Post by Stepney on Jun 10, 2005 13:39:58 GMT 1
Subject : Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Ally S
Date : 30.07.02 7:55:00 PM
He's arrived! Lynette from P&L Transport did a wonderful job and I would recommend her to anyone for her kind and thoughtful way with the horses. She had to drop him off at a pick up point due to the narrowness of the lanes to his new home, and the size of her lorry. I am so grateful to Tom Widdecombe RA for transporting him the last three miles. Merlin wasn't too keen on swopping lorries, but after a few mintues gentle coaxing loaded for the final trip. Tom was a complete star, and I really needed and valued his support. To be honest by the time we arrived at the yard where Merlin will spend his first week (with my other Merlin before going to my field) I felt very wobbly and emotional. Tom brought Merlin out and walked him about until I regained control of myself. Last thing the poor boy needed was me having a nervous breakdown on him! Thanks also to Juliet who has no computer access but deserves a thankyou anyway!
Anyway, I loved Merlin as soon as I saw him. He's gorgeous, kind, gentle and I am more delighted than I can even start to explain that we've got him out and he's come to me! I had worried in case I didn't feel a bond. I shouldn;t have. It was instant! The two Merlins met, got on well and the new Merlin settled really quickly. It was quite funny really - lots of squealing and posturing, but one was too old and the other too tired to be very macho, so they gave up and wandered off to graze.
However, despite knowing he's a rescue from Spain, I am truly shocked by his fear of people, and his physical condition. I'd been told, but until you see that fear you simply can't imagine how bad it can be. He's incredibly nervous, and any sudden movement (and by sudden I mean not that sudden at all) sends him into blind panic. His legs or feet are sore, he has various lumps and bumps which need looking at, and he has a very odd back leg action that almost looks like stringhalt, but is more likely muscle wasteage. He's very underweight. To regain his trust and sort out the physical problems is quite clearly going to be a huge job.
After I'd set him free, he wouldn't let me catch him again, or smooth him, although he did sniff my hand a few times. Not that I actually tried hard too anyway. I spent an hour or so just wandering about in his field. My first Merlin follows me everywhere, and Spanish Merlin just followed. I sat down and he came and sniffed my head, but moved away when I gently reached my hand out. He seems to want to be freinds, but needs to find the trust needed. And I can't blame him for that!
I fed them both - just a little as he couldn't cope with very much. He was grazing with a vigour I've never seen before. Thankfully the field he's in hasn't got very much grass, which is good for now until he's used to it.
When I left I looked back as I always do. I always see my Merlin watching me go, head over the gate, ears pricked. Tonight there were two chestnut heads watching me over the gate, ears pricked and it was just wonderful.
Having met him, I know we've done right in getting him out. I do admit to feeling very very angry that any horse has gone through what he has.
I'm off for a hot bath. I'll let you know how he is tomorrow after his first night.
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Lorraine L
Date : 30.07.02 7:59:00 PM
Ok.... will have to read this tomorrow, cos I can't see a bloody thing at the moment !!!!!!!!!!!! Who has got the kleenex ??
xxx
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Veronica F
Date : 30.07.02 8:05:00 PM
Hi Ally, ahh bless you, and congratulations he sounds so special,he is one very lucky horse but by the sounds of it he knows that already
) I am sure with your love and care he will recover from his nightmare past very quickly,bless you for giving him such a fantastic home,all the best wishes sending out to you both lots of love V xxx
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Olga
Date : 30.07.02 8:06:00 PM
Oh Ally, I'm so glad he's found you and you him! It is heartbreaking to see his fear of people isn't it - you don't ant to think about what brought this blind panic about.
Hey Lorraine, can I have some of that Kleenex now please??
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Ann
Date : 30.07.02 8:09:00 PM
Brilliant, brilliant news Ally. I can`t see a thing! Annx
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Jane
Date : 30.07.02 8:32:00 PM
Oh wow Ally. You describe his arrival beautifully and now I'm covered in goose bumps!
I'm so pleased you found that bond instantly. I'm also laughing my head off at the image of the two Merlins, one being too tired, the other too old to make a fuss! How wonderful that they clicked like that. It sounds like Merlin is going to be a good true guide to his new friend. And I'm not surprised you were so emotional - the last few days must have been exhausting for you. I am so thrilled for you, I know you've been waiting a long time for the right rescue horse to find you, and now he has. This is just such wonderful, wonderful news.
