2 April 2008

A small terrified chestnut pony was standing rigid in the trailer on the pier in Lerwick at 8am this morning. Jo went in and put a headcollar on Charlot. He wouldn’t lead and we ended up putting a rope around his bottom and unceremoniously shoving him into the animal shed to wait for our handsome, dashing, balding, stressed and caffeine dependent vet, Jim Tait from Lerwick Veterinary Practice. Refusing all food and jumping if we went near, Jim (handsome, dashing, balding, stressed and caffeine dependent) managed to give Charlot a check-up before we took him back to Thordale (a one hour drive).

Charlot has no manners, no concept of being led and has barely been handled but inside is a small pony desperate to be friends.

We threw him in at the deep end and put him in a large field with 12 other ponies - Icelandics and Shetlands - and then left him to it! There was the usual running around, the odd squeal and then everyone settled down to the usual job of eating.

Later in the afternoon, I took the dogs for a walk down to the field. Charlot doesn’t like dogs and will go from one end of the field to the other to tell them. We will keep the dogs away for a while.

Having initially thought Charlot would be difficult to catch again (we left his headcollar on), I was surprised when he was the first one up to say hello. He has made friends with the Shetlands and most of the Icelandics but his place in the herd is at the bottom at the moment. He instigates playing with his equine friends and likes people. I talked to him, coming and going between the others and he was easy and kind.

Early days, I know, but I hope this is going to work out. He has a lovely nature, movement and is strong. Once his feet are sorted out and he has put on some weight, I think there is a superb little pony who will show everyone what he can do.

Here is Charlot’s film on You Tube - Day 1 - it shows his arrival in Shetland just off the ferry and then meeting the gang. 7:25m long with beautiful traditional Shetland music - Enjoy.