- Error
HOMED
* You may click on images to enlarge.
2.12.07
Angel was surrendered this morning following telephone conversations during the week.
Obviously Angel is very wormy, which is apparent from the state of her coat and belly, but I am wondering whether she is actually also in foal. We certainly hope not, as she is in no physical condition to be carrying, foaling, or feeding a foal.
She is petrified of us humans, and it's going to be a long, and necessarily patient process to get her to the point where she is happy for us to walk up to her and catch her. I have no doubt that we will get there, and in time, we will put her fears to rest.
We appreciate that Angel's owner did contact us, and allow us thereby to help the sweet girl.
Welcome Angel! I'm very happy to have you here, and we look forward to getting to know you.
3.12.07
4.12.07
Well little Angel is showing a great deal of interest in the goings on here, particularly when I handle the other horses in the paddock near her. Her eyes are out on sticks, and she seems to be incredulous that Fanta appears to enjoy spending time with me...she just stares and stares!
I've been putting her feed in the paddock, and sitting on a bucket at a distance, until she just cannot help herself and has to go to the feed bin. Every feed I move the bucket another inch closer, but she is very weary. If I so much as swish a fly...she's off like greased lightening! I've asked my daughter Elise (7) to help me with her as it will be good for both of them.
Angel's eating well, but her enthusiasm waned when I began to introduce her herbal mix. It happens every time, but within a few days the horses are just loving it!
5.12.07
6.12.07
Angel seems to be doing well. She is beginning to relax a tiny bit now that she's learning the routine. She has already become very attached to her neighbour, Fanta, and becomes quite anxious if Fanta should move from her sight. She does a shy little whinny to call her back. She's still a bit perplexed with her hard feed, and all of the new weird and wonderful tastes, but she slowly works her way through it :)
Elise has taken her role very seriously, as the chief 'earner of trust', and Angel has already come a long way. This evening it only took about five minutes for her to inch herself forward, and have the courage to take a carrot from Elise's hand.
8.12.07
11.12.07
Jaimee visited today and spent some time with little Angel.
Every day she gets that little bit better, but is still very suspect.
16.12.07
Little Angel is coming along in very small baby steps, it's going to be a slow process, getting her to the point where she will allow somebody to approach her. I've been spending as much time as I am able just being around her, and tempting her to come closer to take a treat. Close as she gets for that though, it's a long way from there to being able to reach out and touch her. I've been edging my way closer and closer at feed times, and she has gradually been accepting me sitting there while she eats...but always one eye on me!
I'd worked my way to having one hand resting on the side of the feed bin while Angel was eating, and tonight had the lunge rein with me, the clip open in my hand. Eventually she moved her head close enough while eating for me to place the clip through the ring and the halter and close it. As expected, as soon as she felt the pressure and realised, she spun around and took off. I let the lunge rein out, and when she eventually stopped I still had her. She was pretty surprised about that!
She trotted and cantered around the yard, and soon realised that when she stopped, so did the pressure on her halter. Over half an hour or so, she managed to accept me fairly close to her, but was still petrified at the prospect of me touching her. The minute she felt my hand brush her whiskers she'd panic. I didn't push the point however, as I figured that she had enough to think about for one afternoon.
We need to make some progress soon as she desperately needs an anti bacterial/anti fungal bath as she is being driven crazy by itchiness. She also needs a dental visit badly as she is quidding her feed. I've been puzzling over some patches underneath her neck which are bare, and I couldn't for the life of me figure out how they were happening, but I've uncovered the mystery.
The patches under Angels neck.
20.12.07
Big rain today!
24.12.07
Little Miss Spooky
1.01.08
Happy New Year Angel!
We have had 4 days in a row now of 40+ degrees, and I'm really feeling for all the horses out there. I've had Angel back in the round yard as there is really good shade in there for most of the day. Today she had a special treat which she just loved!
Angel has also made a new friend in Elizabeth, who has been staying with her Grandparents next door. Elizabeth has been popping over when she can to spend time with the little one, which has been great for Angel.
6.01.08
Big day for little one today. We have decided that at this point, Angel would have a lot to gain by being moved to another property for a while. Karen and her family have stables, and the facilities to enable much more intense handling of Angel. Angel's health has improved out of sight already, and although she still has a long way to go, she is feeling a lot stronger in herself.