Jane x
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : AngelaE
Date : 30.07.02 8:38:00 PM
Oh....pass those Kleenex over here as well please!!
Ally, I'm so pleased Merlin is home....I truly think everything is going to come so right for all of you!
AngelaE
xx
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : IH Kelly
Date : 30.07.02 8:40:00 PM
Well done Ally - I'm sure he'll have a great home with you. Do get in touch by email when you get a second.
Kx
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Sandra
Date : 30.07.02 8:41:00 PM
Ally, that's sooooo wonderful - please send me a box of kleenex!!!!! Lorraine just called me to give me the wonderful news and has been keeping me up to date on his travels to Devon - THANK you Lorraine, you mad woman!!!
Ally, I wish you lots of love and fun together with SMerlin (Spanish M) and with English Merlin too - his time for living has finally come!!!!! Please let us know how it goes because a lot of people out there carry Merlin in their heart.... whoops, going all soppy - whatever happened to the screen?? I'm at a borrowed computer so they probably just have a really dirty screen....
Lots of love, y besos for Merlin!!!
Sandra xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Ted
Date : 30.07.02 8:41:00 PM
Ally - he's now in the best part of the world !!!!
Hope you are ready for the constant stream of visitors .
Ted .
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Sara (Belgium)
Date : 30.07.02 8:52:00 PM
Can I have some of that Kleenex too? I hadn't realised he was so scared and thin - if he wouldn't cope with visitors in six months or even six years tell us and we'll all just be content with postcards. I'm so glad we got him out of there and to such a lovely home. I'm sure English Merlin will help him too - a sort of mentor.
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Holly
Date : 30.07.02 8:56:00 PM
Fantastic news!!! makes all the hard work worth it.
I know back along there was talk of poss something being done for the 2 kept with him? is anything as yet being done about that? sorry don't want to dampen things but would love to see another sequel!
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Dawn
Date : 30.07.02 9:01:00 PM
Hey Darling, thats wonderful news. See I told you didn't I!! Best of luck (not as you'll need it as you're a natural) and do let us know how he gets on. Big hugs to all 3 of you
xxx
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Susi
Date : 30.07.02 9:13:00 PM
Oh blimey,
such a wonderful closing chapter - well, sort of closing - - -
any more of that Kleenex around...?
The best of luck to all 3 of you,
Susi
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Sue
Date : 30.07.02 9:35:00 PM
Hey well done every1 glad all has gone well and a special thankyou to Lynette from P and L transport I knew she wouldn't let you down has transported horses for me in the past with a 1st class Job done each time.
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Pauhla
Date : 30.07.02 9:50:00 PM
Already did my sobbing before I read this.Thank you everyone and good luck to Ally.This is just the BEST news!
Holly, we have talked about the other 2 on other threads but basically the owner will not sell and even if he did, they are too old and one is too physically damaged to be brought to the uk, or even transported far in Spain.We have put the spare money on deposit for 6 months until we can be sure that Merlin does not need treatment as a result of his former life which is outside Allys scope but after that we will have a small emergency fund for him and the rest can be freed up to either spend or donate to charity.
If in the unlikely event the owner will sell then we would possibly be able to help out with finding a home over there or if one or the other could not be helped,(I'm thinking about Polo here) then we could try and fund a couple of months at grass before paying to have him put down. Moving either of them over here would be a cruelty in itself and although it is very hard to accept, sometimes these things have to be faced.
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Ally S
Date : 30.07.02 9:52:00 PM
Thanks to everyone for all the support.
Kelly, I'll e-mail you tomorrow after a good sleep! You're the one person I forgot to thank actually. Without you and what you've taught me on your courses I simply would not be in a position to take on a horse like Merlin. Without you, your courses and your superb teaching I would be out of my depth. Sincere thanks. I'll be in touch.
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : TF.
Date : 30.07.02 10:13:00 PM
Glad to know he's arrived safe and well!
