Pony Play

Ponies at The Doctor's HouseNo doubt one of our favourite parts of The Doctor’s House – and our guests’ favourite parts, too – is our sweet bevy of ponies, Newfoundland or otherwise. And this weekend was especially fun for that reason.  We had some special guests who joined us, and got in some fantastic pony play.

Cassie’s family used to own Ginger, and you can tell the love and bonding is still there. She also sold us a saddle, and this weekend, showed Laurelyn how to saddle Ginger up and ride her.

I’ve learned that all horses have their own personality and rider requirements.  Monty was a bit testy but they got a few rides from him, as well. All in all, a fun time with fun people and fun creatures!

Misty Visits

What a treat it has been to have Misty, our good friend, Clifford’s Clydesdale, stay with us of late. Clifford is trying to breed his pony Annie with a beautiful black stallion – and while they need some privacy, Misty stays with us.

Seeing Misty with the rest of our ponies is a fantastic sight.  They all instantly bonded, and now they run and play, with the ponies chasing Misty around like babies to their mother.  Misty is one graceful, intelligent, gentle creature.  She personifies dignity. Much like Clifford himself. Don’t forget to pay a visit if you’re staying at The Doctor’s House this week.

Our Little Ponies

Newfoundland PoniesRecently, our good friend Shirley George visited us at The Doctor’s House and took lots of stunning photos – you can see some more of them here. Of course, our favourite shots were of the Newfoundland ponies (enjoying their new fence, we might add). They’re our favourites probably for the same reason that, despite all the riches and beauty of this place, almost everyone seems to love the ponies best. They’re so gentle and friendly, love people, and of course are just beauties, too. We have to ask – have you pet a Newfoundland pony today?

To see more photos of the ponies in actin, check out this album on our Facebook page!

Bridie and The Berry

Newfoundland pony at our Newfoundland resort inn and spaEveryone leads busy lives these days. We certainly do, as we navigate a new industry, and we know all our friends and colleagues work hard, too. Add in all our devices and on-the-go culture, and it’s hard to unplug! That’s why we love our animals, big and small. They force you to slow down, without your screens and cell phones, and live in the moment while you care for them. Here’s The Berry and Bridie, our Newfoundland pony, going through their evening ritual. It’s truly a blessing!

The Great Escape

Newfoundland ponies at our Newfoundland resort inn and spaTalk about a comedy of errors – especially for someone like Jerry who is mildly afraid of horses! A few evenings ago he was working reception at The Doctor’s House, when through our glass door he saw blurred images moving past quickly.  Knowing they couldn’t be human, he ran and opened the door – to see our 4 ponies and Eweness the Sheep on the gallivant.  They’d found a hole in the fence and taken full advantage.

The Berry was away, and Perry, our caretaker, was unreachable – so it was up to Jerry, slightly (just slightly!) afraid, to figure out how to get our animals, now on the loose, back to the safety of the barn.

So he got some apples and a bucket and went looking for the beasts. He found them in the furthest field from the barn, all smiles, munching on the fresh green grass and enjoying the sweet taste of freedom.

Shaking, a little, bucket in hand, Jerry approached Monty – the leader of the pack.  As Monty munched on his first piece, Jerry put on his rein, held the old bucket in front of his nose, and led him easily (with heart pounding) back to the barn. To his relief, the others followed their leader neatly behind him.

Back at the barn, Jerry released the horses to look for the hole in the fence.  He found it quickly, but not before the four ponies took off in full stride again, down the field and out through the hole, back to where he had last found them – laughing at him all the way.

So Jerry fixed the fence and started after them again.  Thankfully, by this point, The Berry had returned, so she much more confidently led them back to the barn.

Here is the picture we took the morning after the Great Escape.  The animals are clearly not as happy to have given up their freedom – but they are much safer now that their little adventure is over. And, it’s not like we don’t make sure they get plenty of exercise! Newfoundland ponies at our Newfoundland resort inn and spa

Thanks, Paul!

Ponies at our newfoundland resort inn and spaWe like to share beautiful Newfoundland photography when we can (we try our best to get great shots, but we’re not artists!). Thanks to our neighbour at The Doctor’s House, Paul Seymour, for sharing this gorgeous shot of our ponies enjoying their lunch and a sunny day. And have a great weekend!

Some Love for Shamrock

Owner of Newfoundland Inn with her Newfoundland pony

We’ve had some questions after posting about our construction project to turn a barn at The Doctor’s House into a wedding reception hall, wondering whether it would displace our menagerie of animals. And the answer is, happily, no! Our Newfoundland ponies and goat have their own, newer barn, where they’re given lots of love and other necessities – and that’s not going to change.

Here’s Laurelyn with Shamrock, a looker if ever there was one, and the sweetest pony around. She loves attention and kisses, and absolutely loves humans. Thankfully, the feeling is mutual!

Pretty Ponies

Newfoundland ponies at a Newfoundland resortThere is one thing for certain – The Doctor’s House, an animal sanctuary, has some beautiful residents. I never thought I’d be responsible for ponies, but then again, I never thought I’d be doing so much that we do out here in our new lives as Innkeepers and Restauranteurs. I wouldn’t trade it – or them – for anything.

Thanks to our genius chef, Anna Dohey, for capturing such great photos and passing them along. You can see more on our Facebook page. Anna is also behind our New Year’s Eve menu, which we’re excited about. Clearly she is a woman of many talents!

Summer Memories

Horses at our Newfoundland resort

Here is a great picture recently sent to me by Paul Davis, Minister of Child, Youth and Family services and a good friend of mine. He took it when he, his wife Cheryl and special friends came out to The Doctor’s House to celebrate his clean bill of health and victory over cancer.

Paul is a singular human being who has done a lot for individuals and the public at large. He is an important part of the Newfoundland mosaic, and it is our honour to count him a friend and to have welcomed him to our Inn.

This picture certainly reminds us of the warmth of the summer sun. Thankfully, winter is better when we’re cozy, and when Christmas is coming. We’re so excited for Christmas at The Doctor’s House this year (all of The Berry’s family is coming) and for the fun New Year’s Eve we’re starting to plan. It’ll be here before you know it.

Joe Friday’s New Diggs

Horse at our Newfoundland Inn and SpaJoe Friday has a new place, and quite the place it is. We recently turned a garage at The Doctor’s House into a place for Joe (and soon to be a corporate meeting room attached!). Now he’s surrounded by Newfoundland ponies who like to poke their heads in his living room, to check out what he and Molly are up to. Pretty sweet!Newfoundland ponies at our newfoundland inn and spa