Alure the Scene for Love Stories
An unlikely romance of the four-legged variety is blossoming at an exclusive retreat for couples nestled amongst tranquil bushland and boutique wineries of the Granite Belt.
Ms Marion Carrick, co-owner of Alure Boutique Villas, says the unusual relationship is emerging between a resident sheep and pony is set to rival any other animal love story.
“We have so many beautiful love stories from the couples that stay with us and now we have our own, between Monty the sheep and Bek the pony,” said Ms Carrick.
“They stand shoulder to knee, but as is the case with true love, their difference in size does not deter this romantic couple from seeking each other across the paddocks of our retreat,” she said.
Bek is a 9 year old Royal Champion Welsh Mountain pony and Monty is a 3 year old purebred miniature Babydoll Southdown ram standing around half her height.
“Monty follows his beloved Bek around the paddock, gazing at her lovingly and when not together he whickers at her when she walks past.”
Ms Ruth McLennan, Marion’s mother and co-owner of Alure Boutique Villas, says most animal love stories seem to occur between two that are in enclosures alone, with no other animals of their species nearby.
“What makes this romance different is that Monty is paddocked with 16 other sheep, yet he still chooses Bek,” said Ms Carrick.
“It’s very Romeo and Juliet, and our guests marvel that love really does come in all shapes and sizes,” said Ms McLennan.