Pony Challenge
Jul 15, 2025
Willa and I are doing a "challenge" started by her breeder Jenifer Morrisey. The last couple of years the Fell Pony Society sponsored a challenge, with those who completed the challenge getting a rosette. Willa and I started that one, but really fell down on the riding part (my fault, not hers).
Jenifer is very involved in Fell Ponies as she is a breeder and researcher and all around great person. She was so disappointed that the FPS decided to forego a challenge this year that she invented one herself.
The good news (for me) - riding is optional! Willa and I can get a rosette by completing ground tasks. We can do this! (Thank you, Jenifer!)
Willa and I doing a portion of last year's FPS challenge, which was ground stuff (we did all that) plus riding (big zero for that part). The raven was for the letter "R" (I won't bore you with the details).
Willa and I have started the challenge, and I can already see a difference in my pony. In just four encounters, she is walking right up to me no matter where she is and allows me to put the halter on. Of course, it's probably because she knows I'm going to let her graze for a few minutes, but if she didn't feel safe even grass wouldn't be an incentive. Comfort/safety, believe it or not, before food for horses - this is why a skeptical horse won't get in a trailer even with a food bribe. If they don't feel safe, they don't go.
I'm enjoying getting outside and hanging with my pony, and as time goes on the challenges do get a little more difficult, and there might even be a little riding in our future, if my hips can stand it!
It's a great way to spend the summer and early fall.
What are you doing this summer? Are you doing it with your animal friend?
Clever dog Amy doing her vulture impersonation. We're starting an Intermediate obedience class soon, on the way to her becoming a service dog.
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