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TREW Angel ~ Dec.

December 2007

Angel was surrendered to TREW early in December following telephone conversations during the week. Two of our wonderful Committee members collected Angel on Sunday and brought her the long trek back to the care facility. Angel was exceptionally nervous of being caught and handled, but stood up beautifully for her float trip. She unloaded from the float like a rocket, and after a valiant attempt by Clies to keep hold of her...left us in her wake. We slowly herded Angel into her paddock, and she is now safely confined!

Obviously Angel is very wormy, which is apparent from the state of her coat and belly, but we are wondering whether she is actually also in foal. We certainly hope not, as she is in no physical condition to be carrying, foaling, or feeding a foal.

She is pertrified of us humans, and it's going to be a long, and necessarily patient process to get her to the point where she is happy for us to walk up to her and catch her. I have no doubt that we will get there, and in time, we will put her fears to rest.

We appreciate that Angels owner did contact us, and allow us thereby to help this girl.



Angel is showing a great deal of interest in the goings on here, particularly when the other horses are handled in the paddock near her. Her eyes are out on sticks, and she seems to be incredulous that Fanta appears to enjoy spending time with me...she just stares and stares!

I've been putting her feed in the paddock, and sitting on a bucket at a distance, until she just cannot help herself and has to go to the feed bin. Every feed I move the bucket another inch closer, but she is very weary. If I so much as swish a fly...she's off like greased lightening! I've asked my daughter to help me with her as it will be good for both of them.

Angel is eating well, but her enthusiasm waned when I began to introduce her herbal mix. It happens every time, but within a few days the horses are just loving it!



Every day she gets that little bit better, but is still very suspicious of people.



Little Angel is coming along in very small baby steps, it's going to be a slow process, getting her to the point where she will allow somebody to approach her. I've been spending as much time as I am able just being around her, and tempting her to come closer to take a treat. Close as she gets for that though, it's a long way from there to being able to reach out and touch her. I've been edging my way closer and closer at feed times, and she has gradually been accepting me sitting there while she eats...but always one eye on me!

I'd worked my way to having one hand resting on the side of the feed bin while Angel was eating, and tonight had the lunge rein with me, the clip open in my hand. Eventually she moved her head close enough while eating for me to place the clip through the ring and the halter and close it. As expected, as soon as she felt the pressure and realised, she spun around and took off. I let the lunge rein out, and when she eventually stopped I still had her. She was pretty surprised about that!

She trotted and cantered around the yard, and soon realised that when she stopped, so did the pressure on her halter. Over half an hour or so, she managed to accept me fairly close to her, but was still petrified at the prospect of me touching her. The minute she felt my hand brush her whiskers she'd panic. I didn't push the point however, as I figured that she had enough to think about for one afternoon. We need to make some progress soon as she desperately needs an anti bacterial/anti fungal bath as she is being driven crazy by itchiness. She also needs a dental visit badly as she is quidding her feed. I've been puzzling over some patches underneath her neck which are bare, and I couldn't for the life of me figure out how they were happening, but I've uncovered the mystery.

How the little madam is wearing holes in herself!

January 2008

We have had 4 days in a row now of 40+ degrees, and I'm really feeling for all the horses out there. I've had Angel back in the roundyard as there is really good shade in there for most of the day. Today she had a special treat which she just loved! A couple of the members of the TREW Forum mentioned how they make big carrot ice blocks for their horses on very hot days. I thought I'd give it a go, and it was a real hit with the little one!



Big day for little one today. We have decided that at this point, Angel would have a lot to gain by being moved to our Vice Presidents property for a while. Karen and her family have stables, and the facilities to enable much more intense handling of Angel. Angel's health has improved out of sight already, and although she still has a long way to go, she is feeling a lot stronger in herself.

A few days ago when I went down for the morning feeds, it was like there was a different pony standing in the yard. There she was with the cheekiest little look on her face, all cocky, and calling out for her breaky. Overnight Angel had made that oh so crucial shift in her mind set, and ecided that maybe life wasn't so bad, and that she was going to participate.

