Rescuing Blackberry

Rescued Shetland pony Blackberry may be small, but overcame neglect to rule as the farm’s feisty leader with a big personality beloved by all

Blackberry is the quietest member of our herd. As her name might indicate she is a black mare – a diminutive, placid Shetland. But looks can be deceiving… She may be the smallest family member, but she is the absolute queen of the farm and totally in charge. The donkeys are in awe of her big personality, and one look, one flick of the tail, and they are off. Grandma has spoken!
Two years ago I was asked if I would rescue one of four local Shetlands very much in need of a decent home. On the appointed day, a sad and sorry figure walked up the drive, coughing and wheezing. Blackberry had mites and fleas, very little coat and sweet itch had caused areas of raw flesh. Large of belly, she had clearly carried many foals in her time (but fortunately not when she arrived with us!). She was promptly given the full beauty treatment, clipped and bathed, and then the vet assessment commenced. As my husband says: ‘She may have cost just a pound (always pay a pecuniary sum to make sure that the animal is legally yours) but she’s cost a great deal more since! It’s fortunate that I am rather fond of her…’

Ancient and sturdy
Small ponies have existed in the Shetland Isles for more than 2,000 years, and archaeologists have found evidence of them being domesticated since the Bronze Age.
Immortalised by Thelwell cartoons, they are well-loved even by non-equestrians. A hardy breed from the Scottish islands, they have a very thick coats to withstand the extreme conditions of their native home, and their short legs make them very sure-footed. They average about 11 hands high – the breed standard states they must be a maximum of 42 inches (107cm). Many describe them as docile – but this is not a description I recognise!
I prefer feisty, intelligent, extremely loyal… and they are wonderful companions. They prefer to live out all year with rough grazing and are known for having a sixth sense for danger. Blackberry will stay out in a howling gale with icicles hanging from her coat, sniffing contemptuously at everyone else in in the barn in their rugs.
The strength of Shetland ponies is legendary – they are the strongest of all horse breeds, relative to their size. For centuries, these ponies have cultivated land, carried peat, transported seaweed, and served as transportation for their owners. Fishermen who owned them even used hair from their tails for fishing lines. When children were banned from working in the mines, the Shetland ponies were used instead, and the miners were said to be very fond of them. These days they are used as first ponies, mascots, in carriage driving and many have successful careers as racing ponies. They may have little legs, but boy can they shift … when they choose to!
They are also famous for their longevity. The oldest recorded pony was Sugar Puff, a Shetland-Exmoor cross, who reached 56. The oldest known Shetland pony was Twiglet who lived a happy retirement roaming free at Forde Abbey, and who died at the age of 50 in 2017.

Sadly, Blackberry did not come to us with any papers or passport, but the equine vet assessed her teeth and thinks she’s in her late 30s. Blackberry’s teeth were actually the culprits hindering her recovery. Horse teeth are not like human teeth, they grow continually and need to be level for them to grind food correctly. Equestrians will have an equine vet assess their horse’s teeth annually to level the teeth off for easy eating. Our own equine vet took lots of photos of Blackberry’s terrible teeth and jaw for a presentation entitled: ‘How not to look after your horse’s teeth’. When she arrived, they were so bad that Blackberry could only roll and suck her food and then spit it out in wet balls. After several grindings and the removal of two rotten teeth, I am pleased to report that her eating has improved.

She’s the boss
Blackberry is absolutely intolerant of just one thing: vets with needles. When she spots one, the vet declares she transforms from Shetland to Shitland. And being short of stature with an equally low centre of gravity, when she decides that she will not stand still she is an absolute force to be reckoned with. At the (now required) microchip insertion, things almost got out of hand. Bribery was the only course of action.
I am pleased to report that two years on, Blackberry is now very much part of the family. She babysits the big horses when the others are out competing and the young donkeys adore and respect her. Her coat is finally black, thick and shiny, and she is always in the right place at the right time: “No halter required thank you”. She will see out her dotage with us and her motto is absolutely clear: “This Little Lady Is In Charge.”

Horse and pony rescue
If you’re now thinking you also have some space for a rescue pony, there’s a few things to consider first. As with any animal, rescuing an equine is a worthwhile and rewarding opportunity, but it is not without its difficulties. There are many challenges to consider:

• Be prepared: You will need be assessed for suitability – of yourself, your facilities and also your knowledge.
• Health: Mistreated rescues often have ongoing health issues. Be ready for the additional cost of vets, meds, vaccinations, teeth, worms, skin and coat problems, allergies and gut issues. There are often feet and hoof problems for your farrier to sort out too.
• Behavioural Challenges: Rescue animals have often been poorly handled or kept in frightening conditions. Understandably this can make them nervous of many situations.
• Time Commitment: Rescue animals are often slow to acclimatise and trust – you will need lots of time and endless patience to help them settle.
• Long Term Love: Having been let down once it is important that you make a lifetime commitment to your new family member.

Above all remember that in rescuing a pony you give them another chance – and possibly save their life. From personal experience I can say you will develop a close and very special bond. To be trusted by those who have been abused is the greatest honour.

There are many equine rescue charities, but try:
The Blue Cross
World Horse Welfare
RoR Retrained Race Horses