Latest Blog Posts

• Billy Pickles arrives for his holidays.04 August 2022

  

  The very handsome Billy Pickles arrived here from Hope Pastures in July. Billy needed a short term foster home for some 1 to 1 care. I had previously had a home check so went up to meet him, fell in love and said yes! My first impression of him on our first meet was all that gorgeous mane, tail and feather and a stunning ice blue eye.

  

  Billy needs daily stretches and simple in hand exercises to encourage good muscle development and improve strength and balance. Nothing too onerous at all, Billy seems to really enjoy the attention and he is an absolute pleasure to have around. He is friendly yet equally happy with his own company. In the three weeks that he has been here , he has already acquired some gangsta nicknames; B.P, Billy Piccalilli, Billy Poppo and Mr Pickles. I have introduced him to working at liberty in the arena with the choice to go and eat hay or hedgerow, standing at a stationary target and walking over poles and different surfaces.

  

  The polework and walking over new surfaces really makes him think about where he is putting his feet and makes him lift and strengthen his core. I think that he will benefit from learning to balance himself and offer his foot for picking out rather than trying to balance himself when his foot is picked up. I have gone back to basics with this, running my hand down his leg and rewarding any tiny lift or movement toward gently giving me his foot. That’s how we do it, build a big thing from lots of small increments. He is a willing little dude that wants to learn.

  

  With that beautiful wall eye it would have been rude not to try on Sully’s Transcend Bitless Bridle. It is a full size bridle but has adjusted beautifully to fit Billy to provide clear subtle cues for the in hand work.
  In his time with me I will be happy if I can improve Billy’s confidence when his feet are handled and help his overall balance and strength. It also means space for the charity to help another horse, pony or donkey in need..
  Last year, a joint report between World Horse Welfare, The Blue Cross, Bransby Horses, Redwings, Horseworld and the RSPCA described the plight of thousands of horses suffering or risk of neglect and abandonment as; Like trying to drain a bath with the taps still on, no matter how much water escapes down the drain the water level remains unchanged I can only imagine that with the boom in horse ownership during lockdown and the rising cost of living, that the situation is set to get much worse. Hope Pastures have a foster list of people that have been home checked and have the time and experience and facilities to bring on a pony that is not yet ready to be rehomed.

  If you are in the Yorkshire area , and wish to be considered for the list or for more information, go to https://www.facebook.com/HopePasturesUK

  https://www.hopepastures.org/loan-application-form/

  For further information about other ways you can be a supporter, go to Hope Pastures - Hope Pastures equine rescue centre Hope Pastures is definitely worth a visit and keep an eye out for their events including Dog Shows, Tack Sales and Pony days.

  HopePastures

  Transcendbitlessbridle