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!

My Little Pony Meets My Little Puppy!

There's been a new member of the Muleteer clan, I think you've all met him, the cute and mischievous Milo.... well, I decided that it was my turn to make his acquaintance!  I've heard he's small, cute, full of beans and has appalling wind.... hmmm are they not talking about The Mini?  FH likes to call him My Little Puppy, she says there is irony in there somewhere?

So I invited him over for a closer look.... it's hard to see him over the fence when you're my height!  This 'Little' puppy is actually quite big.... have you seen the size of his hooves? They're massive!  I think he will grow in to My Big Puppy and might even become as big and strong as me :-)

Here I am teaching him the value of hoovering carrot pieces from the floor.  He loves carrots, I think we will have a lot in common.

I also noticed that the puppy had brought along his Cloth Dog chaperone. Someone needs to keep the youngster in check :-)  I rather like the cloth dog, in fact I would go so far as to say that I was rather mesmerised by his handsomeness.  He has a very interesting tail that I just had to investigate.... it wags around a lot and looks quite different to mine, it isn't very flowing, I thought I'd better check by giving it a nudge and snuffle, the Cloth Dog didn't seem to mind, he told me that I was much more gentle than his puppy charge who seems to think his tail is a toy for pulling on.... yikes, better watch out for my splendid hairdo, don't want that messing with!

After sharing the carroty goodness MH brought out another treat, an apple, now I wasn't aware that dogs ate apples and carrots?  I hope they don't like grass and hay or us Muleteers will have to compete with them!  My Little Puppy tries to look very cute.... I must try and master that sit thing, it seems to work in all instances!

Uh-oh the Cloth Dog's getting in on the act too, surely he doesn't like apples?  Hmmm FH says he is a labrador and this means that EVERYTHING is edible.... an interesting concept, I really must get to know this wise man further.

After the food was all consumed there was just a little bit of time left for cuddles and snuffles, now look here my canine friends FH still loves My Little Pony prowess, she says my mane is superior and I smell delightful so I'm happy I haven't been ousted!

Finally it was time to say goodbye to my new friends, I would really like them to come and play again, I'll even share my carrot treats with them.  I've heard that dogs like to greet each other by sniffing so I thought I'd try it for goodbye as well..... FH says I sniffed the wrong bit, The Cloth Dog didn't seem to mind though, he just stood and gave me a very patient look?!

Bye bye friends, is there room for a little one in that big bed of yours?  I'd be ever so good?

What a lovely time with my extended family, where were the mules in all this?  Stood at the top of the hill swishing furiously!  Mini was having jealousy issues and Dragon was bored with all the boy talk.... can't please everyone!

Dance Pony!

Dearest Muleteers, finally the prowess of the shetland pony is acknowledged, it would seem our cousins have been busy showing off their moves... for those of you that haven't seen Fleetwood Mac in a whole new pony light... enjoy!  And if that's not enough there are our very own rock (http://bit.ly/YwXDmV) and punk remixes (http://bit.ly/YwYd3X) ... oh dear FH really should do something productive!

Thanks for the tip off Ann - it is brilliant!

Saddle Horse?

Saddle pony extraordinaire!

I'm sure you've all heard of a saddle horse? You sit your nice saddle on it when not on your equine and it keeps it off the floor?  Well Muleteers I am now a 'Saddle Pony'.  I have been cleared for work!

There I was having a lovely chomp on some haylage.  Dragon had been out for a ride and had been undressed.  FH was carrying her mule saddle through the yard when shock horror The Mini's wardrobe had malfunctioned and required adjustment.  Slight problem! It was raining and there was no where dry and safe to place Dragon's saddle in a hurry.

Enter my handsomeness!  FH took one look at me and decided that I being the bombproof, 'happy to do anything' chap of the gang wouldn't mind assisting.  She eyed up my back and thought yes that will be ok... FH regularly puts brushes, gloves and other such items on my back for safe keeping when she is busy although I've never worn a saddle before, FH didn't think I'd mind though.  Well Muleteers I was sooooo proud!  I had a good snuffle of the saddle, checked it was my colour and then 'Kept Calm and Carried On' in true Roller Polar fashion :-) Don't worry muleteers because this is a treeless saddle it doesn't weigh much at all so I felt my sturdy little legs could carry it.  The only problem was that the saddle was a little on the long side, I wonder if FH will buy one in miniature for me?

