| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| JESSIEMAE |
Posted - 17 Oct 2009 : 9:53:29 PM
Hello Everyone
So sorry this story and update are late but I have had a poorly pregnant Whippet (who is fine now) and haven't been able to get online long enough to write this!
Shulay Montana, as most people know, was registered for sale at the Llanbydder auction held at the end of May of this year. She generated a lot of interest as she was 16 years old and prior to the last 2/3 years of her life, had been loved and well cared for. She was bred by Pauline Gribben of the Shulay Palomino stud and sold at weaning to her God Daughter, Ali. Shulay Montana, whose stable name is Roody, had a lovely time with Ali, she was shown successfully and had one colt foal. Montana was sold to what was supposed to be a 'forever home' 11 years ago and her new owners kept in touch with Ali for many years. Unfortunately Montana's owners sold her 2/3 years ago and this is where things seemed to go downhill for her. We are unsure who owned her at this time as her registration papers and passport have never been updated. I don't know who entered her in the Llanbydder sale, maybe somebody reading this can tell me ?
Montana was sold at Llanbydder to a dealer for 720 guineas and literally seemed disappear off the face of the earth! She was reportedly in a poor condition at the sale and there was much speculation that she may have been sold for meat. This is when Montana's 'case' was highlighted on AL and lots of caring and worried members started to do some detective work. It was quickly established who the dealer was and contact was made with him by myself and other worried Aliners. The dealer who bought Montana would not say what had happened to her, only that he had sold her on, he wouldn't confirm whether or not this was for meat or to a new home. Ali, Montana's, former owner was devastated as was Pauline her breeder, as this dealer simply would not talk to anyone. This is where Gemma (Precious) stepped in. Gemma, like many others, had been following Montana's story from the beginning but wasn't prepared to let it end here. She posted Montana's details on various horsey forums, printed out posters and got in touch with other dealers to try and locate Montana. All that came back was that she had been sold on but nobody knew who to. Gemma, then in desperation actually wrote to the dealer who had bought Montana, asking him to get in touch with her should he ever hear that Montana was for sale again. For months she heard nothing back from him, not even an acknowledgment that he received her letter. Then two weeks ago, out of the blue, he rang her. He stated that the person he sold Montana to was no longer able to keep her as she was an older lady and was going into care, her daughter had apparently contacted him and asked him to take Montana back and sell her. How much truth is in this we simply don't know as the dealer would not tell Gemma who this person was. He also would not say when he was getting her back, only that when he did he would not keep her for longer than a few days, she would then be re sold again. Gemma then contacted Ali and they frantically began looking for a buyer for her.
I had been looking for an older horse for many months so contacted Gemma to see if I could help. The biggest problem we had was that the dealer didn't want to be contacted, wouldn't say when he was getting her but when he did, expected us to come for her more or less immediately or he would re sell her! He knew how much interest Montana had generated and was literally calling the shots. This is when we kept things quiet on the forum as we feared he would put her price up again! It was also proving to be a bit of a logistical nightmare as I live 4 hours away from Gemma and don't have my own trailer. We needed someone to transport her at the drop of a hat which is where the wonderful Babs and Tony of the Sun Ray Stud stepped in!
Gemma finally got the call from the dealer that he had Montana and Ali, Pauline, Gemma and I went to collect her to take her to Gemma's yard. It was a very emotional time, Ali and Pauline hadn't seen Montana for 11 years and she isn't in the best condition. Gemma and I were just so relieved as we have both been so stressed out over the last two weeks, waiting for phone calls, trying to keep quiet and arrange things when we both work full time and live at different parts of the country! When we led Montana onto the trailer and drove away with her the feeling was incredible, we finally had her!
We then rang Babs and Tony who came to meet us at Gemma's yard to take Montana on the final leg of her journey up to Cumbria where I live. Tony was a star, he waited over an hour for us as we got stuck in traffic, he then loaded Montana and delivered her to my yard four hours later. I was unable to meet him at my yard as I had a phone call to say that my pregnant Whippet was poorly and I was needed at home. I needn't have worried as Tony, unloaded Montana, put her in her stable and rugged her up for me. What a service!
Sorry this is such a long post but it is a long story! Roody, as she is now known, has settled in really well. She is very loving and neighs to greet you everytime she sees you. She has charmed everyone who has met her and even my yard owner, who is a farmer who doesn't really 'do' horses was caught calling her 'golden nugget'
yesterday.!!
