They are small, well-behaved and have a super soft coat. The cuddly ponies at Recreatiepark de Bosrand in Ellertshaar therefore receive more than enough cuddles from camping guests in the summer. But in winter it is a completely different story.
“They are a bit lonelier now,” says campsite owner Martijn Huisman. “The ponies obviously miss being cuddled every day.”
In the summer there are dozens of children walking around on the Bosrand who would like to cuddle with the ponies. Parents can then rent a cuddly pony. The children spend days cleaning the ponies, walking around with them and giving them sweets.
“The ponies really enjoy it. The most important thing is animal welfare, so the parents are obliged to stay with them. And we also pay attention,” says Huisman.
One of the pacesetters at the campsite is Olaf. The Shetlander walks freely across the grounds and will occasionally cross the street if there is juicy grass. “My favorite,” laughs Huisman. “Olaf is also the only pony with his own Instagram account.”