In the world of equines, the Shetland pony named Ben stands out—not for his size, but for his outsized personality and self-assured demeanor. Despite his petite stature, Ben's antics and attitude suggest he believes himself to be as grand as the noblest Thoroughbred stallion, complete with the courage of a lion. This tale of a pony with a big heart and even bigger character is a testament to the unique personalities animals can possess, and the unexpected challenges and joys they bring into our lives.
Ben, a vibrant chestnut Shetland pony with a luxuriant mane and tail, was a mere 36 inches tall at the withers—the highest point of his shoulders. Yet, his self-image was that of a towering Thoroughbred. His fiery temperament was evident to anyone who dared to invade his perceived territory, as he would fiercely defend his domain with a display of hooves and teeth. Once he established his dominance, Ben would graciously accept treats and allow himself to be led on walks, where he regarded humans and traffic with equal disdain.
Ben's aspirations didn't stop at asserting his dominance over humans; he also had a fondness for mares. Regardless of their size, which was invariably larger than his own, Ben would put on a show of snorting, stamping, and galloping whenever a mare was in sight. His dramatic displays of affection were met with indifference by the mares, but that did nothing to dampen his spirits.
The local veterinarian, familiar with our other horses, speculated that Ben's aggressive behavior stemmed from an excess of testosterone. Concerned for public safety and our own sanity, we decided that gelding Ben was the prudent course of action. We anticipated a calmer future post-procedure, but with Ben, nothing was ever straightforward.
In a comical twist of fate, another Shetland stallion in the village, known for his tranquil disposition, was mistakenly gelded by a vet who had been informed he was coming for Ben. The mix-up was only realized when the vet scheduled to perform Ben's procedure arrived later that day. Fortunately, both ponies required gelding, sparing us from a more complicated situation.
Gelding Ben may have quelled his interest in mares, but it did nothing to diminish his grandiose self-image. He continued to live as though he were as large and courageous as ever, finding new ways to assert his presence, including terrorizing the friends of my sister's partner.
Ben's story is a reminder that size does not always dictate spirit, and that even the smallest creatures can possess the heart of a champion.
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