Although having made good progress regarding her fear and distrust of humans, it was a challenging day for her today, as Karen and her family are strangers to her.

Karen tells me that she travelled beautifully, unloaded well, and is now happily munching in her stable. I really look forward to the photos that Karen will be sending through, and know that Karen is 100% dedicated to helping Angel conquer her fears.

Angel is a perfect example of just how important it is to handle your horses when young. Not doing so is setting the horse up for failure, as an unhandled mature horse is very hard to deal with, impossible to treat if ill or injured, and the basic care needs such as hoof trimming, worming, and dental care become near impossible.

A horse that is confident around its human handlers is a much happier horse, not to mention a safer horse. People not handling their young stock are responsible for many of the horses who end up finding there way ton the saleyards and knackeries. If you do not have the experience, facilities, or inclination to put a lot of time into young horses, then you have no place breeding or owning them.

Thanks to our VP and her family for happily taking on this stage of Angels journey.

March 2008

Little Angel was returned to us on Sunday 23rd, which was the evening of our Open Day. Many of the TREW team were still here to greet Angel and the sweet girl stole a few hearts. One heart in particular though! Eloise, one of our TREW crew, who had travelled from S.A to be here to help for the Open Day has offered Angel a home for life with her horsey family in the Barossa Valley. Among her horses, El has another littlie, Bill, so here's hoping that the two will strike up a good friendship.

Angel will remain at here for a a little longer as she needs to gain some condition and strength before making the long journey to her new home. Congratulations Angel! Thank you so much El for opening your heart and home to the little lady. We're all thrilled that we will hear continued news of Angel.

April 2008

Well little one left this morning for her new permanent home. She has a long day ahead of her, but is in good hands, and I'm sure will travel well. We will all wait nervously until El reassures us that the little munchkin has arrived safe and sound. We look forward to pics of Angel with her new family, and are all very happy that this will be the last move that Angel ever makes.

May 2008

From Angel's new home:

"Angel touched my heart & being able to give this little old lady a forever home has been a very rewarding experience for me. Every bit of time we spend together, she shows me a little more of her self. She has gone from a pony I struggle to touch - never lone catch to a pony that will whinny out to me over the fence, one that will let me catch her & a pleasant pony to be around. It has taken time, effort, consistency and above all patience with Angel.

Angel shows interest in what goes on with the other horses & ponies, she has caught on very quickly to the daily routines and knows when it is her time to be fed or when it is time to go for a wander to eat some of that green grass, which is a little treat that she really enjoys. She has now been rugged for the first time in a very long time if at all in her life, but she has taken to the rug well, but is still suspicious of those pony eating leg straps, but she has improved each & every time the rug is put on her. She now has a stable in her yard to giver her protection from the elements, she has absolutely no problems going in there, we thought she may have issues but she proved us wrong. She has her best mates next to her Benson (my TB) & Billy (my Shetland) and she enjoys their company.

Even though Angel is not broken in, she is still a very valuable family member, she keeps everyone company & keeps everyone entertained with her constant talking & checking where everyone is. Through Angel I have become even more aware of how important correct training & everyday care is. If worming, trimming and other general care are not taught young & kept up with the general care becomes difficult and stressful times for both the horses/ponies and for us as owners.

I continue to work with Angel every morning and every night of every day, just little things but things that are important. She may never have that complete trust in me, I honestly can't blame her of what she knows of humans, but I can do my absolute best for her, for the rest of her life and I am sure she appreciates it.

I am glad that Scruffy sent me my TREW Angel."



El has been doing a wonderful job of keeping us all up to date on Angel's news. Angel's 'colour' is pink, as you can see. El's husband has done an amazing job of building Angel her very own stable, which we are told she loves. El has been working with Angel everyday in building her trust, and is making patient but good progress. I don't think the little one has ever had it better. Well done El, and thank you so much for your commitment to seeing that the special girl has some good years

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