Pie

As soon as Pie was turned out on the Forest, he separated from the mares - or was ejected by them - and became a member of a gang of mis-fits, Shetlands, Welsh-crosses and the odd New Forest Pony who didn't want to mix with their own kind. He proved to be an excellent baby-sitter of foals and the mares always trusted him. 

When he first came to me he was actually piebald and the idea was that I would train him. He had other ideas and was determined to remain wild. Before I turned him out though he did go to a show and came last in the prettiest gelding competition; some people have no taste!

Bath time with nice warm water from the jacuzzi. Whether it was that bath or just his nature, Pie was also determined to be as scruffy as possible and often resembled a burst mattress.

 

He was partial to hiding within the burnt gorse, making the most of the caramelised branches, coming out looking like a chimney sweep. 

 Whenever he came in I bathed him but as soon as he was turned out again he got filthy. 

Old age and the Forest environment began to tell on him and he had to have a few front teeth removed. This is why the reserve environment should suit him well as here is lots of long grass that he can eat. 

For all of these years he has been a faithful friend to Patsy, and when the opportunity arose, I bought her to ensure that they could stay together.