Pytor is a full brother to Venka. Born in 2018, he has some issues with his stifles (the back knee) I am hoping the summer pasture and the hills with lots of selenium will strengthen them.
He is one handsome fellow trotting about in the field of snow. He is now trained to pull the cart, another show stopper in the herd.
Pytor had a rough start in life, and we suspect Venka’s was much the same. When their previous owner acquired them, Venka was approximately a year old and their mother was pregnant with Pytor. The mare was in poor condition, clearly showing signs of malnutrition. They were selectively bred to achieve the historic “Tarpan” look—Tarpans having gone extinct in the 19th century.
There is only a year between Pytor and his older sister, Venka. Venka was born first, to a malnourished dam, and was later removed from the farm. Pytor was born a year later, by which time the mare was properly fed, and he was a much stronger foal as a result.
Pytor arrived as a stallion, and his focus seemed to be destroying fences. Needless to say, the his previous neighbours with mares were not amused. He was gelded at the Sanctuary. He is somewhat of a designer pony—bred for appearance, perhaps, but without quite retaining the brains of the Icelandic and Gotland ponies.
Pytor has been a handful from the very beginning. He has mellowed with age, but as a youngster he was a handful. He’s a sweet boy now, though we don’t believe there’s a great deal happening upstairs. His energy levels are enormous, and he truly thrives on work. He has been ridden, and when harnessed to a cart, he flies like the wind—it’s a beautiful sight. He and Venka are inseparable, and because they look so alike, it can be difficult to tell them apart.
In our experience, all ponies need consistent, regular work and unfortunately, we don’t have anyone able to devote the necessary time to them.
Both Venka and Pytor are usually the first to come greet you. While it’s wonderful to think, “Ah, they love me,” it’s far more likely they’re hoping you’ve brought a carrot or a sweet. But both of them are very well loved.
