Little Kate Introduces "Dino" To Our Readers - 09.07.2010
Last week we were asked to rescue a little pony down at the Knackery who someone wanted as a companion to a little miniature. We hooked up the float and headed down to see if the pony would be suitable. There were about 15 horses in the first pen and when we went in to look at the pony it became obvious that most of these horses had not had much, if any, handling. The mob would run circles around us as soon as we approached. Then suddenly, one of the horses turned it's head and walked straight up to Inger and leaned his head against her chest.....he just stood there quietly with his head down waiting to be stroked......it was another young STB who hadn't run fast enough. Well the pony found himself in good company on the trip home and Seana has named our newcomer "Dino" (from the Flinstones) because he is the world’s biggest lapdog (or at least he would like to be).
Dino has the quietest nature of any horse we have seen....so it certainly came as a big surprise when we looked him up and saw that he was still registered as a colt. We had done a quick 'check' when we were in the pens but it was only the next morning when we looked more carefully we could see that there could be some truth in that. Dino is rising 4 years old, very under developed for his age, and one testicle was 'missing', so at a glance it was difficult to identify him as a colt. With low funds in the accounts we have put out a plea to our Veterinarian who has generously offered to sponsor part of the cost to have Dino gelded. Below is Dino with the Pony we also picked up, who will remain here in quarantine for another two weeks before moving on to his permanent home.
Dino & Gumby Are Both Gelded - 13.07.2010
Our veterinarian came out last Tuesday and gelded both the boys. We owe a very bit 'Thank You' to Tony's Practice who has been kind enough to sponsor us with much of the gelding process. Below are photos of the veterinarian 'Zoe' looking after Dino during the operation. For anyone who is concerned by the photos below, rest assured that both boys were under full anaesthetic and did not feel any pain at all.
Our veterinarian came out last Tuesday and gelded both the boys. We owe a very bit 'Thank You' to Tony's Practice who has been kind enough to sponsor us with much of the gelding process. Below are photos of the veterinarian 'Zoe' looking after Dino during the operation. For anyone who is concerned by the photos below, rest assured that both boys were under full anaesthetic and did not feel any pain at all.
Once Dino was back on his feet and recovering it was little Gumby's turn ....the red part in the below photo is only a towel, the operation had not started :)
For anyone who may be concerned about their well being, the below photos were taken two days later and both boys are recovering very well. They are both back to normal and as friendly and happy as ever.
Dino Gets A Dental Check Up - 15.08.2010
Our little Dino was also fortunatel enough to be seen by the well knows equine dentist "Shannon Lee" from Advanced Equine Dentistry. Although Dino is the same age as De Lilah he had less loose baby teeth and did not have any wolfe teeth that needed extracting. Dino only needed to have his sharp edges attended to and Shannon did a fantastic job as always.
Our little Dino was also fortunatel enough to be seen by the well knows equine dentist "Shannon Lee" from Advanced Equine Dentistry. Although Dino is the same age as De Lilah he had less loose baby teeth and did not have any wolfe teeth that needed extracting. Dino only needed to have his sharp edges attended to and Shannon did a fantastic job as always.
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Lyn Comes Out To Meet Dino - 15.08.2010
When we first posted the story of Dino on our website it took less then a week before we were contacted by a lovely lady who said she wanted to come out and meet him. Dino was not even out of the quarantine paddock and was still recovering from his operation.
Despite knowing very little about the horse, "Lyn" insisted that she would travel over 2 hours to come out and meet him and believed he could be the horse she has been seaching for. To this day we don't know how Lyn could pick it straight away, but she already knew what a special horse Dino is, even before they met. When Lyn made the trip down to meet Dino it was love at first sight.
When we first posted the story of Dino on our website it took less then a week before we were contacted by a lovely lady who said she wanted to come out and meet him. Dino was not even out of the quarantine paddock and was still recovering from his operation.
