Dartmoor Hill Pony Community Project
Regenerative Farming & Conservation
Ecotherapy
07485 492 970
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Tiny Trio School Photo 🤔😆😆
They know I've been thinking about ways forward and managing for winter..
"You can't get rid of us now, we are the Tiny Trio"
I certainly would miss those faces!
The plan was to keep Ari and rehome Mouse and Bodhi 🤔🤔🤔🤔
At present though we love them too much and they're doing a good job cutting the grass at Little Croft and building bonds with little people 🥹💜 and big ones too! 🙄🥹😆😆💜💜💜
A little poem I just wrote..
For However Long They Stay 💜
I'm not who I used to be,
At last I am, who I am.
A life of masks and cover up
To bury the truth with which I'm damned.
Giving it voice and setting it free
Was the only way to claim,
The life I sought so passionately
One in which I wasn't to blame.
To take the broken fragments
Of child, woman and soul,
To weave them all together,
To know what it is to feel whole.
A journey that'll take a lifetime,
Healing day by day,
Cherishing moments of joy and love,
For however long they stay.
A day of remembrance and sadness 🥹 💜🙏🌚
It was 8 years ago that the lovely Marcel Hopkins, my boyfriend of five years sadly died from overdose. One of the biggest shocks of my life, and for his wonderful parents.
He was only 29, and despite our struggles with he**in addiction, we had many good times. He helped me cope with the police process involved in reporting historic sexual abuse by my secondary school teacher, and the 3 years it took to get my abuser in court, he was found guilty.
Without Marcel and my little dog Charlie, who passed away 2 years ago, I would never have had the strength to face it and endure the whole traumatic process. I'm here, and no longer a he**in addict 🙌🙏 but he's not, and it's so very sad. I'll be speaking to his mum today and we'll share in some happy memories, he made us laugh, lots!
I'll always be grateful for him coming into my life at a time when I was close to giving up, I'll always miss him.
When in grief and sadness I turn to nature, the ponies, the outside freedom that allows my feelings to flow and not choke me.
For all those who've loved and lost..💜💔❤️🙏
When the Tiny Trio first arrived! And the not quite so Tiny Trio now. 💜🥹💜🥹
Bodhi has had the biggest change, they were so dinky! Pocket rockets 🚀 🌟
Runa wondering how he'll fit in the trap 🤔 🤔😆
I think he's a bit big, hopefully it'll be put to use for Odin & Loki or the Tiny Trio 🤗🤗🤗
Mousey Pants Photo Shoot! 📸 💜
Mouse rocking his catwalk moves! 🙌😆 😎
It's been all systems go for the project with winter preparations!
🌟Setting up a new long-term chicken establishment, with room for more!
🌟Fencing to erect at Little Croft alongside footpath.
🌟Field Shelter to construct for the Famous Five 🙌 🙏Over the last 2 years we've been lucky to have volunteers who've gathered us pallets and timber.
We've decided it's best use is for a field shelter for the Famous Five, helping them and me through the winter challenges.
It'll save on haylage costs as won't get trampled into mud and wet, it'll make routine care, more routine! 😆😆 It'll help hooves, skin and general health as they'll be able to dry out. It'll allow training to continue more consistently..It'll make a huge difference! 🙌🙌🙏🙏😎😎
Thanks to everyone who helped with materials 🙌🙏💜🌟
We'll need to get roofing sheets and a few timbers and bits but otherwise good to go. We'll be raising funds for these things so please donate to our Go Fund Me page that Noomi and Levi created if you'd like to help, thank you 😊 🙏
The weekend was spent throwing up Saturday morning (had a bug/virus for a week) and then moving materials all day Sunday for the shelter build 🙃
🌟 Lamorna Jewell Gore Levi & Noomi have been giving the Trio breakfast each morning and today they let the chickens out too! Lamorna braved the Tiger 🐅 that is Goose 🪿 the Rooster 🐓 😳 🤣 😄 now thats confusing 🤔🙃😆
Such brilliant volunteers, who always get involved no matter what's involved, ponies, poo, chickens, construction..superstars in every way! 🌟💜
Hoof Health for Tyr! Stinky Fungal Stuff 🤢🤔😝
Noticed our little mischief maker was limping slightly this morning, once I found him through the thick mist!
The recent weather made everything damp and a bit muddy in places so it's easy for fungal issues to prosper!
Tyr was brought in on his own to have a thorough check over.
We start by doing a little relaxation and standing still, Tyr let out some big yawns 🥱 so relaxation achieved and we moved on to picking out his hooves.
Back hooves all fine, but the front left was absolutely stinking! Those who know the fungal smell will understand..lots of nasty black stuff, and so smelly. 🤢🤔🤢
Thoroughly picked and cleaned, then fungal hoof clay applied and worked in. Front right not as bad but still needs attention. Will be repeating daily to make sure it clears up.
