THE devilish antics of a pony called Satan have turned him into an internet hit.
It has taken three years just to get a saddle on the 4ft Palomino from Kentucky without the need for drugs.
The three-year-old pony, dubbed a “fireball”, rears, kicks bucks and bites so much it has never been ridden.
Satan’s first owner sold him on Craigslist for £130, warning the purchase was “at your own risk” and “no returns”.
Satan’s brave new owner, Olivia Dixon from Salvisa, Kentucky, claims to be making progress and reckons she has “fallen in love with the devil”.
Olivia has set up a Facebook page – A Pony Known as Satan – dedicated to the “evil” equine which has attracted 112,000 followers.
Satan was rescued at six months after being mistreated and neglected and allowed to roam freely through eastern Kentucky, a state known for its horse racing.
Olivia responded to an advert placed by Jessica Lynn in July last year which read: “Pony available at your own risk.
“Meet Presley (AKA Satan). He got the first name, earned the other.
“13 hands of fireball. He isn’t broke to ride and most days barely broke to lead (if you can even catch him).
“He does rear, kick and buck a little bit. Even a bite on occasion (especially if you try to touch him).
“You can pick up his feet (if you have a death wish). He would excel as a bronc prospect or maybe just a lawn mower.”
It went on: “He will remind you to pay your health insurance on time. He loves horse treats (will take them with or without chunks of your hand).
“He has had a saddle on once after a tube of ace and a lot of blood, sweat and tears.
“He is a beautiful mover (whilst trying to catch him you will see this movement a lot).
“Will sell on a NO buy back contract. Free bottle of tequila with purchase (you will need it).”
The advert also explained that he was up for sale for just $200 “so the canners (meat buyers) stay away.”
Not one to be put off easily, Olivia took on Satan and was given a bottle of wine as she drove off with the pony.
His recent milestones include allowing Olivia to pick up his leg – an ordeal which took a lot of time and patience.
She even managed to put a saddle on him, something the previous owner had only managed to do with the aid of drugs.
Olivia said that despite the struggle, she has no regrets about buying Satan.
She said: “It was too good of an opportunity to show people no matter how lost of a cause a horse may seem to be, at any point in their life, they’re always worth redemption.
“He wants to learn because he’s an intelligent horse, but he doesn’t know that it’s ok to receive affection.
“If it takes ten years to make him a happy horse then I’ll take ten years. By that point I would probably just keep him anyway.”
She added: “It’s changed my outlook on life and on everything. If a horse can be abused and tied up with a tight lasso around his neck and still come around to trust enough, trust people again, why can’t we change?”
Hundreds of people have written on the Facebook page, praising Olivia and her efforts.
Connie Cole said: “I think you are amazing. People don’t realise the time, patience and effort it takes to work with an animal, especially one with issues. I’m so impressed with what you’re doing.”
Jeanelle Horlacher wrote: “This is a great story. Olivia deserves amazing kudos for all her patience with a beautiful but challenging guy.”
Some followers piped up with equally devlish names for their own horses.
Shauna Kidney wrote: “We have a mare named Hell’s Bitch. She has turned out to be one of the best ranch horses.”
Gerry Wardell said: “I had a young Thoroughbred named Suicide. I am in for the adventure of watching Satan.”
Kari Kidd added: “I have Satan’s tri-coloured brother from hell. His name is Malfoy…for a very good reason.”
