Success of ILPH Loan Horses

The ILPH (International League for the Protection of Horses) has 455 of their horses and ponies out on loan in Scotland, the majority of which have come from their equine
recovery and rehabilitation centre, Belwade Farm, in Aberdeenshire.

Around the Scottish shows this summer some of these equines, from Clydesdales to tiny ponies, have started to make a name for themselves by getting into the ribbons.

Lindsay McFarlane

* ILPH Belwade Mignonette - or Miggy for short - has done the McFarlane sisters proud over the last few years. Originally out on loan to the oldest sister Lisa, the pair won the Championship at the Rothesay Isle of Bute Show in 1997 and 1998, which was won again the following year by middle sister Laura, then 11, on Miggy. At the same show this year the pony this time with youngest sister Linsey (9) on board was again successful when she won the Robert Duncan Memorial Cup. Miggie is a 11.2 hh 11 year old Welsh pony rescued in Wales 7 years ago.

Laura McFarlane

Belwade Megan

* ILPH Belwade Megan a 12.2 hh dapple grey 12 year old Welsh Cob mare, out on loan to Islay vet Paula Watt, was placed 2nd in her class ridden by Paula's young daughter Maisie at the Islay Show in August

ILPH Harley

* ILPH Harley a 15.00 hh piebald Irish cob gelding went to Mrs Allan in Midlothian in July 2000, the third ILPH horse she has homed since 1986. As he is a youngster the Allan's have concentrated on in hand classes this year. Their faith in him was repaid when he came 4th in his class at the Royal Highland Show thus qualifying him for the CHAPS (Coloured Horse and Pony Society) regional finals in Cheshire at the beginning of September. They were all thrilled when he came 5th in a strong class of 16 qualifiers.

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Mac and Baron

* ILPH Ollie a 4 year old 17.1 hh bay and ILPH Willie an 8 year old 17.3 hh strawberry roan, both Clydesdales - now known as ILPH Baron and ILPH Mac - were taken in by the ILPH when the Fairways Horse Sanctuary in Perthshire closed down a couple of years ago. They are now on loan to Glasgow City Council and visitors can see them at work in Pollok Country Park, 361 acres of countryside in the heart of the City. The City Council has 7 Clydesdales altogether and they are used to promote the City at events and gala days around Glasgow as well as competing in local and agricultural shows.

Baron

2002 was the first year that Mac and Baron appeared as members of the City Council's Heavy Horse Team and Baron was shown in hand for the first time at the Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh where he was placed 2nd in the Aged Gelding Class that had a very big entry. In the turnout classes Mac was 5th in the singles and Mac and Baron were 4th in the tandem.

Pegasus

With a policy of rehoming the horses and ponies that come into their centres once they are rehabilitated the ILPH ensures that it has the space to be able to take in needy cases. At present Belwade Farm at Aboyne has several horses and ponies that are looking for suitable loan homes. Among these are 3 thoroughbreds that need experienced riders, extra special care and lots of tlc and Pegasus a 13.2 hh Highland pony who cannot be ridden but would make a lovely companion, is very hardy and lives on fresh air. Those interested in offering a good loan home to one of these ILPH equines should call Jenni on 0870 873 1927.

www.ilph.org

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