Merlin's nervousness sounds just like two rescues I had - any human movement ((didn't have to be particularly sudden)at all sent them disappearing across the field at 100mph. It was months before I could get halters on them but luckily they liked being groomed from the 3rd week of arriving - just as well because I needed to get louse powder on them as a matter of urgency.
Whereabouts in Devon r u? R u going to yealmpton show tomorrow?
Best of Luck with Merlin
Keep us posted!
TF
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : eileen
Date : 30.07.02 10:37:00 PM
Wonderful news ally, you were obviously meant for each other, isn't it strange 2 merlins!!! we are all here for you and merlin and i'm sure you will be surprised how quickly he will come round, my rescue was the same and now 10 months down the line he is a totally different pony, i wish you all the very best and thankyou again love eileen xx
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Mike(P)
Date : 30.07.02 10:45:00 PM
Is it dusty in here tonight? I'm having terrible trouble seeing the screen properly. Ally, what wonderful news that Merlin has finally arrived, I wish you both the very, very best of luck for the future. Please give him a really nice tickle from me (when you can - there's no rush!) )
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Bridge
Date : 30.07.02 10:45:00 PM
Didn't have any Kleenex, had to get a whole toilet roll instead. I'll be thinking of him tonight. He doesn't know it yet, but this is his first night of real freedom with a bright future. Well done everyone who helped and well done Ally for what you are about to do.
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Louise C
Date : 30.07.02 10:49:00 PM
Have you got any Kleenex left??
How perfectly wonderful.
All the best
Louise
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Sara K
Date : 30.07.02 10:52:00 PM
Wonderful news! Feeling far too emotional to write much at all. Just so, so pleased for you both.
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Nicky
Date : 30.07.02 11:10:00 PM
I think we need a clean up moniter on this board, it's just so dusty, whenever I log on I get dust and dirt in my eyes and they start watering to get rid of it! Ho hum......
Well Done Ally!! (and all you wonderful people who made this dream come true) and "the Merlin's..." What a wonderful feeling eh girls! our chap is HOME at last...
Nicky
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Jeannie
Date : 30.07.02 11:13:00 PM
WELL DONE...can't say anymore!! Just will sleep happily tonight knowing of one more horse happy!!
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Katy
Date : 31.07.02 0:39:00 AM
Well done to everyone involved with all this, I just read all of the Merlin threads and finally this one (haven't been in this dg very long), and you'll never guess, my screen seems very blurry too ;-).
Good luck Ally, its a wonderful thing you've done. Have fun with your Merlins!
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : JoMc
Date : 31.07.02 8:47:00 AM
Wonderful,Congratulations what more can I say, except where are those Kleenex.
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Mel with Ted
Date : 31.07.02 8:51:00 AM
The Kleenex has just run out!
What a wonderful read first thing in the morning. I am thrilled that he has arrived safely.
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : diane
Date : 31.07.02 9:05:00 AM
Chuffed to bits that he's arrived safely with you. Best of luck! I'm sure though from what I've read you'll soon gain his trust and there'll be a cracking horse as a result. Had very early morning, so tear ducts non-functional, but emotional nonetheless!!
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Speedy
Date : 31.07.02 9:07:00 AM
Yippee from me too) Here's to a bright future for Merlin. Best of luck to all 3 of you xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Nina V
Date : 31.07.02 9:18:00 AM
Well done Ally! Such fantastic news, good luck with everything you do, it is such a good feeling to know that he is somewhere safe now.
Best wishes and lots of hugs - when you can get near enough!)
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Sara (Belgium)
Date : 31.07.02 9:23:00 AM
Called a friend in Holland last night and told her that Merlin was finally out of hell and starting a new life. She's dealt with quite a few rescue cases and said that I was to tell you Ally to add water to his feeds or even do mash (Spillers do an instant version a bit like Ready Brek). She said that it helped cut the risk of colic when they were very thin and often teeth are bad. I said that I thought Merlin had already seen the dentist but she said one of her rescues (and God was that horse thin) saw the dentist about two or three times before they could get the teeth right. My friend was very insistent that I tell you all this because it is based on her experience so I hope you're not offended Ally.
Did you get much sleep last night? I'm sure with him being new and the storms you probably didn't.