Its the first time Tyr had had any hoof issue's and was obviously a bit sore.🥹
I was very chuffed with him, he's still learning and gets quite distracted easily, so he did really well with it, no nipping or moving away.
We finished with a full body groom and then Tyr rejoined the herd. All very positive and pleased to be dealing with the fungus promptly!
I want to talk about grief and loss. My best friend lost her mum suddenly to cancer earlier this year, and sadly other project members are facing similar situations. Our thoughts, love and prayers are with them. 🙏💜🙏💜🙏💜
Most of the people involved in the project are in a grieving process, its often what led them to the project initially.
My parents died some time ago now and my mother's death devastated me, my grief response was extreme. I think grief brings our attachment issues to the surface, and if you were unlucky in this area it can be quite overwhelming.
I've been researching and exploring attachment styles and disorders recently, trying to deal with my own dismissive/avoidant, disorganised attachment disorder, more on this to come.
Grief is so unpredictable, the insanity of it is exhausting, such extremes of emotion and mood. Grief truly reminds us of our powerlessness, no amount of will can undo what's done, acceptance calls us but our pain says no, not yet..until at last we surrender.
Grief can unite us too, we can empathise, relate, identify without saying a word. Grief is a familiar creature, and yet often, leaves us so afraid.
What helps? The little things, a routine, friends checking in, rest and relaxation, connection to others with similar experiences, lack of pressure, space to be real, to scream, cry, laugh, anger, play without judgement..kindness and understanding...and ponies of course, or any animal..they just know 💜💜💜
Tyr sending love to all who are facing challenging situations right now, those caring for loved ones with terminal illness, those affected by dementia and alzheimers, parkinsons, cancer and so much more..💜 such brave people, doing their best in truly awful circumstances.
Godsworthy Loki Lorenzo, 3 years old. Approximately 11hh. Has been with the project for just over 2 years now. 💜
Loki is very human friendly, loves attention and nice scratches.
Loki is halter trained and picks up his feet, has had a few hoof trims and vet examinations, and he saw the equine dentist for the first time this year and was good as gold!
Loki is very sweet, and passive in the herd. He does have a goofy character and is very affectionate.
Loki is working on groundwork skills, he can be a bit of a space invader, a bit too comfortable being close, so we're looking at boundaries, standing still and introducing pressure/weight on his back to start his education towards ride/drive activities, we're in no rush, Loki has a chilled approach, and is always last to the party!
Eggs at the Suitcase Stall 🤗🥚🐔 & Grateful for Donations 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Mouse would like to say thank you to the lovely man who gifted us his old car battery this summer, its great to have a spare for the electric fences!
Such a thoughtful chap, who is a regular visitor to the Tiny Trio whilst out walking his dog. Mouse insisted we give him some eggs as a thank you, and it was nice to hear they were thoroughly enjoyed 🤗😋
We will always welcome car batteries🙏
The Trio have many people passing daily on dog walks, some stop to say hi, others pass with a smile, hard not to, they're rather cute!
A Big thank you to Christine Green for leaving apples in the pony treat basket many times, and for being so kind when we spoke about my struggles. Very much appreciated 💜 🙏
🐔🥚🐔🥚🐔🥚🐔🥚🐔🥚🐔🥚
The Suitcase Stall will be selling eggs again! It will be by the Pony Treat basket down Levant Road from tomorrow. 🥚 🥚🥚🥚🥚🥚🥚🥚🐔 🐔🐔🐔🐔
Bodhi looking rather beautiful 😍 he's grown so much and is a real gentle soul. He's started to give a little neigh sometimes when I arrive or leave 🥹💜
The Tiny Trio are all approximately 1 year 2 months old. For Dartmoor Hill Ponies they've shown a surprising commitment to stable/shelter use overnight and in the rain and winds. ..they love stable time together.
Ari dashes for the stable as soon as the weather turns bad "I feel rain, do you feel rain Mouse? Quick to the stable for a snooze!" 😆😆😆
Yesterday Dan brought his cousin Paddy to meet the ponies and sample the Ecotherapy approach; ponies, relaxation, nature, walking and a little talking too 🤗🤗
It was great to chat about coregulating with ponies, psychology and education, neurodivergence and lots more. 🌟🐴💜
Paddy is visiting from London so it's quite the contrast, and the ponies were happy to share some Cornish magic with him, especially as we'd prepared with a herd relaxation session to create a welcoming atmosphere and share good vibes.🤗✨️💜
It also provided a wonderful opportunity for Runa, who is quite suspicious of people.
As the three of us talked in the field, Runa came closer, and when all the other ponies had moved away he stayed and watched us with real intrigue and curiosity.......
