Horse Treats

By, Meredith Rogers

Necessity makes strange bedfellows is the phrase but these horses show that friendships can develop among the strangest of companions.

In 2019, a 6-year-old miniature horse named Waffles and a domestic goose named Hemingway were rescued from a horrible situation by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. It was obvious from the staff at the SPCA that these two were the best of friends, with Hemingway protecting Waffles. Waffles had an infection that needed care, which was complicated by Hemingway flapping his wings when staff came to take care of them. Thankfully, a couple stepped up and adopted them together. They are living happily ever after at a farm with other animals and humans who love them both.

In the UK, a horse and a chicken have developed a close bond. Phez the chicken was the first to arrive at Homefield Racing Stables in Barnsley, wandering down the driveway a bit out of sorts. The owner named the chicken, Phez, because she was so disheveled it was difficult to tell if she was a chicken or a pheasant. They ended up putting her in the stable with George, an ex-racehorse, and they became fast friends. They spend all their time together, including Phez sleeping on George’s back. George has to eat his breakfast quickly because Phez is right there waiting, but he doesn’t seem to mind sharing.

Robin, the Australian Shepherd, and Teddy, the Andalusian, were introduced when Robin was a puppy. Every day, Robin gets very excited when his owner asks him if he wants to see his horse. The two like to play a game of chase and it is definitely mutually rewarding. They are such good friends that Robin steals carrots for Teddy and in exchange, Teddy lets Robin ride him.

Dakota is a teenaged horse who likes to cuddle with Sappy the cat (or vice versa). Dakota and Sappy’s owner got the cat as a tiny kitten. Ever since Sappy arrived, he would lay next to Dakota, who could easily have smushed him, but instead was extra careful. As the cat grew, they remained friends. Sappy even climbs up Dakota’s tail to get on his back, where he likes to take a nap. Sappy follows Dakota everywhere, including when his owner takes him for a ride.

Here are the ESDCTA Show dates where we’ll need volunteers:

May 27 & 28 – Memorial Days Dressage Show at HPNJ

July 25 & 26 – Summer Days I & II at USET

Sep 23 – Championship Show at USET

Sep 30 – Oct 1 – ESDCTA Horse Trials at HPNJ

Oct 12-15 – CBLMs at HPNJ

Plus the cross country schooling on June 2, July 1 Please Contact Volunteer@esdcta.org if you are available to help. Thanks!