Jake
Adopted by Michelle Du Bois on 1439164800
Jake’s Story: The Miracle Pony
Jake, a tired, scrawny, depressed Haflinger pony was rescued in July 2015. He was not expected to survive the night. His hind feet were misshapen and his rear-end structure was very weak and very straight.
Jake just after rescue, July 2015
He came to Bag End Farm as a foster about a month later, when his quarantine was done. I was told that he was 15 years old. Coming off the trailer and seeing Jake for the first time, I said, “This sad soul never needs to leave the farm and go back into the system.” His traveling partner and fellow foster was a young, excitable filly that we named Tango.
The day after their arrival, it became clear that Jake’s personality and demeanor would be very helpful for other fosters. He was able to calm Tango down and make her feel safe. If she wanted company, he was right there with her. If she wanted him away from her, he sauntered away.
I called Phyllis at Hidden Pond Farm Equine Rescue and told her that he would remain with me for however long he had and that I would use him to help other horses here.
And so began the regimen that would help with his physical and mental condition. He needed to gain weight, develop a healthy coat, receive vaccinations, get his teeth and feet sorted out, and gain interest in living and counting on people. With the help of the vet, Kerri; the dentist, Dave; and the farrier Billy, Jake got dewormed, supplements, hoof and teeth care. While we were doing his teeth, Dave asked how old he was and I told him the 15 years I had been given. His immediate response was “No. He’s at least twice that old and probably closer to 40 than to 30.” His grinding teeth on the left were worn almost to the gum line and the right side was only marginally better. We decided to settle on 35 for his age as a reasonable approximation.
Since those early days Jake has blossomed into an amazing character and has served as a wonderful companion, babysitter, soother, and teacher to many horses and people. Among the horses he helped foster are Tango, Opie, Beau, Penny, Ruby, Ranger, Doc, Girlie, Allie, Freckles, Pandora, Fiona, Skinny Lily, Arthur, Melody, Ariel, and Joyful.
Jake’s Fosters
Jake helped his fosters through many fears including walking down a strange road, staying calm through all sorts of scary adventures such as passing cars, school buses, motorcycles, rock walls, large trucks, as well as learning to trust humans. He was equally willing to lay next to one horse and babysit another so mom could have some peace or keep a safe distance.
Jake allowed his human friends of many ages to practice and learn many things ranging from pony rides to lessons or trail rides. They rode him bareback or in tack. He loved for them to brush him, pick his feet, bathe him, lead him, blanket him, halter him, and saddle and bridle him. Jake is a favorite of the neighborhood; most of that is because of the fantastic personality that has emerged. The neighborhood children come regularly to bring him apples or carrots and pet him.
During his time here he has demonstrated the ability to open latches (and he has taught others that as well—bless him!). He willingly lets the others out of fields (again—bless him!) and then goes into the aisle of the barn and waits patiently for us to come get him. Always with that look in his eye that says, “Who, me?” He loves to head into bushes and play hide and seek with us.
The neighbors’ green lawns are places he escapes to hang out. It usually brings company with treats for him, which he accepts as his due. He is a foodie, never refusing a mouthful, although with all of his molars worn down to the gum, he can’t chew hay. He plays with it, sucks out the juices, and spits the quids out for us to remove from his stall.
During mud season, Jake finds a large flat rock and surveys the world from on top. He doesn’t like to get his feet dirty! If you are a little person, he leads perfectly for you, but if you think you might know better than he, he will meander in crazy lines in other directions than you want him to go.
He always takes his job as a calm influence on other horses and will lead together with any of them, on the left or the right as seems appropriate. Jake is a ladies man; his favorite is Allie. When she came in heat, his little knees rose high, he flagged his tail as he ran (as quickly as he could manage) to her, calling as if to say, “I’m coming, Honey. Hold on.”