"hhmmm, two men, all seems OK, Mum seems calm, the energy is good, I'll stick around and be part of it, but I'll keep Mum in the middle, just in case they turn into leopards and eat me" 🤣😆🤣😆"it could happen" 😆🤣😆
Ponies have super sensitive skin, more sensitive than ours, especially the pain receptors, have you seen them shake and judder their skin in response to a fly 🪰.. Soooo...we need to be extra sensitive in how we touch them, less is more!
Frodo and Loki engaged in some mutual grooming, these two love being together ❤️ and they've helped each other. Loki gives Frodo confidence and Frodo makes Loki feel important..💜🐴💜🐴
Its how we do it! 🙏💜 It also means you have to be a very inviting human for the ponies to seek you out and choose to leave their herd mates to be with you! And a very lucky human to be welcomed into the herd. 💜💜💜
Runa the Natural Sedative! Coregulating with ponies to calm and reset the nervous system.💜🐴💜🐴💜🐴💜🐴💜🐴
During my 'who lives in a house like this? Poppy I think it's you' episode 😆I would spend time just being with the Famous Five and Runa was always very keen to engage.
When he'd approach me, I would give him a very slow and gentle body rub, and delicate strokes and touches on his face, we'd share breath and stand together in light contact.
After these lengthy relaxation sessions I feel incredibly relaxed, like I've taken a sedative, breath slow and deep, heart beating slower and filled with calm and peace.
There's science behind this pony magic, apparently a ponies heart beat/energy can connect with ours within 4ft, their hearts beat slower than ours, they breathe less than us, their nervous system baseline is much lower than ours. When we connect in this way, we attune and a bit like Avatar, we create an energy bond.
Horses need to feel connected to their herd for safety, they silently communicate and feel this connection, in precious and privileged moments we can too.🌟🙏🌟
It's certainly formed part of my recovery and if the ponies are willing I savour any opportunity to coregulate with them, its the most peaceful place to be.💜
Um..you ok mum?.. you don't look right!
That's what I imagined them thinking when I'd turn up in June looking like a rabbit in the headlights, and dashing into the field, and close to them, trying to find my breath and slow the panic that developed 'out there'.
After about a month of being at the cottage, and becoming increasingly manic, with hardly any sleep, my brain started splitting stuff up and coping with the stress I couldn't speak of in its own unique brain way!
One night I was sat in the cottage, looking around and became convinced I was in somebody else's life and house. I remember a puzzled expression as I tried to work out whose house I was in, and why the people around me seem to think it was ok for me to be there.
Everyone and everything was new and unfamiliar, there was no Charlie ( my dog of 15 years) and I was sure I needed to escape, and if I did, that nobody would really notice if i went quietly.
I sat in the kitchen planning what to take with me as I plotted to remove myself from the strange pantomime I was starring in! 🙄🥺😳😆🤗
During the days people would speak to me and I'd be quite unsure what they were talking about, at one point I was in the field with Mouse and someone asked if I was Poppy Parsons, I thought, you tell me, stared blankly and muttered something about the ponies and walked off. Must've seemed so rude but I couldn't deal with it.
During the Tiny Trio's castration I wasn't really sure who I was, and was quite robotic and found myself saying things I wouldn't normally say, but everyone seemed to think I should be there so I kept trying to make sense of it.
Then I'd come to see the Famous Five and I'd become aware of myself again, knowing something wasn't right, getting in a state about leaving the field and ponies.
I'd force myself to leave and then it all went weird again once home, and I'd go into 'just play along until you can make your escape' mode. Secretly analysing everyone and their role in my capture, to formulate the best way to vanish, constantly looking for clues and signs about when to act.
It's funny now 😁 😂 😆😁😂😆 but it was really frightening at the time, when caught up in it all, and also when I had moments of clarity and could see I was not in a good place! I was shocked at what was going on in me and how little control I had over it.
I also didn't think to call my old friends, who would've helped to ground me and create the familiarity I craved, I knew they existed but when in the cottage, I believed all my old life was left behind, over and not open to me anymore, which is ridiculous but I truly believed it.
I was washing the dishes in the cottage, and started shaking my head in annoyance, and saying No, no, this isn't my life, I don't do this, do I? And then getting in a pickle about which life was the real one.
It was so confusing, and I just kept saying to myself, oh well, just go along with it, everyone seems quite nice, I'm just not sure what I'm doing here, and really pondering on it, it makes me giggle now as I can feel the facial expressions I was pulling at the time, a sort of 'don't ask me' 😄 'I've no clue what's going on' look of bewilderment, question and nervous anticipation 🥹😳😬🤔🫣😲
Then I'd be with the ponies, my breath would deepen and it was like they were saying 'there you are, know yourself now?' And I would..💜🙏💜🙏🐴🐎🐴🐎🐴
By June 15th grass cutting was underway and Famous Five were all very happy to step in and help! 😆
During this time my mental health was seriously in decline, but I was unaware how serious. I was just dashing about in a manic fashion, with an overly cheery, compensating manner, telling everyone it's all fine, trying to convince myself it is too. 🤗🤔😳🥹🥺🫣😬🙄🤦♀️
Total denial of my own reality, feelings and experience. As I didn't pay it the attention required, it forced me too..in the most bizarre and frightening fashion.
