14/08/2025
Now that they’re here and settling in nicely, it’s time to introduce the newest arrivals — affectionately nicknamed “Twitchy” and “Itchy”.
Ladies first, of course. 💁♀️
“Itchy” aka Holly
Holly is a 10-year-old, 16.2hh Thoroughbred mare and an absolute sweetheart through and through. She’s also much less itchy now that we’ve tackled the heavy lice load and worm burden she arrived with.
Her once bare, patchy face is now almost fully covered in hair, and clearing the worms has revealed her true condition: underweight. With the hooks on her back teeth now fixed, she can finally chew properly, which will go a long way toward helping her gain healthy weight.
From my initial behavioural assessment of Holly — based on our first three interactions - and observing her movement, responsiveness in-hand, and overall way of going, I suspect she’s more than the “unbroken broodmare” many assume. Now that a bit of hoof care has eased the pain caused by neglect and multiple untreated abscesses, her balance, long legs, and carriage make me wonder if, after a presumed unsuccessful racing career, she might once have been destined for something entirely different before ending up in the pickle I found her — perhaps even jumping.
For now though, my only focus is on improving her mental and physical wellbeing. The mystery and any training can wait until she’s truly ready. 🌿✨
