The horses
What would Willow Springs be without horses?... Nothing, just an empty box. Therefore... here they are: the horses:
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Big Ben (°1990), Ben in short, is a mixture of a "Belgian" and a Belgian Warm blood Horse. Although he has only been with us since 2001, we already know him since 1995. His imposing exterior (1,70m high - 800 kg) with flowing manes hides a golden character. Any (would-be) horseman will feel immediately "at home" on his wide back. His fluent gate will make you feel like a king. Being an experienced leisure horse, he will be glad to join you on your outings. |
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Bonny (°1997) is quite an experienced girl. This D-pony (height up to 1,48 m) introduced children up to age 12 into the secrets of horse riding when she belonged to the horses of a pony-ranch (until the beginning of 2003). At Willow Springs, she "entertains" more experienced riders (up to 80 kg). This lady sure likes a nice walk in the forest. She is quite intelligent and will very clearly point out to the rider that whatever he may ask seems "not normal". |
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Bruno (°1977) is the oldest of the "gang". This Belgian Warm blood Horse "Flügel-stock" is Annie's former horse. This retiree still enjoys been cuddled and brushed. Having been born in Bütchenbach, the move to Cherain meant a return to his roots for him. |
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Buck (°1995) knows his way around. His former owner used to let him earn his daily bread by participating in riding lessons in a riding school. After some time however his owner sold him. His easygoing character and stable conduct will make your heart melt. He is always ready to go for a walk. |
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Cantania (°1986) is, apart from Annie Rogers of course, Kid Curry's sweetheart. This Belgian Warm blood Mare is a witness of the slowly disappearing "dressage-line" of the Belgian Warm blood Horse and is the leader of the "gang". Her compact body and strong hindquarters make her enormously flexible. Don't let her looks fool you; although she's heavily build, she's fast... very fast. This tomboy feels herself at home in any type of terrain and never gets tired. She makes herself useful as guide horse. |
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Duke (°1999) is Tina's "not-so secret love". This D-pony (a mixture of Arabian and local Irish blood) arrived at Willow Springs as an untrained, underfed, frightened bunch of misery. A lot of patience and exercise turned him into a fine guide horse. Although we still often jokingly call him "toddler", he is more experienced and reliable than many older horses. |
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Sally (°1993) was, until she came with us in 2005, quite an experienced single hitched carriage and double-hitched carriage competition horse. Higher ambitions of her former owner on the one hand and a useful hint from a friend of ours on the other hand, brought this Fjord-mare to us. At Willow Springs she participates in the outings; as "ex-international" this is a role that pleases her 100%. Those who have ever riden her, are astonished by her willingness to perform. |
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Jack (°1999) Jack is one-of-a-kind. First of all, he is not a horse, but a Shetland-pony. On top of that, we planned to use him as a "lawnmower" but he adapted himself so well to the way station and its surroundings that we decided to allow him to move freely all over the terrain. Since 2005 he has been "babysitting" visiting horses (unless they show him that he is not wanted). Every once in a while you can meet him on the terrace or he takes a stroll through the building, much to the amusement of human visitors. We are quite sure that Jack will continue playing this role here in Cherain. |
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Missy (°1998) Wait a second... This is not a horse. Indeed her long ears can't hide her decendance. Bein g a real donkey, she is both intelligent and stubborn when she doesn’t understand what is wanted from her. Thanks to the aforementioned intelligence, Missy has already participated in quite some events; a role she fulfils like a real star. |
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Charley (°2003) can’t hide his ‘family relationship’ to Missy. He is the younger of the two. Charley moved to our place in the fall of 2006 when his former owner, due to health problems, could not longer take care of him. Charley had always lived on a meadow together with deer; at Willow Springs he saw his first horses. Charley really likes people and loves attention. Visitors who are at our place when it’s feeding time, will certainly get to know his loud voice… |