Rescued Shetland pony Blackberry may be small, but overcame neglect to rule as the farm’s feisty leader with a big personality beloved by all
Blackberry is now irrepressibly nosy. Image: Courtenay Hitchcock
Blackberry is the quietest member of our herd. As her name might indicate she is a black mare – a diminutive, placid Shetland. But looks can be deceiving… She may be the smallest family member, but she is the absolute queen of the farm and totally in charge. The donkeys are in awe of her big personality, and one look, one flick of the tail, and they are off. Grandma has spoken! Two years ago I was asked if I would rescue one of four local Shetlands very much in need of a decent home. On the appointed day, a sad and sorry figure walked up the drive, coughing and wheezing. Blackberry had mites and fleas, very little coat and sweet itch had caused areas of raw flesh. Large of belly, she had clearly carried many foals in her time (but fortunately not when she arrived with us!). She was promptly given the full beauty treatment, clipped and bathed, and then the vet assessment commenced. As my husband says: ‘She may have cost just a pound (always pay a pecuniary sum to make sure that the animal is legally yours) but she’s cost a great deal more since! It’s fortunate that I am rather fond of her…’
Blackberry a week after arrival – clipped and sore but treated and on the mend. Image: Sally Cooper
Ancient and sturdy Small ponies have existed in the Shetland Isles for more than 2,000 years, and archaeologists have found evidence of them being domesticated since the Bronze Age. Immortalised by Thelwell cartoons, they are well-loved even by non-equestrians. A hardy breed from the Scottish islands, they have a very thick coats to withstand the extreme conditions of their native home, and their short legs make them very sure-footed. They average about 11 hands high – the breed standard states they must be a maximum of 42 inches (107cm). Many describe them as docile – but this is not a description I recognise! I prefer feisty, intelligent, extremely loyal… and they are wonderful companions. They prefer to live out all year with rough grazing and are known for having a sixth sense for danger. Blackberry will stay out in a howling gale with icicles hanging from her coat, sniffing contemptuously at everyone else in in the barn in their rugs. The strength of Shetland ponies is legendary – they are the strongest of all horse breeds, relative to their size. For centuries, these ponies have cultivated land, carried peat, transported seaweed, and served as transportation for their owners. Fishermen who owned them even used hair from their tails for fishing lines. When children were banned from working in the mines, the Shetland ponies were used instead, and the miners were said to be very fond of them. These days they are used as first ponies, mascots, in carriage driving and many have successful careers as racing ponies. They may have little legs, but boy can they shift … when they choose to! They are also famous for their longevity. The oldest recorded pony was Sugar Puff, a Shetland-Exmoor cross, who reached 56. The oldest known Shetland pony was Twiglet who lived a happy retirement roaming free at Forde Abbey, and who died at the age of 50 in 2017.
Sadly, Blackberry did not come to us with any papers or passport, but the equine vet assessed her teeth and thinks she’s in her late 30s. Blackberry’s teeth were actually the culprits hindering her recovery. Horse teeth are not like human teeth, they grow continually and need to be level for them to grind food correctly. Equestrians will have an equine vet assess their horse’s teeth annually to level the teeth off for easy eating. Our own equine vet took lots of photos of Blackberry’s terrible teeth and jaw for a presentation entitled: ‘How not to look after your horse’s teeth’. When she arrived, they were so bad that Blackberry could only roll and suck her food and then spit it out in wet balls. After several grindings and the removal of two rotten teeth, I am pleased to report that her eating has improved.
She’s the boss Blackberry is absolutely intolerant of just one thing: vets with needles. When she spots one, the vet declares she transforms from Shetland to Shitland. And being short of stature with an equally low centre of gravity, when she decides that she will not stand still she is an absolute force to be reckoned with. At the (now required) microchip insertion, things almost got out of hand. Bribery was the only course of action. I am pleased to report that two years on, Blackberry is now very much part of the family. She babysits the big horses when the others are out competing and the young donkeys adore and respect her. Her coat is finally black, thick and shiny, and she is always in the right place at the right time: “No halter required thank you”. She will see out her dotage with us and her motto is absolutely clear: “This Little Lady Is In Charge.”
Blackberry today, in sturdy health with a thick and glossy coat, ruling the garden with a definite bossy gleam in her eye. Image: Courtenay Hitchcock
Horse and pony rescue If you’re now thinking you also have some space for a rescue pony, there’s a few things to consider first. As with any animal, rescuing an equine is a worthwhile and rewarding opportunity, but it is not without its difficulties. There are many challenges to consider:
Be prepared: You will need be assessed for suitability – of yourself, your facilities and also your knowledge.
Health: Mistreated rescues often have ongoing health issues. Be ready for the additional cost of vets, meds, vaccinations, teeth, worms, skin and coat problems, allergies and gut issues. There are often feet and hoof problems for your farrier to sort out too.
Behavioural Challenges: Rescue animals have often been poorly handled or kept in frightening conditions. Understandably this can make them nervous of many situations.
