The horse’s mouth blog: I’ve found my happy place

By Fanta

I’m a horse who’ll be your friend for life if you give me scratches in just the right place, so I’ve been asked to explain why this is so important to us.

I retired to a quieter life at Park Lane Stables after a career on the polo field. And I love it here! This is me and Bevan grooming each other. You’ll often see this between horses that are friends, and it’s incredibly important to us, reinforcing bonds within the herd – and it keeps our coats clean and free of loose hair.

You’ve heard humans say ‘I’ll scratch your back if you scratch mine’, haven’t you? Well, that’s us.

Natalie can explain the science behind the grooming. It’s part of the ‘five freedoms’ that are so important to horses if we’re to be happy. This freedom is the ability to express normal behaviour through being part of a herd and living with friends. (The others are about the right food, water, shelter, feeling safe, and appropriate veterinary care.)

Herd life is so important to us that it’s natural to welcome humans into the herd too! We love grooming by you as you can reach bits that another horse might not, but don’t be surprised if we groom you in return, as mutual grooming is such a natural instinct. (You’re welcome.)

I live a quiet life these days, but I do get a kick (though not literally) from schooling new young riders. Recently that was C. She had mastered trotting, which is the point when the rider’s body follows the natural rise and fall of the horse, so it’s comfy for both of us. Now she was ready for her first canter. It wasn’t perfect, but her giggles of pleasure made me proud that I’d helped her get the confidence to try again until she’d mastered the perfect canter. Until the next time, C!

This is a lovely thing to be doing in my retirement. I’ll happily settle for this.

Our ponies are the true heroes of Park Lane Stables! They give so much so happily, and we make sure they receive the very best care that we can give them. Caring for 25 horses is scarily costly, and paid for exclusively through donations and fundraising. If you’d like to thank our ponies with a bale of hay or a tasty salt lick, just head to our Donate page. Every single donation helps to fill the feed store.