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Ally S
Date : 31.07.02 9:25:00 AM
Just seen him and he's settled well and wolfed his breakfast. He's a real character actually. I never tried to touch him today. I'd taken a carrier bag in with me with some brushes and fly spray in, and new Merlin was really curious to know what I had in the bag. I could see him almost fighting with himself, terried to come and see, but desperate to know. I kept turning away from him, and wouldn't let him see inside, which just made him more curious. Finally I opened it up, and he came and peered inside. Then he looked up at me and he was all wide eyed with amazement like he'd just seen the crown jewels or something! I hand fed a few carrots (I don't do that as a rule, but it seemed a god idea). At first he'd only take them if we were at full stretch. Finally though he was happy to come right up and get them. Every now and again he went off on a little sorty down the field. But after a few feet he'd lose his nerve and canter back. I say canter - you should see it. Legs everywhere, totally unco-ordinated like a foal. He does need to see the vet, and I'll arrange it for next week when he's a bit more confident. It'd be too big an ordeal right now. Bless him though, he's just so sweet!
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Ally S
Date : 31.07.02 9:31:00 AM
Sarah, sorry, but our posts crossed. Not offended a bit. Please thank your friend for the advice. I'll do as she says and add water to his feeds. I did put a bit in, but probably not enough. Pauhla did tell me though that he was on hard feed in Spain, so we know he's used to it. He had three feeds a day, just no hay or roughage - very odd diet. He's very underweight and undernourished, but not a complete hat rack. To be honest I didn't sleep at all last night worrying myself sick about him getting colic in the night! If your freind has any other advice, please let me know. I need all the good advice I can get!
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Rosie
Date : 31.07.02 9:38:00 AM
So pleased for you Ally!
I know that you will give Merlin all the time and love that he needs to put his past firmly behind him and look to a brighter future with you and his new pal, Merlin.
You have all our love and best wishes and that comes from Richard and Charlotte as well.
I know that you have a lot of workahead of you, but that you will approach this with calm, patient, consideration and an open heart - and this is where Merlin will find his solace.
I am so happy for you and for all that we, as a worldwide network, have accomplished.
Much love to you all
Rosie
From : Ally S
Date : 30.07.02 7:55:00 PM
He's arrived! Lynette from P&L Transport did a wonderful job and I would recommend her to anyone for her kind and thoughtful way with the horses. She had to drop him off at a pick up point due to the narrowness of the lanes to his new home, and the size of her lorry. I am so grateful to Tom Widdecombe RA for transporting him the last three miles. Merlin wasn't too keen on swopping lorries, but after a few mintues gentle coaxing loaded for the final trip. Tom was a complete star, and I really needed and valued his support. To be honest by the time we arrived at the yard where Merlin will spend his first week (with my other Merlin before going to my field) I felt very wobbly and emotional. Tom brought Merlin out and walked him about until I regained control of myself. Last thing the poor boy needed was me having a nervous breakdown on him! Thanks also to Juliet who has no computer access but deserves a thankyou anyway!
Anyway, I loved Merlin as soon as I saw him. He's gorgeous, kind, gentle and I am more delighted than I can even start to explain that we've got him out and he's come to me! I had worried in case I didn't feel a bond. I shouldn;t have. It was instant! The two Merlins met, got on well and the new Merlin settled really quickly. It was quite funny really - lots of squealing and posturing, but one was too old and the other too tired to be very macho, so they gave up and wandered off to graze.
However, despite knowing he's a rescue from Spain, I am truly shocked by his fear of people, and his physical condition. I'd been told, but until you see that fear you simply can't imagine how bad it can be. He's incredibly nervous, and any sudden movement (and by sudden I mean not that sudden at all) sends him into blind panic. His legs or feet are sore, he has various lumps and bumps which need looking at, and he has a very odd back leg action that almost looks like stringhalt, but is more likely muscle wasteage. He's very underweight. To regain his trust and sort out the physical problems is quite clearly going to be a huge job.
After I'd set him free, he wouldn't let me catch him again, or smooth him, although he did sniff my hand a few times. Not that I actually tried hard too anyway. I spent an hour or so just wandering about in his field. My first Merlin follows me everywhere, and Spanish Merlin just followed. I sat down and he came and sniffed my head, but moved away when I gently reached my hand out. He seems to want to be freinds, but needs to find the trust needed. And I can't blame him for that!
