Tuesday, 12 June 2018

When Your Sweet Gelding Goes Stallion!

So basically Charlie is so laid back I always thought he should be called Dylan. He wanders about looking stoned most of the time.  His mares henpeck him.  He nonchalantly moves when they ask (glare at him). Occasionally when I am working him he has a colty tantrum, when he thinks he's had enough.....but generally he is a sweetie.

This morning first thing he was nuzzling me, lifting his nose for me to blow in his nostrils, blowing back and licking and nuzzling my face.  So we never thought he would be a problem when we let Dora in to his field. They all know each other.  If anything we thought Lu might object a bit, but after establishing she was boss, they would all settle down.

Thats how it started. They all had a little run, then settled to eating.  Dora was flirting with Charlie. While he was grazing, she was backing up to him, squirting and squeaking. Eventually they started a game of 'Chase Me'.  Charlie obliged, Dora squealed and bucked when he got too close......Just a flirt.  I thought they would end up loved up.

Oh how wrong I was. Charlie just flipped.  Suddenly he was chasing her with intent.  Trying to grab her neck and put her to the ground. I was screaming at him to stop, still thinking they would sort it....

Then Lu bustled over....Not to break it up, but to help Charlie.  Lu grabbed Dora,s back while Charlie had her neck in his mouth, on his knees trying to force her to the ground. When I heard a deep roar (like lots of traffic in a tunnel), I knew we were in trouble.  Jo and I both ran towards them, screaming like banshees. Thankfully Charlie and Lu let go and Dora ran for the gate. Running to her I assessed her bites....then saw Charlie creeping up like a panther.  That was it.  I opened the gate, not really caring where Dora went, as long as she escaped.

Luckily Dora has only grazes.  As she was neighing we returned Polly and the Shetlands to her, thinking she needed some girl time. Alas it seems she likes a bit of rough, and still continued to whicker and squeal towards Charlie.  

I think Jo and I were way more traumatised!!!!  We had to have a bit of rescue remedy.  Having edited the pictures down, I actually feel sick!  But here it is....Graphic Pictures!







































































Friday, 1 June 2018

Our Suffolk Show

Ok for non British readers, briefly the Suffolk Show is our County Show.  This is the BIG ONE.  People (professional show people) come from all over to County Shows throughout the summer months.  In my previous life I travelled to several County Shows....Yes in different counties of England.  For non professionals the local County Show is a chance to compete against the best.

The Suffolk Show is our local County Show.  Held in Ipswich over two days, it is a big event for local Farmers, Riders and the general public for a jolly good day out.  Last year, Lu was lame on the morning of the show.  This year I threatened to kick her and throw a big sulky wobble if she wasn't sound. (Mostly because it means getting up at 5.30am.....And I DON'T do mornings) Of course Lu is a tough old bird, and has only been lame the once in her life, and for good reason.......Sorry Trawl through posts from last year. So obvs she was sound this year.  Despite living out 24/7 she also managed to keep clean from her bath.

Despite the Lorry being off the road, we borrowed a trailer (Thanks Eli O'Conner), I managed to get up at 5.25am and we set off almost on time.  We arrived at the showground on time, met up with Meg, who was doing the running bits for Jo, and were in the collecting ring 10 minutes before the class!!

Lulu was outstanding!!  For a pony that can spook at a tyre, or wheelie bin, when ridden, she didn't bat an eyelid at anything. She hasn't been to a show for years, but behaved like a pro.  There were mini diggers nearby which upset half the class, but Lu remained calm.  The changeover between Jo and Meg for the running bits was seamless.  The class is an odd one....European Breeds.  Lu was up against large Warmbloods, and an exceptional Thoroughbred type, which I thought was a Selle Francais.  It wasn't, but the breed was obscure, so I can't remember what it was. There were no Fresians, Icelandics, Fjords or other Haflingers, which was a shame, as there is a great deal of difference between 'native type' and 'thoroughbred type' European breeds.  The judge actually asked Jo what breed Lu was.  I thought Haflingers are so distinctive that anyone would recognise them!

Still they came Third.  And more importantly Lu was an absolute star.  On the way back to the Trailer, we got ourselves burgers/bacon butties, and sat and ate them.  We then left Lu tied up to the trailer with a haynet, while we looked round the Equine Village and the dog stands. When we got back, after oohing and arghring at tiny children showing calves,  we found ourselves stuck. 

The lane out of the showground was full of magnificent Shires pulling Trade Carts.....And they were being Judged where they stood.....Pretty much behind our trailer.  Meanwhile we had some Hunt beside us and opposite us, hounds baying, horses excited, trying to get ready for the Hound Parade.  We all waited patiently until the draft horses moved on. We then waited for the hounds to be released.....What a sight.  Although I hate hunting, and have only ever been drag-hunting myself, I still love the sight of hounds streaming out together.  An emotive subject, one which I will not preach about here.

All in all we had a great day.  We were way too tired to do anything more than give the others more grass and water when we got back....we paid for that today with double poo-picking.  BUT it was worth it. Well done Jo, Meg and Lulu.