Back To Normal Whatever That Is and A New Book (Shameless Plug)

 At last I was released from prison (I mean hospital). The first thing I did was get a decent coffee from Costa. I had hoped to see Charlie on the way home but predictably we got caught in an hour long traffic jam, so it was dark when we finally arrived back in Suffolk.   For those that don't know I have Dodgy Lungs and a Dicky Ticker. Back in July I had a line fitted into my heart and received IV drugs via a sexy pump worn at my waist. I hated it. My body hated it and the side effects meant I was constantly throwing up, having headaches, muscle aches and hot flushes. On top of that the pump was incredibly annoying and my heart was rejecting the line. I had a choice of having it re-positioned and taking anti rejection drugs, or having it removed which the hospital did not recommend. Obviously I chose to have the damn thing taken out.  Apparently I may suffer "Sudden Decline" but my body has spoken!  On top of that I did some research.  Apparently in Canada they are removing IV lines in favour of the Oral drug that I have gone back to. Its a newish drug ( I did the Drug Trial for it originally) so no-one actually knows the long term benefits. That's good enough for me. The side effects are unpleasant (mostly headaches and large muscle aches in my case), and daily, but only last 3 hours or so. I feel I have a life back. I can have a shower and actually get wet at the same time.  In fact I can get wet full stop. I don't have a stupid pump constantly bleeping when something goes wrong, I don't have to spend half an hour a day mixing drugs and I can roll over in bed without risking pulling the line out. And best of all I can ride without worrying about the consequences of a fall (apart from gasping for air or passing out). 

While I was in hospital I finished the book I started earlier in the year when I was incarcerated having the line put it.  So it wasn't a total waste of time!  its called Tails From the RDA (about the 10 years I spent as Yard Manager at Hollesley RDA). I screwed up the formatting (Word has never been my strong point) but the book is available on Kindle (Oh the shameless plugging!!!).  There will be a paperback, with photos when I get my head round formatting.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09M7WCKSJ/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_til?tag=horsea-21&linkCode=w00&linkId=828cfe289db61b84b660826dc4a1db9e&creativeASIN=B09M7WCKSJ

I'm so crap at this stuff I don't even know if the link I have just posted will work!

Anyway, so at last I got home. Didn't know weather to stuff my face with actual edible food, or open the exciting post from Top Barn first. I did both. While I was away my rosettes from the Handy Pony and The Halloween Comp had arrived!

Having been told to "do nothing strenuous" and "keep heart rate below 100bmp" for 6 weeks, I raced to the Farm early the next day.  Charlie was gratifyingly happy to see me, nickering and racing to the gate. However after a long long cuddle and lots of muddy mustache kisses he buggered off back to his friends.  When presented with his rosettes he wouldn't let me attach them to his headcollar, viewing them much as I would if presented with a large hairy spider.  Daisy was much more accommodating, wearing what is probably her first rosette ever. 

So the last week I have been "taking it easy", having breakfast with Charlie and working on some patterns and basic leading. I have recorded the metres covered on Equilab, but even I realise now that finishing those 100 miles before xmas is impossible!  I am aiming for 50 miles instead.  So thats half the distance in twice the time! Impressive hey?

But as I am starting to feel stronger the pull of those points for the Top Barn league are calling.  Is it possible to still do the Jumping Classes? I have 5 days. Can I get Charlie jumping in hand in that time?  He can certainly jump, but is not too keen on lunging. And what about Daisy?  She absolutely does not jump. But maybe the patterns are possible in the poles only class? She will probably buck, but without the pump who cares? Will i give it a go? Come back in a couple of weeks to find out!