FH was so delighted with me she stopped her unscheduled adjustment of The Mini's wardrobe and marvelled at my handsomeness, why ever had she not thought of this before?  I could see her mind ticking.... hmmm one day perhaps a small person may like to sit on me too? I can dream!

Anyway I didn't want to get carried away with my new found career so went back to doing what I do best.... eating! This saddle pony is hungry after all that work!

The Right Clothes!

Mini shetlands are perfect!

There's no such thing as bad weather... just the wrong clothing. That's what my heroes the Royal Marines say, I know just what they mean!  Those mules always think they're perfectly adapted, hybrid vigour...blah, blah, blah.  Well my mule friends, move over... it's my turn to shine :-)

I just love this cold, snowy weather and wish it could stay forever!  As a Shetland pony I am in my element in these sub-zero temperatures.

My ancestors come from the Shetland Isles which is a tiny group of Islands many pony miles off the North coast of Scotland.  These Islands are harsh, it is very cold, very windy and there is not much vegetation, there are virtually no trees as it's too windy for them to survive.  My ancestors are perfectly adapted to life in this harsh landscape (see mules, you're not the only ones adapted to harsh climates;-)

Those nice ancestors of mine have given me some great characteristics to survive this nasty  perfect weather!

Have you noticed how big The Mini's ears are?  Hmmm can't miss them can you.... they're not great in this weather though, they lose a lot of heat!  Donkeys have those nice, bigs ears to help dissipate heat in the desert, not much good when it's freezing!

My ears are petite and fluffy on the outside and on the inside, no freezing winds are going to make my ears cold, the smaller they are the easier they are to keep warm!  

I also have an amazing beard and fluffy forehead, this helps to keep my head warm and helps to makes sure the snow doesn't fall in my eyes.

Mini ears for a mini shetland!

I have leg warmers, my leggies stay lovely and toasty, my leg warmers go all the way past my hooves to makes sure there's not a single bit of my skin exposed.  They are also very good for warding off the mud. 

Next up is my very plush mane!  It isn't just to look good you know ladies, it also keeps me warm.  My mane is a good inch or two thick and keeps my neck toasty warm, it is a very good place for the humans to warm up their noses and hands (I even throw in eau de pony for free!)

The Mane Event - Shetland Style!

Speaking of warming up hands, FH is always taking liberties.... guess I don't mind though.  Here she is delving in to my triple layer tummy fluff to check how warm I am, warmer than her I think.... FH often calls me her Polar Bear pony, I can't imagine why?

Next up is my perfect pony tail.  My tail is low set and covers my delectable behind, there will certainly be no heat lost from sensitive areas with such good thermal underwear.... Zoe this one's for you, I know how you like a good pony rear piccie!

The perfect pony tail!

Us Shetland ponies would be nothing without our ability to eat just about anything and survive on rough food like those mules, we eek the most that we can out of any food we can lay our lips on... my teeny, tiny mouth is perfect for finding every last scrap of food and I have been known to lick the remnants of the haylage off the ground...oops!  Well you humans lick the cake mix from the bowl don't you???

My biggest advantage is my size!  Yes I know I'm small but small is best!  By staying small and close to the ground there's less of me to feed, I'm not as likely to get blown over, it's also easier to find hiding places out of the wind and rain.... some might say my ancestors were stunted by centuries of wind, cold and rough grazing, I say that we became perfectly adapted :-)

Mini Shetland = Perfect!

Finally I have my priorities right, don't waste too much energy on things unless they're worthwhile!  When inspired by food I can have a fair turn of pace for one with such small legs... 

Anyway muleteers, I'm off to do some digging for grass!  Sending you all Roller Polar snuffles to keep you warm xxx

Friends in Miniature!

FH finally found me an appropriately sized friend!  Yipppeeee!  Do you know muleteers how long I've had to wait to truly be able to look one of you creatures in the eye?  My life is spent looking at the knees of my humans, FH does her best but she does look rather peculiar when she's crouched down on the floor, if I were an artist (which of course I am!) I would say the perspective is all wrong.....

