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Post by dalesnfellfan on Apr 10, 2015 8:08:56 GMT -1
and Connie was soooo much better, she was on high alert, head in the air, ears pricked, but she was much more relaxed with softer muscles and she was happy for me to stroke and scratch her withers and neck, she even lowered her head and rested a foot after a while. But the best thing was she didn't shake at all, a big improvement on last time, I'd say she was worried but not frightened.
It took about an hour to load them and a few times she wondered off for a better look and each time there was a sudden loud noise or movement that worried her she came back to me for reassurance, which I think shows she is starting to trust me and we're starting to build a bond. |
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Post by harveydales on Apr 10, 2015 8:22:01 GMT -1
That all sounds good.  |
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Post by colmworthdales on Apr 10, 2015 9:44:47 GMT -1
Very positive. A few more times and hopefully she will ignore all that fuss and noise!
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Post by yanny on Apr 10, 2015 12:59:40 GMT -1
She must be really intelligent; learning not to be scared so quickly what a lovely pony! I wish cal was the same; EVERY TIME the hay is delivered on a tractor he freaks out and absolutely legs it to the other end of the field!! I don't trust his passport; I'm sure he's got some TB in him the way he can gallop and fizz up! |
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Post by Debbie on Apr 11, 2015 0:32:37 GMT -1
Progress!!!  |
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Post by dalesnfellfan on Apr 17, 2015 7:39:14 GMT -1
Another lot of pigs out 6am this morning, the lorry was already there when I arrived and Connie was right by the gate watching, by the time I had made the feeds the first pigs were on the yard, she was interested but unconcerned and eat her breakfast amid all the commotion of the first lot going up the ramp. She stood with me near the gate (closest to the pigs instead of at the far corner last time)for about 10 min, then wandered of and grazed for the rest of the time despite it being very loud this morning, so I think I can safely say she is now used to pigs and I don't need to be there next time.
It was the same driver this morning as the first time and much noisier than last time, he shouted constantly and rushed then up the ramp handling them roughly, which made them squeal and shout a lot more, if one broke away instead of leaving it to go with the next lot he left all the others and went after the stray pig, so they all came back down the ramp and had to be driven back again. A complete contrast to the quiet driver who came last week, he didn't shout, handled them much more kindly so the pigs were quieter and it didn't take any longer, so it just proves rough handling and shouting is not necessary.
I was really pleased with her especially as it was so noisy, I think I could have ridden her this morning but still didn't want to take any risks.
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Post by harveydales on Apr 17, 2015 8:49:09 GMT -1
That's excellent. It didn't take her long to get used to the pigs then.
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Post by colmworthdales on Apr 17, 2015 9:23:37 GMT -1
Great result. Sure the fact she had other ponies with her who were unconcerned must have helped her realise the pigs were not actually after her!
Shame about the chap who was loading the pigs - will make the meat tainted if they were going straight to slaughter, as well as very upsetting for them. Pigs are such intelligent animals and do not need treating in that way. Any chance you could have a word with the farmer?
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Post by dalesnfellfan on Apr 17, 2015 16:17:33 GMT -1
He was there Kate, but I did mention to him the difference between him and the quiet man last week, he said he had no choice who they send as he grows the pigs under contract for a large company, I'm pretty sure, having been in the food industry and audited welfare policies in the past, that he wasn't breaking any rules but it certainly wasn't best practise. I don't want to rock the boat for the farmer, who I rent from, but I hope he will pass my concerns on. The farmer handles and treats the pigs very well himself, it's a shame they have to be handled roughly when loaded, though I have to say they weren't beaten or cruelly treated, just stressed more than necessary.
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Post by Debbie on Apr 20, 2015 7:31:03 GMT -1
That's a shame about the stressing. Perhaps the man just needs a little more training to be shown how it can be done without stressing the pigs? Another shame for the farmer that he doesn't get to chose who picks up the piggies, but I agree about not rocking the boat so long as the pigs weren't being treated cruelly. Kudos for Connie! I'm rather glad you didn't ride her, just in case she's still absorbing the whole pig idea. Sometimes they look cool like a cucumber, but they're still working it out in their heads. She really is making great strides for an urban pony |
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