The Old Timers(no I am NOT included)

This week I have been busy organising repairs and improvements to the horses shelters ready for the cold winter months which are sure to arrive soon, even as I write there is a definite chill in the air .Most of the horses and ponies are now wearing their outdoor rugs, only a few hardier ones are without, they will have theirs later as it gets colder.I dont like to rug them up too soon as they will not feel the benefit when they really need to have protection against the cold. A small hardstanding is being put around the nearest field shelter which will be fenced off and gates put on the front of the double shelter.This can then double as a stable and small yard in case we need to accommodate an extra horse in the event of an emergency. The 3 Field shelters are being painted with wood preserver to prevent the wood rotting and warm, comfortable rubber matting is being put in the last stable erected, this type of floor covering is ideal for the older and laminitic ponies, it helps those with arthritic joints as it provideds thick cushioning for their aged bodies.

The oldest equines we have at the shelter now are little Noddy the shetland with malformed legs who has been with me since he was eight years of age and is now well into his thirties, and Callie an ex riding horse who has also been in our care for many years.Callie is around the same age as Noddy. Noddy is everyones favourite and is so sweet and friendly, however when he first arrived all those years ago he was entire(a stallion) and was far from sweet natured, in fact he terrorised us all!! Many a time as I was pushing the wheelbarrow across his field he would chase me and a game of hide and seek round the wheelbarrow would ensue. Eventually I would make a break for freedom followed closely by Noddy galloping as fast as his little legs would allow and sometimes I would get lucky and reach the safety of the fence.Other times he would corner me in the field with gnashing teeth and show me how well he could kick with his back legs!! Oh what fun we had!

When I tell this story to the staff here they look at me with total disbelief, nobody believes Noddy was ever capable of that kind of behaviour but he truly was a terror in his younger days(perhaps thats why I relate to him so well now!!)

Dear Callie has never been any trouble part from being a dominant herd leader but then that is just typical of mares, she is bossy and stands no nonsense from the rest of her field companions.Now I do not want any man who reads this making a sexist comment so be warned.That will not go down well! Pictured are Callie and Noddy our two old timers.

One of the old neglected cats was tested positive for FIV and has gone to the Livgerpool shelter to join other FIV cats awaiting homes. The others tested negative and after dental treatment all are gaining weight and doing well. Great news - Tammy the shy collie has gone to a new home where she will receive the love and attention she deserves, no mnore abuse and living in a shed for Tammy, we are all so plkeased for her.