Photos from 28th May. The Famous Five were busy helping to loosen up the fence for removal as we prepared to vacate the Croft field.
Great help guys! 🤔😆🤔😆🤔😆
It was actually quite helpful that they'd rubbed their big beautiful bottoms on the fence, and leaned through, and on the rails, many posts just popped out easily. They have their uses! 💜🐴🐎💜🐴
Worms 🪱 🪱 🪱
Odin is rather pleased that the organic worming practice continues to be a success 🙌
Thank you to Verm-X for donating their wonderful product to us, the ponies all love the taste and smell, and it works! 🌟🌟🌟
Interestingly, I wormed during the full moon phase as normal, and one of the Famous Five was passing a fair amount of bot fly larvae and worms for approximately two weeks after the Verm-X treatment.
I had f***l egg counts done on the Tiny Trio who have been introduced to Verm-X but not wormed properly with it so I did expect they'd all need a chemical wormer just this once.
Ari and Bodhi were both under 150 epg and Mouse was at 800 epg. I wormed Mouse using a chemical wormer and the amount of worms/bot fly larvae passed was similar to the Famous Five using organic method..
F***l Egg Counts were done on all the Famous Five a month later and all were below 50epg. Amazing 🌟
Tiny Trio Care Crew in force this morning! An early start to get work done before it gets too hot and sweaty! 😓🥵😆
Flies🐜🦟🪰🐝🪰🐜 & Ponies🐴🐎🐴🐎
Noomi and Levi learning the summer feed mix which is all about deterring flies and insects.
A small amount of healthy hooves chaff, garlic, turmeric and a herb mix. Making sure everything is molasses and sugar free to keep those pesky flies at bay.
Poo picking thoroughly also helps with the flies and is good pasture care, we've been on a mission to get the grass all clean and fresh!
A potion of lavender, eucalyptus and peppermint is sponged on Ari. Bodhi and Mouse will have some on their faces, and are getting used to the spray slowly, starting at a distance.
The crew were busy dismantling the little yard fence so we can create a new yard set up and hopefully put a post and rail fence along the footpath, just working out if we've collected enough materials, repurposing and reusing as much as we can.
Levi, Noomi and mum Lamorna Jewell Gore employed their post removal skills and strength 💪 All posts removed without breaking, which always makes me happy! 😊🤗
Little People and Ponies 💜
Noomi and Levi have been committed to the ponies and project for 9 months now. In this time they've developed trusting bonds with the Tiny Trio and recently started getting to know the Famous Five.
They've had a wonderful effect on all, and Runa even came to say hello and get a stroke and a sniff, which is incredible. They have such kind and gentle energy, and the ponies are attracted to this.
Yesterday Noomi and Levi spent time with Odin and Loki whilst relaxing, being with them and sharing stillness and calm, it was beautiful 💜💜💜
Lost for words was how I felt whilst descending into madness 🙃🤐and the ponies are perfect company as no words are ever required, yet so much is shared and understood.
I've bonded more with each but especially Runa, we had many silent conversations about how frightening the world can seem, how on guard and uptight we get with expectations and pressure and trying to fit in, the needs of our wild spirits and independent nature's, how humans are scary at times and everyone is so noisey..through our conversations we developed more trust and found relaxation and safety in each other, and the herd.
When I was unsure, the ponies reminded me who I was. 💜💜💜💜💜
Yesterday however Tyr reminded me how strong and heavy he is by accidentally bashing me, one of those freak happenings that sent me flying and felt like he pushed one leg up through my hip to my ribs! Today it's very sore and I'm hobbling about feeling quite lopsided 😆🙄🙃😳😫😆🥹
Late one May evening...a journal entry detailing my experience of that time..all a bit Sylvia Plath dramatic! My moods, feelings and thoughts can all be quite elemental, nature's energies resonate with my own.
22.40 at the cottage.
"So up and down today, just been crying my eyes out after going to put the chickens away and finding the Famous Five touching noses with Paul's cows, one had just calved and I was worried Tyr may go hedge climbing to investigate! Spent time with them and just observed, they're curious for sure but getting too dark to do anything anyway.
The full moon was beautiful and it was hard to leave. I am finding the 'normal' world quite overwhelming, everyone says they get it, it's like this or that, it'll take time, it's early days, but right now I'm longing to be down there and not here in the cottage all tense and upset. I'm wondering if I will adjust, at least without undoing too much of my mental health and falling to pieces.
