Wow..... So we continue into Lockdown Spring. This has to be the Weirdest spring ever!! Apart from the fact that if I catch this virus I will probably die, I am liking the slower pace of life. Fewer cars roar by the yard, everything is quieter and spring seems to be reveling in the stillness of the planet.
Those that are lucky enough to have their horses at home, or on private yards, at least have the pleasure of equine company, but with the BHS recommending not riding, may be at a loss of what to do with their horses. But this is a brilliant time to increase the bond. And also to get all those boring yard jobs done.... Anyone for rug cleaning? Fence Repairs? Washing all those dirty numnahs?
We have moved our herd onto the Hill Field and building a track system that is moving daily. Not only are we restricting grass this way, but as each track section is extended, the ponies have further to walk for water. Daisy is now with Lily, Dora and Mini as they need less grass, and accept the fact they have to traverse a maze. They also have a hay container still, to supplement the rationed grass.
Charlie and Lu are not so compliant with this system. Both are perfectly able to lift up fence posts and hop over the laid down fences to find new grazing. A couple of days ago we found them out in the main field looking as if they had been partying all night. We brought them into the stalls in the Barn while we repaired the damage they had caused, only to have to wait at the water butts while they both drank for England. It seems they couldn't possibly jump back over a clicking electric tape to get water, even though we reckoned they had been out at least 16 hours (based on droppings). So we spent a long, long, long time wrapping electrified wire around all the posts so they cannot grab them without getting a shock. Their track system is slightly less meandering than the others, but they still have a trek to the Water Butts.
And so to that bonding I was talking about. I have come up with 25 Things to do With Your Horse on the Ground and am frantically making short videos for You Tube. Number 1 is simply Hanging Out. Just spend time with your horse in the field. Sit quietly and observe the herd dynamics. If your horse trusts you, you will be able to go and sit with him, while he is laying down.
Number 2 is a Breakfast Date with your pony.
Number 3 is all about Lunging.
Number 4 is about to be uploaded and covers "Join-Up", "Hook Up", "Bonder", "Follow Me" whatever you call it, its all the same. In the next few days I will cover Beginning Clicker Training and Correct Leading.
Please follow my YouTube Chanel for more videos.
Stay safe.
P.s...... If you are suffering from Hay-fever, and you find sneezing in public causes mass panic, it's always nice to know your best friend is on hand with a hanky 😄
So Jo and Lulu are still in the Top Barn Challenge, and week 7 is now finishing. Jo has used the last week as her rollover week, and so from Monday we buckle down to finishing the last 5 weeks. This week has been a non-starter. Jo has had home stuff to tackle, I am still next to useless (Chest Infection gone, but low on energy, breath and ribs still painful), and no sooner had Storm Ciara gone, then Storm Dennis rolled in.
Storm Dennis seems never-ending. He must have a very whippy tail, as the wind has not dropped below 20 mph, generally being around the 30mph mark, and according to my weather app, there is no end in sight. Despite being naked and on top of the only hill in Suffolk, the ponies are doing well. They are all like polar bears! Its at this point Winter seems to drag. Now the nights are drawing out, and the blossom and daffs are beginning to bloom, I get impatient for the T-shirt days to begin.
Last weekend it was so wet and cold that we brought Mini into the Tack-room so Nancy could dry her off before a quick ride. That child is hardcore!!! Mini amused us by showing how good she is at saying Please!
Speaking of Minis.....We are looking for another Shetland. Preferably a Standard Mare. Older rather than younger, but unbroken to ride is ok. Our Mini has spent the best part of her life with Sweet Pea (another Shetland who passed away 18 months ago) and just seems a little lost still. She would like a friend her size. We would be happy to do a loan swap with Dora The Explorer, a Welsh Sec A who is wasted with us at the moment. Dora would make a great 2nd pony, is fully papered and has great paces. She is just not really a lead rein pony.
So as I am still crook, and unable to do anything too strenuous with Charlie Bear, I brought him in for a breakfast date. I set us up a table and chair, and he had brekkie from the table, while I had my morning coffee. Was a great date.
While this may seem a little strange, you can't beat just bonding with your pony.
As Humans, we are always in a hurry. We often put pressure on ourselves to hurry hurry hurry, to 'achieve' something. Every moment with our horses must be spent doing what we feel is important (schooling, jumping etc). Horses live life at a much slower pace. They don't get the need to get on and learn something every time they see you. They don't go back into the field satisfied that they have learnt shoulder-in. If you work your Horse every time you see him, he is not going to look forward to you appearing in the field with a head-collar. If you really want to create a bond with your horse, just spend time together. Hang out with no agenda. Bring him in for a Breakfast Date. Spend time just scratching him. Give him a pamper session. Go for a walk together.
To learn some tricks check out my YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLYQBYhWqo_WPVdz9MFkCtA/videos?view_as=subscriber
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