NEWS & VIEWS
Whilst enjoying getting to know our new arrival, it is tinged with sadness after having to say goodbye to an old friend. Pig as she was affectionately known was a pony in a million, after successfully managing her arthritis for as long as possible so she could enjoy retirement in the field with her friends, it came the right time to say our goodbyes. She is very sorely missed.
We have also been battling with a mystery illness that befell two of the Shetlands a few weeks ago. Our vets have been out several times, agonisingly waiting for blood test results, to try rule things out and point us in the right direction. Although no definitive test to 100% confirm it, both ponies show signs and symptoms of Chronic Grass Sickness. Despite well funded research, the true cause is still an unknown of this horrible condition nor unfortunately is there a cure. It attacks the nervous system, causing muscle tremors, muscle soreness and stiffness, difficulty eating and swallowing and impeding proper gut functions making impaction a real worry. Lethargy, depression and a general disinterest in life is also a real problem. This can go on for months until either improvement is seen or things takes a turn for the worse. We are committed to giving as much care as we can with a regular feeding regime and stimulation but with a 50% survival rate and a strong possibility of surviving ponies being predisposed to further complications down the line, it’s full of highs and lows and we are realistic. A real roller coaster of emotions, it’s been a difficult time.
Our foal of 2025, born in the early hours with a straightforward birth. We always give them a few days to get going and find their feet and then to think of a name.
Sorting through my old photo files and reminiscing over the last seventeen years of the stud. We’ve had the privilege of owning some lovely ponies. A few of my favourites, no longer with us at the stud but happy memories to look back on.
Delighted to hear that Eiger Krunch has produced another nice foal this time a strong, well boned piebald colt for the stud who bought the in-foal mare from us. We look forward to seeing how he grows on.
Views from around the farm, cotton grass out in force, pretty bog plants, scruffy yearlings yet to fully moult and drought like conditions. Its been a hot, dry spring so far and we could desperately do with some rain.
