Merlin's Story

Saving "Merlin" - 1 January, 2011

We know that we should never visit the horse knackery yards, we know that we can't bear to see perfectly fit and healthy horses be put down for no other reason then because they didn't run fast enough. So we try to stay away unless we feel it's absolutely necessary, but about four weeks ago Inger was searching for a horse that she thought may have ended up there after seeing it at the sales the week before. The horse she was looking for was not there......but this beautiful 3yo baby standarbred gelding was. He came straight up to her, was very friendly and eager for some kind words and attention. Inger knew there would not be enough money in the accounts which was quickly confirmed by the owner of the Knackery pens who demanded a small fortune for the horse.
No sleep for the next two nights but the image of this lovely boy was imprinted in her mind. One of Epona's Pastures main supporters came to the rescue and lent us enough money to help "Merlin" to freedom and a new beginning. A deposit was made but Inger could not return with the float until the following day so she took this photo of Merlin before she went and promised to return.

Merlin Arrives At Epona's Pastures - 14 January, 2011

When Inger arrived at the Knackery the following day to take this poor boy home, it was like he knew. Inger parked the car and float close to the exit and walked over to the holding yards where 'Merlin' was standing with his head down. When he saw Inger approaching, he looked up, with ears pricked he took an uncertain step forward with hope in his eyes. It was almost like he dared not believe Inger had really come back for him and did not want get his hopes up if it was not so.
Once Inger was in the pen with the halter and leadrope he no longer hesitated and came straight up to her and put his nose into the halter....I don't think anyone will convince Inger that those horses don't understand what is happening.
After floating like a dream all the way home, Merlin was given a quick overall check. He had some superficial battle scars from being locked up with lots of strange horses over the last week and he had obviously not seen a decent meal for some time but otherwise appeared healthy.

The lovely person who lent us the money to save him named him "Merlin" because he has magical qualities about him and we couldn't agree more.

Merlin Begins His Training Regime - 23 June, 2011

After six months of relaxation, pampering and...well...just having an opportunity to 'be a horse', Merlin is now ready for the next step to becoming someone's new best friend. We have been doing some groundwork exercised with Merlin and he is as quiet as they come. We are yet to see this lovely boy phased by anything, so young and yet he remains so confident in himself. He is a very willing horse and responds well to all the ground exercises.

Once Inger felt that Merlin was comfortable with the saddle and he had completed all the groundwork exercises, it was time for Merlin to carry his first rider. Although Merlin is only 3 1/2 years old, we are convinced he has been born an old wise man trapped in a younger's horse's body. Such a quiet and relaxed horse, this boy will be out on the trails in not time.

Merlin Completes His Education and Finds His Permanent Family Home - September 2011
Over the last two months, Merlin's education has been completed by two of our volunteers, Jackie and Gill. Not only has he learned about yelding to pressure and leg aids but he also needed exposure to the big wide world out there. Jackie has been taking Merlin out for regular rides to the local small township where he meets all sorts of different scenarios and also to the local reservoir for a more relaxing outing.

Merlin is one of those lovely horses that come along every now and again who you just know is going to make someone very happy. So it was no suprise that Merlin had already found his permanent home even before we had finished his education. Matt's sister had been searching for a nice quiet riding horse for some time and when we got to know Merlin it became obvious that he would be a perfect match. Matt and Inger drove up to Talangatta with Merlin and his new companion "Murray" to enjoy the rest of their years on a beautiful dairy farm that stretches as far as the eye can see with the greenest pasture a horse could ever wish for. Merlin will be a pleasure mount for the family to ride on the farm but without doubt, most of his time will be spent being spoiled with carrots and treats by their three wonderful kids.

If you have a look back to the top of the page and see the fist picture we took of Merlin the day we found him at the knackery...this boy has really landed on his feet.
We love the 'Rags To Ritches" stories, they are our fairytales with happy endings.....