Elf the Little Grey Pony - A Year On

www.alizajanephotography.com.au donated all the photos for Elf's calendar and Christmas cards

Elf the adorable little grey pony is very popular - he's mobbed by fans at public appearances and is a star on Facebook with many followers. On Christmas day, in addition to many best wishes, he received a carrot cake for his dining pleasure, however, a year ago life was not so pleasant for this gorgeous little guy. 

On Christmas day 2010, Elf was cruelly dragged from a car and suffered terrible injuries from which he was lucky to survive, but survive he did and after many months of treatment made a miraculous recovery. He is now in a wonderful home and is working with Equine Learning for Futures inc, (ELF) which aims to help kids gain skills so they don't harm animals, people or themselves.

Elf's human, Jill Strachan, is so pleased with how much Elf has progressed, saying, "he is becoming a very social individual with both people and other horses. He made a lengthy appearance at Eagle Farm Racecourse as part of our ELF Inc.'s fundraising. We took the opportunity to make Christmas cards, sell raffle tickets for a bathroom renovation package donated by a friend of Elf, and sell a 2012 calendar." 

"At the races Elf's behaviour was quite interesting. He loved to play with the young ladies dresses, turn his nose up and be cranky at the drunkards and what was most illuminating was Elf's response when a parent plopped a 6 month old baby right next to him! Elfie just stood still and was very careful not to do anything naughty - as he had been doing up until that moment!" 

"He does love it when people come down to his level and his favourite is licking people's fingers. I am glad the baby didn't have any crumbs on her as I am sure Elfie would have been in to clean them up!"

"Elf has started to work with the horsemanship program that Equine Learning for Futures operates. He loves being groomed and is happy enough to be led around by the children. Though they do need to be focused as just like any pony the head just snaps down to the grass to get those one or two mouthfuls." 

"2012 will be a big year for ELF Inc and Elf the Little Grey Pony. We intend to have him go out and meet school groups attending the horsemanship programs and I want to improve his training through incorporating "Clicker" training – I think this will be a challenge with a little pony."

It's wonderful to see Elf's life so transformed and to know that after such a terrible time he is now in a wonderful home and helping young people.

Follow the links below to find out more about Elf's early recovery and how Jill met this brave pony, plus learn about how ELF Inc is helping to change lives.

Quick Links

• Read Five Minutes With... Jill Strachan to find out more about Elf and his recovery and ELF Inc
• Visit and 'Like' Elf's Facebook page