FreeRein Horses & Ponies
Maggie & Obi
Introduction
The horses and ponies offered to riders are a happy lot, appreciate being groomed and are easy to tack up - and don't mind which hoof you clean first. Due to the varied nature of their work they are willing, alert and bond easily with their riders. And, most important, out on trail they are usually waiting at the gate in the morning eager to start another day in the hills. They range in size from 12hh to 16hh but most are between 14 and 15 hh.
General Care
During the FreeRein season they live outdoors as a herd and have a simple diet of grass, hay and pony nuts, with a salt lick always available. Measured quantities of feed are available at the overnight trail stops and riders feed their horses night and morning. During the day they get ample opportunities to graze whilst riders puzzle over their route descriptions.
Shoeing
As the majority of their day is spent in the hills horses tend to grow out of their shoes rather than wear them out. They enjoy the attentions of a dedicated farrier and are shod all round every five weeks. It is unusual for a horse to loose a shoe on trail. Should this happen we replace the horse.
Annual Routine
When the horses return from their winter homes there is much excitement and galloping about the fields as they remeet old friends (and enemies). They are then wormed and in turn they visit the FreeRein beauty parlour to be tidied up - trim the tails, thorough grooming, etc. During the last couple of years we have invested in an electric clippers so they now tend to be rather less wild and rather more short back and sides than previously.At the end of the season, before going to winter homes, they are again wormed, trimmed and their shoes removed.