After six months Polly was ready for staff to see if she could be trained to be ridden.
This is done in a gentle and gradual way by introducing new experiences and building up the horse's confidence, slowly working towards the time when they are happy to wear a saddle and bridle and carry a rider.
This preparation also increases our chances of finding horses a good new home - especially in difficult financial times when fewer people can afford to take them on - as most people want a well-trained 'ready-made' horse that they are able to ride safely.
Breaking in Polly
Felledge staff aim to break in every horse of a suitable age, which is usually three years old and above.
Even if they think a horse may have been through the process before, they will start from scratch in order to iron out any problems caused by rough handling in the past.
Once Rachael had taught Polly to walk on a lead rein, they practised voice commands on the lunge in walk, trot and canter.
Eventually she introduced Polly to 'long reining' - which as you might expect involves attaching long reins to a bridle.
Rachael walked behind Polly, holding the reins in order to help her learn how to stop, turn and move forward ahead of people and other horses.
Polly, now 15 hands high - about 150cm from the ground to her back - also practised:
- wearing a bridle and saddle
- learning to stand patiently at gates
- negotiating obstacle courses
- and walking past 'scary' objects that she might not have seen before.
In the saddle for the first time
Nine months after Polly arrived at the centre, Rachael finally sat in the saddle for the first time.
Weeks of further training followed, including hacking through the centre's parkland, building up Polly's confidence and experience.
Rachael said:
Polly is perfect now.
She loves cuddles and kisses – she's a lovely horse to be around.
You can do anything with her, she's very straightforward.
Time to find Polly a new home
Then came the moment the mountain of effort had been leading to – securing Polly a new home.
And although that meant success, it didn't mean it was easy for Rachael!
It was difficult to see Polly leave.
Especially having worked so hard with her and seeing her come on so well.
But at the same time it was very rewarding.