Louise Squire Hunky and Dory

I rescued twin Welsh Mountain Ponies, Hunky and Dory, from an auction house as foals. Hunky was well, but Dory was much smaller and undernourished. They were both traumatised as they had been separated from their mother for the first time on the day of the sale.

As they grew up it was clear that they needed something to do. I didn't want to sell them on as they might well get separated. I decided to run a club for children, teaching the children not 'horsemanship' but how to interact differently with (other) animals; that is, without viewing them just as forms of recreation or resource.

Taking this approach, the children got to know the twins better for themselves. The children sometimes rode the twins, or drove them in a small cart. More often they engaged in other activities, such as drawing, painting, storytelling, and writing poems about the twins and other subjects. The twins also had other adventures, such as starring in an equestrian theatre, which was newsworthy enough to be featured on BBC Wales evening news.

The twins are now retired.

Twins in winter Hunky likes being out on a cold day, but not Dory.	Dory Munching	Putting on a show The members of the HunkyDory club (otherwise known as the Uncle Dory Club) putting on a play.
Hunky (plus myself and Sarah)	The twins at Gelli Dewi The twins lived here for several years	Hunky and Dory Lazing about.
Dory Dory is the gentle, deep-minded one of the twins. Hunky is more physical, tougher and less of a softy.	Hunky Here Hunky is giving a lift to Miranda, who was visiting from Atlanta, Georgia.	Hunky and Dory Here the twins are still quite young - probably around two and a half.
Hunky and Dory Enjoying some play in the sunshine	Hunky and Dory Unusually, Hunky and Dory are twin stallions, which means that their play can get a bit rough at times.