Nothing is ever written in stone.
I spend many hours thinking about what is best for my animals’ welfare and worry about them being too thin or too fat but rarely just right!
I tend to think aloud and discuss my plans with Daisy. Her horse knowledge is good and science-based so she is the perfect person to bounce ideas off.
Yesterday, I looked carefully at the Shetlands at Leradale to see if they were surviving this winter without extra food. They tend to stay in one spot of their huge field – fer cryin’ out loud.
I will admit that, as well as being worried about Delia (I am always worrying about Delia), Tiddles was on my list too – if I poked I could feel his spine.
Daisy had a prod and agreed but she could also feel a good fat layer.
So I stopped worrying about Tiddles.
He is fine.
I love these two photos!
So we decided that, as the ponies are not moving much around this field, we will take a headcollar and herd them all up to the grass so they get used to looking for food rather than staying in the same place.
I think it is partially the lure of their neighbours.
So I led Delia and Daisy moved the stragglers on to keep up.
You can see there is plenty of grass – they just have to cross a small stream to find it.
It is not difficult.
So we will do this for a week and see if this helps Delia maintain her weight (as well as hard feed). Failing that, we will put Plan B into action – ie move Delia and if the others want to stand and starve, well, they will have to do that by themselves.
That will be their choice.
They are so lucky to have you and Daisy.
I wonder whether they stay in the area where they feel “safe” because that is the part of the field they know?
In one of the recent southern California wildfires (several still burning), many horses perished. Some died because, although their stalls (in the barn) had been opened up, and they were “shooed” away by the groomspeople (GO, GO, GO!), they returned to their stalls. According to an expert groomsman, that was where they felt safest (although terrified and confused by the fire and smoke). One owner was in the back of her horse’s stall, desperately trying to push it out, but it refused, and they both died. Thanks to a heroic effort on the part of owners, groomspeople, and volunteers, many horses were safely rescued. My daughter helped transport supplies to Del Mar, where many (including other livestock) were transported and temporarily kept. Poor creatures.
Anyhow, I hope your little herd stays where the grass is — of course you worry, that’s a mum’s job! Btw, thanks for the Absolutely Beautiful Advent Calendar!