I fed them both - just a little as he couldn't cope with very much. He was grazing with a vigour I've never seen before. Thankfully the field he's in hasn't got very much grass, which is good for now until he's used to it.
When I left I looked back as I always do. I always see my Merlin watching me go, head over the gate, ears pricked. Tonight there were two chestnut heads watching me over the gate, ears pricked and it was just wonderful.
Having met him, I know we've done right in getting him out. I do admit to feeling very very angry that any horse has gone through what he has.
I'm off for a hot bath. I'll let you know how he is tomorrow after his first night.
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Lorraine L
Date : 30.07.02 7:59:00 PM
Ok.... will have to read this tomorrow, cos I can't see a bloody thing at the moment !!!!!!!!!!!! Who has got the kleenex ??
xxx
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Veronica F
Date : 30.07.02 8:05:00 PM
Hi Ally, ahh bless you, and congratulations he sounds so special,he is one very lucky horse but by the sounds of it he knows that already
) I am sure with your love and care he will recover from his nightmare past very quickly,bless you for giving him such a fantastic home,all the best wishes sending out to you both lots of love V xxx Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Olga
Date : 30.07.02 8:06:00 PM
Oh Ally, I'm so glad he's found you and you him! It is heartbreaking to see his fear of people isn't it - you don't ant to think about what brought this blind panic about.
Hey Lorraine, can I have some of that Kleenex now please??
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Ann
Date : 30.07.02 8:09:00 PM
Brilliant, brilliant news Ally. I can`t see a thing! Annx
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Jane
Date : 30.07.02 8:32:00 PM
Oh wow Ally. You describe his arrival beautifully and now I'm covered in goose bumps!
I'm so pleased you found that bond instantly. I'm also laughing my head off at the image of the two Merlins, one being too tired, the other too old to make a fuss! How wonderful that they clicked like that. It sounds like Merlin is going to be a good true guide to his new friend. And I'm not surprised you were so emotional - the last few days must have been exhausting for you. I am so thrilled for you, I know you've been waiting a long time for the right rescue horse to find you, and now he has. This is just such wonderful, wonderful news.
Jane x
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : AngelaE
Date : 30.07.02 8:38:00 PM
Oh....pass those Kleenex over here as well please!!
Ally, I'm so pleased Merlin is home....I truly think everything is going to come so right for all of you!
AngelaE
xx
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : IH Kelly
Date : 30.07.02 8:40:00 PM
Well done Ally - I'm sure he'll have a great home with you. Do get in touch by email when you get a second.
Kx
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Sandra
Date : 30.07.02 8:41:00 PM
Ally, that's sooooo wonderful - please send me a box of kleenex!!!!! Lorraine just called me to give me the wonderful news and has been keeping me up to date on his travels to Devon - THANK you Lorraine, you mad woman!!!
Ally, I wish you lots of love and fun together with SMerlin (Spanish M) and with English Merlin too - his time for living has finally come!!!!! Please let us know how it goes because a lot of people out there carry Merlin in their heart.... whoops, going all soppy - whatever happened to the screen?? I'm at a borrowed computer so they probably just have a really dirty screen....
Lots of love, y besos for Merlin!!!
Sandra xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Ted
Date : 30.07.02 8:41:00 PM
Ally - he's now in the best part of the world !!!!
Hope you are ready for the constant stream of visitors .
Ted .
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Sara (Belgium)
Date : 30.07.02 8:52:00 PM
Can I have some of that Kleenex too? I hadn't realised he was so scared and thin - if he wouldn't cope with visitors in six months or even six years tell us and we'll all just be content with postcards. I'm so glad we got him out of there and to such a lovely home. I'm sure English Merlin will help him too - a sort of mentor.
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Holly
Date : 30.07.02 8:56:00 PM
Fantastic news!!! makes all the hard work worth it.
I know back along there was talk of poss something being done for the 2 kept with him? is anything as yet being done about that? sorry don't want to dampen things but would love to see another sequel!