An Indian Summer, Ponying, The !00 Mile Challenge Update, and Top Barn Handy Pony Comp

 Yup its The Weather Channel here. We were promised storms!  They didn't get any nearer than 20 miles away.  Still we were promised a day of rain. We got a little light rain.  Just enough to lay the dust for an hour. Jo and I had already moved the Minis into the Hill Field, but were waiting for the rain before we fenced it into 2 paddocks. As it never came, we bit the bullet and spent 4 hours (YES 4 HOURS) hammering the fence posts into a concrete ground. But now the Herd is reunited in the same field, making life easier for us.  We can enjoy the Indian Summer.  Its back to shorts! 

I was able to film Charlies Liberty Class in the abandoned 4 Acre Field with no problem. Mostly dust now, there wasn't much point in him trying to find a blade of grass to munch on. He was a very good boy apart from the Lunging/Circling. He just does not like to be that far away from me!

And so onto those 100 miles!!!!!! 😁.   MMMMmmm. We have been plodding on. Last week I tried ponying Charlie off Daisy. Considering I haven't ridden since the end of April (due to the Dodgy Lungs and Dicky Ticker, and the subsequent fitting of Paddy Pump, who delivers IV drugs straight into my heart), coupled with Daisy not having been ridden for about 6 weeks, it might have been a bit risky.  But it all turned out ok.  I covered Paddy Pump in a childs water arm-band thingy (Megs Brainwave) and went for it. We went out with Jo on Lu, and Meg with Nancy on Mini.  Daisy spent 5 minutes jogging and humping her back, kicking out at Charlie, then settled down to merely biting him, when we stopped to wait for Mini. All in all No Drama, and best of all I felt completely at home.....I did wonder if Paddy Pump would cause some apprehension, but i forgot about him! This week Charlie and I have been limping around (Well I have been limping, not Charlie).  We went for a wander down the lane with Jo and Joey on Lu and Daisy, in Long Reins and he was brilliant.  I dragged a stick home with us, making as much noise as possible. Apart from an initial mini freak out he settled to the noise.  Then we made THAT video.  We did an appeal for donation of miles!!!! OOps my twisted sense of humour!  The Top Barn Hub responded with offers of donated miles and even an offer of a rosette.  I am truly humbled at the response!!! I love you all.  But it was a joke.  I would never take anything I hadn't earned, but what an amazing group of people. I have a habit of ripping the piss out of everything, mostly myself!!! I will continue to clock up the miles and hope to finish by Xmas....like those people that finish the London Marathon days after everyone else.  The further I walk with Charlie the more trusting he has become, and we have ventured out of his comfort zone alone twice this week. Only another 80ish miles to go!!!   By the way (quick plug here), back in the day, my friend Tess and I took my two ponies down to Wiltshire and rode the Ridgeway. Dressed in Balldresses. To raise money for the RDA.. We did 120miles in 6 days. There is a book available on Amazon Kindle called .....'The Ridgeway Romp' Plug Plug Plug....Shameless Plugging!!!!😊.

And now my mind is on the latest Top Barn Comp. The Handy Pony Competition. Yay!  Despite being, er, er, 55, I am still that Gymkhana Kid at heart, so have entered already.  My mind is on creating another obstacle course. My tool belt is out, and tonight I painted a jump filler as a wall. I'm so excited. Stay tuned x

The C Word, Top Barn Challenge and The Laminitus Worry

Well, hasn't our world turned upside down in the last couple of weeks??
I hope everyone stays safe and well!!

I am very grateful that Jo and I rent our land privately, as many Livery Yards have banned owners from visiting their horses.  I have been lucky over the years to either have my horses at work, or rent privately.  The only Livery Yard I have ever been on was years ago and it was DIY with only 4 owners. I think I would probably lose the plot if I couldn't see Charlie and his mares every day!

Being at very high risk due to my dodgy lungs and dicky ticker, I am self isolating expect for doing the ponies.  As I live in a 4 room shoe-box flat with Mark the Mechanic (and Part-time Horse Whisperer) I would go insane without our glorious isolated 24 acres to run about in.  Ok I can't do running!!! But just the fresh air, exercise and being able to hug Charlie and breathe in his delicious horsey smell leaves me able to cope!!  Even Mark chose to use his allotted hours exercise yesterday, coming up to The Farm, grooming Charlie (which he really enjoyed), and helping me Hay. It seems he has already thoroughly explored all four rooms in the flat!!
I am a firm believer of fresh air and sunshine as a healer!

