Smokey, pony mare, 34 years
The boss of the ponies and our fast granny (her German nickname: "Renn-Oma"). Smokey isn't only faster in a gallop than most of our big horses she also outwalks them on the treks if she is allowed to be in the lead:-).
According to Ian she has been one of the most difficult horses to deal with when she was given to him as a "fire breathing monster". The former owners were even too scared to get near her, her feet were in terrible condition (they resembled skies) especially after she had foundered years ago. The first time she got shoes put on Smokey picked the farrier up with her front feet and smashed him on the concrete...the first time Ian rode her out on the trails she did the whole show: racing backwards down the river (when she tried to jump it first and landed in the middle of it), spins in both directions, rearing, bucking, you name id she did it. And now? She is settled, happy, incredible fit, ridden in a rope halter, an absolute joy for beginners and experienced riders and even 5 year old kids have ridden her off the lead on the trails. If the rider isn't paying attention out on the trails she puts her head down to eat and catches up in a trot (why walk, if you can run?). Smokey is also for more experienced riders a great teacher for very fine hands, she teaches you softness and not to pull, because she knows every pulling game she wins. Smokey follows her 8 year old share rider Christabell around like a dog, they have a unique relationship: When Christabell rides her, Smokey even goes through the slalom at liberty. in the last few weeks of 2011 Lucy is Smokey's new share rider. Smokey loves being fussedover by Lucy and they are a great team together.
According to Ian she has been one of the most difficult horses to deal with when she was given to him as a "fire breathing monster". The former owners were even too scared to get near her, her feet were in terrible condition (they resembled skies) especially after she had foundered years ago. The first time she got shoes put on Smokey picked the farrier up with her front feet and smashed him on the concrete...the first time Ian rode her out on the trails she did the whole show: racing backwards down the river (when she tried to jump it first and landed in the middle of it), spins in both directions, rearing, bucking, you name id she did it. And now? She is settled, happy, incredible fit, ridden in a rope halter, an absolute joy for beginners and experienced riders and even 5 year old kids have ridden her off the lead on the trails. If the rider isn't paying attention out on the trails she puts her head down to eat and catches up in a trot (why walk, if you can run?). Smokey is also for more experienced riders a great teacher for very fine hands, she teaches you softness and not to pull, because she knows every pulling game she wins. Smokey follows her 8 year old share rider Christabell around like a dog, they have a unique relationship: When Christabell rides her, Smokey even goes through the slalom at liberty. in the last few weeks of 2011 Lucy is Smokey's new share rider. Smokey loves being fussedover by Lucy and they are a great team together.
Podge, ponymare, 14 years
This pretty chestnut girl is Smokey's best friend. Ian got a phone call one day and the people told him there was an abandoned 5 year old pony with a 3 year old foal at foot up on some hills. The owners hadn't been able to get close to her for 3 years. The last time as a 1 year old they tried to stick a needle into her as she was in foal way too early. So if Ian could catch her he could have her. It took 10 minutes and then Ian started to load her into the trailer.
What a little pearl Podge is and dearly loved by her share rider Christabell and former ridr Katie. She isn't really a beginners pony, because her riders have to be very soft in their communication: If you are doing too much, being too controlling and too busy with the hands, she will turn around and trot home. Around humans she doesn't know, her breathing gets heavier and she still tests on the first contact if she can really trust you, if you respect her space and if you can invite her in instead of catching her.
What a little pearl Podge is and dearly loved by her share rider Christabell and former ridr Katie. She isn't really a beginners pony, because her riders have to be very soft in their communication: If you are doing too much, being too controlling and too busy with the hands, she will turn around and trot home. Around humans she doesn't know, her breathing gets heavier and she still tests on the first contact if she can really trust you, if you respect her space and if you can invite her in instead of catching her.
