This gelding survived the flames of the California fires
and was rescued just in time.
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If you have lost horses, please notify us
and we will post the photos.
Link: Horses Rescued ~ Scenes To Remember
Link: Horses ~ Southern California Fires
Looking For Mom
“Alfie” ~ Pony Now Happy In Pub
A three-year-old Shetland pony named “Alfie” had a loneliness problem.
His owner, Sharon Sutherland said that the little pony started accompanying her to the pub three months ago after he started squealing when he was left alone in his pen.
Almost every day, he makes his way to the village pub in Woodmansterne, Surrey, England for a glass of Guinness and cheese crisps.
“He hates being alone so, if I go to the pub, he has to come, too,” Sutherland said.
‘There was a sign saying dogs weren’t allowed in, but it didn’t mention ponies,’ she said.
And though patrons at the pub were a bit surprised to see a horse in the place, he is now a welcome customer.
Landlord Matthew Lowe said: ‘I was a bit surprised but he’s a lovely horse and doesn’t cause any problems.’
Story Link: Little Alfie
Earlier Post: Shire Saddles Up To Bar
Archie, The Loveable Newfoundland ~ Update
Archie Has Successful Surgery
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Archie, a Newfoundland, provides smiles and laughter to children at Casa Pacifica, a Ventura County, California oasis for abused, neglected and emotionally disturbed children.
But this therapy dog recently needed help of his own. He needed an expensive surgery from an injury sustained while playing with another dog. But the non-profit organization did not have any funds for Archie’s surgery.
News got out about Archie’s need for surgery and donations flooded Casa Pacifica. They received $6,000 in donations and even received donations from the UK. Even a student at Casa Pacifica’s school saved $5 in pennies to help pay for Archie’s surgery.
When Archie sustained something similar to an ACL injury in a human, newspapers and television stations ran stories, and donations started coming in to Casa Pacifica. The Associated Press picked up Archie’s story, and it was soon appearing nationwide.
“We’ve met probably 150 new people we never heard from before,” said Vicky Murphy, Archie’s caretaker and director of operations and development for Casa Pacifica.
“There are messages on a Newfoundland blog, and other dogs write to him. It’s adorable. They all talk about the kids and all the work he does to take care of the kids.”
Archie has received 60 pieces of fan mail in a single day
Veterinarians recently performed surgery on Archie. The beloved dog will need six to eight weeks of rest before he’ll be able to use both legs again, and three to four months for a full recovery.
Then Archie should be back at Casa Pacifica to bring smiles to the children and give them some big hugs.
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If you’ve not heard about Archie, be sure to read this earlier post “Archie … Almost A Pony“.
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Link: Archie’s Website
Link: News Report
Have A Spooky Horse? Try Tchaikovsky!
Ponies soothed by classical music
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Horses and ponies at a Derbyshire stables are being acclimatized to the noises of bonfire night – by listening to Tchaikovsky.
It is well known that fireworks can startle and frighten many pets.
But Kenstud Pony Rescue, near Belper, England, is employing Tchaikovsky’s famous 1812 Overture, complete with cannons and explosions.
The music is played to the animals in the stable block to steady their nerves in the run-up to bonfire night.
Lesley Manger, of Kenstud Pony Rescue, said: “If there’s music like that playing all the while, they don’t hear the fireworks, they’re not bothered about them.
“So it’s better to make sure there’s enough background noise before the fireworks are let off.
“I’ve used it for 30 odd years, so it does work!”
Hackney Pony ~ The Old Mare At The Fair
At 37, Flirt Still Struts Her Stuff At County Fair
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Richard Nixon was President and polyester leisure suits were all the rage when Flirt, a high-stepping Hackney pony, made her first appearance in Ohio at the Lorain County Fair.
She’s still going strong.
Flirt once again won top mare in the fine division for ponies, as the only entrant, according to John Barber one of her owners.
At 37, Flirt may be the oldest animal exhibited, fair officials said.
A champion from the start — the Hackney pony won First Place in the fine division for ponies at the Ohio State Fair 36 years ago.
Flirt seems to enjoy fair week, according to her admirers. “She’s just delightful,” said ticket taker Snow Wiech, “She’s a little long in the tooth and has a sway in her back, but she’s adorable.”
John Barber, 43, was just a little kid when his father brought the pretty pony home for his mother.
“When she was young, she was quite the ornery one,” he said.
His father once raised dozens of ponies and exhibited at five to seven fairs a year.
Now Flirt is the only show pony they have.
The judge gave the pair a break: Flirt did not have to demonstrate the graceful, piston-like trot which is the signature of Hackney ponies.
John’s mom no longer goes to the fair, but her children and grandchildren are keeping the tradition alive.
He wouldn’t put it past Flirt to make it to the fair next year.
“She’s stood the test of time,” he said.
Simply Marvelous Horse World 