I was sooooo pleased when I was told that a small human was coming to see me called ET.  I was about to get my very own friend in miniature!

ET is the owner of friends of ours Kim and Lewis, he is a perfectly miniature pony wrangler who appeared to know just how to keep me happy!

First of all I was dressed up in my best headcollar and ET found some yummy food for me!  It's a good job because I was hungry and I have to tell you I really liked the look of ET's rainbow boots!  They look like they'd be yummy to nibble on......

Then it was time for a lovely brush, my coat had got a little bit muddy so it was perfect to have a friend in miniature who could reach all the right bits and make me look shiny and handsome again.

I did notice something though.... ET seems to be as photogenic as me!  I think I may have competition for the title of most handsome mini creature in this part of the world, oh well, I'm very happy to share :-)

Once I was all tidy and mud free I pottered off to carry on eating.  It appears that The Mini wanted to muscle in on my new friend, he certainly looks like he needs a brush, mud packs are not in fashion Mini.  

Sorry Mini the humans have got other things to do, you'll have to wait, it seems that the big humans have designs on grapes (of a liquid variety), fires and pudding!  Hmmm what does a mini pony have to do to get an invite to the big boy party???

Dear Mother Nature....

Dear Mother Nature,

Please could you stop watering the garden?  I have been a very good pony and I am only asking this one small thing but you see I just can't bear any more rain.  It seems like it has rained all year and just never stopped.  I know that you are watering your garden so that things grow big and strong but honestly Mother Nature my little leggies won't grow any longer and I keep getting stuck in the mud and I'm worried that if I didn't live on a hill I would surely have to swim as the water would wash over my back.  My winter coat is looking a little bedraggled and I am growing tired of peeking at the outside world from the inside of my stable, I dare not spend too long on the yard or in the paddock in case I blow away or the flood waters reach my knees!

FH let us out to play today in the little bit of sunshine that you sent after the torrential rain last night.  It rained so hard and the wind blew so much that all the water from your watering can blew in to my cosy stable, FH had a job to tidy up.  She tells me that it is going to rain very badly again tomorrow and we are due gales, please could you postpone this a little while or even better cancel it all together?  Us Muleteers are lucky, we have lovely warm stables and thick beds but we would much prefer to be able to roam around and enjoy the sunshine.  The humans are very worried, lots of our friends have been flooded and it is taking so long to get anywhere, the roads are not happy and the rivers are full to bursting. We know that many humans are naughty Mother Nature and do all sorts of bad things to the environment but please don't take it out on little innocent short legs like me....

I am sending you this plea Mother Nature so that you might be benevolent towards me and my mates, the mules are miserable and I am a little perplexed.  I have grown my beautiful Polar Bear coat to show off in the snow and on sparkling frosty mornings, it errrm  doesn't look quite so good when it's soaking wet.

Sending you Roller snuffles, I hope you hear my plea, I really will be a good pony if you just stop watering me to make me grow bigger, FH says I'm perfectly formed as I am :-)

Love Roller xxx

Happy Hallowe'en!

Happy Hallowe'en Muleteers!  There have been some spooky goings on at Muleteer HQ today!  Imagine my excitement when FH declared that she had got my Hallowe'en costume all sorted out :-)  so I got dressed up in my bestest halloween halter and had a truffle snuffle to see whether I would get a trick or treat!

So off I snuffled and look what I've found!  there's a pumpkin that matches my costume perfectly..... now then what is that lovely orange filling in the pumpkin?

I think it looks like a Roller Polar Hallowe'en treat :-)

I think this may be a treat of carroty goodness, this is so much nicer than playing tricks!

Oh no my carroty treat seems to have all gone and I've made rather a mess.... oh well, maybe there'll be a stocking at Christmas??

Not to be outdone Dragon declared that it was her turn to Trick or Treat... she thinks she looks particularly stunning in her Halloween costume with her wintery chestnut coat.

What's this? It appears that Dragon also managed to persuade FH in to providing a treat this Hallowe'en

Have a Happy Hallowe'en Muleteers - no tricks please, only treats!  Mini says he's sorry that there are no costumed pics of him - he won't lower himself to dressing up but of course FH is soft on him so he got treats too!