So If you find yourself stuck inside and unable to see your horse for a while, you have my sympathy.  If you have Netflix, you could binge watch Heartland(if you haven't already), or watch Unbranded, a film about some guys that took on Mustangs from kill-pen and rode them from The southern border of USA to the Northern border (its real, not a movie!).  There is also a bunch of You Tube vids to gorge on.  I thoroughly recommend Emma Massingale, Ride Like a Viking, Karl Greenwood and Carson James.  Oh and my Channel!!!  As for books? Carson James has a great book, or try Mark Rashid. For great novels check out Amanda Wills, Riverdale series.  Not forgetting The Ridgeway Romp, now available in paperback as well as E-book (Ok enough self plugging!!!)

And so, The Top Barn 2020 Challenge is on its last week.  And what a challenge it's been this year.  I baled very early (Week 4) due to a serious Chest Infection that left me with a poorly heart and 2 cracked ribs.  Many others were defeated by the strong wind and rain. And now this bloody virus has seen a few out because they can't even get to their horses.
But still Jo has ploughed on through it all. Lulu is as fit as a fiddle and enjoying the extra work.  I am so proud of Jo for her determination to finish this challenge whatever!  She has about an hour to complete!!  Well done Jo and Lulu.

And now the serious bit!!  It's a bit of a worry to see many yards that are now on lock-down and are short staffed, are now turning horses out onto 24/7 grazing. 
While this relieves the amount of work for the limited staff, and may make the ponies happy (temporarily)  there is a huge danger of laminitus occurring.  Horses that have been stabled during the Winter (even just at night) have probably been fed grain and rugged. Most will still be chubby from being stationary for 8 plus hours. Suddenly turning them out onto fresh spring grass, maybe still rugged, and possibly with a sudden drop in hay rations WILL cause Laminitus!! 
If this is the only option, I would recommend making a track system, so they have to walk a long way for water, still feeding hay, and stripping the rugs off pronto!!  Horses are designed to survive huge variants in temperature!! They are also designed to travel miles each day, live on scrubby land and drop weight in Winter!!!  Speaking of rugs.....Only clipped horses need them!!!  An over-heated horse is going to be uncomfortable at the least!!  Wild horses DO NOT have rugs! They can survive in extreme cold. A fat score of 4 or more, is the equivalent of a heavyweight rug!

To save all this stress and change, the simple way to keep horses happy is to leave them out 24/7 all year round in all their naked glory.  Feed ample hay and that will keep them warm.  Remember horses need the 3 Fs....
Friends, Freedom and Forage!  Not Rugs, Stables, Grain!  This not only saves time and money, it also keeps the horse happy, healthy and calm. It also means that they eat the new grass as it appears...slowly... and their systems slowly adapt to the change in diet!  

In all my ten years looking after the horses at the RDA, they lived out 24/7 on mostly hay (they all had a small feed of chaff and carrots when they worked as a Thank-You).  Despite most of them being elderly ( quite a lot were fit and working into their 30's), they thrived, lived in 2 herds, and i am proud to say I never had a case of Laminitus and only one of colic ( a new horse that had a huge worm burden).  We had no EMS or Ulcers. None of the horses were grumpy, or hard to catch, and they were all very laid back. 
And our own herd is also thriving!!  Despite all the wind and rain, we have only used a rug for holding down the hay on the trailer. We have used ONE bag of Chaff all winter!!  Our ponies are all looking fit and well. They are at ideal weights, with glossy coats, and are more than eager to work with us....even at liberty. 

Anyway Lecture over... But Food For Thought?

Stay Safe.

