My Little Pony

That's it folks, I've found my calling in life!  This little girl is already a huge 'My Little Pony' fan. Well who wouldn't be?!

I am officially this little HF's very own My Little Pony.  We had a little chat, well erm a snuffle really but don't tell ;-) and I offered my handsome services as her forever pony and I was accepted.

The acceptance sounded a bit like raspberry, coo, coo, gurgle but I got the meaning!

And what better way to celebrate? A munch on some haylage just for me and a little riding practice for the HF, she is rather a natural.  

I'm a little worried as she already looks the perfect size on me, think we need to have words with FH about feeding her so much hay as I don't want her to grow too quickly…...

…. because we all know what will happen then…..

This Dragon has designs on My Little Foal…. she's gonna have a long wait….. this one's mine for the moment :-)

Back soon friends, snuffles and mini pony ear waves! 

The Practically Perfect Pony

Roller the mini shetland is practically perfect in every way!  At least he is to me :-)  I have always loved horses and ponies and was once the ultimate pony mad kid with every pony book in existence and dreams of galloping horses every night.  This love has never waned and I have been lucky enough to share my life with some wonderful horses and ponies; some I have ridden for just one time, others have owned me, all were special in their own ways.

Dreams to Reality....

As a pony mad kid I always dreamt that my 'perfect' horse would be a black welsh stallion with fiery nostrils, lots of hair and an ability to gallop for miles and rear on command..... I got older and my ideal changed a little but I still sought perfection in the 'big boys'..... a number of falls from the big boys and practicality then sent me towards the ponies again (there is something wonderful about their personalities and humour not to mention being able to get on easily!).  And then that's when Roller arrived.  My heart had been stolen by a mini mule and I realised that what he really needed was a buddy of his own size to play with and groom at his own level (it was tough for him to groom and jink with a full grown horse!).  So I decided we would look for a little companion.

In the Beginning

Roller was in a field with a multitude of other ponies for sale, all minis, all cute and mostly 'in your face'.  It was the middle of winter with the remnants of snow on the ground and a mighty wind blowing, all the ponies had wet coats and looked a little less than handsome.  So we were duly shown the ones for sale, most were friendly - in our pockets and very people orientated, some were a little nervous, pretty much all of them were bunched together chilling out as a group.  And then there was Roller..... he was on his own dutifully munching away keeping his eye on us but not really coming forward.  He looked a little less than immaculate in his bedraggled state and didn't seem that keen on saying hi, that made me all the more intrigued (I have a thing for the underdogs in case you haven't noticed!).  So we caught him up and tried to see what was underneath the damp, yep a pony!  I have no idea why but I had to have him over all the others, for some reason I thought his calmness would offset The Mini's feistiness well and maybe he needed the chance to come out of the others shadows?

The deal was done - thank goodness for that!  What an amazing purchase, little did I know I had found my practically perfect pony without dreaming I would.  What I thought I'd bought was a companion who would be quiet and no trouble, in reality we had just found a priceless gem :-)

Finding Perfection

So what makes this little mini shetland the practically perfect pony?  Forget the black stallion, these days my horsey heart belongs to a diminutive mini shetland!

Gentle

I know I've said this before but Roller really is the epitome of gentle.  He is the member of the gang that I can trust with anyone or anything.  He is the one that we bring out to meet even the most nervous of children or adults that we can trust not to put a foot wrong.  He is accepting of all, won't be overbearing and just seems to instill confidence in people.  Roller or Rolly as he is affectionately known by some has a huge fan club who love him for just being 'him'

Calm

Ever wished your equine was bombproof?  (yeah me too!) Well I don't really believe in this saying as I do think all equines can have their moments and if you expect bombproof one day you'll learn it doesn't exist.  However..... Roller is about 99.99999% bombproof.  This little man doesn't bat an eyelid at anything.  We have never really 'trained' him to be bombproof, he just is, it's in his nature.  He will face down monstrous tractors, packs of dogs, flappy tarpaulins, bonfires, hedge monsters, screaming kids, bursting balloons, hysterical mules and any other such things that are thrown his way.  He may occasionally shy - in Roller's terms this involves a blink of the eyes a little sooner than required or a half
inch side step.

