We Welcome "Bella" - 30 July, 2008
Bella is a 16yo grey mare who arrived at Eponas Pastures on late Sunday afternoon. Although we are still speculating over Bella's exact breeding, we believe she is part Arabian. We know that Bella once had a career as an endurance horse and that she has been a mother to three foals before she came into our care. Bella has a beautiful grey dappled colouring with soft eyes and an inquisitive personality.
She will spend the next few days settling in and getting to know her new paddock companions.
Dr. Tony Hanegraaf will be here next week to give Bella a dental examination and a general health check. We will post an update on how our newest resident is settling in later this week.
She will spend the next few days settling in and getting to know her new paddock companions.
Dr. Tony Hanegraaf will be here next week to give Bella a dental examination and a general health check. We will post an update on how our newest resident is settling in later this week.
Bella's Vet Visit - 15 August, 2008
Dr. Tony Hanegraaf came to assess Bella's health and soundness. She had her teeth tended to and received a chiropractic manipulation in order for us to attain whether she has the potential to be a ridden horse once again. This mare has the sweetest nature, is an absolute pleasure to handle, and after a few days of being introduced to feed again (and stamping her feet at the geldings!) has settled into life at Epona's Pastures with ease.
Although we were concerned with some inflamation in her fetlock's (possibly a result of her years as an Endurance horse), during her soundness test, Tony was encouraged that she doesn't seem to be in any discomfort and feels that with a little excersise to build up her muscles, she could go on to be a wonderful pleasure riding horse. Overall she has great movement, is energetic and spirited, and we very much look forward to getting her out and about in the forest to begin her training very soon!
Although we were concerned with some inflamation in her fetlock's (possibly a result of her years as an Endurance horse), during her soundness test, Tony was encouraged that she doesn't seem to be in any discomfort and feels that with a little excersise to build up her muscles, she could go on to be a wonderful pleasure riding horse. Overall she has great movement, is energetic and spirited, and we very much look forward to getting her out and about in the forest to begin her training very soon!
Tony gives Bella a stretch and determines that her neck and back are in good shape before give her a full dental check....
18 August, 2008
Bella is first down the laneway for breakfast. Having had the sharp edges of her teeth removed, she is now more comfortable eating, and we are very pleased with her growing appetite!
23 August, 2008
Bella was ridden for the first time at Epona's Pastures today. We suspect she has not been under saddle for many years due to producing three foals after her endurance career. Despite this, Asher was astounded at her willingness and excitement to be out and about with a rider on board. This girl has obviously been trained beautifully in her riding days and hasn't forgotten a thing. She was safe, responsive, forward moving and lead the duration of the ride confidently.
Bella will continue gentle training in the bush to increase her fitness level and muscle development and we will keep you updated on her progress weekly.
Bella will continue gentle training in the bush to increase her fitness level and muscle development and we will keep you updated on her progress weekly.
Bella Settles In To A Life Of Luxury & Semi Retirement - March, 2009
After much discussion and deliberation it has been decided that Bella should be allowed to semi-retire. Bella's health issues make it difficult to find her an appropriate long term home and so it is decided that she will retire as a permanent resident with us at Epona's Pastures.
Over time we have learned that Bella's respiratory problem will not ease with fitness and that she has cancer under the tail. Although she is certainly not in any pain and can continue to live a happy life for a number of years to come, we felt she deserves to relax and just enjoy the years to come.
She has a wonderful temparment and has a nurturing personality that helps to calm any newcomers to our paddocks. We will continue to update on Bella's life here with us.
Over time we have learned that Bella's respiratory problem will not ease with fitness and that she has cancer under the tail. Although she is certainly not in any pain and can continue to live a happy life for a number of years to come, we felt she deserves to relax and just enjoy the years to come.
She has a wonderful temparment and has a nurturing personality that helps to calm any newcomers to our paddocks. We will continue to update on Bella's life here with us.
After days of caring for Bella and assesing her under saddle, Asher Keddie was quick to realise that she coudl not part ways with this beautiful girl. Bella has found her forever home with Asher and the other horses Asher has adopted from Epon'as Pastures.
