Written by Yvonna Hertog of Kaleidoscope Livery Stables
Pegasus was “too big” – his owner wanted a pony for his child; driving pony Lisa was “too small” – her owner wanted a big horse to pull his scrap wagon. Unfortunately, neither Pegasus (Gus) nor Lisa were suited for their intended jobs: Gus was a “difficult” riding horse and not used to a harness, while Lisa was a driving pony and not keen on children.
Despite being strongly advised against it, their owners swapped them, a decision that almost led to Gus’ death.
Tied up for the first time
Gus was immediately taken to Atlantis and put in harness, and while he tried hard to be a good horse, he had no idea of the job, no introduction or training. He eventually couldn’t cope and ran away with his wagon in traffic. Fortunately, no physical injuries were sustained but the driver and Gus had a huge fright and the wagon broke in half.
Gus was put out on the veld while the wagon and harness were repaired. He was tied up for the first time in his life on a long rope and tangled himself up numerous times, wrapping the rope around his back legs (fetlocks) and falling down.
He was given old lettuce for food and there was very little grazing. Water was provided only at night when he was taken home to stand in a tiny stall in the back yard.
Watching him get thinner and thinner
I run a livery yard and had met Lisa and her owner, Tyron, along the road one day, and stopped to say hello. When Tyron had no work, Lisa came to stay at the livery for extended holidays. Because I knew him and the people involved, I could keep an eye on Gus.
Heartbroken, I watched Gus get thinner and thinner, the owner demanding horse feed from me. I took hay for Gus but couldn’t make a habit of it as his owner would expect me to feed his horse. Plus, if Gus was strong, he’d be expected to work...
Soon, Gus became afraid of people and didn’t even trust me.
I told the owner that it was not my responsibility to feed his animals – but that I’d take the horse from him to save him the expense of feeding him.
Getting Gus out
One day, I pulled up to the house where Gus was being kept; I took him some hay and patted him. When I turned to leave, he called me. It broke my heart. I told him I would fetch him soon.
A livery client gave me R5000 to pay for Gus, saying that he’d be mine and my responsibility solely. Of course, I accepted gratefully and Gus was soon delivered to Kaleidoscope Stables.
He was dewormed, fed and had body treatments (body stress release) – and he absolutely thrived with the love and appreciation that was shown to him. Rider Nikki Bouwers lost her heart to him immediately and has brought him on to where he is now, competing at dressage.
Gus, who is about 13 years old, loves to jump, is very honest and always tries his very best. He really is beautiful, both inside and out.
New life for Lisa
It’s not just Gus who had a happily ever after; little Lisa is living the good life at the stables too. Having been born and raised to pull carts, it’s in her blood and she enjoys work. She has a proud place as my 73-year-old mom’s much-loved driving pony (an equine that gets hitched to a sleigh, cart, or similar).
Lisa and my mom compete at driving meetings, where Lisa makes my mom very brave and they have a great time together.
A phenomenal horse
Nikki Bouwers remembers meeting Gus when he first arrived at Yvonna’s stables: “She’d shown me pictures, but the reality was heartbreaking. He was painfully thin – his ribs, hip bones and spine were sticking out. I saw this skinny horse, and something about him just stole my heart.
“Once Gus was well and had put on weight, Yvonna worked with us, building his trust and my confidence in riding him. Gus has the sweetest soul, is so willing and eager to please. He just loves to jump – and we’ve even taken part in a dressage show. He is such a phenomenal horse!”
