Frosty came into our lives in April 2007.

This was in the seventh year of drought. The paddocks were dry and dusty. We were planning for the christening of our infant daughter.

In a chance discussion with our farrier he talked of a pony who he had offered to have euthanised as he was concerned the pony would not make it through the winter. I asked what the pony needed and he advised just some TLC.

I knew the person whose property the pony was on and decided to give them a call. They explained that they had taken on the pony as a favour to a neighbouring family, who no longer wanted the pony after a marriage break up. They were happy for us to take him is and have a go at helping him

We took the float over on the day after our daughter’s christening. A worker at the property brought the pony out and told us how much they loved him and they were glad he was getting a chance. The little pony walked on to our float with not a hitch.

We had had a little game with our daughter ‘And here is Miss Kate x, and yes it is a clear round on Frosty…..’ so Frosty this pony would be.

Frosty stayed in the yard for the first days and ate…and ate…and ate… The dentist was already due on day 2 so he had his teeth done and was wormed. On the third day he suddenly lay down…and we learned one of the most important lessons of rescue. Take it very very slowly and carefully.

We immediately called our vets and he felt Frosty might not make it. Well luckily he did and we are more careful with our feeding regime.

Frosty lived happily on the property, always easy to handle and an absolute pleasure. One day I asked a light friend to try riding him. She pronounced him to be very good.

At age three, we started Kate riding on Frosty. He has always been the most delightful pony and was absolutely trustworthy. For fun we entered a led riding class and Frosty would unfailingly follow my shoulder.

He has been Kate’s faithful pony in topsy classes and does a wonderful impersonation of a unicorn!

A year ago we noticed that he was increasingly stressed about food, frantic for his feeds. Having already ahd experience with Cushing’s syndrome we had Frosty tested. His results were positive and he was started on Pergolide. With this he is managing very well but that, together with failing eyesight, helped us make the decision to ‘retire’ Frosty from riding.

He still helps out if Kate’s other pony is out of action for any reason. His absolute best friend is the lovely Ruben. The two old grey men have a set routine, and can always be found ready for food.

Frosty can still raise a stunning trot and loves playing at being the silver brumby. We love him dearly and thank the day we had that chance discussion.

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