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Dawn
Date : 30.07.02 9:01:00 PM
Hey Darling, thats wonderful news. See I told you didn't I!! Best of luck (not as you'll need it as you're a natural) and do let us know how he gets on. Big hugs to all 3 of you
xxx
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Susi
Date : 30.07.02 9:13:00 PM
Oh blimey,
such a wonderful closing chapter - well, sort of closing - - -
any more of that Kleenex around...?
The best of luck to all 3 of you,
Susi
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Sue
Date : 30.07.02 9:35:00 PM
Hey well done every1 glad all has gone well and a special thankyou to Lynette from P and L transport I knew she wouldn't let you down has transported horses for me in the past with a 1st class Job done each time.
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Pauhla
Date : 30.07.02 9:50:00 PM
Already did my sobbing before I read this.Thank you everyone and good luck to Ally.This is just the BEST news!
Holly, we have talked about the other 2 on other threads but basically the owner will not sell and even if he did, they are too old and one is too physically damaged to be brought to the uk, or even transported far in Spain.We have put the spare money on deposit for 6 months until we can be sure that Merlin does not need treatment as a result of his former life which is outside Allys scope but after that we will have a small emergency fund for him and the rest can be freed up to either spend or donate to charity.
If in the unlikely event the owner will sell then we would possibly be able to help out with finding a home over there or if one or the other could not be helped,(I'm thinking about Polo here) then we could try and fund a couple of months at grass before paying to have him put down. Moving either of them over here would be a cruelty in itself and although it is very hard to accept, sometimes these things have to be faced.
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Ally S
Date : 30.07.02 9:52:00 PM
Thanks to everyone for all the support.
Kelly, I'll e-mail you tomorrow after a good sleep! You're the one person I forgot to thank actually. Without you and what you've taught me on your courses I simply would not be in a position to take on a horse like Merlin. Without you, your courses and your superb teaching I would be out of my depth. Sincere thanks. I'll be in touch.
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : TF.
Date : 30.07.02 10:13:00 PM
Glad to know he's arrived safe and well!
Merlin's nervousness sounds just like two rescues I had - any human movement ((didn't have to be particularly sudden)at all sent them disappearing across the field at 100mph. It was months before I could get halters on them but luckily they liked being groomed from the 3rd week of arriving - just as well because I needed to get louse powder on them as a matter of urgency.
Whereabouts in Devon r u? R u going to yealmpton show tomorrow?
Best of Luck with Merlin
Keep us posted!
TF
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : eileen
Date : 30.07.02 10:37:00 PM
Wonderful news ally, you were obviously meant for each other, isn't it strange 2 merlins!!! we are all here for you and merlin and i'm sure you will be surprised how quickly he will come round, my rescue was the same and now 10 months down the line he is a totally different pony, i wish you all the very best and thankyou again love eileen xx
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Mike(P)
Date : 30.07.02 10:45:00 PM
Is it dusty in here tonight? I'm having terrible trouble seeing the screen properly. Ally, what wonderful news that Merlin has finally arrived, I wish you both the very, very best of luck for the future. Please give him a really nice tickle from me (when you can - there's no rush!
) )Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Bridge
Date : 30.07.02 10:45:00 PM
Didn't have any Kleenex, had to get a whole toilet roll instead. I'll be thinking of him tonight. He doesn't know it yet, but this is his first night of real freedom with a bright future. Well done everyone who helped and well done Ally for what you are about to do.
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Louise C
Date : 30.07.02 10:49:00 PM
Have you got any Kleenex left??
How perfectly wonderful.
All the best
Louise
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Sara K
Date : 30.07.02 10:52:00 PM
Wonderful news! Feeling far too emotional to write much at all. Just so, so pleased for you both.
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Nicky
Date : 30.07.02 11:10:00 PM
I think we need a clean up moniter on this board, it's just so dusty, whenever I log on I get dust and dirt in my eyes and they start watering to get rid of it! Ho hum......
Well Done Ally!! (and all you wonderful people who made this dream come true) and "the Merlin's..." What a wonderful feeling eh girls! our chap is HOME at last...
Nicky
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Jeannie
Date : 30.07.02 11:13:00 PM
WELL DONE...can't say anymore!! Just will sleep happily tonight knowing of one more horse happy!!
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Katy
Date : 31.07.02 0:39:00 AM
Well done to everyone involved with all this, I just read all of the Merlin threads and finally this one (haven't been in this dg very long), and you'll never guess, my screen seems very blurry too ;-).
