Hard work to good will
RIVONIA -The fate of a dun pony in Diepsloot seemed destined for a life of hard work.
With an ill-fitting cart harness strapped around her neck, the pony was forced to do manual labour and pull heavy loads. This led to the deterioration of the muscles in her neck.
A couple saw the pony, removed her from the township and about a year ago she was re-homed at Rivonia Riding Club in Paulshof.
Now the pony goes by the name Lucy and is the companion of Imogen Imbert who baits her.
Imbert takes her to shows and the pony-and-rider combination was placed third in a 70cm showjumping competition, but at home Lucy and Imbert are clearing jumps about 1m high.
Imbert can mount Lucy’s back without the help of a mounting block and she trusts the pony so much, she sometimes sits on her bareback with only a halter for control. Lucy’s neck muscles still show signs of stress from the harness she wore, but her distinguishing feature is her slight ‘moustache’ on her muzzle.
The club’s Lauren Hegele said Lucy’s demeanour showed that she was not frightened of people.
