This video is of a little riding school pony called Lottie, who was put to sleep on Tuesday.  She was a favourite of my daughter many years ago, long before we ever had ponies of our own. She also was a companion to my Highland, Jock, when I used to bring him home during the winter - Lottie became an honorary member of our family and we loved her.  Ironically, it was my daughter, now a vet, who put her to sleep and it was one of the hardest things she has had to do.  The two of us led her to a quiet field by ourselves.  I wish I could say it was a quick, easy death, but the brave little soul determined to cling to life.

This little poem is dedicated to Lottie and to the thousands of other hard-working riding school ponies, who will never know what it is to feel the love of being owned by a special person.

We might have known you would not go easy,
small ginger pony, stubborn to the end
we watched the feisty breakdance as you lay
twitching and writhing to some inaudible rhythm
only you could hear.  You made it clear
you did not choose to leave. 
Then, even when quiet
your heart still kept the beat while bravely
you clung to life as we looked on
like part of some macabre peep show
we had not paid to see. 
Dear Lottie -
  forgive us what we did
  we did it for the best
  sometimes playing God sucks.

'Open Wide' - Dylan getting his teeth done

The Norweigans are the trendsetters of the equine world.



Here is Morton wearing the 'toilet brush' creation




And Freya, donning the 'warrior' style.


Major says he's so glad he's a Highland!

Dylan looking interested in something up ahead.

Patt and Wee Harry chasing rainbows

Poor Dylan looking very grumpy due to his paddock confinement in the quest to shed some kilos..

When you need to cross the river but it reaches over the top of your wellies, it's good to have a horse at hand to hitch a lift to the other side. This is Jock doing a good impersonation of a ferry.

Poor Dylan! Drastic measures have to be taken because he is far too fat to go into the summer and the grass hasn't really started to come in yet. From tomorrow, he has to be confined to the small paddock for the next few months. At least the midges can't get to him yet.

Dylan with Jock

Dylan and Jock were good friends. They knew each other before they became part of our family but sadly, Jock died only a few months after Dylan became ours. This photo is typical. Dylan always wanting to play while Jock preferred to chill.

Mhairi and Talisker

If you are a short person, think carefully before you buy a tall horse!

Caroline with Dylan - Oct 2005

Dylan is always mistaken for a mare by people who don't know him. He is very pretty which has probably been the cause of his 'identity crisis' over the years!

Dylan joined the family in 2004, two years after Nicki died. He belonged to our friends and they offered him to Caroline on permanent loan (although since then, he now belongs to her). At that time Caroline was just leaving to go back to university after the summer holidays but she had always liked him and she was beginning to feel withdrawl symptoms of not having a horse to care for. It was arranged that Dylan would stay at a friend's farm where I could keep an eye on him during term time.

He has been very happy at the farm but now that Caroline is about to graduate, he may have to leave depending on where she can get a job. His period of 'rest' is about to end and he will be back in work when she is settled somewhere!

Christmas Eve 2006. Caroline and Dylan, Mary and Major ride up to the moor.

Caroline and Dylan, Melinda and Ishie, Jill and Mo Chridh

A dream fulfilled

This was the day that Jill finally achieved her dream of swimming with horses. She is being 'minded' by Caroline and Melinda and her trusty steed is 'Mo Chridh'.

The Boys are Back in Town!!!

Jock, Gulliver and Shane on their way down for breakfast.

(photo taken by Catriona)

Best buddies

Just two of the many, many rides we did together
Sometimes a half hour ride could take two because of the incessant chat.

Everyone's favourite

Jill loaned Teasle, a HighlandxArab, just a few months after I bought Jock. Teasle had worked at the same riding school since he was five years old and he was a firm favourite with everyone. He was well-schooled which unfortunately meant that he was one of the most popular choices for lessons, ride outs and for RDA riders. He was one of the hardest-working horses at the stables so we were all relieved when, in his twenties, it was finally agreed that Jill could part-loan him for four days each week.

It became a joke that whatever the topic of conversation, Jill managed to bring Teasle into it. He was thoroughly spoiled in those last few years of his life but had earned it and deserved every minute of it. I wrote this poem for him a few months after he was 'owned'.

TEASLE

Talked about endlessly and
Enthusiastically by his new owner who
Absolutely believes that
Such a special equine should be
Lavished with adoration and
Everlasting love.

Teasle

Jill's special boy and best friend of Jock. Still missed by all.

And so, your time has come at last,

we never quite believed this moment,

patient, darkly waiting, would arrive.

Teasle, all knowing, much loved, wise,

you touched the hearts of everyone whose

outstretched arms reached out

to touch your warmth.

And when finally pain subsides,

our hearts will soar because we knew

your last four years were drowned in

never-ending, all-consuming love,

while in return you gave to Jill

incomparable, joyful freedom.

Safe journey Teasle.

May your spirit too,remain forever free.