An RDA Royal Visit

Ok so it has taken me three days to sufficiently come down from this high-point of the year to be able to write about it (even now I may babble a bit!).
As regular followers, and people who know me, will know, RDA is, and has been a huge part of my life.  I was Stable Manager for Hollesley RDA between 1998 and 2008, and would never have given it up. Sadly life and other ambitious individuals got in the way (another story, but not for this blog).

Anyway, as you all know, I returned to teaching an RDA session in September 2016.  At that time the future of Hollesley RDA was in question as we had to vacate the premises at Sutton Hall, where we had been for around 20 years. An extremely generous person allowed us to rent land in Clopton, near Woodbridge, and frantic building work began on an all new purpose built centre.  As we had moved even further away from Hollesley, we got ourselves a new name...
Woodbridge and District RDA.

The new centre still needs a few finishing touches, but the main school, complete with built in Community Room, Office, Stalls, Kitchen etc is done.  We move lock, stock and barrel next week.

So the management team asked HRH Princess Anne to officially open the new building.  To our delight HRH agreed.  She must like us.....This is the fourth visit to Hollesley (Woodbridge) RDA!!

And so the big day was Tuesday.  There was frantic activity from all quarters!!!  As we haven't quite moved, 5 ponies were taken over for a few days to be in the display.  Suzanne our Operations Manager must have been tearing her hair out working out all the logistics.  Not to mention Clare (our Stable Manager), who lives on site, getting up at 4am one morning to clean the kitchen!!  Viv made sure the ponies were smart and the tack was all matching. Liz worked out a routine for a short display.  I thought I would be the one in the background, making sure horses and riders were ready etc.

WRONG!  On Monday I arrived for the run through.  As we were a leader missing, I stepped in, leading Lottie, who is about 30 and was at RDA all the while I ran the yard.  We also used Maddie, a New Forest pony on loan to us, Dolly the driving pony, and Smartie and Inca, our 2 big black mares, who are the mainstay of the adult riding sessions.

After several practises on Monday, leading the ponies, we agreed we (roughly) knew what we were doing and set about cleaning the tack, while the Driving crew polished harness and cart.  I was then told, I had better stay as leader....
Oh and Liz and I would be introducing the Ponies and Riders to HRH.

Panic stations on my behalf.....I have a thick Suffolk accent....and I was worried I might forget names! Swear! Nudge the Princess! Accidentally knock her over?
Suzanne, who would be sitting with HRH throughout, told me NOT to catch her eye, as we seemed to be having one of those inappropriate giggle fits when we looked at each other.  Not sure how I slept, but I did.

So THE morning dawned....Winter Wonderland....Thick Ice. Managed to get up on time (not my strong point).  We had to park at the other end of the mile long drive to The Bays (our new centres name) and catch a Mini Bus to the yard.  Major activity all round, polishing, plaiting and oiling the ponies.  Meanwhile outside people were scattering salt on the icy yard. There was a minor panic when one of our child riders texted in sick.  Luckily we had another child rider, Hope, who was going to present a posy. What a star, she agreed to ride Maddie, who she had never even sat on before. 

I must apologise here to the helpers (errr and everyone), for being bossy.  I somehow forgot I am not Yard Manager anymore!!!  I found myself yelling "Turn off all mobiles", and "Time to tack up", and "Get the ponies in the arena to warm up".  

In no time at all we heard the Helicopter arriving. As HRH made her way through the Community Area and walked across the Arena, I had a moment of sheer nerves, which completely dissipated as we started our display. We went a bit wrong, but recovered well and no-one noticed.  Sarah Hall,and I who were leading the lead ponies, seemed to have a telepathic connection and managed to right the wrong, with just a few nods and grimaces.

At the end of the display, the Princess came to meet the riders....Deep Breathe as someone took charge of Lottie and I joined Liz and Suzanne for the introductions.  HRH Princess Anne was lovely, and I found myself chatting away. We talked about the cold weather, Ian Stark buying horses from auction, and racehorses refusing to run.