One minute I'm grateful and excited, then I'm crushingly sad, depressed and despondent, I can't seem to get a grip and things are starting to get weird, my head is throwing all sorts up, its like a journey into the past whilst trying to navigate the present, and it's exhausting. I just want to be alone with the Famous Five and write"
Mousey Pants says 'Thank You Everyone!' 🙏💜🙏💜🙏💜🙏💜🙏💜🙏💜🙏💜
Thanks to the fundraising efforts of Levi and Noomi, and mum Lamorna Jewell Gore we were able to pay for the castrations in advance as requested by the vets, and funds left over are providing for the ponies needs ( feeds, supplements, bedding, f***l egg counts, wormer, hoof care, and whatever else crops up, soon enough hay/haylage!)
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the Go Fund Me 🙏💜
You all made it possible to continue providing the Tiny Trio with the best start in life, and allowing the Famous Five to remain together as they discover life and purpose.
That's 8 Dartmoor Hill Ponies being cared for with dedication, commitment and love, whilst they work their serious grazing magic on the land we are so lucky to occupy. 🙏🙏🙏
Thank you so much, your support means everything! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Mouse did so well with his training and this photo was taken on the 19th May, with his headcollar on! 🙌🙌🙌. He became so affectionate and started to winnie when I would arrive, which was very sweet, he also does it for Levi and Noomi too 🥰🥹🥰
The Trio were having extremely boisterous, and at times, aggressive battles as their hormones continued to emerge. Poor little Mouse got injured at one stage and couldn't join in or keep up, it was interesting how the dynamics shifted then, Mouse was no longer Mr bossy boots, and he didn't like it much 😕 🥹🥹
Back in May, I'd just moved into the cottage and away from the Famous Five. I gave the impression of coping with it all but I was steadily becoming more manic and starting to dissociate.
I wasn't sleeping and things were starting to go adrift with my mind.
Moments like these, hanging out with the Famous Five, relaxing together and feeling safe became so desirable, I would find stillness and calm.
The real world was a shock, people knocking on the door, the sounds of cars and traffic outside, feeling so close to people, unable to hear the elements and outside sounds, official stuff to sort out like bills and address changes, just having to see and deal with people, no matter how lovely they are, I would prefer to be far from others and preferably with the Famous Five, I'm a much less anxious person then.
I will share some journal notes with posts to document my journey into as many people believe it would be obvious. There's a lot of misconceptions surrounding psychosis so hopefully sharing my experience will paint a clearer picture and raise awareness/understanding 😊
Beautiful Baby Boy Tyr ( now 2 years old) and so affectionate and playful, he's really missed me being here and comes running to see me on arrival and often stands looking forlorn when I leave 🥹🥹🥹💜
Ponies ( animal's) can provide such safety and connection for people like me with various traumas and mental health issues, they are the best therapists, best friends, best life coaches..I can love them without any fear 💜
Look how fluffy the Tiny Trio were in May! 🤗🤗🤗💜💜💜
They were also being rather sprightly and competitive as their c**tish hormones kicked in. They provided lots of entertainment for passers-by 🤗😆
Even though the project was offline, it was all still taking place in real life, how could it not as the ponies still needed us!
Our dedicated crew continued turning up to help sort new grazing spaces and see to the Trio's daily needs.
Lamorna Jewell Gore Noomi and Levi had to adjust to being more hands off with the Trio as they're behaviour was a bit unpredictable 😳 hence the need for castration. For safety reasons I managed the Trio in preparation for castration.
It was interesting having three c**ts and no older ponies to help guide, educate and discipline. Tyr was a c**t but had Odin and Loki to look after him.
The Trio were quite aggressive to each other in their battles, and didn't know when to stop at times, hormones were raging! I felt for them as they seemed a bit confused, dear little chaps 💜
They were however, extremely grateful to Levi and myself for giving them fresh grazing on this day in May..Ari looks rather happy with his munching 🤗
The Famous Five are all doing great!
I'll update on each individually as lots has been going on but I'm pleased to report our happy herd continues and we've shared lots of quality time 💜
Chloe Beth Graham took this photo recently, capturing us having a herd relaxation session. 🙏
Meet our 3 Geldings! 🙌
Mouse, Ari and Bodhi were successfully castrated in June and all have recovered well, they're much calmer now and are pleased to be celebrating 2 Years of Poppy & The Pit Ponies today! 🥳🙌💛
Thank you to everyone who contacted me expressing concern as I'd not posted for a long time, unfortunately I had a period of psychosis and mental health struggles, along with physical health issues, so I needed time out. The real world was confusing enough. I will share more on this but for now I'll just be updating on the ponies progress over the last couple of months.
Ari thoroughly enjoyed having a visit from Millie, Arthur, Lou & Jaxson over the weekend. Thanks for sharing some tiny trio time! 😊 🐴💜
So pleased Jaxson is doing well after his recent adder bite, shocking how expensive the treatment is! 😳
Ari loved getting strokes, grass and attention, and was on his best behaviour throughout!
