Jacqueline P Vincent

This is Samson as he is now, a happy three-year-old miniature pony, who could be a Shetland, Falabella, or a cross of the two, and we’ll never know, but that doesn’t stop us from guessing. He now lives in liberty with two other horses who are, um, slightly bigger than him, but don’t let that worry you, he’s a valiant chap, hence his name.

After the sad loss of Julie and Colin’s horse, Harvey, their remaining horse, Sonny, was grieving and couldn’t understand why he was alone. He spent his days calling and wandering his field, and Julie and Colin didn’t know what to do for the best. Then they received a call to ask if they wanted another horse, small and young, and because the death of Harvey was still raw, they hadn’t considered taking on another horse. But they couldn’t bear the thought that another animal who had been treated cruelly had nowhere to go and said yes, even if it was only company for their grieving Sonny.

A bit of backstory, the Spanish Guardia found him tied to a lamppost in the city centre, and didn’t know what to do with him. So they took him to the local dog rescue centre, who also felt so sorry for him and let him stay.

Small was an understatement, as Samson was smaller than some of the dogs in their care. The rescue centre staff gave him his own kennel and run. However, the staff didn’t know what to feed him except hay and apples which Samson adored. But he couldn’t remain in a cage and he needed to find a new home. So the rescue centre got in touch with the Mino Vally Sanctuary, a local charity who take in small farm animals. Unfortunately, they couldn’t take him, they didn’t have the space. Thankfully, they messaged Daniela, their barefoot farrier, to see if she knew of anyone. She said she might and phoned Julie and Colin.

Samson arrived at Julie and Colin’s place in a small animal trailer without a ramp. When the driver opened the back of the trailer, a small terrified pony cowered in the far corner. He was too small to jump off, and so the driver picked him up and plonked the tiny pony on the ground, and Julie led him gently into a stable and gave him hay and water. Although he would be Sonny’s field mate, it is difficult to introduce a new horse/pony to an existing herd, which is why they put him in a stable.

Sonny had other ideas and within fifteen minutes, he put his head over the stable door gave Samson a couple of sniffs and snorts. Both horses’ ears twitched, and from that moment, they became friends.

When he arrived, micro-chipped, castrated and vaccinated, the vet said he was about a year old and his wither was no higher than a man’s knees. His feet were the size of chestnuts, and when Julie or Colin attempted to pick the dirt out of his hooves, he gently rolled over and lay on the ground, as he couldn’t balance on three legs. He can now.

However, he loved people and being groomed and was energetic from the first day in his new home, chasing Sonny and generally being a cheeky pest.

Two years have passed and Samson is living the life in his forever home, bolder, saucier and bigger. Although he’s full height now, his wither is no higher than my thigh. And although he’ll never be ridden, Colin has mentioned he might put him to work pulling a wheelbarrow when it’s poo-picking time.

As a bonus, you can meet Sonny and Samson and their latest arrival, Scout. I’ll tell you all about him in another blog. Because Julie and Colin have renovated part of their stone house into an apartment and it’s on the Airbnb site if you follow this link.

Every month I will blog about a rescue horse, pony or miniature pony who are now happy in their forever home. Follow me to make sure you receive each one.

And I hope you enjoy reading about the local Spanish rescues. If you have a rescue story of your own, I’d love to hear about it.