Next up was the Long Service Awards.....At this point Shirley Green still hadn't arrived.  Shirley started Hollesley RDA many moons ago, when she ran Poplar Park at Hollesley.  She then moved to Sutton Hall and was my immediate boss, while I was there.  Shirley was County Instructor.  She was also involved in many BHS activities such as Riding and Road Safety Examiner, and Dressage Judge at big events, where i used to be her writer.  We were all getting concerned.....  Apparently Shirley used the worst taxi firm in Suffolk, and had a very long trip touring the villages of Suffolk, before arriving. 

At this point the Long Service Awards were drawing to a close, and I was back in the pony lines, when word came down that Shirley had arrived.  I didn't think, I just ran to meet her, nearly knocking out a security guard while flinging open the door to the Community room.  I thought to just quietly escort her to her seat in the Arena, but her arrival had been announced and Princess Anne came to meet us, as Shirley was met with a standing ovation!!!!

After the official opening HRH left and I seemed to take charge again (SORRY), yelling for the riders to be dismounted, and the ponies to be untacked before the helicopter took off. We were then able to relax (In fact 12 of us buggered off to Valley Farm Riding Centre in nearby Wickham Market for lunch (They have a brilliant cafe), and meet and mingle with clients and helpers.

SO...What a day.  Many thanks to the helpers, horses, and riders for making this one of the best days of my life.....And sorry for getting all bossy and in charge like!! XX

Charlies Day 3, CHAOS, and A Royal Visit

Charlies Day Three (Again) ..... Good and Bad.  The Bad first....well it happened first.  I was merely picking his feet out (or trying to!!).  When he wants to he will violently paw his foot out of the way (always the front).  This is sooo not acceptable to the Farrier....Or me as it happens.  A growl from me.  Try again, more pawing, I get louder, while trying to hang on. He rears. His eyes are rolling with amusement.  He gets the look of the devil sometimes.  Luckily Jo was at hand to hold his head, so I could get on with it. What I wouldn't give to be able to cross tie him at times.  Or even a solid tie-up rail would do.  As it is we have to make do with a dodgy gate. 

Anyway the work bit was good.  I used a roller, with side reins attached to the head-collar.  Yes we have been here before....more than once. More lunging...He's getting the hang of it now.  Trot round steadily, come in when asked, change direction. All good. This time I will keep doing this until its all perfect. That was yesterday.

Today there was Chaos with a big fat capital C. We were just taking the rugs off Polly and Daisy when Lulu broke down the connecting fence. So for 5 seconds all six ponies were in the same field. I quickly removed Polly as she is too old to be chased by a randy Charlie. Having given Charlie a good kicking, the Shetlands quickly exited under the tattered fencing.  All 3 smaller ponies converged near the tack room. Having blocked off any exits with our cars we went back up to sort out the tangled wire. By now Daisy had swapped fields, and was waiting for us to rescue her. Somehow we got them to rearrange themselves into the right fields.  Funny how easy it is for them to jump broken fencing when THEY want to, but its soo scary when we ask them to jump back. 

About an hour later, we had finally untangled all the self tangling electric wire and had standing fences and clean fields. Time to retrieve the runaways. Someone (Mini is the prime suspect) had been in the tack room. Scattered feed buckets, upturned chairs, and a overturned tub of Chastebury gave it away. Still at least they all had a bit of exercise.

At the RDA we are going to be a bit busy this month.  Not only are we moving to a new yard, we have Royalty coming to the Grand Opening. We will be putting on a display......which can only mean a lot of hard work.  Watch this space for more details.

Escapologists cause chaos

Quick, this way.

Back To Basics and RDA Party

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!!

