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Shiloh originally lived about two miles from my property.
I could have honestly just walked her home instead of bringing the trailer to pick her up.
Shiloh has an interesting story about how she came to live with us.
Knock, Knock!
Have you ever had someone show up on your doorstep asking if you’d want to give their pony a home?
I had never met Shiloh, and I had only met her owner one time before.
They were older, sold their farm, and Shiloh could not go with them.
I thought about the conversation for a few days, and with a little push from my husband, I went to meet her.
There were a few concerns because Shiloh is a senior pony in her mid-twenties with hoof issues.
It was also during the start of the covid pandemic.
With all the unknown going on in the world, I wasn’t sure it was financially responsible to take on an animal, but in the end, even with all the what ifs, this pony needed a new home.
It turned out we were the perfect home for her.
SPECIAL CARE FOR SHILOH
As suspected, Shiloh’s hooves were a battle the first year she was here.
So, I ended up talking to my veterinarian about her hoof issues, and we decided to dig deeper into Shiloh’s health with bloodwork.
Besides having poor hoof quality, the bloodwork revealed she also had Equine Metabolic Syndrome Cushing’s Disease.
Cushing’s Disease, also known as Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) is a hormonal condition caused by a tumor or enlargement affecting the pituitary gland at the base of the brain.
Symptoms of Cushing’s Disease can include changes in the coat like curly/wavy hair, abnormal sweating, and a delay in shedding.
Hoof quality may become poor, along with excessive drinking and urinating.
You may also see neurological issues that can happen, including blindness and seizures
Shiloh struggles with shedding out her winter coat, so clipping her body is something I’ve been learning to do.
Her hooves have been doing well.
My farrier takes great care of her, and I also periodically soak her feet in a product called White Lightening for precaution.
Shiloh has extra meals in her day to try to keep her weight on.
She also spends her days on a dry lot with limited acess to grass pasture.
Since her diagnosis of Cushing's Disease Shiloh now takes a daily prescribed medication called Prescind.
This medication is not a cure, but it helps with the quality of her life.
She is currently only on half a pill, which costs a little over a dollar per day.
I remember thinking it was odd that Shiloh’s previous owner just showed up on my doorstep asking if I wanted to take her pony.
Now, I think it is flattering that she saw how we cared for our other equines, and she wanted that for Shiloh too.
I send pictures of Shiloh to her on occasion, and she will text to see how Shiloh is doing.
She also stopped by with a pair of orange Shoofly Leggins and secretly tucked some hoof care money inside.
It was such a kind gesture, and I know she is very appreciative that we gave Shiloh a new place to call forever home.
We are so lucky to have Shiloh.
She is the sweetest pony, and I am glad I did not let the what ifs in life prevent me from giving her a home on our hobby farm.
XOXO
Emily
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