Welcome to Shenanigan Stud Therapeutic Herd

Shenanigan Stud Identification Sheet Copy Copy Pdf
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We have a printable identification sheet above 👆to help prepare for the different characters you will meet. Feel free to print or download your own copy.

Briar, aka Le Briar Soul, ex-racehorse, 26 years

Briar is the founding father figure of our little herd. He is a former steeplechaser (think Grand National fences) and is the most loving, and gentle, of the family. Briar had lived alone, competing in dressage and eventing after his retirement from racing. 
He adores Bella, and gained a new lease of life as a family man when we introduced the Shetlands to his family. Briar especially watches out for Juno, they are often found together.

Bella, aka Chandos Belle, ex-racehorse, 13 years

Bella was born in Germany and showed great promise as a racehorse on the flat, and over hurdles. She won races in Germany, France, and England before she turned 5 years old. Bella was retired straight to us as a companion for Briar after sustaining a career ending injury during her final race. 
Her owners and trainer wanted the best for her, and generously donated towards her veterinary care as she recovered with us. Bella can be quite aloof with visitors, so it's a great honour when she approaches to say hello.

Mai, miniature Shetland pony, 13 years old

Mai is our formidable herd matriarch. She was born wild on the Shetland Islands and ended up with an animal hoarder in Wales. She was a part of a herd of over 50 ponies, with uncontrolled breeding. The herd were surrendered by their original owners and redistributed to safe homes around the UK. When Mai arrived with us she was pregnant, and was accompanied by her unhandled 5 month old foal Pixel. It has been our delight to get to know Mai over the past 6 years and gain her trust. She has taught all of us so much about herd behaviour and parenting. 

Toffee, miniature Shetland pony, 14 years old

Toffee is the auntie of our herd. We were asked to take her in by her previous owner, after they had seen how happy and relaxed our herd were one day. Toffee had been used as a travelling companion pony for nervous event horses going to shows and competitions. When her services were no longer required she had found herself sharing a paddock with some goats. She has the sweetest character and settled into our family straight away. She quietly goes about her day, ensuring no one is left without a friend.

Pixel, miniature Shetland pony, 6 years old

Pixel is Mai's older son, born in 2020 in Wales. He arrived as a cautious, unhandled foal alongside his pregnant mum. Pixel is an absolute delight to be around. He blossomed into a wonderful, confident young gelding, under the mentorship of his beloved father figure, Briar.

Juno, miniature Shetland pony, 5 years old

Juno is the beloved baby of the family herd. He is Mai's youngest son and was born at our home in June 2020. He has known nothing but unconditional love since his arrival into the world; he shares that love with anyone who comes into contact with him. Juno and Briar have an amazing 'father' and 'son' bond, even with the size difference between them. Pixel has mentored his little brother much as Briar mentored him.

Hope, miniature Shetland pony, 6 years old

Hope is our newest arrival, and arrived here in October 2025. Her owner had some severe health issues, and reached out to ask if we could take her in to join our family herd. Pixel was delighted to have a friend who is the same age as him, they are very sweet together.

Pippin and Merry, Irish pygmy goats, 6 years old.

Merry and Pippin. This sweet pair of Irish goats found themselves in need of a new permanent home, they have settled in well with the horses, ponies, dogs, and cats. They are incredibly cheeky and will regularly stroll into the cottage to check out what's on the TV, or snaffle goodies from the kitchen.

Merry has a tendency to get rather carried away when we have visitors to the herd, so he doesn't tend to get involved in therapy sessions conducted inside the yard. Hopefully he and his lady, Pippin, will take the lead from the rest of the Shenanigans and keep his impressive pair of horns to himself.

Miska, Caucasian shepherd dog 4 years old

Miska is our beautiful 4 year old Caucasian shepherd dog, she came to us 2 years ago after her previous owner passed away. Caucasian shepherds are a herd guardian breed, originally used to protect herds of goats or sheep out on the Caucasus mountains of Georgia. Miska is very popular with visiting children, due to her quiet watchful nature.

" It’s such a wonderful what Jo and all of the animals at Shenanigan Stud do to help the mental well-being of whoever they can assist. I have been following this page since it first started and the love and welfare that Jo has for the animals is her utmost priority so that they all have the best possible life ever. I have visited the stud twice now and would highly recommend to everyone. Well done Jo. 😊"

Vikki Edwards 2022

Meet Our Therapy Herd Today

Experience the healing power of equine therapy with our unique horses and ponies. Book a session now!

We never set out to build a “pack.”

It just… happened. One life at a time.

Now, tucked away in rural Fermanagh, our home is filled with hooves, paws, mud, and movement—each day shaped by the rhythms of the animals who share it with me. This is where everything I’ve been through, and everything I’ve learned, has come together.

Animals have always been the thread running through my life; from my early days as a zoo keeper, working with everything from lions to gorillas, to the quieter, more personal work I do now. The animals here aren’t just companions; they are part of a living, breathing therapy herd—each one bringing something unique.

The dogs, my pack, are at the heart of it.

Miska, our steady and watchful Caucasian Shepherd, carries a quiet strength that grounds everything around her.

Louis, my wise old Shar Pei x Greyhound, now 14, brings a gentle calm and a lifetime of knowing.

Norman, the youngster, Kelpie x Collie, abandoned in a freezing cold park with his four brothers just after Xhristmas, arrived full of questions and energy, a reminder of new beginnings and second chances.

And then there are the ladies…

Eliza, our Chinese Crested x Chihuahua, and Mia, the Shih Tzu, operate very much as a duo (think Ursula’s eels from The Little Mermaid). Always watching, always involved, and never far from the centre of whatever is going on.

Eliza is sharp, expressive, and completely self-assured despite her size.

Mia, on the other hand, is the boss. Stubborn, opinionated, and absolutely convinced she is right at all times, whether anyone agrees or not. She doesn’t offer comfort; she issues instructions.

They shouldn’t work, on paper. Such different breeds, sizes, instincts, and histories. But that’s exactly why they do.

The guardian, the elder, the thinker, the spark, and the self-appointed ruler—each balances the others. Where one is watchful, another is playful. Where one is calm, another brings energy (or insists on it). Together, they create a harmony I could never have planned.

They are not just a pack. They are a system. A family. A support.

Alongside them are the horses, ponies, and other animals who make up the Shenanigan Stud Therapy Herd - a space built not just for me, but for others who might need the same grounding, healing, and connection that animals offer so honestly.

This isn’t a polished life. It’s muddy, noisy, full, and very real. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Welcome to our corner of Fermanagh.