The Perfect Design

Every time I glimpse Roller in his winter woolies I marvel at his perfect design for the cold months.  This little pony's ancestors evolved to live on the harsh Shetland Isles where there are few trees, the wind blows strong, there is lashing rain and deep snow, once upon a time even the people were stunted due to the weather.  His coat is luxurious, his mane and tail protective, his surface area tiny to prevent heat loss, his legs well covered and his dietary efficiency something of legend (nearly as good as the mules which is no mean feat!) This does leave Roller in a little trouble in the Spring and Summer months though..... he is so well fluffed that he needs months to moult and can get a little 'moth eaten' looking and require some help to shed - all the more excuse to spend quality grooming time with him, no hardship at all!

Handsome

I know I'm biased but oh my I do so adore looking at this handsome little chap.  There is something about his style that makes me smile.  He is just adorable!  When the moods takes him and he decides to have a gallop there is not much finer than his blowing mane and tail and shimmering coat - forget the black stallion running through the waves, I'll take a handsome Roller any day.  He's also got many shades of handsome.  From the golden tones of summer to the creamy shades of winter; handsome is as handsome does.

Patience

Once of the biggest debts I owe to the delightful Roller is thanking him for his patience with The Mini. It's fair to say that The Mini was not only a challenge to people when he arrived but he was a bit of a bully boy with Roller too.  He wanted to assert his dominance and ensure that he got all the food.  Well Roller had other ideas, he is very much his own man and took no truck from The Mini.  But rather than starting an argument or even finishing it Roller is always completely immune to The Mini's rather rambunctious behaviour.  He is steadfast!  Roller will stand and ignore his mate's swishes and grumpy ears and will patiently carry on.  In the UK we have a saying 'Keep Calm and Carry On'.  Roller has definitely adopted this along with 'I shall not be moved'.  I'm pleased to say that the boys are the firmest of friends and completely inseparable, where one is the other will surely follow, The Mini has pretty much given up on moulding Roller in to his way of doing things and accepts that he has to share - well done Roller you've achieved what few could have done!

An Opinion

All of this could make Roller sound like a bit of a 'go with the flow' type, which he is.  But, this pony also has a mighty opinion on things that are important to him!  Show him an opportunity at food and he'll take it.  He is the houdini, commando crawling, fence busting devil of the gang and keeps me constantly trying to outwit him.  He is also the one who will be very upset when the V.E.T. comes with his yearly vaccination - his circus pony impression stood on his back legs is something to behold, can't say I blame him, I hate needles too!  But none of this upsets me, I love the fact that he has a mind of his own and is not afraid to share it with those of us around him when he really needs to ;-)

So what is it that makes Roller only practically perfect?  OK so he is pretty much perfect but there is one thing I wish if even for a day......

A Little Bit Taller?


I wish he were just a little bit taller...... he is delightful in miniature and I really wouldn't swap him for the world but occasionally I wonder what it would be like to ride this handsome little man.  He is everything that most people would wish for in a trail / hacking pony.  He is great company and solid.  Alas his little leggies will never grow and mine certainly won't ever be short enough.  I'll just have to dream of me and Roller galloping together through the waves on a sunny beach.  This one limitation is only a small price to pay to share life with the practically perfect pony ;-)


I'm off for a coffee in the paddock with the sun on my back, a cat in my lap and the best view of all, a very handsome Roller in all his winter fluff happily munching on fresh green grass with his best pal practically joined to his hip - what could be better?

"There is something about the outside of a horse(pony) that is good for the inside of a man (woman)"

Winston Churchill

Have a lovely weekend!

First Ride Ever!

Wow Muleteers, what fun, I got ridden for the first time EVER!

Yesterday I had a new fan visit. I knew I was going to be the centre of the attention as FH got me on to the yard without the long eared ones..... apparently they were not what was required for the afternoon's excitement.... hmmm?

I waited a little while and what's this?  One of my favourite people has brought some visitors with her... and look there are small humans!  Humans that are not giants!  I can look one of the humans right in the eye, he is just MY size :-)

Hello little friend, would you like to brush me?  That's right I like being brushed there!  I am sooo soft and warm and not at all like those big monster horses and mules, you and me are just the right height, it's everyone else that is the wrong size, I think.

I was having such a lovely time!  Lots of brushing and stroking and my new little friend was very interested in my stable and what I ate.... I like humans that understand the important things in life.  

Dragon was busy trying to get in on the action!  Ermm hello!  I am the centre of attention today!

I was just having a little doze when I heard my new little friend say "can I ride him".... "yes, yes, yes, FH say yes!"  I've never found anyone the right size and ok I'm not really trained but I was born ready!

Hmmm FH has said "maybe"I think that should mean YES!  So I try a little harder and show off how calm and well behaved I am.... 

