Pepper arrived here at HAPPA as part of a Cross-Agency Transfer with two other ponies in April 2023. She was rescued from a Welsh common, where there was very little and low-quality forage around her. Pepper was extremely emaciated and lice-ridden when she arrived at the centre. All of this whilst heavily in foal.
Whilst Pepper has been here, she has made immense progress from the terrified, unhandled and broken little pony that she was to now thriving, happy and much more confident. However, Pepper is a very particular pony; she loves routine, and she is a very one-person pony. It takes a lot for her to trust. She can sometimes be quite unpredictable. For example, one day you could walk into her stable and she would be all over you for a cuddle, whereas the next day you could walk into her stable and it could take 10 minutes to get anywhere near her. In these situations, expect a lot of circling the stable, striking the walls with her front legs, snorting, and sometimes feeling like nothing you do is helping her. Pepper can also kick out as a reflex when frightened. This does not happen very often at all, and she never does it maliciously; it is just important to take time and go slowly with movements around her to avoid this happening.
Please don’t let Pepper’s sensitive side put you off. She is truly the sweetest mare with the biggest heart and, of course, the prettiest face! Pepper will make somebody very happy; she just needs somebody willing to put the time and effort into understanding and getting to know her. Pepper always wants to please; she is extremely willing to learn and cooperate, as long as she is shown patience and reassurance along the way.
Pepper is an amazing companion; she can be turned out with mares and/or geldings with no issues at all. She loves a nice warm bath, going on in-hand walks and eating, of course! She is good for the farrier and vet (this may differ when introduced to a new farrier/vet), but again, as long as time is taken and there is lots of reassurance for her, she will soon come around. She is up to date with routine vaccinations and checks.