Millie & Arthur were calm and kind to Ari, I know he'll be pleased to see them again soon!
Bodhi seems to be developing a fondness for Lou and follows her along the fence, giving little nose bumps on the way!
West Penwith
TR197SX
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The best way to start the day, a greeting from Beautiful Bodhi, Mouse and Ari in the background. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Bodhi says thank you to all the Beautiful People who help take care of him and the others! Especially Lamorna, Noomi and Levi, and the friends they bring too sometimes. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 The Trio have had lots of exposure to many things that will help them in preparing for the world out there! Dogs, children, adults, bikes, flapping tarpaulin, chickens, cars, vans, dumpy bags, cats, campers and much more too! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 And to all who've supported and donated and all sorts else, a massive thank you 😊 🙏 #tinytrio #ecotherapyinpractice #dartmoorhillpony #ponies #thankyouforyoursupport #volunteersmakeadifference #equinelife #communityproject #pendeen
Weather extremes! Yesterday was summery and today, not so much! 🙄😕😆 Famous Five now grazing top fields so the lower ones get a good rest before winter. Routine Job Stuff... Ragwort Picking and Burning: I've picked and burnt so much this year, and it continues! From the approx 10 acres I've removed around 20 + feed bags full. Of course that includes the hedges, gateways and adjoining areas too. Also Black Nightshade seems to be popping up too, so it's a constant job to examine grazing spaces for such plants and remove. I'm not overly concerned as the ponies seem to avoid it anyway but I don't want it seeding and spreading further really. Poo picking of course continues daily, I spend between 1.5 - 3 hours per day on poo picking depending on how thorough I'm being. We're lucky to have wonderful volunteers to help with poo picking for the Tiny Trio. Lamorna, Noomi & Levi, help Monday to Fridays, and Jaak & Jacob on Wednesdays! Tiny Trio Care Crew 🌟🌟🌟 #volunteersmakeadifference #volunteersrock This has also helped the Trio to develop confidence and curiosity around us humans, as poo picking is a great way to be with them without expectations or pressure. #ecotherapyinpractice #dartmoorhillpony #ponies #poniesponiesponies #rescueponies #notforprofit #communityproject #summervibes #cornwallcoast
Runa was most curious about my phone and flappy hood today.."What is it Tyr 🤔 looks suspicious to me, be a brave lad and see what it is, I'll supervise closely." Of course Tyr is happy to oblige, anything for his hero Runa! " you are so strong and wise Runa, and I am just a baby, I want to grow up to be just like you" 😆🤣😆🤣...in actual fact Tyr is very brave and confident, and Runa likes having such a eager sidekick! 😁 💜 Mizzle, fog, wind, such glorious summer days! #dartmoorhillpony #poniesponiesponies #cornwalllife #ecotherapyinpractice #equinecoregulation #funnyponies
Mum! Runa's bothering me! 😆 The 3 Amigos will still run to me for protection from Runa if he's getting a bit much for them and they want to catch their breath and chill for a moment. Like baby of the bunch Tyr, he's now 2 years old, our only Greenwell herd Dartmoor Hill Pony, and he's such a handsome little man too 💜 #poniesponiesponies #dartmoorhillpony
Runa has come so far! 🌟🌟🌟 It's a long video but I wanted to share the comfort and relaxation we've developed, and how calm he can be. I'm able to pick out all his hooves now, and even gave him his first ever hoof trim in 12 years! Just working away steadily together. He's so very gentle with me and communicates clearly, he's comfortable with touch all over and with me leaning on him and applying pressure. He's realised I'm very useful at keeping the flies away temporarily! 😆😆😆 I have my uses!! 🤗🤗🤗 I'm over the moon with Runa and love the relationship we're developing. He's a beautiful rogue, and very special indeed💜💜💜
Loki Goof and his loving therapy! Loki is always happy to share a cuddle and during the dry days would often become my sofa in the field! 😆 There's something very special about lying with the ponies as they sleep and rest, the sound of their breath, the feel of Lokis warmth, the sweet pony smell that instantly soothes and relaxes, and such a privilege that they feel comfortable enough to let me join them, to sleep as a herd, as a little wild family 💜 #ecotherapyinpractice #dartmoorhillpony #mentalhealth #poniesponiesponies #shareyourstory #traumarecovery