Despite knowing very little about the horse, "Lyn" insisted that she would travel over 2 hours to come out and meet him and believed he could be the horse she has been seaching for. To this day we don't know how Lyn could pick it straight away, but she already knew what a special horse Dino is, even before they met. When Lyn made the trip down to meet Dino it was love at first sight.
Lyn has asked for our assistance to bring Dino under saddle for her before she takes him home. Dino will therefore stay with us at Epona's Pastures for a few more weeks and we will continue to post updates on his progress as he is introduced to the saddle. Lyn is already doing some ground work with Dino and has put him through some temperament tests which he passed with flying colours. Thus far we know that Dino is not frightened of ropes around his legs, plastics bags, cows, water crossings, cars or dogs....in fact, not much seems to worrie Dino at all.
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Dino Is Introduced To The Saddle - 30.08.10
Dino has fully recovered from his operation, he has had some ground lessons to assess his temperament and the time has come to introduce our Dino to the saddle.
Although Dino was extremely well behaved as we introduced the saddle to him, he did show an instant nervous reaction to the saddle being placed on his back. He began shifting and pawing the ground and went from extremely relaxed to a rather agitated state of mind. We can only conclude that this stems from his association with the gear on his back to a harrness and the stress he has endured while training to be a racehorse. Dino quickly settled down and it was not long before he was fully happy to accept a rider on his back. The photos below are from his second day in the roundyard under saddle ( the first day was with his new owner "Lyn" but unfortunately we do not have any photos).
On the second day under saddle, our volunteer "Gill" knows exactly what to do and has Dino walking around on a loose rein (in the bitless bridle) in no time at all.
Dino has fully recovered from his operation, he has had some ground lessons to assess his temperament and the time has come to introduce our Dino to the saddle.
Although Dino was extremely well behaved as we introduced the saddle to him, he did show an instant nervous reaction to the saddle being placed on his back. He began shifting and pawing the ground and went from extremely relaxed to a rather agitated state of mind. We can only conclude that this stems from his association with the gear on his back to a harrness and the stress he has endured while training to be a racehorse. Dino quickly settled down and it was not long before he was fully happy to accept a rider on his back. The photos below are from his second day in the roundyard under saddle ( the first day was with his new owner "Lyn" but unfortunately we do not have any photos).
On the second day under saddle, our volunteer "Gill" knows exactly what to do and has Dino walking around on a loose rein (in the bitless bridle) in no time at all.
Dino Heads Out On The Trails - 08.09.2010
Our volunteer "Gill" has taken Dino out for his first ride in the forest, and what could we possibly say.....he was perfect ! Dino was happy to stride out in front and lead the way but did not get upset if he was behind, he did not shy and spook at things and was generally well behaved the whole way.
Our volunteer "Gill" has taken Dino out for his first ride in the forest, and what could we possibly say.....he was perfect ! Dino was happy to stride out in front and lead the way but did not get upset if he was behind, he did not shy and spook at things and was generally well behaved the whole way.
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A change of Direction For Dino - 28.10.2010
Dino has had a slight change to his future when, after some careful consideration, Lyn decided that she really needed a horse with experience and education. As quiet as Dino is, and with such an unflappable nature, he is still a young and green horse.
One of our volunteers 'Jackie' had her eye on Dino from the moment he came in and she is delighted that she now has the opportunity to work with him and continue his education. Jackie is working with dino out on the roads, through the trails and doing some basic flat work exercises. Dino is learning fast and with a little more time we expect he will be a superstar.
Dino has had a slight change to his future when, after some careful consideration, Lyn decided that she really needed a horse with experience and education. As quiet as Dino is, and with such an unflappable nature, he is still a young and green horse.
One of our volunteers 'Jackie' had her eye on Dino from the moment he came in and she is delighted that she now has the opportunity to work with him and continue his education. Jackie is working with dino out on the roads, through the trails and doing some basic flat work exercises. Dino is learning fast and with a little more time we expect he will be a superstar.
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