Cherishing Millie

Millie reaches the milestone of 28 today.

As a hunter-jumper Welsh pony, Millie was one of the lucky lesson ponies to have very few owners, and limited students. She has been well cared for, and very loved, across her whole life. She arrived here in February of 2017, a day or two before her birthday, after her trainer owner had spent a lot of time seeking a true retirement home for Millie, where she could hang out and relax in the sun. One of her students came with her on the drive here - and has visited her more than once.

Millie had the honor of going to the Blessing of the Animals at the local church, the year before she came to us. The parishioners adored her sweetness and she made quite an impression! She was well behaved (of course) and seemed to enjoy her visit.

Millie was a devoted friend of our first horse rescue, Welsh pony Pippin. She took it pretty hard when he passed from cancer about 6 months after she arrived. But she eventually formed a new friendship with our Welsh pony, Sweetie. She always keeps a close eye on what Sweetie is doing!

As she ages, her ongoing treatment for her Cushings Disease (all too common in elderly ponies) has expanded to difficulty in controlling her high blood sugar. We recently had her at the veterinary hospital for colitis, possibly from the pain reliever she takes for her hip pain. We have to watch her laminitis carefully too. Growing older is certainly not simple!

Millie has a youthful face, so she barely looks her age. No birthday cake though, we need to keep her sugar and carbs down. Millie really loves her special warm mashes, being brushed, standing with her friends, and laying in the sun. It is our profound pleasure to be able to provide her with these joys in the protection of sanctuary.

(the photo is of Millie this week in special ice boots to soothe her feet! Pretty cute on her I think)