OneGuyFromBarlick

Stanley wrote: ↑18 Jan 2021, 07:50 I was having another look at Minnie and she is a lovely sort for pulling a small two wheel cart like a rag and bone man or a fruiterer. What breed would you describe her as Wendy?

She is a mini gypsy cob, more a type than a specific breed. They are very popular at the moment for riding and driving and because of their sweet natures they make good children's ponies. Becky bought Minnie at an auction last year, already pregnant with her second foal at 4 years old and in poor condition. The foal's sire was said to be a 16 hand horse! Mickey is already bigger than his mum.

How long is Minnie on “borrow”, Wendy?

Just a trial at the moment Maz to see if it works out for all concerned. It benefits Becky right now to separate mother and son, and it is hugely helpful to me even though having a mare around presents it's own problems, I have always had geldings who are more straightforward!
I find adapting to change difficult these days and life has certainly changed a lot recently!

Thanks Wendy, I had Dales Cob at the back of my mind.....

In the days when my friend in Northumberland was working in the mines he had a Galloway pony allocated to him, obviously not a true Galloway but something similar, he said that providing you gave it some mints and part of your snack before you started work it would do anything for you. He reckoned it was the best H&S protection you could get. If the horse wouldn't move then it wasn't safe to enter.

Dales and Fell ponies are bigger, Galloways were too but I would imagine any pony taken down the mines would be bred to be small. These mini cobs are probably strong enough to carry an adult rider but your legs might dangle down a bit!

It's just so nice to see them together....

Becky came to groom the ponies today and took this photo,

Love the cat.... I want to see Sparky's ears come forward but then I always was demanding.

It's because he has to stand on tiptoe to get his head over the door, it pulls his ears back. Here he is a little earlier begging for a treat, ears forward!

Lovely, that's made my morning. Thanks Wendy.....

( I love the cat too. I was amazed when I looked at a big bag of photos taken when my son was little and our cat seemed to appear in the background of most of them! Cats are so inquisitive.)

How are they getting on Wendy? I am suffering from Minnie and Sparky deprivation......

Minnie and Sparky are both doing well thank you Stanley. Minnie has settled down and they seem to get along ok.
I'm settling down as well and getting to know Minnie better, she is very girlie and so different to the old boys! Becky is coming this morning for a grooming session so I'll get a photo or two.

Lovely! I am so glad to hear you are settled. Losing Dennis was such a blow, I think you've done wonderfully well.

Sparky and Minnie after their pamper session with Becky and her Mum yesterday.

Becky's mum runs Pendle Dogs in Need our local dog rescue charity, she was telling me that there are very few dogs going into rescues at the moment because people are able to get good money by selling dogs on. This probably means that dogs are becoming traumatised by being passed from home to home, and it will eventually become a major problem.

I heard that same story in a piece on dog rescue on the radio. They were talking about dogs coming in from rescue in Europe drawn in by the high prices and how expensive and unreliable that source could be.
Lovely pics of Sparky and Minnie, love her plaited mane......

Beautiful plait isnt it? I must learn how to do it. Minnie gave her head a shake after Becky finished the plait and it made a sound like a whip cracking!

Tie it up in a bun Wendy. If that caught you in the eye it could be dangerous.

Our very elderly white duck set off on her morning walk around the field with the old drake on Sunday but only the drake returned. I searched everywhere for her but couldn't even find a feather. She must have been taken by a fox, I hope it was quick.
The ducks were hatched and raised by a group of 3 broody hens just over 12 years ago so she did well! Poor Mr Duck is a bit lost.

. Poor thing, yes I hope it was quick too.
Do you have any other ducks that the drake can pal up with?

I don't Cathy and I don't really want to get anymore. He has always been rather too friendly with my hens, so he has familiar company. He is a nuisance at this time of year though, constantly attempting to mount the poor girls!!

Perhaps she’s found another bloke, sounds like he could have been getting on her nerves

Gloria wrote: ↑19 May 2021, 08:19 Perhaps she’s found another bloke, sounds like he could have been getting on her nerves

I like that idea Gloria!