I would just like to say a massive thank you to everyone who helped in Montana's re homing, first and foremost Gemma, who worked tirelessly and was so dedicated to this cause, bless you Gemma, you really are a little 'Gem' xx
Ali and Pauline, who as well as being reunited with Montana, gave me lots of invaluable information about her including her stable name of Roody and Ali for giving me a medal that Montana won at one of her shows, I was really touched as I know how much it meant to her.
Babs and Tony of Sun Ray Stud, for transporting Montana safely and efficiently and also for a very reasonable price, Babs has always had a soft spot for Montana and wanted to do her bit.
Mandy (Bridie) who very early on identified the dealer who had Montana, checked his 'holding' fields looking for her and contrary to what people were saying, warned that she was 'not in a good place'. Mandy, you were so right..!x
And finally all you wonderful Aliners who hilighted Montana's case and have been offering help in all kinds of ways. She wouldn't be with me now if it wasn't for this site! Thank you also for all the good wishes you have sent Montana and I, it is much appreciated and I promise you all I will keep you updated on her progress.
I know you all want pictures but as I am a numpty and haven't learnt how to do this yet, if somebody would pm I could then email them to you and you could post them for me?
Sorry once again this is so long, I promise future posts will be much shorter..!
Liza xx
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| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| arabianrio |
Posted - 30 Mar 2011 : 09:55:20 AM
Sending you my very very best wishes.Thinking of you at this really horrible time.
After all you have been through and Roody, life has only to get better for you both. |
| precious |
Posted - 30 Mar 2011 : 09:18:49 AM
Liza great to hear your keeping strong x
Bless roody bet she has missed you and she sounds a sweety.
hope your chemotherapy goes ok
Speak soon xx |
| Callisto |
Posted - 29 Mar 2011 : 9:15:21 PM
Thanks for the update Liza, glad she is developing a fuller figure  and all the very best that your treatment goes as well as can be  . |
| JESSIEMAE |
Posted - 29 Mar 2011 : 4:13:11 PM
Hi Guys, I am keeping strong and didn't feel so sore today so hubby took me to see Roody this morning, she was covered in mud as just adores rolling, even up hills..lol..! She was pleased to see me and I have promised her a new saddle to fit her new 'fuller' figure once I've got the dreaded chemotherapy over with.
Her current saddle is a narrow fit however she is definitely no longer narrow !
Thank you for your support and if she looks not too muddy on Friday will take some pictures of her as that is when I will next see her.
Liza xx |
| sarahlock |
Posted - 29 Mar 2011 : 3:20:26 PM
Hi Gemma ,lets hope shes on the mend & is soon riding Roody again x |
| precious |
Posted - 29 Mar 2011 : 1:52:13 PM
hi sarah, Liza got in touch with me shortly after me bumped up the roody topic.
Thinking of u Liza stay strong!! |
| sarahlock |
Posted - 23 Mar 2011 : 4:50:48 PM
Hi
I asked Liza for some pics of Roody so i could upload them on here for her & got a PM from her a couple of days ago asking me to let you know that shes quite poorly at the moment so hasn`t been able to get on AL & update us with photos etc .
In Lizas words ....On a lighter note, Roody is fit and well, she is the darling of our livery yard and although a little madam and perpetual box walker, she is a happy, contented little mare. Promise to update you once back on my feet.
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| gossy |
Posted - 10 Mar 2011 : 08:27:03 AM
What a lovely story and gives us all great hope and strength to know that there are so many genuinely nice caring people willing to help each other, well done to all of you, she looks like a very happy mare now. |
| Kharidian |
Posted - 10 Mar 2011 : 06:23:09 AM
What a fantastic ending to a dramatic story - well done to all involved for their dedication and perseverance.
Caryn |
| xsara |
Posted - 09 Mar 2011 : 10:09:34 PM
How is she doing some pictures would be nice |
| Quarabian |
Posted - 09 Mar 2011 : 1:49:40 PM
Thanks for bringing a warm feeling into my life today with your update. Roody is absolutely lovely. You must be over the moon with her. |
| precious |
Posted - 09 Mar 2011 : 1:43:57 PM
After seeing the Pally topis on AL its reminded me of Montana
I cant believe how time has flew by since the day we picked her up.
