South African Rider

[Sherveen]

Hi there!!!! ive been riding for +-10yrs now and own 2 of my own horses which were rescue cases, i also have another horse at my place that i am currently re-backing for a client that wants to sell him in the near future. I would like to know if there is anyone else that has 'rescued' a horse/pony? I had rescued a pony 14hh 11yo black gelding, and horse 2 years ago and brought them home....unfortunately due to previous starvation, and old age, the horse died a month later. :( On a lighter note, Icarus (the pony) is now fat, happy and very healthy. When i first got him he was so headshy from being hit in the face by his previous male owner that we couldnt even get the halter on him! He now has been trained to jump (bareback with a neckstring or halter), and teaches small children how to ride as he is totally bombproof!!! So off i went looking for another horse as a companion for this little pony and my mother spotted this 15.2hh bay crossbreed gelding for sale,, or to swop for a milking machine. We bargained the price down to R900 as he was in very bad condition, had no muscle tone and the owners had no more food to feed him. Through carefull training and feed management he is now doing so well! I am so proud of them both, and am happy to have given another chance. They both compete in showjumping, love life and give there all... I LOVE THEM SO MUCH!!!!! Please let me know if anyone has rescued horses or ponies and were they successful in doing so?

[Thistle]

Hello and welcome to the forum!

I have rescued a few ponies over the years, I was lucky, they all are doing well. I found it so rewarding seeing them develop trust and confidence. At the moment I just have the one pony, a highland gelding. Have you any photos to show us?? :D

[Sherveen]

Hi!! Thats wonderfull! do you ride him? and Yes i do have photos but i have no idea on how to post them, could you perhaps tell me how i could? Thanx. ;)

[Thistle]

Hello Sherveen, I don't ride my boy yet, he is only 3 and they are a very slow maturing breed so I am taking plenty of time with him. He is just having a nice time being a baby with a few little shows in-hand, just for fun!

Re your photos, you need an online photo hosting account, I use http://photobucket.com/

Click on the Upload button and find the photos you want on your pc. Upload them to photobucket, then when you want to post one all you need to do is click on the bottom link (IMG code) under the picture you want, then copy it and paste it into your post. Hope that helps!

[Sherveen]

Awwwwww sweet! I'm currently re-training a 4yo Anglo arab gelding..... Shew! alotta hard work but its starting to pay off, will be introducing him to the saddle next week so hope it all goes well ;) He has been backed already but was left to roam around and think about being a horse for over a year now so its not the actual first time for him. He needs to be sold urgently so time is an issue here! But its alot of fun, and very rewarding. Iwill try send a few pics but cannot guarrentee anything;) thanx for the help

[Island_Girl]

I rescued a Polo pony 9 years ago who had tendon problems and navicular was due to be put down. She went strong for years then early last year a cataract developed in her left eye, six months later another in her right eye and sadly had to have her PTS in October last year with only 5% sight left. She was in her mid 20's and we both enjoyed the time we had together.

I also rescued another Polo Pony the year after and I still have her. She was retired from Polo with Moon Blindness and handling problems because of it. She is now in her early 20's and still ridden at least 3 times a week. She has problems with her legs due to wear and tear but nothing that isn't managable.

They were both head shy and nervous when I got them but soon became trusting and great fun to handle and ride. I've had the grandchildren on them from an early age. I never regret taking them on, it's been lovely.

[Sherveen]

Thats great!!! Well done. I must just say that people who actually take on a challenge with rescueing or re-homing horses etc. are a real inspiration for me. I cannot stand seeing horses being abused or neglected, it infuriates me to no extent. But the fact that there are people out there that really try, give attention and time to these animals puts the big grin back on my face. ;) I dont think there is a greater joy for me than seeing my pony rolling around in the field, getting covered from head to hoof in grass/sand or seeing him in his adorable winter coat that fluffs around when he walks. He's living and enjoying life like a horse should, and i am pleased to know that i was a part of it....
:) kind regards G