Here she is, the ‘new recruit’ - The DuchessA second horse was not the plan! The Captain is still improving and not getting as anxious anymore but he was in need of a new field mate. Weighing up all the options my parents and I decided getting our own companion would make things easier. My dad has always had a dream of having his own driving pony and so the search began. My Mum works for Bristol horse charity, Horseworld Trust. I was volunteering at a Tack Sale for them when I got to meet Duchess. With all the hustle and bustle she was not phased, in someways I thought perhaps she was switched off to everything. Duchess was taken in by Horseworld two years ago, at three years old, completely emaciated and with a little foal. The foal had deformed feet which the vets expected was due to Duchess not having the nutrients to help her grow. Duchess was a very tentative mother and her foal was suitably named Cinderella. Read their full story here: http://www.horseworld.org.uk/news/news/emaciated_mare_and_foal_rescued_and_given_a_fairy_tale_ending_at_horseworld/ Captain and Duchess quickly developed a brother/sister relationship, wanting to be close to each other but arguing when they were too close. Duchess has also quickly learned that all she has to do is ask and she gets some energy healing. She’s got quite demanding!! We often spend time in the field together letting the energy flow. Duchess’ character has grown and oozes out, she loves attention from people and will happily follow you round the field while you’re poo picking (although she loves a game of tipping the wheelbarrow!). Duchess is only 5 years old, she didn’t have a good start to life and has a lot of healing to do. I’m so pleased I am able to give her a home where she knows she is safe and is listened to. We have started to bring Duchess into work, with lunging and some ground work, but everything will be very slow and if at any point she shows she doesn’t want to continue we will stop. Duchess is helping me realise that sometimes in life we are put in terrible situations but there is always something we need to keep going for. I am so thankful to Horseworld for the hard work they put in to rehabilitate Duchess and get her strong again. Duchess has become my little lady and now we are helping each other. Love Alice (and Duchess) x x x
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