I’ve mentioned recently about wanting to find a pony for Horatio and a companion for Nas. I had debated leaving it until the spring and try to get Horatio booked up for some riding lessons. But then that would mean Nas would be out on his own a lot of the time.

However since the incident with the hunt, he has been a bit of a stress bucket. Although he can be left out alone now he doesn’t fully relax. Also I think three years of limited turnout has only endorsed his favouritism to stay in his stable and eat hay. He’s your typical grass is greener over there horse… if he’s in he wants to be out and vice versa. Most days we would find him waiting by the gate by 10am.

I’d been debating a Shetland because I learnt to ride on one and I want Horatio to understand the fun without the fear of height lol, no what I mean is I didn’t want to over face him with anything to big and basically something that would intimidate him size wise whilst on the ground (although that is just daft because nas never bothers him, as he tried to walk around or under, I know I keep telling him) anyhow a Shetland is a nice size and even the best of them can be a little character.

The downside is that it wouldn’t be much of a grooming companion for Nas, but still it would be someone for him to have as company. Even though there were other horses at the old yard he was never turned out with them and only saw them from his stable.

So I started looking around to see what was about and gage price… the other thing I know is if you do want a push button lead rein/first pony you have to expect to pay the price and generally speaking £1500 is the going rate… sure you can get them cheaper but then from 2nd hand past experiences I know they don’t always work out.  We just don’t have that kind of money to spare at the moment. As much as I would love to go out and buy of the rack.

The other thing is Horatio isn’t yet a rider he has had a few pony rides and that’s it… so I didn’t want to spend too much money on a hobby he might not stick to. As it is I think there will be some tough love involved in trying to get him to appreciate and understand what goes into looking after animals.

I saw a few cheapy’s that just weren’t suitable and then I saw an advert that would be perfect… this time the number rang unobtainable. I then saw adverts of people selling 2/3yrolds as potential lead rein fist ridden:-s wrong on lots of levels.  eventually I found an advert on preloved for a lil black Shetland mare, 15yrs, hasn’t been ridden for couple of years, been living out within a herd. Was once a child’s pony comes with tack.

This sounded hopeful -no picture- so I rang up, now I’m not good when it comes to buying selling haggling etc. usually I just want something I pay my money and I’m happy. But obviously with animals it’s a lot more complicated than that. Luckily her owner didn’t think I was a babbling idiot and we arranged a visit… well little Spirit was an instant hit with all of us.

We stood around talking for ages and she stood still with us -maybe a lil tug to a tuft of grass- Horatio was all over her like a rash. And I ran my hands all over, she was a little funny about back legs but nothing nasty, to be fair if I had a giant trying to pick up my legs I would be a little concerned. Horatio didn’t sit on her it didn’t seem fair to bring her in and expect that. So we agreed to have her on trial for a month so I can do some groundwork and see how she goes before oration gets on. Plus we have the softer landing of the school here.

My only concern again was her size would he soon outgrow her. But then that would only be in height not weight and we’ll have to play it by ear. So we picked her up last Tuesday and she was as good as gold, didn’t even break into a sweat in the trailer. I wish I could say the same for Nas; he was a bully from the start. (Thinking it might be a bit of jealousy and possessiveness)

We kept her in the first day/night so they could see each other, then we let them out together in the morning. boy when she went into his field all happy and merry I was not expecting Nas to behave like the arse he did – when I told people who know Nas they also couldn’t believe it – luckily I managed to separate them and she came away unscathed. I know that horse’s behaviour can sometimes be like this but I have never seen Nas act aggressively or dominantly to anyone (except me of course).

Now they are grazing in separate fields beside each other and I will leave it that way until I see a bit of a bond developing. Yesterday they were both grazing along the same fence line together. And when I got them in she was calling to Nas, and he did the same back. So hopefully they will settle down. Don’t get me wrong she can be a bit of a mare and does the squealing leg kicking action around him.

Around us though she is the sweetest little thing and especially around Horatio, he led her out this morning and walked behind me and Nas, and she didn’t once try to pull him or break into a jog. she then let her cuddle him in the field -with me she walks off- so I am really hoping he will find a friend in her like he’s been trying to get with the dogs. They are just too old and set in there ways now to really appreciate his attention.

I also have to admit she’s also a bit for me, I love watching the cute factor and of course she reminds me of my beloved Mr Tibbs.