. It is believed that a witch cannot walk under a horseshoe and if the devil gets too close to a horseshoe, he will be sucked in.


There is also a tale that the Blacksmith engaged to shoe the Devil made the shoes red hot, then burned the Devil's feet with the hot iron…..the Devil then tried to withstand the pain, but screamed to have the shoes removed when the Blacksmith began to drive nails to hold the shoe in place. The Devil remembers the pain so vividly that whenever he sees a horseshoe he slinks off into the shadows. The Devil will go nowhere near a home which has a horseshoe over the doorway.


Although the lucky emblems status has survived over centuries, there's still some debate over the proper way to position a horseshoe in order to repel bad fortune. Some believe that a horseshoe with the two ends pointing up collects good luck and keeps it from falling out, while other traditions state that the two ends should point downwards so that luck pours onto those who walk through the door.


There are two things that are mandatory if the horseshoe is to bring you good luck. The horseshoe must have been worn by a horse and the horseshoe must have been found not purchased.


The horseshoe superstition seems likely to be the result of a combination of folklore and myth. It's one I like to believe in though. Unfortunately today's horseshoes are mostly made of aluminium and often have 8 holes and not the traditional 7 but they still look good hanging above the door and I consider Wolfie to be a lucky horse, so I'm sure they will offer protection and bring good fortune.


There are numerous old wives tales and myths involving horses. I think the only one I pay any real attention to is 'Changing a horse's name is bad luck'. I would never change a horse's name.


Here are some of the ones I found –


A circular ring made from an iron horseshoe nail can be used as a talisman and gives the same protection against evil as the horseshoe itself


It was thought that warts could be cured by circling them in horse hair


Mythical cure for colic – Pour turpentine into a saucer, and hold it against the horse's navel. It'll suck it up and the colic will be gone (if only this one worked!)


It was once thought that whooping-cough could be cured by going to the stables and inhaling the breath of a horse; being breathed upon by a piebald horse, or riding upon its back was another supposed cure. Horse hairs chopped very finely and fed to a child in bread and butter, were thought to be a certain cure for worms, and the horse spurs (an old word for the chestnuts on horses legs) were believed in the eighteenth century to be a cure for cancer if dried, ground and drunk frequently with new milk


If you break a mirror the misfortune can be averted if you lead a horse through the house. Same applies if you spill salt in the kitchen


Horse brasses protect the wearer from the evil eye


Seeing a grey horse on the way to church is considered lucky for the bride and groom


Carrying a rowan-wood whip prevents witches from casting a spell on your horse


If you put horse skulls under the floor of a house they improve the tone of a piano that was above them


When its master dies, a horse will shed tears


Spotted horses are magical. Grey horses and horses with four white socks are unlucky.


There are also the 'old sayings' about horses with white feet, white legs and blue eyes.


There are two poems regarding white feet in horses


One white foot, buy him
Two white feet, try him
Three white feet, sell him to a friend
Four white feet, pass him by

Or

One white foot, keep him not a day
Two white feet, send him far away
Three white feet, sell him to a friend
Four white feet, keep him to the end


Some horse people tend to believe that black feet tend to be harder than light feet, but there does not seem to be any research that indicates there is any proof either way. Wolfie has one white foot and three black and white feet and so far he is proving to have 4 very good feet.

Four white stockings were said to be evil. However, two hind and one fore was good. One hind and one fore on opposite sides were excellent.

There is also the saying that you don't buy a horse with blue eyes.

I used to know a pony who was coloured. He was black and white but I wouldn't call him a piebald, he was marked more like an American paint horse and had Indian paw prints on him. He had two blue eyes, 4 white legs, 4 white hooves and a prophets thumb print. He was a fantastic jumping pony with a great temperament. He was never lame and had good feet. In reality, a horse's colour or markings does not determine its temperament or ability.

A sad day

It is a curious thing, the death of a loved one. We all know that our time in this world is limited, and that eventually all of us will end up underneath some sheet, never to wake up. And yet it is always a surprise when it happens to someone we know. It is like walking up the stairs to your bedroom in the dark, and thinking there is one more stair than there is. Your foot falls down, through the air, and there is a sickly moment of dark surprise as you try and readjust the way you thought of things

Lemony Snicket


One of our family cats was very sadly put to sleep on Friday night. He was my mum's cat and one of a pair. A little black and white cat with the biggest yellow eyes I have ever seen. He was quite a timid little cat, almost aloof, very unassuming and often overshadowed by the other dogs and cat who are very confident and much more demanding for attention. Saying that, he was always there with the others, sitting on the arm of the chair, always staring at you with those massive marble like eyes, you could never really tell what he was thinking but he was affectionate in his own way. He wasn't a hunter and the two things he enjoyed most were sleeping and eating.


He is at peace now and it was very quick, but he was a part of our family, another thing of my mum's gone and I certainly wasn't prepared or ready for letting him go. He was such a quiet, placid soul, but he has left a huge hole and he will be very sadly missed.


My Dad used to often recite 'The Owl and the Pussycat' to both cats. They would sit mesmorised. Every time they heard it, it was as though they were hearing it for the very first time and couldn't believe such a tale. They would sit transfixed and their eyes would widen, almost in disbelief at the line 'they sailed away for a year and a day in a beautiful pea green boat' and they would close their eyes and almost smile at the 'what a beautiful pussy you are' line.

For Frodo, our brave and magical little Hobbit cat. We will all miss you.


The Owl and the Pussycat

Edward Lear


The Owl and the Pussy-cat went to sea

In a beautiful pea green boat,

They took some honey, and plenty of money,

Wrapped up in a five pound note.

The Owl looked up to the stars above,

And sang to a small guitar,

'O lovely Pussy! O Pussy my love,

What a beautiful pussy you are,

You are,

You are,

What a beautiful Pussy you are!'


Pussy said to the Owl, 'you elegant fowl!

How charmingly sweet you sing!

O let us be married! Too long have we tarried:

But what shall we do for a ring?'

They sailed away, for a year and a day,

To the land where the Bong-tree grows

And there in a wood a Piggy-wig stood

With a ring at the end of his nose,

His nose,

His nose,

With a ring at the end of his nose.


'Dear pig, are you willing to sell for one shilling

Your ring?' Said the Piggy, 'I will'.

So they took it away, and were married next day

By the Turkey who lives on the hill.


They dined on mince, and slices of quince,

Which they ate with a runcible spoon;

And hand in hand, on the edge of the sand,

They danced by the light of the moon,

The moon,

The moon,

They danced by the light of the moon.