Road Closed, New RDA Ponies and a Papermill Update

Finally Bt have connected my internet so its time for a catch up. Quite a lot has been happening. First the Road Closed incident.  Due to a water leak Essex and Suffolk Water had to close the road just up the hill from the yard. It caused quite a kerfuffle I can tell you. Anyway as what is normally a busy road, was closed we took Charlie and Lu out in hand to inspect all the scary roadsigns and men in holes etc. As the road was closed I let Scrumpy follow at a discreet distance. Charlie was a star. He sniffed the drain holes suspiciously, and scared himself by standing on a somewhat bouncy cats eye. But then as we were talking to the workmen, a car appeared.......followed by another 7 !!!!  Seems they didn't believe the road was actually closed. We made our way back down the line of traffic, explaining that the road really did have a huge trench across it and giving helpful directions.  By this time I was slightly worried about Scrumpy who was mooching about among the cars with all the roadsense of a pheasant. The ponies accepted some mints from a very nice car driver and people started turning around. One woman pipped her horn several times for some reason. Charlie didn't bat an eyelid. Turns out the overnight closure was fun.....Someone ignored all the signs, moved the barriers and drove straight into the hole!!  We also heard there was a fight and the police had to be called!!!

Charlie has continued to be brilliant with the long reining so the other day, with Mark the Mechanic and part time horse whisperer, at his head, with carrots, I got on and off a couple of times....just sitting quietly for a bit each time. No drama. This time he was completely relaxed.....Charlie that is.  Not sure about Mark!!

We have had a couple of lucky finds for the Rda.  We acquired Maddie, a 13hh bay New Forest, who I rode in a lesson. Poor little thing. As my feet wouldn't fit in the stirrups, my legs just hung down almost to the ground. She didn't raise an eyebrow as we rode around stands and threw sponge dice around. We also have Molly on loan from an old friend of mine. Another bay mare, but Molly is 15.2hh Cleveland Bay x Shire and is a fantastic stamp of a mare. Having hacked her out with a disabled client, and found her to be very laidback, she has been used in a real lesson now. Over Easter we picked up Stormin' Norman who has settled in nicely.  Just need another driving pony now.

At Papermill Lane things have been happening. Three of us went on a reccy last week up to the other site attached to West Meadows Traveller site. A bit rash to get so close, but someone has to.  We found a foal discarded in the rubbish, unable to get up, and a filly with barbed wire around its hind legs. A young lad appeared and I told him I would help him remove the wire. He went to get his dad, who owns all the ponies, where again I offered to give him a hand. He was more interested in chasing us off "his" land.  Of course we phoned the RSPCA, Redwings and WHW.  Redwings are now cataloging all the ponies. In the meantime, I posted the pictures everywhere and got 17404 views! This seems to have stirred things up, with a lot of horse movement over the last week. We are not entirely sure where they have gone, but Redwings seem to be on it at last, admitting that several horses needed attention.  Not sure the owner is at all happy, as he went after 3 ladies on Friday, before hunting me down somewhere else. We vidioed each other. I posted mine on You Tube, but it was taken down for breaching harassment laws.......Funny that, as he came looking for me!!!

Charlie and Lu inspecting road signs.

Charlie Full of the joys of spring

Hacking out on Molly.

Discarded in the rubbish....Foal at West Meadows

Bucking Straps, Dentists and Umbrellas

So I admit, I have been away a while.....I have moved and BT are "having problems at the exchange", so its been a while with no internet. Its still not connected but I can sometimes get BT Fon.....the rest of the time I have to go to the pub to use their internet (SIGH). Maybe my readers are paying BT to go slow?????

So its a quick catch up. Having posted pics on Facebook (Ooops) of my incompetence with the western saddle, I was quickly informed that the bucking strap was too tight, and that when tightened up it causes bucking!!! Hmmm. That would explain the bucking fit then! I tried it on Daisy...without the bucking strap, and had a ride. I have to say it felt a bit weird, and I need a breastplate, but I think I'll get used to it. 