Time Commitment: Rescue animals are often slow to acclimatise and trust – you will need lots of time and endless patience to help them settle.
Long Term Love: Having been let down once it is important that you make a lifetime commitment to your new family member.
Above all remember that in rescuing a pony you give them another chance – and possibly save their life. From personal experience I can say you will develop a close and very special bond. To be trusted by those who have been abused is the greatest honour.
Sherborne Primary pupils with (l-r) cllr Robin Legg, Felicity Griffiths (head of school), Dawn Hart (chair of PTA), Kate Scorer (Academy committee chair) and Ian Bartle (executive h eadteacher).
Thanks to generous donations and support from many local groups and charities, Sherborne Primary School opened their new Community Hub building in June. The new building in the school grounds will be home to the pupil-run Sherbean Café – open to parents every Tuesday and Thursday morning – but will also be used for a range of community pursuits including parenting courses and social prescribers. The Community Hub was officially opened by cllr Robin Legg, mayor of Sherborne, and joining him for the grand opening were the local people who helped bring the project from an idea to a reality. Pupils who run the school café were on hand to provide refreshments and talk to guests about the difference this new building will make. Ian Bartle, executive headteacher of Sherborne Primary said ‘All of the Sherborne Primary School children, staff and community wish to thank the many organisations, businesses and individuals within the town who have raised so much funding to support this truly community led project.’ Sherborne Primary School would like to thank all the local businesses and groups who donated money and time, including Townsend Fencing, Bradford Builders, Friends of the Yeatman Hospital, Hunts Frozen Foods, Mogers Drewett Solicitors, Sherborne Churches Together, Sherborne Primary PTA, Sherborne Area Schools’ Trust (SAST), Bruce Duncan and Elizabeth McClen.
Milton Abbey School seeks an experienced and competent Teaching Assistant to work within our busy SENDco Team. This will be 28 hours a week (term time fixed contract) role within the School Learning Support Team. Working days will be Monday to Saturday.
The successful candidate must have a broad understanding of learning needs and styles, along with supporting pupils. Must be a motivated and inspirational assistant with good organisational skills and be able to encourage pupils of differing abilities and backgrounds.Must be computer literate along with evidence of recent professional development.
You will be part of a friendly and supportive team, and training will be available to enhance skills. Staff also benefit from, free parking, and free refreshment and three course lunch during term time.
Further details may be obtained from our website or from HR on 01258 882306 or email [email protected]. Applications must be submitted on the school’s application form. The closing date for applications is Monday 5th August 2024. Please note that we are not accepting applications for this position through any employment agency and all applications should be made direct to the school.
Milton Abbey School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The appointment will be the subject of an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service.Additionally, please be aware that Milton Abbey School will conduct online searches of shortlisted candidates. This check will be part of a safeguarding check, and the search will purely be based on whether an individual is suitable to work with children. To avoid unconscious bias and any risk of discrimination a person who will not be on the appointment panel will conduct the search and will only share information if and when findings are relevant and of concern.
Please note that our school is a no smoking/vaping site.
Thornford Primary School played host to 59 French children in June as part of an exchange trip. Thornford Primary is twinned with a school in Hudimesnil, Normandy, and the entire school was excited to welcome the school’s pupils for a visit. The French children visited a number of London tourist attractions plus the Harry Potter Studios and Bath, before heading to Thornford to meet their pen pals. The combined group of children then took a trip to visit Sherborne Old Castle, before heading to Sherborne Abbey. Partnered with their pen pal, the Thornford children got to practice their French as they showed their guests around the local area. Back at school, all the children took part in a range of activities including making collages and friendship bracelets, reading French stories, and going on a nature scavenger hunt. On Thursday, Thornford pupils laid on a cream tea for their new friends – they were surprised to find many of the French children had never tried scones with jam and cream before! Headteacher Neela Brooking says, ‘It was an absolute pleasure to host our French friends and welcome them to the area. It was a great experience for all the children, helping improve their language skills and build new friendships. We very much look forward to them future visits!’
Rural chaplains will be working alongside NHS professionals with a drop in clinic at Salisbury Livestock
The Rural Chaplaincy Team of the Salisbury Diocese works across Dorset and Wiltshire, visiting farms and rural businesses, providing support where it is needed. ‘It is about being part of the fabric,’ explains Jo Churchill, the organiser of Church Tent. ‘The team are immersed in everything that happens – big or small, they’re a listening ear or a signpost where it’s needed.’ Each Tuesday, the chaplains visit the Salisbury Livestock Market. The weekly event is more than transactional business for the farmers attending, it is their social network. And not just for the farmers – the chaplains meet dealers, hauliers, agents, caterers, vets and regulatory officers as they reach far and wide into the rural, often very isolated, agricultural community by means of a central, regular meeting place. Rural chaplains are trained to provide wellbeing and mental health support. But the team are aware that illness and physical issues are often not being addressed. ‘It’s the nature of farming,’ says Jo. ‘Many are unable to find the time to attend regular GP appointments, and most will prioritise their work over their own wellbeing.’ Inspired by the success of a project in another livestock market, from June NHS healthcare professionals will be working alongside the rural chaplains, holding weekly drop-in surgeries at the Salisbury market. Two rural chaplains will be present for both days of the Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show on 14th and 15th August – the Church Tent is providing a base for them. Do come along for a chat.
