Totara Park Riding for the Disabled - Please Support Our Fundraiser Towards the Purchase of New Horse 'Ferdie'

Introducing Ferdinand (Ferdie for short)

The back story about a pony named Ferdinand, from his previous owner Julie. The pony, with no name, came to Pony Tales as a rising 3 year old Urewera bush pony. He had no real education but was always the friendliest little chap. He was turned out on a steep hill, for a year, to grow and mature with our herd of young horses. The only trouble we had was leading him across the river to get to the hill, he was adamant he wasn't going in there and that he may die if his twinkle toes got wet! After MUCH persuasion he went across, hence the name Ferdinand - the bull! Fortunately it seems his first river crossing was not a sign of things to come and he didn't display that trait again. After a year he came in to be started and was the quietest, most unflappable youngster and made the whole process so easy that children could work with him .

Ferdie is settling in well. As with all new horses coming into the RDA programme, Ferdie is undergoing induction training. Training is broken down into small achievable steps and isn't hurried. The length of training sessions is kept minimal to avoid overloading the horse's mental capabilities. Each achievement is charted and signed off. Ferdie is being trained to stand steady at the mounting block, to contend with all the associated games and props we use, along with the presence of two side walkers and familiarity with disability equipment. Ferdie has proved to be a good learner and responds well.