We then had the vet out to do some dentistry. We told her to bring Ketamine....Charlie being a baby, Sweet Pea not liking muzzles and Daisy being a bit unpredictable as to what she will accept. Charlie was a star and didn't mind at all. Sweet Pea was an angel. Daisy went to sleep. Jasmin (Mini) went NUTS.
Of all of them.....the smallest, sweetest pony! A week later we took her to the vet in the lorry, with Sweet Pea for company and dogs. We sort of erupted everywhere when we arrived! Heavily sedated Mini had an electric rasp to remove some nasty hooks.

Jo has decided to enter Lu at the Suffolk Show, so we have been de-spooking her. We had a play with an umbrella which was hilarious. Lu ran off, so did Daisy initially. Charlie tried to eat it. Having twirled it this way and that with Charlie, I retrieved Daisy, who decided it wasn't so bad whilst eating Herbalicious treats. Lu took a bit more convincing and ended up looking a bit of a twat as herd leader!

Meanwhile at the RDA we need some more horses. Viv and I went out to Essex on a very rainy day and I tried out Stormin Norman, a 13.2hh black and white cob with a long mustache. I was instantly in love. He could be Charlies' brother. A perfect trial....Didn't put a foot wrong, so hopefully we will have him on loan soon.

Things with the Papermill Lane Ponies are not so good. 4 of us went for a visit a couple of weeks ago. We photographed a lot of underweight ponies, with no water and bad hay which was mostly out of reach anyway.  We distributed what hay and water we could, untangled a few caught up in each others tethers, and stumbled across bags and bags of bones. We all went home feeling saddened and sickened, fired off lots of emails and complaints. I'd really like to go home with a lorry full! We will continue to fight

Bloody Dove Pigeons And The First Frost

Those Bloody Dove Pigeons!!! It didn't take long for them to not be scared of the tin foil.  To say I was cross is an understatement!!!  Jo heard the roar of anger from the fields....... So I found a roll of orange road workers stuff.....And the netting off the hay bales.  More wobbling on a hay feeder, and very determined stretching, yards of baler twine and an hour later.....And the buggers can not get in now. Nor can we without un-tying all the baler twine and tying it back.  We had the Farrier the other day, and he laughed his head off....he said it felt like entering a Moroccan Hareem Den ??????????? At least the horses were ok with it. 
And so we have had the first frosts.  Although the water pipes were frozen, and the Water Butts too, it was nice in a way.. At least the sun was out.  Bizarrely its now back to grey cloud and double figures....So its rugs off again. Horses are designed to deal with the cold. Their coat hairs move to deflect the rain/cold and keep them warm.  So i would rather they were a little cold, than sweating under rugs.  We put the first lot of hay out when it got below zero, but they have so much old grass they are not overly interested.
At the RDA I drove Fern last week......first time driving in 8 years. I had forgotten how to hold the reins!  Luckily she looked after me, and was so good we practised lowering the wheelchair ramp for the first time. Hopefully my riders and helpers are having fun lessons. Today we went out searching for hidden letters to Santa....and popped them all in the post box. They are all starting to get used to my over-active imagination!!

ice from water

  

new dove pigeon trap

Daisys' tick and Dove Bafflers

Its been a hectic couple of weeks.....Whats new?  Well its got as cold as a witches tit.  Well the Easterly winds have made it feel that way...Winter is here. 
Unbelievably Daisy got a tick. You'd think it was too cold, but no the tick was there as large as life on her chest. In the old days, on a yard I used to work, the owner would burn them with a lit cigarette.  We didn't dare, in case we burnt Daisy as well.  So we tried to kill it with Witch Hazel, and smother it with Vaseline, having failed to find a tick puller.  After a few days we thought it wasn't working.....the lump was quite pussey and hard and the tick was still there.  So using animal-lintex and a lot of heavy duty electrical tape, we strapped a poultice to her chest. Amazingly it worked!  Tick dead and gone. Woohoo.
In the meantime, I have got fed up with the Dove-Pigeons that live in the barn. In the summer a Buzzard got most of them, but they have gradually drifted back.  So we installed a Dove Baffler, made of pie tins and bottles on baler twine hung up on the entrance rafter. This entailed me wobbling about on an upside down hay feeder....But it seems to have worked!
I am thoroughly enjoying my Friday Rda sessions. Its like I have never been away.....and as a bonus I take my last client out on a short hack, either riding Fern (a Dales mare), or Tilly, a little black and white gypsy cob, who I adore.

