This is the story of "Honey", a very special pony that has touched us all in her fight from the brink of death back to a healthy and happy pony who is once again enjoying life.
08.01.2007
It's the start of a new year, and for our newcomer at Epona's Pastures, it's the start of a new life !
To all the visitors and friends of Epona's Pastures, we would like to introduce our latest rescue horse "Honey". Honey's rescue and recover has been made possible due to a fantastic group of your ladies in Norway who have come together via a Norwegian Forum (Ellen Ofstad) and adopted Honey through our 'Long Distance Adoption Program'. A very big 'Thank You' to each and every one of you, Honey's rescue would not hav been possible without you.
Honey has been badly neglected for several months and by the time she was brought to our attention she was not much more than skin and bones
She has been without any decent food for a long period of time, her coat is full of lice......
It's the start of a new year, and for our newcomer at Epona's Pastures, it's the start of a new life !
To all the visitors and friends of Epona's Pastures, we would like to introduce our latest rescue horse "Honey". Honey's rescue and recover has been made possible due to a fantastic group of your ladies in Norway who have come together via a Norwegian Forum (Ellen Ofstad) and adopted Honey through our 'Long Distance Adoption Program'. A very big 'Thank You' to each and every one of you, Honey's rescue would not hav been possible without you.
Honey has been badly neglected for several months and by the time she was brought to our attention she was not much more than skin and bones
She has been without any decent food for a long period of time, her coat is full of lice......
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...and her belly contains not much other than a large worm infestation. We first met Honey about three weeks ago, but as Epona's Pastures was not in a position to take in any horses until January, we had assistance from a dedicated individual who made sure that Honey was fed until we were in a position to take her in.
 
Last Friday we could finally bring Honey back to Epona's Pasture so that we could give her the daily care she needs.
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Finally, Honey could taste green grass again !!
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Our Veterinarian, Dr. Tony Hanegraaf, came to see Honey and give her a general health check. He estimated that she is between 15-17 years old and despiste her poor condition he could not detect any illness that would prevent her from making a full recovery. Her heart rate is a little too fast but her lungs sounded clear and strong. The bloodtest has confirmed that she has worms, the beginning of a liver infection and stomach ulcers, all of which is to be expected in a horse that is in such a malnourished state.
Honey clearly states her own opinion !
Honey will start a gentle course of antibiotics and further worming treatments over the next couple of weeks, for now she is resting and gathering strength day by day in her new surroundings.
09.01.2007- In Appreciation To Rug Donations Made.
The temperatures in the Macedon Ranges are going up and down like a yo yo at the moment and last night it dropped all the way to 8 degrees. Combined with an increased wind we came out in the morning to find poor Honey shivering and shaking like it was the middle of winter. Being in such a malnourished condition, the lice and worms have taken their toll on her coat (if you can still call it that). Her hair is matted and in many places, it is missing all together. Most of the hair that is on her can easily be pulled out with a gentle tug only to leave another bare patch of skin. Because her coat is in such a poor state, she does not have the ability to control her hair follicles the way most horses do to protect themselves from the elements, she cannot raise the hair to cool down when it's hot, or keep them togehter to capture body heat when it is cold outside.
We quickly found a rug we knew would be small enough to fit her and soft enough not to rub on her sensitive skin, a warm rug that was donated to us by "Belinda" from Sydney last year, thank you once again Belinda, the rug has been priceless to us.
As we mentioned, the temperatures are anything but consistent and over the next two days they are predicting it will reach 39 degrees! Despite there being some shady trees at the end of Honey's paddock, she will wander out to graze and we are worried that she will be scorched by the sun with such little natural protection from her own coat.We also found a small, very light cotton rug that could be used to put on her for the next couple of days to protect her from the sun. We want to thank a lovely young lady "Nikky" from Kyneton who kindly donated this rug to us, both of these rugs have become a life saver to Honey for the next couple of months. Here is Honey showing off her new wardrobe:
The temperatures in the Macedon Ranges are going up and down like a yo yo at the moment and last night it dropped all the way to 8 degrees. Combined with an increased wind we came out in the morning to find poor Honey shivering and shaking like it was the middle of winter. Being in such a malnourished condition, the lice and worms have taken their toll on her coat (if you can still call it that). Her hair is matted and in many places, it is missing all together. Most of the hair that is on her can easily be pulled out with a gentle tug only to leave another bare patch of skin. Because her coat is in such a poor state, she does not have the ability to control her hair follicles the way most horses do to protect themselves from the elements, she cannot raise the hair to cool down when it's hot, or keep them togehter to capture body heat when it is cold outside.
We quickly found a rug we knew would be small enough to fit her and soft enough not to rub on her sensitive skin, a warm rug that was donated to us by "Belinda" from Sydney last year, thank you once again Belinda, the rug has been priceless to us.
As we mentioned, the temperatures are anything but consistent and over the next two days they are predicting it will reach 39 degrees! Despite there being some shady trees at the end of Honey's paddock, she will wander out to graze and we are worried that she will be scorched by the sun with such little natural protection from her own coat.We also found a small, very light cotton rug that could be used to put on her for the next couple of days to protect her from the sun. We want to thank a lovely young lady "Nikky" from Kyneton who kindly donated this rug to us, both of these rugs have become a life saver to Honey for the next couple of months. Here is Honey showing off her new wardrobe:
20.01.2007 - Honey's new, important task
Much has happened since the last update on Honey. Honey's condition has improved, and she is spending some happy days grazing in the paddock.
