Soo excited, we have 2 new additions arriving at the weekend. Not canine, but equine. 2 little Shetlands needing a home and lots of TLC. A mum ( Bella ) and her foal ( beano) Although we love dogs above all else, we tend to take in all waifs and strays that need a loving home.

We took in 2 horses 6 years ago, rescued from the side of the road and really poorly and nearly starved. After lots of vets and farrier treatment and lots of nursing and care, they were then trained for riding, passed all their exams and recently were taken on to work with disabled children. They now have a wonderful life and love all the fuss and stroking they get from the kids and are so gentle when the children ride them. So because they have moved on ( we still visit them ) we have empty stables, so of course we had to fill them again didn't we. We can't have empty stables going to waste, so Bella and Beano will be here soon, I can't wait.

Aahh, good for you. I hope they bring you much pleasure. Sounds like they're going to have a good life with you.

>We can't have empty stables going to waste

Oh good gracious no!  :-)

And stroking them is so good for your blood pressure that I don't see how you could say no.  Enjoy.  :-)

Lovely!I hope they settle in well!

Good for you!! I love little shetland ponies.  The ones I meet on my walks are mean little girls but that just makes me like them all the more!lol.  Bit like donkeys:)

My first pony a shitland taught me two things, how to avoid teeth and hooves!! I still love them though, full of character.  You should never have empty stables, such a waste :)

Aw, they sound very cute!

>My first pony a shitland

But they're only little!

That describes our one exactly!

He thinks he's a dog.  Bangs at the kitchen door to come in then tries the handle with his teeth. Prefers bread to veg and will hunt out leftover dog kibble for afters. He's very old but got craftier with time.

What a wonderful story about your previous horses - I hope the Shetlands work out as well.  Something I would love to do but sadly we haven't our own land - our two horses are at a DIY livery yard.

Little ones were collected yesterday and are absolutely adorable. They are so chilled out and gentle, I was expecting the worst having read all about Shetlands and their temperaments, but these are wonderful with the kids. They walk on a lead like a large dog, and love being groomed and tickled. The kids ( age 13 and 9 ) have lead walked them round our woods and fields and then took them into the paddock to brush them, and not a nip or kick at all. The vet is coming out tomorrow to give them a health check which is necessary for us to be able to insure them.
BTW Pet plan will insure a Shetland for £5000 vets fees for £12.50 per month each - step back in amazement !!!! Far cheaper than our dogs.