How is Roody doing liza we need updates and piccies  |
| Maramoo |
Posted - 23 Oct 2009 : 11:31:03 AM
How fantastic Well done Gemma, Liz, Babs and Tony. What a wonderful happy ending-Roody is such a beautiful girl and deserves the very best. |
| nikki |
Posted - 22 Oct 2009 : 12:13:51 PM
aww bless, thats coz roody is so happy, she knows she will be loved and looked after.
i am really proud of you aliners |
| saddlebred |
Posted - 21 Oct 2009 : 9:02:00 PM
That is FANTASTIC news. Even after all she has probably been through that little mare just oozes quality and kindness. Your story brought tears to my eyes - especially the thought of her nickering to you after only a few days as if she knows she has finally come "home".
Bless you Liza and everyone who helped find Roody. I am sure you will have many happy years together.
Debs x |
| bridie |
Posted - 19 Oct 2009 : 10:41:48 PM
Liza.....Again I cant tell you how happy I am that all has worked out well.
YES I knew she was in a very "bad" place and I was genuinely scared for her future,(remember the arabs sold at Malvern some years ago...all have a meat price) I dont know where she went or why but am so relieved that she is safe now thanks to Liza, Gemma, Babs & Tony and everyone else involved.
She will not be the same mare in a few months time.....we want regular updates please.
This goes to show how efficient the AL network can be, you just never know do you??? Its a small world.
Take care guys
Mandy xx |
| AliH |
Posted - 19 Oct 2009 : 4:17:03 PM
Hi Liza
Roody looks so settled and happy, I needed to post again even though we have spoken via pm's as words cannot express how grateful we are to both Gemma and Liza. Gemma really is FANTASTIC!!!!, she has a heart of Gold (quite fitting since Roody is a pally). Without all of the tireless hard work Gemma put in and she never ever gave up! we would still not know where Roody is. Liza has given Roody the best home in the world!!! and you don't know how reassuring that is to someone who had the privilege of owning this fantastic mare many years ago. We really are so happy now she is safe and sound, which again is mainly down to Gemma and Liza but all of the other AL members who scoured the country for her.
Yippeeeeee she's safe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
| Jingo |
Posted - 19 Oct 2009 : 3:21:08 PM
We can't imagine what this poor girl has been through - thank goodness for all your determination to find her and that she is now in a better place. Believe me you won't recognise her I'm sure in a month or so - she'll get that sparkle back in her eye. |
| lottieherts |
Posted - 19 Oct 2009 : 2:19:35 PM
Some people's generosity and deeply caring attitude never fails to amaze me!
Love the pic of her tucking into her feed in the stable! Looks like she will be extremely happy now! |
| geegee |
Posted - 19 Oct 2009 : 1:42:25 PM
SO So pleased for you and Roody. What a lovely, happy ending and only because people cared and persisted.
Great stuff, this little community really does make a difference  |
| jasjmm |
Posted - 19 Oct 2009 : 1:38:16 PM
A lovely ending! Can't view the pics at work, but will look when I get home. The best thing about this I think is how everyone can put feelers out with lots of different networks to try and locate a horse. I appreciate this mare was legimately sold on, but I have often wondered what I would do if I got home and one or all of mine just wasn't there. Where would you start! A good network of people all across the country with contacts in all walks of the horse world is invaluable and has clearly worked quite a few times on here. Out of interest, how many people here have their horses microchipped/freezemarked and (apart from the deterrent value) do you think this really does make any difference if they end up at market? |
| JESSIEMAE |
Posted - 19 Oct 2009 : 12:07:45 PM
Thank you everyone for all your lovely comments about Roody! It is raining heavily again today here in Cumbria and she really does not seem to like the rain so I have left her stabled today, she has the radio on and her companion for the day is our Donkey, Rebecca, who also hates the rain..lol.!
Roody is a lovely mare, very sweet and gentle, constantly whickering everytime she catches sight of anyone, she has been here four days now and yet to put a 'hoof' wrong !
I feel priviledged to have her !
Liza x |
| nikki |
Posted - 19 Oct 2009 : 11:20:04 AM
wow, truely well done to everyone, and liza for giving her a home, she already looks loads better, and looks very happy
utter teamwork, well done all |
| Eeyore |
Posted - 19 Oct 2009 : 11:19:27 AM
Well done to everyone who helped Shulay, she looks lovely and it is so wonderful to read things like this and to know that there are such caring people out there |
| precious |
Posted - 19 Oct 2009 : 08:13:13 AM
Lisa, Roody looks soooo settled and hapy!
I still cant belive its over and she is safe and happy :)
Please keep us all posted on her progress, this little mare has touched soo many of hearts, cant wait to see pictures of her in a couple of months time.
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