So its Week 3 in the Top Barn Challenge, and we are still going strong. Well Jo is. I still have the Cold from Hell! I know its dragging on!! Mark The Mechanic and Part-Time Horse Whisperer has turned Doctor this week and has diagnosed me with a cracked rib from coughing. After I had finished laughing (which was quickly coz it hurt so damn much), I actually agree with him. I have properly broken ribs in the past, and its all the same....Can't breathe without it hurting, can't move, change down gears, steer the truck, cough, sneeze or laugh without stabbing pains. Mark reckons my ribs are weak due to the Radiotherapy and Pneumonia (he hasn't mentioned menopause!!!), and he has a point. Still a little cracked rib and never ending mucus in my lungs and nose is not going to stop me!!
So Week 3 saw Jo and Lulu disappearing out for hacks alone without a care in the World. While I had a falling out with Charlie. After a nice walk out on Monday, by Wednesday he wouldn't be caught. I chased him down for half an hour.....But gasping for breath and a top speed of snails pace per hour in a 2 acre field meant I had as much chance of catching him as a 2CV racing a Formula One car. I gave up, sat down in the cold wet mud 10ft away from him, and told him how upset I was that he couldn't give me half an hour of his precious time. I told him that I loved him and was very hurt when he treated me like the enemy. I explained to him, that by the grace of The Gods (actually the wonderful Sara Higgins ), he could have easily ended up in a Tesco Ready Meal (other supermarkets are available). I told him how much I go without to ensure he wants for nothing. Oh yes! I got it all out!! He waggled his ears to and fro, and came over and nudged me. Whereupon I staggered up, said "No its too late", and marched over the to willing Lily.
So the next day I wanted to make amends. I wondered if he was hating the boring stuff like lunging. I know he loves his Trick Training. For the last year or so he has met me at the gate, stuffing his nose into the headcollar, eager to see what we would learn next. So I went out to catch him. He said No again. So I took Lu in and went back for Daisy. Charlie did NOT want to be left out, so came in with Daisy, sharing the one headcollar and rope. We ran through some tricks and all was good.
Friday was a big day!!!! Meg answered my plea to ride Daisy!! We decided to go down to Marsh Farm and back. Jo and Lu lead the way (by about half a mile) and Meg bravely gave Daisy her first hack in about 10 months. I followed, panting on foot with a very brave Charlie. We encountered Sheep and Swans which scared him, but he remained attached to me at all times.
Meanwhile Lily has been a star. We have spent the week Long-reining, working through obstacles, Liberty work and hanging out at the Mounting Block. She has tried hard with everything and is very keen to learn.
Today the Farrier came. He pared back Daisy's feet and nearly cried. Underneath the new growth, her soles have stabilized and pushed those protruding Pedal Bones back. He was amazed. So thank you Vince Buckman for getting our little Highland sound again. Daisy has now got her front shoes on normally!!! We are all soooo Happy!
We were overjoyed today to see Vivienne Sadler and Sharon Bleese, who has had a fight with Cancer. Sorry I had to disappear quickly, but the Tractor spat out its dummy (steering rack) in the Biggies paddock, and Mark The Mechanic and Part Time Horse Whisperer turned up to work his magic. Please come back soon xx
So, after the botched gate mounting I was delighted that Charlie wasn't so traumatised that he wouldn't let Sarah ride him last week. In fact he was a good boy, and I led him round the 'arena' several times with Sarah on board. After about 10 laps in each direction, I could tell by his eyes that he was bored and wondering what to do next....so we did a bit of mounting and dismounting and ended on a good note.
Since the I have decided to go back to basics for a while and try and establish the standing still bit. Having been brilliant at just standing....by the block, on a towel etc, for a few days I was surprised at how far back to basics we had to go yesterday!
Sweet Pea was off out with little Nancy, Lu was having a good groom with Jo. But Charlie just didn't want to be caught! I just wanted to re-plait his mane and apply sunblock and fly spray to make him more comfortable, as it is still sooo hot! So....Waaay back to basics!!! I had to keep sending him away, despite the fact I really didn't want him galloping in that heat. Eventually he dropped his head and moved towards me. I sat down and waited until he came right over. He was pretty sweaty at that point, but I had a point to make. With a youngster you just cannot let them get their own way.
Having tied him to the gate (only on baler twine, not the bungee), with Lu on the other side, Jo and I went off to get my grooming kit and a cold drink. When we came back I was fully expecting Charlie to have broken the baler twine. However I was pleased to see him just standing quietly tied where I left him. Lu however had removed her head-collar and was a little way off, with an innocent expression on her face... "Mummy, my head-collar just fell off, but I waited here for you".
So last week was the end of term for the RDA. Expecting to move to the new premises over the summer holidays we had a "Goodbye Sutton" party. It was a great day, and we presented a book of pictures to Shirley Green, who started the whole thing 30 years ago. Rather preemptive though, as due to planning updates we are not now moving till November-ish.
On my 'last' hack on Friday, I videoed the ride for prosperity. By the time I have edited it, we will probably have moved!!
