Happy birthday Hamlet

Source: Papakura Courier - Wednesday, 7 July 2010

By IMOGEN NEALE - Papakura Courier

In human years Hamlet is almost 70.

In horse years he's just turned 30.

And last week the Totara Park Riding for the Disabled group threw him a birthday party – complete with party hats, birthday cake and tinsel birthday banners.

Someone also treated his mane and tail to a little bit of a makeover.

Volunteer horse leader Stuart Wilkerson organised Hamlet's birthday party and says it's the least he could do for a longtime friend.

"I thought it was worth celebrating his time with us," he says.

"He's reliable, he has a kind nature and you can do almost anything with him.

"I used to ride him but I stay off his back because of my weight."

Hamlet is a full-height pony who's been with the the group for 10 years.

Before that he was at the Whitford Pony Club, steering kids around ribbon days and through pony club certificates.

Riding for the Disabled horse manager Elizabeth Roberts says Hamlet is exercised four or five times a week and is leased by an adult rider who hacks him around Totara Park.

She says everyone in the group do all they can to keep him happy and healthy.

"We feed him the very best we possibly can," she says.

"Food is one of his favourite things."

He also gets a premium glucosamine supplement, has his teeth and feet checked regularly and has a wardrobe of covers for different seasons.

But despite enjoying his work Hamlet may be heading for the retirement paddock.

Mrs Roberts says the reliable pony who can still jump barrel height will be sorely missed.

 

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