Step back in time with our ‘Then and Now’ feature, where vintage postcards from the Barry Cuff Collection meet modern-day reality. Explore the past and present on the same page, and see the evolution of familiar local places. ‘Now’ images by Courtenay Hitchcock
The Piddle Inn has changed little and is still instantly recognisable, though behind where the horses enjoy their lunch the outbuilding has made way for an extension and some pavement.On the left, the building which now holds Jaspers Salon is a newer extension to the cottages in the ‘then’ image
Piddletrentide takes the first part of its name from the River Piddle and the remainder from its value in 1086, when it was assessed for the Domesday Book at 30 hides. The village’s Victorian school has gates that are 500 years old and come from Lady Margaret Beaufort’s tomb in Westminster Abbey! In his Shell Guide to Dorset, Michael Pitt-Rivers explains the Piddle/Puddle issue: ‘All Dorset Piddles and Puddles are named after the river Piddle – Pidele in Doomsday Book. ‘Victorian refinement preferred Puddle and for a long time there was a muddle as to whether each village was called Piddle or Puddle. Parish Meetings drew up letters of protest to the County Council, the Member of Parliament and the Postmaster General. Now they seem to have settled for the names which appear on the map: Piddletrenthide, Piddlehinton, Puddletown, Tolpuddle, Affpuddle, Bryantspuddle and Turners Puddle. It remains to be said that the Piddle is never a puddle but a bright chalk stream.’
This Sunday (7th July) Sherborne will host its first Pride Parade, so it feels apt that my album of the month features a self-described ‘queer’ band, Queen of Jeans. In fact, the South Philadelphia indie quartet credit the fact that various members had become so frustrated with being the tokenised, queer members of their respective previous bands with the formation of their new project. Their third long player (and first in five years following the swift one-two punch of 2018’s Dig Yourself and 2019’s If You’re Not Afraid, I’m Not Afraid), All Again finds the band in reflective mood. The chirpy, beat-driven pop of 2022’s Under The Radar song of the year contender Hiding In Place is largely absent in the latest album.
In its place are a set of subtle, expertly crafted and slow-burning classics. The production is silky, enveloping the listener in comforting waves of heartfelt but ultimately positive vignettes reminiscent of Phoebe Bridgers’ more introspective moments. Throughout the album there is a sense of regret and of opportunities lost. Books in Bed begins with a simple synth motif as vocalist Miri Devora describes “all the boxes piled up on the floor”. Later, on Go Down Easy, she reflects “I never should have let you in”. But these sentiments are by no means the end of the story. Elsewhere, refrains of “all my friends around me” (All My Friends) and “I feel better in my mind” (Karaoke) provide balance through moments of cathartic communion. While it is true that the album offers little which could be described as unique or groundbreaking, that isn’t the point. All Around is the sound of a songwriter hitting their sweet spot, and of a band fully committing to the cause. As a result, Queen of Jeans have produced one of the most accomplished records of 2024.
Barrie Cooper, a Blandford dairy and beef farmer, shares his work with Dorset FCN, providing vital support and assistance to local farmers in need
Barrie Cooper, the joint co-ordinator for Dorset FCN
May I introduce myself? I’m Barrie Cooper, joint coordinator for Dorset FCN (Farming Community Network) with Rebecca Hill. I farm near Blandford – dairy (about 175 cows), beef reared from birth to about 24 months and also arable. I joined FCN about four years ago. Being a farmer myself I know, and have experienced, a lot of what other farmers are going through. I know the stresses of animal passports for every animal, animal health and paperwork, inspections and the bureaucracy that has to be carried out on a daily basis on a modern farm. I felt that an organisation like FCN was where I can best help others. It is a national organisation with a 24/7 helpline for farmers, their families and those connected to agriculture. If a call imade to the national FCN helpine coems from Dorset it will be forwarded to Rebecca and myself. The Dorset team of volunteers are a mixed group of all ages, every one of us either working in agriculture or retired from a profession that serves the farming community. The case work that we get can be anything from a call for help with filling in paperwork for cattle passports or government grants, to a tenancy query through to bereavement and so many other matters. We work closely with Dorset Council, the NFU, the Environment Agency and other bodies who can all help. Our role is to be there – to listen to a callers concerns and then see if we can either direct them to someone who can help or to work with them ourselves to try and resolve the issues at hand.
FCN is here for you. The confidential, national helpline is open every day of the year from 7am to 11pm and volunteers provide free, confidential support to anyone who seeks help: Call 03000 111 999
