Q&A with Little Alf
How the other horse lives Q&A with Little Alf, the famous miniature Shetland pony, and his owner Hannah Russell who is the author of the Little Alf book series.
1. How many horses do you have?
Little Alf – I currently live with three other horses at Meadowlea stables in the North Yorkshire Dales.
2. What are their names?
Their names are Badger, Paddy and Pepper.
3. How old are they/how long have you had them?
Badger is 28 years old and my mummy Hannah has owned him for over 13 years. Paddy is 10 years old and came to live with Hannah when he was just two so he has been a part of the family for over eight years. Pepper is another miniature Shetland just like me, he is now 15 years old and has been a part of the family for 12 years.
Little Alf and Hannah Russell
4. Do they have an interesting back story? Eg. are they rescued, did you breed them yourself?
All of Hannah’s ponies are rescues in some way or another including me. Pepper had sweet itch and his old owner could no longer care for him so Hannah brought him home one day. Paddy had a really bad start to life and was starved, Hannah rescued him at just two years old, he still has a few issues but as the years go on Paddy is learning to trust really well. Badger came to live with Hannah after his previous owner passed away so he needed lots of attention. I came to live with Hannah in 2012, I was previously at a breeder’s yard and since I was born with dwarfism I was no use to my previous owner.
5. Describe your horse’s personality. Do they have any bad habits?
We are all really cheeky, I must say I’m the cheekiest but I’m also the smallest, I love munching the vegetables from the garden patch and also sneaking under fencing I’m not allowed to go under... I even once sneaked in to the house and broke Hannah’s Mum’s favourite vase. Whoops...
I have the best social life, I have three other horses to play with, I go on play dates with the horses next door and I have a German Shepard who I love playing with called Sasha.
6. What does your horse eat in an average day?
I’m In the paddock most days unless I’m out meeting my adoring fans, I’m usually munching grass, then on a night I go in to my warm stable where I eat a hay net of hay and a bucket full of feed, my favourite treats are carrots I just love them!
7. Where does your horse live/spend most of their time?
I spend most of my time in the paddock, but I also go out for walks every day, like someone would walk their dog.
8. How do you make sure your horse is healthy? Do you have any tips on keeping your horse healthy?
I go for daily walks and have a huge paddock to roam around it, every six weeks the farrier comes to visit and trims my feet, I also have regular vet check-ups to make sure I’m really healthy. Hannah grooms me every day, by grooming your horse every day this makes you aware of any new lumps or bumps which might occur on your horse’s body. It’s very important to make sure your horse is healthy.
9. Describe your horse’s social life? Do they spend time with other horses or animals and what do they do for fun?
I have the best social life, I have three other horses to play with, plus I go on play dates with the horses next door! How cool is that? I also have a German Shepard who I love playing with called Sasha. I also meet lots of human friends who think I’m just adorable and give me lots of attention.
10. What is your horse likely to spook at and how do you deal with it?
I’m quite bold and don’t get spooked easily but when I do get spooked which is usually at rattily objects, Hannah will wait until I’ve calmed down and give me lots of reassurance.
11. What’s your favourite thing about Brooke’s work around the world?
My favourite thing about Brooke’s work is not only do they a raise awareness for horses and donkeys around the world they always supply help and knowledge where they can.
Help us reach working horses, donkeys and mules in developing countries that often suffer in their day to day lives.