The day I met my pony...

This is going a bit backwards to tell the story of how my pony was picked. I'm extremely fond of bonding with horses and using natural horsemanship to get the best partnership I can with the horses Im privileged to spend time with. I was introduced to the world of Parelli just over 2 years ago. I've since gained the confidence and desire to help mold a horse into the partner he is to become. I wanted to experience what its like to build a partnership from the foundation through to the finish. (even though I know I will always have something new to learn and aspects of horsemanship I can be bettered in.) I know it will be challenging, but anything worthwhile is. I posted an ad seeking a connemara pony as they are known to form a lasting strong bond with their handler. Karen of Stonecreek Farm contacted me in response to my ad to see if I held interest in a different breed (the fell pony) she represented whom had some common traits. We arranged to meet when she informed me there were a few options she had available. Unbeknownst to her, I actually really liked the breed she worked with even though I'd never been around them in person. Strangely enough, even though the fell pony is a rare breed with fewer than 7500 world-wide (from what I can tell. Accurate current information seems difficult to come by) the second largest fell pony farm in North America was 20 minutes from my house. Apon my arrival, the owner approached, introduced herself and first gave me a tour of the property including a hands on introduction to her favorite stud (whom happened to be the sire of the gelding I selected) The next pen we walked in held the young-stock I was looking at potentially making a selection from. The first guy I met was mellow and seemingly very content in life. He approached with curiosity and a low head. I couldn't help but smile at him doing exactly what I consider desirable. He was beautiful even with his single white hind foot. My selection would be based on the mind whereas color was an afterthought. Still, I found myself thinking "darn,...I could dye that". :) ( Lol... the irony of loving "natural") He had some rusty patches all over his face but he never walked away from us and actually followed as we walked. The pasture included a mare who wasn't for sale along with her adopted foal (his mom had rejected him) and 2 young fillies who were a couple of months apart. I was particularly enamored with a 5 year old gelding in the adjoining pasture. He had the calmest temperament you could ask for, the traditional stocky body, and no white. He was also (unfortunately for me ) a couple thousand dollars more. :( He did have 3 years of maturity on the little guy I ended up selecting,but it was doubtful my guy would ever be that stout. The reason I like the stoutness so much is fell ponies are short! That width will take more of my leg so I don't look like a giant on them! I'm only 5'1", but their average height is 13.2 hh. They aren't supposed to exceed 14 hands. Too, I didn't want to ride a pony that looked like a pony. I wanted a "little horse". So, after much deliberation, I decided I would take the 2 year old and hopefully build a better bond in taking him being younger. I truly do hope that he fills out nicely though. He was very watchful of me and what I was doing in my visits and I like that attentiveness. I'm all about calm and willing. A healthy, cooperative, and loving partner is the partner I want,& the partner I hope to find in my fell pony. Attached is a picture of Magic. (The much pricier 5 year old gelding)




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