Christmas with a pony

We are half way through the Christmas holidays and it's just great being able to spend so much time with our animals... Or is it?!

Well it is but the new addition, Jeffery pony has been more of a challenge than expected... Lent to us by his owner while she is away, so he could get plenty of handling from adults and children, young Jeffery seems a little bored at Tatum Hills.

Jeffery enjoys a carrot.

We are more than happy to handle anything that will let us but little Jeffery is quite a cheeky young fellow and worked out in no time at all that we know nothing about horses... So the first week has been a bit... Nippy... He is a bit like a puppy who likes to chew on things, be it a bucket, a carrot, your boots or your hands! Having to adjust to a new home and being bored didn't help, but I think we are working it out...

To his credit, he is a good worker and behaves very well when handled or ridden by kids... I suspect he is a bit like a Jack Russel, looks cute and cuddly but he is actually a working animal that needs to be kept engaged and work.

Luckily our resident little rider is only too happy to oblige and some reading on nippy horses seem to be helping.

I was hoping he could make friends with the llamas and hang out with them for company but the way he chased Valentine on Christmas Day doesn't leave me much hope for the near future. Poor Valentine was as shocked as me when the little steed went from grazing peacefully to full gallop in 2 seconds flat... Better than a Ferrari!

Jeffery and Valentine first encounter went well... Until I let them both free... BAD idea!

I think little Jeffery will grow on me and I'd love for us to become friends, but so far I have been reminded why we chose llamas... Walking Valentine is like figure skating, while walking Jeffery is like playing rugby!

Stay tuned to see how we go over the next few weeks!