On the eve of Solstice 2020 my menagerie, which until then comprised three horses and two terriers, grew to include a Siamese kitten. Through a small miracle I saw this little ball of cream and black fluff at the forest edge when driving past at dusk. Whether abandoned or lost she was starving and recognised in me the one who would feed her. For the first two weeks, all she did was eat, sleep Continue Reading
Self-love and compassion in the presence of the herd
The icy wind finds its way through the old timbers of the barn, reminding me that it is winter outside. Ruby, the mare who has taught me how to be myself, stands uncomfortably beside my chair. In the extreme wet weather she has developed an abscess in each of both front feet. It is difficult to witness her pain as she attempts to find relief, shifting her weight from one hoof to Continue Reading
A lesson in belonging from the new member of the herd
We welcomed a new member into the herd in November 2017 : Millie, a 5 year old Connemara pony who looks a little like a unicorn without the horn. Her creamy-white forelock crinkles and shines about her eyes. The beginning with the herd was difficult for her. Clear ways of relating were already in place. The dominant pair-bond Winston, 21,and Ruby, 16, had been together for 9 years and the third Continue Reading