Introducing "Bambi" - 13 January, 2011
A few weeks ago the Epona's Pastures team headed to the Echuca sales to see if we could find any good bargains on second hand rugs and possibly bid against the kanckery man if the situation arose. We hooked up the float and made the two hour trip up in the morning.
There were many horses there, probably the most we had ever seen which was suprising with the amount of feed that can now be found in most paddocks. Several of the horses had untreated hooves in various degrees from cracks to full blown founder with rotated pedal bones, a very sad thing to see.
Amongst them was a very calm and sweet natures STB mare who captured our attention. We spoke to one of the staff members and asked what information he might have on the mare and he replied short and sharp that "she was for meat" and there was nothing more to be said.
After checking out the mare's general nature in the pen, checking her back and a quick look over her legs to make sure she was not suffering from any obvious debilitating conditions, it was quickly decided that she would be coming home with us. The knackery man tried but soon realised we would not give in until we held the last bid. He gave up and moved on to the next poor unsuspecting soul.
So it was that "Bambi" came to join us at Epona's Pastures...
There were many horses there, probably the most we had ever seen which was suprising with the amount of feed that can now be found in most paddocks. Several of the horses had untreated hooves in various degrees from cracks to full blown founder with rotated pedal bones, a very sad thing to see.
Amongst them was a very calm and sweet natures STB mare who captured our attention. We spoke to one of the staff members and asked what information he might have on the mare and he replied short and sharp that "she was for meat" and there was nothing more to be said.
After checking out the mare's general nature in the pen, checking her back and a quick look over her legs to make sure she was not suffering from any obvious debilitating conditions, it was quickly decided that she would be coming home with us. The knackery man tried but soon realised we would not give in until we held the last bid. He gave up and moved on to the next poor unsuspecting soul.
So it was that "Bambi" came to join us at Epona's Pastures...
On arrival we turned Bambi out in the paddocks to enjoy the green lush grass and to just relax. We know very little about Bambi's past, she has not been neglected, but she is in 'racing condition' with a slim build and a tucked up stomach. She will enjoy a few weeks of relaxation with her new friends before we bring her in to start her new education.
Bambi The Riding Horse - 15 May, 2011
We began Bambi's education in March and this mare has gone from strength to strength. Bambi is a big sweetheart who has quiet mannerisms and wants only to please. Below are some photos of Bambi's journey to become a riding horse.
We test Bambi's Problem Solving Skills.
Followed by flexion exercises and level of nervousness
In week two of Bambi's training, we introduce her to the saddle for the first time....
Inger and Gill take this training very seriously and at times when things get a little too serious, you just need to have a laugh...
Bambi progressed fast and was out on the trails in not time. She has proven to be a very relaxed horse when out under saddle. Bambi is not always the bravest horse and if given a choice, she prefers to follow rather then lead the trail but there is not a bad bone in this horse's body. In addition to multiple trail rides, Gill has been working to establish some basic education on the flat....
and Bambi is happy to show off her moves.....