 Dove Baffler

Daisys' Tick

Riding Fern

Cat On Hot Bricks and Shetland Love-Ins

Wow its been a busy couple of weeks.  We are constantly fencing, so the horses have old grass, and we save pasture for new grass to grow.  The Indian Summer finished with 30c at the end of September, to a mere 14c for a more autumnal feel.  Goodbye flip-flops and shorts (and tan), hello hoodies and boots. Better for working the horses though.  I have set up another school and Charlie has been learning to jump on the lunge.  He has been working out where to put his feet.
Daisy has been like a cat on hot bricks.  It may be the extra sugar in the grass, or the fact her feet don't hurt, or an Easterly wind up her tail. Whatever, we have been hacking out alot, and she has taken to jogging everywhere, tossing her head, and plunging. Lu in comparison has been very good.

I have started teaching at the RDA and loved every minute of it. One of my clients from the mid nineties came in, gave me a big hug, and a photo of her sitting on my Paddy, with me beside her.  I almost cried. Another client remembered me. Theres nothing like it for a feel good factor. So if anyone reading this lives near Sutton, Woodbridge, and can spare a couple of hours Friday morning, please come along.  There is coffee, biscuits and a lot of smiles.

For another smile factor, just spend time in the field with your horses. The other day, while waiting for the water to fill up in the Shetlands field, I lay down in the sun. Straight away they both came over and started licking my knees and belly and leaning down to blow with there nostrils.  If I scratch there bellys, they try to groom me back, nibbling my hair.  Charlie wandered over in the adjoining field and flicked water all over me with his nose....The more I laughed the more he did it. He also loves a belly scratch, and lifts his head up like a giraffe.

Rain and RDA

Rain.....Yes we have finally had a few hours of rain. With the ground softer, we were at last able to re-fence the fields and finally moved the Shetlands onto grass.  They think they have died and gone to heaven. Sounds easy but it was no 5 minute job.  It took 3 of us including Chanice Who Helps On Saturdays over a hour.  Not to mention detangling the self-tangling electric wire. Oh and the destruction of the hose reel it winds up on.  That was me. It has a bit broken off mysteriously during the Summer and wouldn't turn. A bit of impatient 'repairs' from myself and it is now a manual winding hose reel.

With the extra grass and soft ground the lunging started.  Not sure why I bothered with Charlie as he has been full of Autumn vigor, and has been chasing Prudence the Bull Dog.  On Monday when I got him in to work him, he was already sweated up.  When I put him away and got Daisy in, he galloped around, thus the exercise was slightly unnecessary, although the bonding/work is worth it. I am currently teaching him to lift a hoof to say please for a polo. 
Daisy, feeling so much better with her shoes on and soft ground, got delusions of being a race-horse.  Much water-skiing was done on my part, while Daisy had a good old gallop, and ignored all commands to 'steady', ....or even 'trot'.

The other day I bumped into an old friend from Hollesley RDA, which I ran for many years.  She asked me if I would like to go back to teach.  Hell Yeah. That place was my world and I have missed it every day.  So today I went in to help. Its been 8 years.  Some things have changed...horses, helpers etc, but most of it was sooo familiar.  It felt like going home, and I have had a grin on my face all day.  I have agreed to go back and teach Friday mornings, and am so looking forward to my first session. 

Happy Shetlands

Charlie Lunging Tantrum

Daisy On Form