When Winston met the Famous Five 🤗 a bit bigger than the Tiny Trio hey Winston! Back in May I had the pleasure of Winstons company so he was put to use helping desensitise the ponies to dogs, especially Runa and Frodo. Thanks Winston 🌟💛🌟💛🌟 After my earlier post about my mental health stuff I was contacted by a lady who also has struggles, thanking me for sharing and expressing her experience of life. This made me very happy, as I always feel its a bit self indulgent and self centred to share such details but I'm beginning to see that it is perhaps positive, to help others feel less alone, to provide a platform for connecting with kindred spirits who know what its like, in that way we help each other. 🙏💜 I appreciate all who share their experiences and identify with the difficulties faced, and all the wonderful care and concern. The thing with my mania is that to begin with it feels quite useful, it's seductive so feel so full of energy and able to do, do, do...until it spirals out of control and exhausts me, or breaks me. I often injure myself in manic periods as I'm unaware of how my body really feels and constantly ask more of it. In May I was preparing to move the chickens, sounds simple but involved so much work to dismantle and set up elsewhere, then I was clearing up the Croft to leave asap, taking care of all 8 ponies and doing halter training, whilst moving and setting up home, and getting about 3-4 hours sleep..with Addisons Disease also further complicating matters..a perfect storm was brewing and I was in manic denial and dissociation..ignorance is bliss until it blows up in your face to make you pay attention!🙄😆🥹 #psychosisawareness #traumarecovery #MentalHealth #ecotherapyinpractice #complextrauma #complexptsd #psychosis #manicdepressive #poniesponiesponies #dartmoorhillpony #PeerSupport
Catch up posts..back in May, Frodo still a bit fluffy but growing in confidence. He's formed a real bond with Loki which is very sweet, they seem to enjoy just hanging out together and even share a food bowl. Frodo always makes sure Loki is OK and Loki seems to like the special attention 💜 Fearful Frodo is slowly and gently turning into Friendly Frodo...who I always knew he was. 💜🙏 #rescueponies #dartmoorhillpony #poniesponiesponies
Charlie was my companion and best friend for 15 years. It was because of Charlie that I ended up getting Loki and Odin to help manage land. He was older and not so energetic so I wanted something to keep me busy, and for Charlie to be around just chilling out. Sadly Charlie passed away two weeks after getting Loki and Odin, perhaps he knew I was in safe hands/hooves 💜🙏 This will be the first time in nearly 18 years that I've moved without Charlie, he arrived with me here and remains at rest here, the place of our final adventure, what an adventure its been. 🤗💜🌟💜🌟 I'm quite nostalgic, sentimental and emotional today, but all good, except for an annoying headache! Just feelings processing and passing through as I let go and welcome what's next 🤔🤔🤔💜
Little snippet from time with Mouse last week. 🐁💜🐁💜🐁💜🐁💜🐁💜 He wasn't really feeling it on this day, I could tell he was being polite but really wanted to get back to grazing asap 😆 Mouse is doing great, happy for me to touch and apply pressure to his face and neck, less flighty about hands over his ears and mane. I am now able to get the halter on and off without doing it up, he's most relaxed in the evenings and makes best progress then. I just go with the flow and if he seems interested and relaxed I'll spend time working on stuff with him, and the others, as they each show interest too. Mouse has enjoyed a thorough groom and defluff with the stripping brush, and is getting more relaxed about touch and contact on his body and rear. Very proud of him!! 🐁🌟🐁🌟🐁🌟🐁🌟🐁🌟🐁🌟🐁🌟 #tinytrio #poniesponiesponies #dartmoorhillpony #rescueponies #communityproject #equinelife #equinetraining
Just spoke to the vets to get the castration date booked in and was told they now like for castrations to be paid for in advance ( I was hoping we'd have time to pay/payment plan) Funds we had allocated for castrations had to be used elsewhere due to the extreme winter and weather conditions, and as we were unable to secure other grants to help over winter its been a struggle. Noomi and Levi set up the Go Fund Me page and have raised just over £600 so far, which is incredible! But, I'm expecting the quote for 3 standing castrations to be higher than this, so we really need to raise as much as possible, as soon as possible! Our provisional date for castrations is the 20th May! I'm working hard to prepare the Trio for handling and contact, to allow them to be sedated without stress. They need to be castrated asap really as they're quite frisky boys at times! If you can help us to give the Tiny Trio the best start in life by getting them castrated early, and working on positive behaviour everyday, we'd be very grateful. Please see the Go Fund Me page on pinned posts. I will update with the castration procedure cost once I receive the quote. #communityproject #dartmoorhillpony #poniesponiesponies #equinelife #rescueponies #vetscosts #tinytrio
Loki enjoying a goofy scratchy time..🤪🐴💜
So happy with Frodo 💜🌟🤗 It may not look like much, but Frodo generally avoids coming close, he's fearful around being caught/touch. For Frodo to stay with me like this and come forward for contact and interaction is just lovely, warms my heart ❤️ Little by little the trust is building and hopefully his fear is starting to ease..🙏💜 Brave Frodo with his beautiful eyes.💜 #poniesponiesponies #rescueponies #dartmoorhillpony #communityproject #GratefulHeart