And then!  I had a little rider all of my own!  We had a little potter around on the yard and my little friend hung on tight to my ample and well placed mane while his Mum held on tight.  Oh I like this!  I have my own jockey!  If you look close I think the long ears are impressed aren't they?  Dragon is busy checking that I am doing it right, of course I am! 

Before my riding lesson began it was over... not fair!  But I heard plans for more riding with proper gear and everything!  Yay :-)  I do have a teeny weeny (read normal sized) saddle which I have always wanted to try so this may be just the occasion, I think I have found my very own jockey, Shetland Pony Grand National here I come?  Might be hard work.... maybe the Eating Grand National?

I knew that my new little friend was just the partner in crime for me!  After we had been riding he stood and chatted to me about the benefits of straw and even gave me a hand with pulling the straw from the net - a little man after my own heart.

I am loving this riding thing!  I hope my little friend doesn't grow too much, he only visits occasionally, next time he might be full grown, I hope not!  

So in honour of my new found career as a riding pony (please let there be more rides!) I leave you with my Friday Quote.

The essential joy of being with horses is that it brings us in to contact with the rare elements of grace, beauty, spirit and fire.

Sharon Ralls

It's the taking part....

….. that counts! 

Dearest Muleteers I was not to be outdone by Dragon’s expeditions and decided to order a Roller Mobile for the weekend and went off for my very own big adventure.  And what an adventure it was……

I practiced my boarding manoeuvres on Saturday to check that my trailer was fit for a Roller.  In to my trailer I hopped with a carroty treat to make it worth my while, I had the whole thing to myself!  Wow!

Sunday morning came and the humans were up early…. Must be my big day!  Even Granny Human has come to inspect my transport.

Up and in I go, wow lots of nice straw and hay and the whole thing all to myself, I don’t even have to share with The Mini, I could get used to this!

A little while later, much hay munched and some interesting sounds from outside and I ‘arrived’.  Oh my goodness there are horses everywhere, mostly bigger than me and lorries that look like palaces, I think I’d get lost in them!  OK time to get down to the important stuff and find out what this foreign grass tastes like.  Yep I’ll do this while you make me even more handsome.

Even Milo is trying to get in on the act….this is my show pups

Lots of grooming and stuff and then FH got all dressed up in some outfit with a ridiculous hat…. Hope she doesn’t try that on me!  I was also preened with a beautiful new bridle and lead rein.  I thought I’d strike some poses…..

Just a minute FH it’s time for more grass, I missed a bit over here!

What’s that we have to go in the ring and wander around a bit…. I guess I can manage that….

Look at all those minis just like me, aren’t they pretty and handsome?

I did a bit of trotting and standing (I got ants in my pants a bit, it was getting boring until FH sneaked the secret treat to me from her pocket ;-)  then a bit more trotting in circles. Do I look good or what?!

Well after more standing and walking I was given a 6^th place which meant I got an orange rosette, it kinda clashed with my hairstyle but hey I kinda liked it!  Apparently if I want to win FH has to trim my beardy hairs and make my neck more solid (I think this means I need to put on ‘condition’).  Hmmmm FH is resolute that I do not need a shave and I am not going on a 'super size me' diet (darn to that last one).  Apparently she likes me natural and I’m always number one in her eyes J

After my big trotting in a circle thing (humans are weird) I went over to say hello to someone that I’d noticed…. This is my half brother!  Isn’t he handsome too?  The humans seemed very surprised that we recognised each other, we had lots to chat about, which grass tasted best, who had made the most mess in the trailer, who had the most original companion (me ;-) and how many carroty treats we’d managed to snuffle in one day.  Great to gossip!

Then it was time for the important stuff.  I let lots of small people brush me endlessly and walk me and ate lots of grass and looked handsome and won the FH rosette for best behaved, all round superstar pony – no silly hats or oiled hooves needed for this award.  I like this accolade better, best of all the prize was…… a carrot!  So there we have it, when it comes to rosettes it’s the taking part that counts but I like the special Roller award for ‘all round superstar’ – much more my thing!

Time for home, my Mini had missed me, Dragon gave me the cold shoulder for leaving her (typical woman) and then decided I was her long lost, best pal (typical mule).  I shall definitely sleep well tonight J

Roller's Philosophical Friday: Escaping

Greetings Muleteers!  I bring you pony tails from the other side of the fence, the 'wrong' side of the fence, the illicit side full of greenness..... oops!  The humans are beside themselves as they can't seem to understand how I keep sneaking through the fence that buzzes... I'm not going to tell them, it's my great secret!  While the two long ears stay on the side of the fence with meagre grass and lots of straw I have decided to embrace independence and take myself to the greener grass on the other side of the fence.  FH keeps going on about my ballooning belly and how I'll hurt my feet (sounds like human logic...), she has even threatened the extra fencing.

