I’m not going to say this is the best way to put a flymask on a pony… but it may be the fastest way when there is a sudden sunny day and an uncomfortable Shetland eye.
First of all, I don’t know much about Pony Rocky Balboa except that he came from a kill pen in Texas – and he seems to be sweet, but very studly when he wants to be, and will turn his back-end to you when he feels he needs to exert his power.
Little Man.
I think we are done with the hind end pointing towards me, but I do see him still doing it to the badonkadonks when cookies are around. However, I have also noticed that Ethel Merdonk pays no mind to his hind end – which leads me to believe he is all hat and no cattle.
A HOT DAY AND A BAD EYE.
Today, weirdly, is a bit too warm with bright sun (when the rest of the USA is in an unprecedented cold snap). Rocky needs to have his eye washed and he needs to wear a flymask. There are no flies, but there is direct sun shining.
So, I went to his paddock armed with: cookies (of course, loaded in the incorrect pocket for this task – which I quickly corrected) warm water, a clean cloth, eye soother drops and a new flymask for ponies.
I went in with a ‘cookie and halter slight of hand’. He took the bait and halter was on. OK> Then I put the clean cloth in the bucket of warm water, squeezed out the excess and then let him sniff it. I put the warm cloth on his eye and he LOVED that sensation. Slowly I rubbed the dried bits off and soothed the area with the damp warmth. Cookie reward. Next, I did the same halter slight of hand with the flymask – and again he took the bait. It was on and halter removed!
What I did learn was that he has worn a flymask previously or else he would have reacted to the sound of the velcro and the sensation on his hair. He didn’t. He also didn’t mind when I tried to pull his mane through the mane-hole unsuccessfully.
To be clear, he did not like his ears to be touched. A clue…
Anyway, The Pony King is now wearing a mask to keep out the bright sun on his one blue eye – and to soothe and protect the other missing eye area.
The pony king, Rocky Balboa, wearing his new mask to protect his blue eye – and protect his non-eye area.
During cookie reward time, he put his hind end right up to Ethel Merdonk, and she didn’t care… a clue.
DO YOU KNOW THESE BRANDS? A TEXAS RANCH?
He was found in a kill pen in Texas. However, he could be from anywhere.
The brands could be from one or two different ranches.
His left hip has a “69” or maybe an infinity symbol, not sure.
His right hip has a “CW”.
If you know anything about where he might have come from … PLEASE let me know!
His left hip has a “69” or an infinity symbol, not sure. Do you know this brand?
His right hip has a huge ‘CW’.
ALBUM COVER SHOT
They always seem to give me an album cover shot.
Princess Buttercup Pebbles, Ethel Merdonk and Pony King Rocky Balboa.
Do you know the brand inspector in your area? My brand inspector here in New Mexico helped me track down a brand on a horse I’d purchased at auction.
Ahhh a perfect fit! They are sure lucky to be in your care.
Those ‘brands’ are disgusting….burnt flesh on this little pony & the size of them? They don’t look like a freeze brand!
What about contacting a brand inspector?
L
Good work Dawn! In is heartwarming to read how you are taking care of these animals. Inspiring.