Fifi, Ruimsig’s favourite miniature pony back home, safe and sound
After a daring escape from her enclosure on the evening of Friday, 20 April, Fifi the miniature pony was returned to her owner, Louis Nortje, the next morning – safe and sound.
Fifi has been in Louis’ care since December last year when he purchased her from a breeder in Rustenburg.
“She was being kept in a small, 2 x 3m enclosure when I found her and I simply couldn’t leave her there,” Louis recalled.
Read the initial article here: BCI rescues wandering pony in Ruimsig
At the same time, he decided to move to Roodepoort, leaving a farm in the Free State behind, and bringing Fifi with him.
“We decided to bring Fifi with us because she’s a people’s pony and absolutely loves company,” he said.
Louis runs a music school and his latest venture, Planet Jungle Gym, is a long-time hobby of making jungle gyms that he has decided to turn into a business.
Fifi lives on Planet Jungle Gym’s property in Ruimsig, adjacent to Pick Me Nursery, where she has a full-time carer in Calvin Maposa who has been taught how to properly care for her.
“She really is a joy to look after, she has never caused any problems,” Calvin said with a smile.
Fifi receives three different types of food a day – protein pellets, A-grade grass, and lucerne – to keep her healthy, while also getting apples and/ or carrots on a daily basis.
She has full access to the entire area where Louis keeps his business’ finished products; however, a section of the grounds will soon be cordoned off and become hers and hers alone to graze in.
“Since we moved here and started the new business, Fifi has sort of become the business’ mascot,” Louis joked.
After the move to Roodepoort, Louis had her examined by a vet who confirmed that she was in good health. She was estimated to be close to 20 years old.
Fifi is visited almost daily by Louis’ children who enjoy being around her and feeding her carrots and apples.
Louis was very surprised that Fifi had escaped from his premises, as she had never tried to escape before. It appears that she managed to get out after someone hit the the fence of her enclosure with a vehicle, leaving a hole in it.
Louis was also very grateful to the people who found and took care of her.
“I was so happy to find out that she was okay and I am eternally grateful for the people who found her and took care of her ’till I could fetch her in the morning,” Louis said.
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