To me Muleteers I just thought the grass looked nice, I had a ponder and worked out how to get to where I wanted to go.  I can still see and touch my long eared pals but they are too scared to join me.  Little Mr and Mrs Goody Four Hooves are too scared of the consequences of doing something naughty.  They stand on the other side of the fence and swish at me angrily, occasionally neighbray and then tell tales on me when the humans get home.  The louder The Mini neighbrays the quicker FH comes running.  I must find a way to shut him up.... hmmm.... maybe I should just let him in on the escape artist secret.... nah.....

I'm off to recover from my latest eating expedition, doesn't look like I'll be getting many more after tomorrow as the fencing queen (aka FH) is coming out to play.  Oh well it was good while it lasted.  I shall have to try to crack the puzzle of the next fencing extravaganza and plan my next escape route - ah such fun!

Until then remember folks the grass IS sometimes greener on the other side.... you just gotta work out how to get there.....

Happy weekend!

To find yourself, think for yourself.
Socrates

Roller's Philosophical Friday: Sunshine

Sun, sun, sun!  Yay!  We have been experiencing a summer – something not often seen in these parts of late! Here I am sharing a sunny moment with MH, he has being doing strenuous things like running, I have been strenuous things like dozing and day dreaming, it’s a tough life ;-) 

We compared our achievements, he was impressed with my dedication to my pastime, I was impressed with his shoes…. Mmmm I like shoes!

Us Muleteers have been making the most of these sunny days.  There have been picnic walks, snoozes in the sun, rides a plenty for Dragon, lovely grassy snacks and delightfully long days all accompanied by the most important ingredient, sunshine!

Have you noticed how life always seems that bit better when the sun shines?  When there is light instead of dark?  FH always calls me her little ray of sunshine, her light in the darkest days and her reminder that there is always a bright side if you look.  I like to soak up the sunshine on these days to make sure I have enough to last me (and her) through the bleaker days.

My coat is just about starting to look summery, I must hold on to some tummy fluff just in case of bad weather, us Shetland ponies can never be too careful!!  

Sending you sunny days (even if it rains!) this weekend.  Snuffles, whinnies and neighbrays for a lovely weekend! Here's the quote that FH chose about me this week...

Those who bring sunshine in to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.

James M. Barrie

Portrait of a Pony - Calm

Portrait of a Pony - Calm

Do you like my portrait Muleteers?  Man Human found me having a little snooze in my stable over the weekend after my delightful bath and snapped me with his clicky electronic thing.  FH is beside herself with my beauty (who wouldn't be?!)
Apparently this photograph shows off my most handsome of features, my calmness.  When all others are losing their heads I remain calm.  I do not believe in fuss and bother (I am British you know...) and although I can raise a canter and a buck just as well as anyone else I would rather not waste my energy.  I like to sleep, eat, snuffle, sunbathe, sleep some more, groom my friends, go for picnic walks and enjoy the sun on my back.  Such lovely calm pursuits. 


When you live a life of love and happiness calmness is a normal way of being so here is quote for today:


Remain calm, serene, always in command of yourself.  You will then find out how easy it is to get along.
Paramahansa Yogananda

I send you calming snuffles, neighs and eau de pony (breathe deep it is good for the soul) for your weekend ahead - Yours Calmly - Roller xxxx
 

Roller's Philosophical Friday: Attitude

Grumpy mules.... they need to try a Roller trick.  Positive Attitude!  Dragon is having a lady grump and is 'in season'.  One minute she lurves me, next minute she wants to play kiss chase but with more chase than kiss - not very nice Dragon!  Then there's The Mini who is still upset about his perfect little hooves being messed with. Honestly you'd think his legs had been sawn off. 

 

I have learned a little trick in life, if I sigh deeply, look cute and take the rough with the smooth life generally works out well.  When the mules are throwing their histrionics around I am apt to stare at them with a puzzled expression and tell them to keep calm and carry on.  Why waste life grumping and getting all pessimistic, there's always grass to eat and snuffles to be had.   My long eared friends find my attitude infuriating (I can tell by the ears back, swishing thingy they do) but you know what after a while they get fed up of trying to drag me down and sometimes they seem to give in, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em hey?

