TANK – Our first pony, he came to us on 12/23/10 as a rescue after languishing alone in a nearby pasture. We jumped at the chance to take him in although we knew nothing about caring for him. He sees himself as protector of his “family”, so he’s a little more standoff-ish than the others, but never fear! He’ll take a carrot or treat in his own time and is very gentle.
PRINCESS – By far the smallest in the bunch, she’s about 9.5 hands high (40”) at her withers. She’s very gentle and a real sweetie once she warms up to you – big brother Skye tends to pick on her (as siblings do) and she’s gotten used to sometimes being pushed aside. We make sure to stand up for her and see that she gets more than enough love, attention and vittles.
SKYE – our little April fool – born 4/1/12 – Skye is the youngster of the bunch and insists on staying a bit spoiled with extra attention and nose kisses, but he’s all L-O-V-E. He’s a little thief too – is notorious about helping himself to your morning coffee or evening libation if it smells good to him.
How to spend time with the ponies
Tank, Princess and Skye all love to be brushed and scratched – we have brushes for you to use – look for the bucket hanging on the fence.
Rules for visiting with the ponies:
- ALWAYS approach them from their front – never from behind. Horses are flight animals, which means they will take off running if they are startled.
They love being talked to and will nicker and whinny back to you if they’re in the mood. - NEVER stand directly behind them – they do kick on occasion
- ALWAYS watch where you’re standing around them – the last thing you want is to have a hoof on a 250+ pound animal squash your foot!
- ALWAYS feed with your hand flat out – NEVER stick a finger in their mouth as they think it’s a carrot (seriously).
- ALWAYS also Watch Your Step – these ponies only do 3 things – Eat, Sleep and POOP!
Cheat sheet: Feeding the ponies
You’re welcome to feed the ponies while you’re staying with us, but take note of what they can and cannot eat!
YES, SPARINGLY: Carrots, bananas with peel, apples, berries, seedless dates and figs, citrus, cantaloupe, watermelon, peaches and cherries without the pits, and pineapple
NO: Bread or meat of any kind, cheese or dairy products, chocolate or anything with cocoa in it, soda, beer, alcohol, chips or crackers of any kind, vegetables including eggplant, kale, broccoli, onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, cauliflower or potatoes
Streamed yet? 