Volume 2
Number 6
September "Ice Pony" Edition
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 Hoof
Prints
The Official
Newsletter of Shiloh Horse Rescue and Sanctuary
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Ice Ice
Ponies!!
As you all know, ten adorable
Icelandic ponies are now making Shiloh their home!
Brought to Iceland in the longboats of the Norsemen between AD 860
and AD 935, there has been no cross breeding of these ponies in
Iceland in over one thousand years! In fact, even today, Icelandic
law forbids the return of any pony that leaves the country, even if
it is for the purpose of attending championships in other
countries. This makes the Icelandic pony one of the purist breeds
of horse in the world.
Isungur
Hamras Lyftingur
In Iceland, ponies never begin formal training before the age of
five. Until then, they are left to roam free in open fields year
round where they are able to easily withstand the extreme winter
temperatures.
It is extremely exciting to have such an interesting breed right
here in our midst!
All Icelandic pony information used
in this newsletter courtesy of Elwyn Hartley Edwards' Smithsonian
handbook Horses and Yann
Arthus-Bertrand and Jean-Louis Gouraud's beautiful photo book Horses.
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Bits and Bites
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Pony Power
The Icelandic pony may be small -- averaging 13.2 hands --
but it is strong and sturdy. Bred to carry heavy weight over long
distances at speed, the Icelandic pony can easily carry adults up
to 200 pounds.
Layla
Kvikur
Did You Know...
-- In addition to the walk, trot, canter, and gallop, Icelandic
ponies have two additional gaits, the tolt, a four-beat "running walk,"
and the skeid, a faster,
two-beat "flying pace." Both are supposed to be extremely
comfortable for the rider.
-- Legend says that Icelanders are particularly fond of their
"Icies" because, after a night of partying, the rider is able to
cling to its thick mane while the pony adeptly finds its own way
home!
Pony Pensioners...
The oldest recorded age for an Icelandic pony is 57! Here are some
of Shiloh's "young seniors."
Lyfting,
29 Throttur, 35
On
the Scene
(Left) "Take deep, cleansing breaths!" Jill
gently acclimates new arrival Fax to his surroundings
(Right) "Ah! I LOVE this job!" Little Dude gets the full spa
treatment during a Basic Horsemanship
class
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As the Rescue Turns
Another chapter in the
continuing story of Shiloh's odd couple,
Mojo and Aztec
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Is it over for "Moztec"?
Rumor has it, Aztec has been seeing someone new.
He and Inca have been spotted several times, sharing a mister
under City Center, and they look suspiciously cozy together.
When asked to comment,
Mojo vehemently denied the rumors.
However, he has been seen seeking the solace of
friends...
... and was even purported to have been set up on a blind
date!
Is this it for Shiloh's favorite
power couple?
Tune in next time for As the
Rescue Turns
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Shiloh
the Painted Pony
A
beautiful collectible figurine
from the
Trail of Painted Ponies' Celebrity Collection
Each
Painted Pony hand signed
by
Tony Curtis
$85
Includes shipping and
handling
(Proceeds
to benefit Shiloh Horse Rescue)
Available
online at The Shiloh Shop
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Welcome To The
Herd
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 Charlie's "Hoof Pick" of the
Month
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Gentry
This wonderful 8 year old Standardbred gelding was rescued from
Fallon Feedlot where his paperwork stated "For Slaughter Only."
Stressed, shivering, and injured, Gentry appeared to Jill to be
resigned to his terrible fate, and she was determined not to allow
that to happen.
After an appropriate period of rest and rehabilitation, Gentry was
"taken under the wing" of Shiloh's trainer, Elisa, whose patient
persistence has paid off in a big way.
"He is such a sweet, cool guy," said Elisa. "You just have to be
soft with him and let him do his job."
"I love the way he carries his head," said Daria, another Shiloh
rider. "He's a lot of fun to ride."
"All he needed was time and understanding," said Elisa. "He's not
the least bit mean, and I don't understand why anyone thought he
was."
"I have to admit," said Daria, "that I was afraid of him when he
first got here because he was so stressed and people had said such
awful things about him. But his reputation was completely
undeserved. He is a doll!"
Jill is thrilled that Gentry has come so far, and, but she is only
willing to adopt him out to a very special someone who will be
understanding of both his breed and background.
Click here for video of
Gentry under saddle.
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Happily Ever
After
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Cocktail
Napa
Adopted August 16 Adopted August
17
Larceny Twerp and
Calamity
Adopted August 21 Adopted August
28
Tritli
Suggestion
Adopted August 28 Adopted
August 30
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 Ask Traveler
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Pony or Horse? What do YOU
think?
Hugljuf
Litla
Although everyone at Shiloh refers to our latest equine additions
as "ponies," Icelanders call them horses, probably due to their
unusual strength, stamina, and the fact that they are ridden
primarily by adults.
Just what is the difference between a horse and a pony? There seems
to be some debate about that. In this country, it often appears to
be a question of height, the cut-off point being 14.2 hands.
Anything standing less than that is considered a pony; anything
taller is a horse.
However...
If a Haflinger or Connemara is taller than 14.2 hands, should it be
called a horse? If an Arabian stands less than 14.2 hands, should
it be referred to as a pony? And what about miniature horses?
There are those who believe that appearance and temperament rather
than height should be taken in account. Their belief is that ponies
are better able to adapt to the challenging environments that are
unfavorable to the more "refined" horse. In addition they point to
a pony's willful, mischievous nature as opposed to the more
"urbane" disposition of a horse.
What do you think? Write
to me and share your opinion!
* * *
Do you have anything you'd like to ask me
regarding Shiloh, rescue issues, horse care, or the places I've
been and people I've met? I'd love to hear from you, even if it's
just to say hi! Write to me at shilohtraveler@gmail.com.
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Love Horses?
Donate to
Shiloh Horse
Rescue
2417 Hardin Ridge
Henderson, Nevada 89052
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Greener Pastures
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"All
passed very quickly and in their enviroments where they lived with
their friends. Each had a mouthful of carrots and were still
chewing them when they went down. They all heard our loving voices
and felt our loving hands; all were sent on their way with kindness
and love. All have good legs now and are running as a herd in
Greener Pastures."
-- Jill
Curtis
A Shiloh "elder statesman," newcomers knew they could always count
on Mendoza to provide them with a fun, safe hand's on
experience.
Image
August 19, 2010
A former family pony who "did it all," Image spent his retirement
years being fussed over, groomed, and bathed by Shiloh
volunteers.
August 24,
2010
A favorite of both Jill and Sally, Echo's fortitude and dignity in
the face of adversity personified everything they admire in a
rescue horse.
Eagle
August 24,
2010
One of Shiloh's original "wanderers," Eagle was a gentle, patient
Shiloh ambassador who never turned down a treat or the opportunity
to steal a tasty morsel from the food cart.
Sitka's strength, courage, and kindness lives on through her
wonderful colt,
Sunday Surprise
Charity
August 24,
2010
Tough, stubborn, and feisty, Charity taught volunteers and staff
patience and persistence while administering medical
treatments.
(And we loved her for it!)
Latilla was with us just a short time, but it was quality time,
among the volunteers and staff who loved her at first sight.
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Quick
Links...
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