So this week I leave you with my favourite saying, try it, you just might like it!

A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort!


 

Roller's Philosophical Friday: Weeds

Not all weeds are bad!

Dearest Muleteers, today I am pondering weeds.... in an up close and personal way..... in fact I am tasting some of the more delicious weeds to find out what all the fuss is about?

FH has been looking at our paddock and checking if there are any really nasty weeds about, phew it seems not, nasty weeds need not apply to live here!  To balance things out a little I was determined to find all the nice weeds.

It was a terrible trial.... I had to taste so many.....

There was dandelion, goosegrass, ribwort plantain, false nettles, cow parsley, hogweed, some wilted nettles and a little taste of yarrow....mmmm gotta love weeds!  Not really sure why humans make all that fuss about weeding?  I'll help if you like.... if only MH would let me in the garden?

I think this person has the right idea!

Weeds are but an unloved flower.
Ella Wheeler Wilcox

A Competition Fit for a Mule (and Mini!)

Finally we have found a competition where all equines are welcome, long ears, short ears, mule, mini, donkey, pony - we are all allowed to compete!  We don't really 'do' competition here, we know we're splendid and our human is not really bothered about proving it :-)  

But then we heard about this great sport called Horse Agility (also now known as Mule Agility and Mini Agility in our house:-), we show how clever and bombproof we are by doing an agility course, it's very exciting and there's lots of different things to do and play with.  

The best bits are:

• All equines are welcome - everyone's very excited about us mules coming out to play, there are classes for horses, ponies, minis and donkeys - and soon to be mules!

• Every month there's a different course all with exciting things to play with and learn about

• We can 'compete' by video and get lots of useful feedback

• We don't need to travel anywhere to have fun, although we can go to events if we want to

• There is no need for spurs, whips or fancy clothing (not that those things ever feature much here!)

• We don't need to be mud free to play and there's no need to tack up so we can do 10 minutes practice when the mood takes us

• It's cheap and cheerful - FH has got most of the bits we need from ebay - hooray!

• It's fun!

We've not entered our first video yet as we need to practice each element of the course before we try the whole thing... this might take a while but we're in no rush!

There are some important things we have to remember.  Loose ropes are a must, there should be no pulling or pushing from equine or human and we should have fun, fun, fun.  Commands are to be given with as little pressure as possible, words and suggestion is best.  I have been practicing my back ups and stops from sign language alone and I think I'm doing well at training my human, she's starting to learn....

So Roller and I have been practicing some of the elements of the course tonight with FH.   Tonight we were having fun with.....

The Flags

Flags are an important part of many of the courses, we have to stand between them, back through them, FH has to wave them around us and other such things.  We duly sent FH off to buy some flags and she came back with some very suitable flags with the Queen on them!  

Catanian is eager to get in on the agility thing too, I wonder if classes can include felines?! She thinks she's a mule....

Well I was very impressed by this.... there would be no spooking at her Majesty, that would be most undesirable.  So I inspected carefully and then wandered around the flags being a good muletta....

Apologies for the less than glamourous backdrop of the muck heap.... needs must!

Next up was Roller, well he was wowed by the flags and felt very patriotic.  

Neither of us could work out what the fuss was all about.  It was blowing a force ten gale, the flags were fluttering as they should.   FH said she was very proud of us, strange human, they're only flags! Easily pleased FH is....

The Tarpaulin

Tarps are also a feature of many of the courses.  FH has chosen a nice bright coloured one which is very rattly and blows around a lot if the wind catches it.  I have seen tarps before so this was no sweat for me.  FH and I are practicing our 5 second halt on the tarp, I was so chilled I had to rest my back leg... a place for a mule to dream includes a rattly tarpaulin in a gale.... I'm dreaming of dinner.....mmm

Roller hadn't seen a tarpaulin before but Roller was not to be phased by such minor trivialities, he thought he would try out his show pony stand whilst practicing his 'stand' for 5 seconds on the tarp.  Very clever Roller and aren't you handsome!

This is just the start of our adventures, there's are lots more obstacles to play with, we'll let you know how it goes.  The Mini is not so sure about tarps and flags, he is a sensitive soul, FH says she'll get to know the obstacles and learn some techniques and see what The Mini thinks later, if he doesn't want to play he doesn't have to.  

Horse Agility is open to any equine anywhere in the world so if you want to give it a try all the info is here http://www.thehorseagilityclub.com