No Hoof, No Horse

Before I could do anything else, I had to see the Farrier.
My hooves were long, and in poor condition.

After watching me being ridden briefly on the trial at the school, and watching me walk, the riding school owner put me on box rest.

Everyone was worried that I may have Laminitis

Laminitis (Founder) is a very serious condition, this video by World Horse Welfare, shows the early signs of Laminitis. (opens in new link)

Recognising the early signs of Laminitis

Luckily, the Farrier was due to come to the riding school just three days after my arrival, and he agreed to take a look at me.

Then came the next dilemma...

I had no shoes on. I was a 'barefoot' pony.

Nobody knew if I'd been farrier-trained - if I would be well-behaved and allow the farrier to pick up my feet without kicking him - but everyone knew I HAD to see the farrier.

My Arrival

On January 17th 2012 I was put up for sale.

I was underweight, had sore tendons, bruised feet, a scruffy, dirty coat, and was very depressed.

I was placed in a stable at a riding school, with a view to a sale.

It was here that I met one of the volunteer grooms who was to become my new 'Forever-Mummy'.