Honey has now moved into a paddock together with one of the permanent residents, Jocks, as Jocks' best friend, CC, was tragically lost to colic. Jocks was very sad, unsetteled and stressed after the loss of his best friend, but luckily Honey could step in and support him through the hard times. Honey is enjoying some company, and Jocks seems to have a little crush on pretty Honey.
Much has happened since the last update on Honey. Honey's condition has improved, and she is spending some happy days grazing in the paddock.
Honey has now moved into a paddock together with one of the permanent residents, Jocks, as Jocks' best friend, CC, was tragically lost to colic. Jocks was very sad, unsetteled and stressed after the loss of his best friend, but luckily Honey could step in and support him through the hard times. Honey is enjoying some company, and Jocks seems to have a little crush on pretty Honey.
Honey's coat has improved during the short time she has spent at Epona's Pastures. The long, white winter coat around her belly is coming off, and her beautiful palomino colour is starting to show. Her skin is still very sensitive as she has been full of lice for a long time, but she will shortly recieve her second lice treatment which should put an end to the lice and lead to a full recovery.
Honey is currently on mild antibiotics for her liver infection and a mild worming cure for one week. In addition to these medications she is also getting a variety of herbs (Country Park Herbs) to assist her digestive system and strenghten her liver. If you compare these recent photos of Honey to the first ones taken of her, you can already see a difference :)
Honey is currently on mild antibiotics for her liver infection and a mild worming cure for one week. In addition to these medications she is also getting a variety of herbs (Country Park Herbs) to assist her digestive system and strenghten her liver. If you compare these recent photos of Honey to the first ones taken of her, you can already see a difference :)
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22.01.07 - Honey Has A Bath !!!!
After a weekend of downpour that washed all our plans to bathe Honey away, we decided that it was warm enough on Monday afternoon to finally get some of that dirt off her. One thing is for certain, this was not the first time Honey has had a bath in her life (although you'd think so looking at her). She stood like an angel the whole time, never as much as lifted a leg in protest. I guess being a girl, she too likes to look her best :)
After a weekend of downpour that washed all our plans to bathe Honey away, we decided that it was warm enough on Monday afternoon to finally get some of that dirt off her. One thing is for certain, this was not the first time Honey has had a bath in her life (although you'd think so looking at her). She stood like an angel the whole time, never as much as lifted a leg in protest. I guess being a girl, she too likes to look her best :)
Here she is all wet just after we'd rinsed most of the shampoo off her. Although we scrubbed and rubbed, it was impossible to get all the grainy dirt from her coat in the first wash. As her skin is still so sensitive, we had to be a little careful on how much we rubbed in any one particual place.
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We did, however, manage to rub most of the old (sticky) winter coat out so that the summer coat can finally come through.
She was washed bit by bit, and slowly we revealved that she has in fact got 4 white socks..... |
We then let her go so she could dry in the afternoon sun.....follwed by Honey's favorite time of the day, dinner .....
...and finally, it was time for her last lice treatment.
Lazy Summer Day - 30.01.2007
Honey and Jocks enjoyed a very lazy weekend. They spent most of their time, grazing, scratching backs and "hanging out" under the shade of the trees where they would stand and lazily swat flies off one another. It's becoming more and more obvious that Honey is starting to pick up in condition, she still has a long road ahead but she is feeling better about herself every day :)
Honey and Jocks enjoyed a very lazy weekend. They spent most of their time, grazing, scratching backs and "hanging out" under the shade of the trees where they would stand and lazily swat flies off one another. It's becoming more and more obvious that Honey is starting to pick up in condition, she still has a long road ahead but she is feeling better about herself every day :)
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Honey Gets The Delux Spa Treatment - 18.02.2007
When we went out to play with Honey on Sunday, she showed us how much she had enjoyed herself frolicking in the red dirt the night before...
When we went out to play with Honey on Sunday, she showed us how much she had enjoyed herself frolicking in the red dirt the night before...
So Honey received the "Epona's Pastures Delux Horse Wash" with assistance from Colleen who has been our special helper over the weekend.
After the wash, Colleen brought out her hairdressing skills and gave Honey a brand new haristyle. Honey is ready for Hollywood !
Looking at Honey's Progress To Date - 25.02.2007
"Here I am.....did you miss me ?"
It's been less than two months of rehabilitaion with Honey to date, but she is making such huge progress it's wonderful to see. Let's compare some "Before" & "After" shots to date:
Honey Mid December
   | Honey 25th February
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Honey is still a very skinny horse for her size and she still has a long way to fulll recovery .It's easy to loose track of how much progress she has already made, and it certainly is encouraging to see her looking so much better already.
Honey Gets A New Wardrobe- 25.02.2007
Honey's pale colouring and sensitive skin has been an ogoing concern for us here at Epona's Pastures, so it was time for Honey to get some new summer clothes in the right size. Here she is showing off her new flymask that is long enough to protect her pale and sensitive nose and her new 'Cool Coat Combo'.
Honey Gets A New Wardrobe- 25.02.2007
Honey's pale colouring and sensitive skin has been an ogoing concern for us here at Epona's Pastures, so it was time for Honey to get some new summer clothes in the right size. Here she is showing off her new flymask that is long enough to protect her pale and sensitive nose and her new 'Cool Coat Combo'.
