Penny 6– Orphan foal is “weaned”

Update on Penny the orphan filly– see previous posts on Penny.

PER JUNE:
Penny is doing great, although I’m being told she’s not going to be very tall (half-Welsh/half-Quarter pony) - especially being an orphan and all. Although I have fed her well and spend lots of time with her every day, grooming, etc. Her ‘adopted’ Mom, Cricket, has effectively ‘weaned’ her - though they do still stand side-by-side a lot, and she still watches over Penny when Penny’s napping or sleeping. Just as long as Penny stays away from her feed (and Cricket can’t get to Penny’s), there’s no problem. Cricket, however, is very possessive of any and all feed that’s available - so we feed them separately.

Best thing I’ve found to teach Penny to lead is just consistent working with her - she ties wonderfully too, for grooming, which she loves - and will lead and come at any time, because she loves attention - usually in the form of grooming, stroking, peppermint treats, etc. Penny experiences short periods of separation from Cricket when we take Cricket for my daughter’s riding lessons (walking her two blocks down the road). The riding lessons last about two hours at a time. Also, we sometimes put Cricket (or Penny) on a lunge lead in a separate grass pasture. It all seems to be working out very well.