Off with the winter fluff! Odin has been enjoying more 1:1 time with me since I separated him from Loki for a while. He's much more eager to do stuff together, previously he was a bit indifferent but now thoroughly enjoys it. Looking forward to doing things with Odin this year, he's an old soul with a beautiful character, love to see him happy and relaxed. 💜 The jackdaws are loving all the pony hair fluff, I caught some on Tyrs back the other day, plucking away at his winter coat, Tyr seemed to enjoy it 🐦⬛🐦⬛🐦⬛🐦⬛ 🐦⬛ 🐦⬛🐦⬛🐦⬛
A video to remind us that it does stop raining 🌧 😐 😑 😳 🙄🙃😆 Loki and Runa playing in the sunshine, when we thought spring was thriving and things looked up. .today its very soggy and miserable looking ponies, the Famous Five say bring back the sunshine 🌞 please...🙏 #rainingagain #poniesponiesponies #notforprofit #dartmoorhillpony #rescueponies #communityproject
Runa & Loki happy to be together again. Enjoying some play and chase, feeling frisky and fresh! #dartmoorhillpony #poniesponiesponies #notforprofit #communityproject
Famous Five reunited after 2 weeks in separate herds..they've enjoyed a race about and seem like very happy chaps! 😊 #notforprofit #communityproject #dartmoorhillpony #poniesponiesponies
It's only a couple of weeks now until I stop living with the Famous Five and become a civilised, house dwelling person again! 😬🤔🙃🥹🤗 The closer it gets the more anticipation, anxiety, excitement and fear creep in. Its been such an incredible three years of healing, discovery, challenges and joy. I will miss this life but I'm so grateful to have had this experience and journey. 💜🌟 Thank you to Mary Williams Zoe Williams Gary Williams for making it all possible and being so supportive 💜🌟 The hard winter and all the emotional upheavals have taken a toll, prescribed antibiotics yesterday for a bacterial chest infection that's making me rather poorly, especially the lack of sleep from coughing! Been spending time with the Famous Five who are adjusting to new combinations. Runa and Tyr are together, and Frodo is with Loki and Odin which seems to be helping his confidence. Chatting to Tyr about all the changes in our little Wild Family, we agreed it can be quite scary, even when you know its the right way forward and part of growing and evolving, it still makes you feel funny and a bit lost. 🥹 Managing #mentalhealth #complexptsd #addisonsdisease #personalitydisorder #depression #traumahealing is a lifetime task and everyday is different. Changes certainly complicate matters and bring so much to the surface, dealing with past and present, trying to manage the flood of overwhelming thoughts, emotions and memories, whilst maintaining a balanced social front and fulfilling obligations, its exhausting as anyone with such issues understands. #poniesponiesponies #dartmoorhillpony #communityproject #notforprofit #rescueponies #changeisgood #changeisscary #equinetraining
Hoof Trim for the 3 Amigos! 💜🐴💜🐴💜🐴 Odin, Tyr and Loki had their hooves trimmed and examined today, and I was relieved that they were doing ok considering the muddy winter conditions! 🙏🤗🙌💜🐴 Thanks to the wonderful Gemma Tate for taking such good care of the 3 Amigos, and being around Runa and Frodo in such a positive, expectation free manner! Odin was very well behaved, Tyr did really well but took a little while to settle at first, and Loki was doing well but got a bit restless when Runa, Odin and Tyr started playing, he had serious FOMO! 😆 All happy and relaxed, and they seem very comfortable with their trims as they've been frisking about playfully and enjoying a good chase.🤗😆💜🐴 #dartmoorhillpony #notforprofit #communityproject #hoofcare #rescueponies
Loki Goof 🤪 The sunshine is out 🌞🙌 It's dry! The ground is starting to be less swamp like and the ponies are happily drying off and welcoming the spring weather! At last!! 🥳🙌🙏🤗🥳🙌 Enjoyed some dedicated Loki time this morning, helping him relax, grooming off dry mud and winter fluff, picking hooves and treating with antifungal, antibacterial hoof clay to help his hooves repair after being so wet and muddy. 💜 About Loki: He's nearly 3 years old, he's a gelding (boy). Loki is approx 11hh and comes from the wonderful Godsworthy herd on Dartmoor, just like Odin and Ari. Loki has started his education and is a very chilled out chap generally. He walks well on the leadrope and is getting to grips with his basic manners and skills. 💜 Loki will continue his education this year, hopefully learning how to be a lead rein pony and carrying light passengers, but we'll see how it goes, there's no rush as he's still only young, lots of desensitisation work to do and building his confidence when out and about away from the herd. #dartmoorhillpony #equinetraining #communityproject #poniesponiesponies #notforprofit #findyourherd #pendeen #ConservationGrazing #rescueponies #ecotherapy
