Tuesday 1 March 2011

A new chapter for Bethan


There are changes afoot here, amongst the quiet little world of our pony herd. The prospect of change has been worrying me for a while. Although I am always happy to take ponies on, I have great difficulty in letting them go again. I think the children must have been standing on the compost heap, as they have all grown hugely over this past year. My eldest is suddenly as tall as me, and this has precipitated the pony troubles. She has pretty much outgrown her beloved Matthew, and we came to the decision that this year we would need to look for a bigger pony. Unfortunately, my boy Red, is not suitable, as he is quite a handful and needs a very confident rider. After months of thinking about this, and discussing it, we decided that Red would return to his owner. He came to me on loan as a difficult horse, altogether too much for his novice owner, who never-the-less adored him, and has kept in close contact over the last four years. Now, she is more than capable of managing him herself, so he is returning home in a couple of weeks time.

The plan was then to sell Bethan in order to raise funds for a bigger pony which eldest daughter and I can share. I discussed it with middle daughter, who will move on to Matthew eventually, and she, like me, was very concerned about where Bethan would go next. So I stalled. Because, you know, I was having sleepless nights over this myself. When I bought Bethan, it was with the intention that we needed a good pony for a year to get my daughter's confidence back while Marlene was off having a foal. And you all know the roller coaster ride that turned into! So it's been a year now, and a very steep learning curve for all of us, and a complete turnaround for this wonderful little pony. I've been worrying that selling her into the unknown would be letting her down after everything we've done.

Then suddenly, as if fate had quite deliberately stepped in and given me a helping hand, a solution came up. Last summer I was contacted by a previous owner of Bethan's, who had traced her through this blog. We have kept in touch, as she adored Bethan just as we do. To cut a long story short, she would like Bethan back, and has a larger pony that we will take on. I am SO pleased for Bethan to be going to a home where she is understood and loved, and where she will be treated just like the princess she is! And I am excited and rather nervous about taking on a new pony, unseen - but I know it's meant to be :)


So, in preparation for the next step, Bethan had another acupuncture session today. She has only just been brought back into work after being turned away over the winter, and because of the rest her shoulder has stiffened up again. She really enjoys the acupuncture - becoming sleepier, with lots of yawning as the session progresses. A program of exercises should help to loosen it up now.

By the end of the session she is half asleep, and needs to be tucked up warmly to prevent her getting chilled.



And then ,what better way to get rid of those tingly spots than with a good roll?


And back to mud monster again - her favourite way to be!

14 comments:

Shirley said...

Oh, I truly hope all works out and Bethan will remain happy. I have enjoyed reading about this beautiful little pony. I hope you can stay in touch.

Terra said...

This is such a wonderful unfolding of ponies and where they will live, with folks who love and understand them. Isn't this a great blessing to know the ponies will return to great homes, and of course, now you will meet your new pony.

Danielle Barlow said...

Shirley - we will definately stay in touch! I truly hope it works out too, but I have a good feeling about it. She needs, more than anything else, to be understood, and they do understand her. On top of that, they have read our whole story on this blog, and are keen to keep doing the things that have worked for her.
I think she will be happy :)
Terra - it's great to know where they are going, and I will stay in touch, because I can't let go properly! I am lucky to have had both of these, and I shall miss them both deeply.

Dartford Warbler said...

How lovely that Bethan can go back to her old home, and that you will have a chance to enjoy a bigger pony with your daughter.
I am another one who has "collected" various ponies over the years, often because they needed a safe place, and it is so difficult to think of finding new homes for them. Our rising four year old NF may need a home at the end of the year, but we have a summer of groundwork ahead of us first.

Laume said...

Change is always difficult to embrace but it sounds like the solutions practically threw themselves at you to help make it easier.

Gretel said...

What an excellent resolution all round!

Linda said...

I'm very pleased for you the worry is immense when you really care for your animals as they are part of the family. :)

Gail H. Ragsdale said...

I am glad that it has worked out for Bethan but so sad that Red is returning to his owner. I have enjoyed so much all the wonderful paintings you have done with him in them. Hope his return home is a good one.

Valerianna said...

Oh, that's good news.... Wonderful watching Bethan go through her session.. I feel that way, too, after acupuncture, should have thought of rolling in mud!

Kath said...

What a wonderful little story, this was really "meant to be". Isnt it amazing how things work themselves out.

gtyyup said...

Fate...an amazing thing isn't it? It sounds like all will work out quite well in the end.

I need that exact same acupuncture treatment on MY shoulder!! I've a frozen shoulder...and after a winter of not exercising like I should have, it's painful again. I probably don't need the roll in the mud though ;~)

Dmarie said...

what a great shot that first photo is!! hope the best for her.

Sarah Sullivan said...

Oh hon..so glad you found a solution! Ackkk that is one of the hardest life decisions I have ever made..to sell my beloved horse. One I have always regretted..and would love to have seen more of him after. What a wonder the net is! Good luck with the new pony!!
Hugs, Sarah

Blackfeatherfarm said...

I love it when the universe works these things out in the perfect way...Happy life Bethan...

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