Good luck Ally, its a wonderful thing you've done. Have fun with your Merlins!
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : JoMc
Date : 31.07.02 8:47:00 AM
Wonderful,Congratulations what more can I say, except where are those Kleenex.
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Mel with Ted
Date : 31.07.02 8:51:00 AM
The Kleenex has just run out!
What a wonderful read first thing in the morning. I am thrilled that he has arrived safely.
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : diane
Date : 31.07.02 9:05:00 AM
Chuffed to bits that he's arrived safely with you. Best of luck! I'm sure though from what I've read you'll soon gain his trust and there'll be a cracking horse as a result. Had very early morning, so tear ducts non-functional, but emotional nonetheless!!
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Speedy
Date : 31.07.02 9:07:00 AM
Yippee from me too
) Here's to a bright future for Merlin. Best of luck to all 3 of you xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Nina V
Date : 31.07.02 9:18:00 AM
Well done Ally! Such fantastic news, good luck with everything you do, it is such a good feeling to know that he is somewhere safe now.
Best wishes and lots of hugs - when you can get near enough!
) Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Sara (Belgium)
Date : 31.07.02 9:23:00 AM
Called a friend in Holland last night and told her that Merlin was finally out of hell and starting a new life. She's dealt with quite a few rescue cases and said that I was to tell you Ally to add water to his feeds or even do mash (Spillers do an instant version a bit like Ready Brek). She said that it helped cut the risk of colic when they were very thin and often teeth are bad. I said that I thought Merlin had already seen the dentist but she said one of her rescues (and God was that horse thin) saw the dentist about two or three times before they could get the teeth right. My friend was very insistent that I tell you all this because it is based on her experience so I hope you're not offended Ally.
Did you get much sleep last night? I'm sure with him being new and the storms you probably didn't.
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Ally S
Date : 31.07.02 9:25:00 AM
Just seen him and he's settled well and wolfed his breakfast. He's a real character actually. I never tried to touch him today. I'd taken a carrier bag in with me with some brushes and fly spray in, and new Merlin was really curious to know what I had in the bag. I could see him almost fighting with himself, terried to come and see, but desperate to know. I kept turning away from him, and wouldn't let him see inside, which just made him more curious. Finally I opened it up, and he came and peered inside. Then he looked up at me and he was all wide eyed with amazement like he'd just seen the crown jewels or something! I hand fed a few carrots (I don't do that as a rule, but it seemed a god idea). At first he'd only take them if we were at full stretch. Finally though he was happy to come right up and get them. Every now and again he went off on a little sorty down the field. But after a few feet he'd lose his nerve and canter back. I say canter - you should see it. Legs everywhere, totally unco-ordinated like a foal. He does need to see the vet, and I'll arrange it for next week when he's a bit more confident. It'd be too big an ordeal right now. Bless him though, he's just so sweet!
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Ally S
Date : 31.07.02 9:31:00 AM
Sarah, sorry, but our posts crossed. Not offended a bit. Please thank your friend for the advice. I'll do as she says and add water to his feeds. I did put a bit in, but probably not enough. Pauhla did tell me though that he was on hard feed in Spain, so we know he's used to it. He had three feeds a day, just no hay or roughage - very odd diet. He's very underweight and undernourished, but not a complete hat rack. To be honest I didn't sleep at all last night worrying myself sick about him getting colic in the night! If your freind has any other advice, please let me know. I need all the good advice I can get!
Subject : re:- Merlin's in Devon. Yahooo!!!
From : Rosie
Date : 31.07.02 9:38:00 AM
So pleased for you Ally!
I know that you will give Merlin all the time and love that he needs to put his past firmly behind him and look to a brighter future with you and his new pal, Merlin.
You have all our love and best wishes and that comes from Richard and Charlotte as well.
I know that you have a lot of workahead of you, but that you will approach this with calm, patient, consideration and an open heart - and this is where Merlin will find his solace.
I am so happy for you and for all that we, as a worldwide network, have accomplished.
Much love to you all
Rosie
The progress which you have made with him already is amazing and we are all extremely grateful and very proud of you all. Well done.
)