Brá (pronounced, I think and don’t quote me, Brow – like eye-brow and not like lingerie 😀) spends most of her time by herself. Today, after letting everyone outside, she just stood at the top of the field on her own. I didn’t like that so I brought her inside to talk to.
So far, she has not been letting me very near so, armed with a carrot, I approached her quietly, gave her the carrot and put the headcollar on. I led her, on her own, to the indoor school where I tied her up and gave her a bit of a brush.
After her brush, I led her around the school and we spent some one-on-one time together. I talked a lot to her and she listened, probably slightly bemused, while I stroked her face and worked calmly and slowly. Eventually she relaxed and let out a huge breath. While leading her, I realised she had joined up with me so I took the headcollar off and she followed me round the school, stopping when I stopped and a connection was made. This was a huge breakthrough and her eyes definitely softened (I love her light brown eyeliner and muzzle). I gave her a little lunch (she had breakfast) and then some hay and left her alone.
A bit later on, I let two Minions in to eat with her. Tiddles is very taken with Brá and she doesn’t seem threatened by small ponies.
As it got later, Storm and Les Grandes Dames went in as well.
(I think Delia is looking good)
Of course Storm had to annoy Brá. She has a very low tolerance for rudeness and presumption.
Anyway, she is spending the night with this lot – I added Waffle too but it was dark by then.
I hope the vile Shetland weather is not a huge shock to Brá. Sadly her coat is coming out in handfuls so I may end up rugging her.
Meanwhile, that silage will be finished. Once I see a clean plate, I will put out a nicer bale. I am being tough!
More bad weather, of course, is looming.
Her colouring is very similar to many Newfoundland ponies—their mealy muzzles and eye rings are believed to indicate Exmoor origins, as many of our first settlers came from Devon.
Interesting comment fom Cate, I was about to commenton the Exmoor similarities!!
I love this mare. There’s a certain elegance to her. She looks somewhat sad and stressed (understandably), so it’s good that you are giving her special one-on-one time and TLC. Wise mum.
Just wanted you to know that I discovered your site towards the end of last year. I’m so enjoying it and your photographs are spectacular! I have a little rescue Shetland who will be 3 yrs old this year so I’ll be following the progress of the Minnions. I’ve not had anything to do with Icelandic ponies so I’m following your accounts of their training with interest. I hope your weather improves soon! Best wishes.
Poor Bra. I want to hug her and tell her it’ll be all right, you’re in the best place, you’ll be loved, you will!
Your new mare is beautiful and you have taken some good photos of her too, with so much feeling. I guess we all envy you.
Bra is lovely. Is it the stress of travel that’s affecting her coat? She’ll settle in soon, especially with such soothing TLC.
Poor Bra – up rooted, exposed to Shetland weather, preggers and then….STORM. No wonder she is stand-offish. But I think carrots and gentle introductions help. And if anyone can turn a shy horse around to confident horse, it is you, Frances. And Delia does look good!