A few days ago when I went down for the morning feeds, it was like there was a different pony standing in the yard. There she was with the cheekiest little look on her face, all cocky, and calling out for her breaky. Overnight Angel had made that oh so crucial shift in her mind set, and decided that maybe life wasn't so bad, and that she was going to participate :) I had to laugh out loud at her, and every time I've looked at her since she's made me grin :)
Although having made good progress re her fear and distrust of humans, it was a challenging day for her today, as Karen and Leigh are strangers to her. She tried very hard, and eventually allowed him to put his hand on her.
Karen tells me that she travelled beautifully, unloaded well, and is now happily munching in her stable. I really look forward to the photos that Karen will be sending through, and know that Karen is 100% dedicated to helping Angel conquer her fears.
Angel is a perfect example of just how important it is to handle your horses when young. Not doing so is setting the horse up for failure, as an unhandled mature horse is very hard to deal with, impossible to treat if ill or injured, and the basic care needs such as hoof trimming, worming, and dental care become near impossible.
A horse that is confident around its human handlers is a much happier horse, not to mention a safer horse. People not handling their young stock are responsible for many of the horses who end up finding there way ton the saleyards and knackeries. If you do not have the experience, facilities, or inclination to put a lot of time into young horses, then you have no place breeding or owning them.
Thanks to Karen and her family for happily taking on this stage of Angels journey.
19.03.08
Brief stop-over at Julia's for a few days on her way back from Karen's to Carinya Park. We're all full up at home in the lead up to the Open Day!
29.03.08
Little Angel was returned to Carinya Park on Sunday 23rd., which was the evening of our Open Day. Many of the team were still here to greet Angel, and the sweet girl stole a few hearts. One heart in particular though! Eloise, who had travelled from S.A to be here to help for the Open Day has offered Angel a home for life with her horsey family in the Barossa Valley. Among her horses, El has another littlie, Bill, so here's hoping that the two will strike up a good friendship. Angel will remain at Carinya Park for a while yet, as she needs to gain some condition and strength before making the long journey to her new home. Congratulations Angel! Thank you so much El for opening your heart and home to the little lady. We're all thrilled that we will hear continued news of Angel.
11.04.08
Well little one left this morning for her new permanent home. She has a long day ahead of her, but is in good hands, and I'm sure will travel well. We look forward to pics of Angel with her new family, and are all very happy that this will be the last move that Angel ever makes.
20.04.08
Angel enjoys her first post bath roll at El's.
17.05.08
21.05.08
From Angel's new home:
"Angel touched my heart & being able to give this little old lady a forever home has been a very rewarding experience for me. Every bit of time we spend together, she shows me a little more of her self. She has gone from a pony I struggle to touch - never lone catch to a pony that will whinny out to me over the fence, one that will let me catch her & a pleasant pony to be around. It has taken time, effort, consistency and above all patience with Angel.
Angel shows interest in what goes on with the other horses & ponies, she has caught on very quickly to the daily routines and knows when it is her time to be fed or when it is time to go for a wander to eat some of that green grass, which is a little treat that she really enjoys. She has now been rugged for the first time in a very long time if at all in her life, but she has taken to the rug well, but is still suspicious of those pony eating leg straps, but she has improved each & every time the rug is put on her. She now has a stable in her yard to giver her protection from the elements, she has absolutely no problems going in there, we thought she may have issues but she proved us wrong. She has her best mates next to her Benson (my TB) & Billy (my Shetland) and she enjoys their company.
Even though Angel is not broken in, she is still a very valuable family member, she keeps everyone company & keeps everyone entertained with her constant talking & checking where everyone is. Through Angel I have become even more aware of how important correct training & everyday care is. If worming, trimming and other general care are not taught young & kept up with the general care becomes difficult and stressful times for both the horses/ponies and for us as owners.
I continue to work with Angel every morning and every night of every day, just little things but things that are important. She may never have that complete trust in me, I honestly can't blame her of what she knows of humans, but I can do my absolute best for her, for the rest of her life and I am sure she appreciates it."
THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARDS ANGEL'S CARE:
Bag of Oaten Chaff - Sue
Bag of Lucerne Chaff - Amber
Dental visit for Angel - Maree
Hoof trim for Angel - Sue
Bale of Hay - Cies, Julia
5 litres of Flaxseed Oil - Dianne
Bag of Bran - Tara
Bag of Millet - Amber
Bag of Linseeds - Maree
Wormer for Angel - Julia
