JAKE

 

Jake was born in 1997. He is a black gelding and of unknown breed. He is 14.00 HH.

 

Jake is a fantastic pony. He came to the Centre in 2008. Previous to that he had had a year off, and before that, had done lots of show jumping.

 

Jake has lovely paces especially his canter which makes him ideal to learn on, he is so smooth and comfortable.

 

He is a real show jumping ‘school master’ too. His jump is a dream and he sees a stride and takes off in a great position to the fence.  When he first came to us he had some ‘issues’ and we had him on a trial to see if we could work them out.  Luckily we did!  Occasionally he can get a bit stressed but with good stable management he is fine, eg he lives out as much as possible all year round because being kept in a restricted area for long periods makes him stress.

 

We have to manage his work well also, eg he never hacks out alone and we do not take him to unfamiliar places as this also stresses him out. If we stick to his routine, give him plenty of steady work and turn him out as much as possible he is absolutely great. I can see how his initial issues arose being in a private home. Some horses get bored with the same ‘hum drum’ routine and some thrive on the security and confidence it gives.

 

During the winter months Jake looks great but in summer he gets something called Sweet Itch which makes him scratch and rub out his hair. He sometimes gets scabs and sores where he itches, it tends to be his mane and tail. This is typical of Sweet Itch sufferers.  To try and prevent this he has a special rug that covers his whole body (including his tummy) Only his legs stick out!! He also gets garlic in his feed and a special homeopathic treatment every month.

 

He is a gentle pony and loves being groomed and fussed. He is friendly to other horses but does not have a special friend.

 

He is a favourite to ride for lots of our young riders and I hope he will be at the Centre for many years to come.