Pony Patter - Winter coats

The shetlands are still shaggy and keeping hold of their winter coats - shown here are (from left to right) Crispin, Chester, Chloe, Daisy and Bibby

This is one of the sanctuary 'herds' of ponies - this lot are all pals and roam around together. Chloe is the 'boss' and makes everyone do what she tells them to. Her best pal is Chester who is a stallion pony and has been in the sanctuary for over ten years. Chester is a real character - he was rescued from a market with an injured shoulder and we had to nurse him back to health. Mostly he is well behaved and very laid back, but he can turn into a 'fire dragon' when the mood takes him.

Chloe was rescued in poor shape around twelve years ago. She was tied up to a tree when we found her. She is not exactly affectionate but is good natured and a practical little pony - o.k. I'll let these humans fuss me if they like - just so long as I get plenty of carrots and apples.

Crispin is Chloe's son (Chester is his Dad) and he is a docile little soul with none of his mom's attitude. He is placid and good natured. It's unusual for two lads to get on together in such a small herd. Crispin has been gelded which means he is no threat to Chester's authority (not that he has much with these feisty girls around him!). But even so, a stallion and a gelding would not usually get on with each other and would be inclined to fight. We never see a cross word between these two - perhaps Chloe keeps them both in order.

Bibby and Daisy are as different as chalk from cheese. Bibby is loving and gentle and hangs back, Daisy is assertive and always pushing to the front. Just like people, every pony is different.

The ponies eat a bale of haylage every week, also stud mix, bran, carrots and apples - which they like most of all. They have a visit from the equine dentist twice a year and the farrier comes to trim their hooves every two to three months. Whilst they don't need a lot to eat and we have to watch that they don't get too fat in the summer months, we give them vitamin supplements and cod liver oil and also follow a regular worming programme.

ADOPT-A-PONY If you'd like to 'adopt' one of the ponies above we'll be delighted to send you an adoption certificate complete with picture, 'your' pony's story, full details and regular updates all for a yearly donation of £12.00 which helps with their keep. Pony adoption makes a great gift. Let us know which pony you prefer, your name and address and send payment either paypal or through the post to:

St.Bernard's Animal Sanctuary, Broomhill Road, Old Whittington, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S41 9EA (cheques/p.o's made payable to St.Bernard's Animal Sanctuary please)

...
written by Laura, July 28, 2008

Aww, the gang from Saint Bernards. Really cute picture of them all with their winter coats, they look alot slimmer now. Hope they are enjoying their grooming every week.

Laura x

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0