Rocky
2008 | Bay | Irish Cob | Under 15.2hh
Rocky arrived in June 2023 weighing in at over 600Kg and immediately embarked on a slimming programme, which was a huge challenge for us and him, at that time of year.
He has a conformational defect of his right hind fetlock and was not quite sound, medication has helped with this.
We then suspected Equine Cushing’s syndrome (the most common endocrine disease of older horses) and he tested positive; so is now on Pergolide for life.
Once he was feeling better, Rocky became much more active and we have used groundwork to help his flexibility and understanding of cues – we have started riding him too.
Our aim is to find him his own Loanie Pony home this year if at all possible, where he can be treasured and enjoy the quiet hacks he loves.
Rocky’s medication alone is a big expense for us each month but we would like to always be in a position to respond in difficult times just like this one. That is not always the case at the moment – we simply don’t have the funds.
Your monthly gift means we would be able to step in and help horses in need.
Please sponsor Rocky if you can – and thank you!
The story so far...
Rocky (or Myshallman, Shamrock or Rockstar) appears to be one of those neddies whose name has morphed over time. If you know, you know.
He arrived from Ireland as a youngster, with a rope embedded in his neck, which when the pressure sores healed left him with stripes of white hairs; a permanent reminder of his sad beginnings.
He was lucky to be bought by a lovely, caring man who let him grow and then started him under saddle – riding him often and providing a safe and comfortable life.
Then, a bad accident left Paul unable to ride. When he was able, he would take Rocky for long walks together around the village and life was still good.
Unfortunately things took a terrible turn when Paul was diagnosed with cancer and within a month he was gone.
Paul’s ex-girlfriend kindly took responsibility for Rocky’s care – but as time passed she met with health issues of her own, which made the task of meeting Rocky’s needs very difficult.
As luck would have it, in stepped old friends to help and kind, sweet Rocky, (who was now unfortunately very overweight), found himself in the care of retiree Linda and her husband Kev and their wee flock of Soay sheep.
Rocky received lots of love, attention and veterinary care but although Linda would ride him from time to time, they were unable to manage his weight and general health issues.
Two years down the line they felt over-whelmed by the responsibility and approached us for help. The rest is history.
Likes:
Peace and love, a place where he can cultivate his zen-like calm, interspersed with his favourite itches being scratched and he will curl his top lip in Flehman’s posture to show his approval.
Dislikes:
Any activity capable of disturbing his meditation.
