Pony Day and Tarpaulin at Burnt Grass Ranch

Its been quite a week........

Poor little Mini has been missing her friend Sweet Pea badly...as are we. So we have borrowed a Shetland friend for her.  Piggy, a little boy who is even smaller than Mini.  He is besotted by her.  Not sure she feels the same, but it has perked her up anyway. I think she may be feeling irritation rather than sadness at the moment, as he follows her about constantly. Not to mention Dora who has decided Mini was HER bff and is constantly trying to come between them. Polly is ignoring everybody.

And so on Tuesday we had a Pony Day...with 10 girls and errr 1 boy.  The boy most definitely did NOT want to be there, but had no choice as his mum Eli was teaching.  He spent a fair bit of time in the tack-room on his I-Pod ....Sensible boy!! The temperature naturally was about 28c (Nothing natural about that for England, but after 2 months of hot dry weather it has become the norm).

Elis' daughters (Grace and Georgie) rode their ponies (Twix and Sammie) over to help out. Jo bought the entire glitter supply for Europe, spare crisps and squash, and by 9.30am we were ready for the arrival of clients at 10.30am. We even made a make shift toilet in a stable with tyres and paper!!

Upon arrival, the girls had the safety talk, and learned where to go in the event of a fire. Then it was catch in, groom and tack up time.  The girls were split into two groups......Group A having a lesson, while Group B helped with poo picking, including a ride in the trailer, then we swapped.

Lunchtime saw the girls turning out the ponies for a welcome rest, and drink, before we all returned to the relative shade of the tack-room for a picnic lunch and a super-fun session running, cartwheeling and jumping through the sprinkler until everyone was thoroughly wet. When I say cartwheeling...that didn't apply to the adults!!! 

Then it was off to get Polly and Mini back in for Glittering. Freddie the only boy, having enjoyed the sprinkler, (and having his character on his game killed off), joined in and found he was actually having fun!!  The ponies being suitably decorated were then used for gymkhana games (in walk and trot only as the ground is so hard).  We used Sammie and Polly for Gymkhana, while Mini was de-glittered.  Sammie and Polly are both old hands and you could see them raring to go as were some of the riders.....but we kept it calm!

Very quickly 3pm came around and parents appeared to pick up children. Those that were left helped me bath and turn out Polly. (I don't mean they were left indefinitely!!)  We all had a really fun, if hot, day.  There were NO TEARS which has to be good. Only squeals and laughter.  We are already planning the next one......Maybe on a cooler day!!

And as the heat wave continues and gets hotter Mark The Mechanic (and part-time horse whisperer) and Jo spent yesterday creating shade for the small ponies with the lorry and some tarpaulin.  The bigger ponies had their field extended to include the shady dip. Were they grateful??? Were they ****.

This morning saw them all out of their paddocks, having trashed the minis paddock!!  Luckily the paddocks are enclosed in the 3 Acre Field which is surrounded by stock fencing and thick hedges of trees and gated and padlocked.  And so Jo and I spent all morning repairing the damage. Thankfully Charlie didn't take the lorry to pieces, which is a miracle as he loves vehicles!!!

Sweet Pea ....Over the Rainbow Bridge X

It is with great sadness that I must report that Sweet Pea passed over the Rainbow Bridge on Tuesday. It was a complete shock. She hadn't been ill and was only 18. Jo found her dead in the field in the morning. There were no signs that she had been stressed, or in any pain. We can only conclude that her heart gave out. Although she seemed fit and well, we have no idea what damage may have been caused by her early life.

Jo rescued Sweet Pea as a yearling from the back of a truck at Watton Horse Fair. She was shivering inside the truck, with ribs you could stack dinner plates in, covered in lice and had Strangles and Pneumonia. Jo had to borrow a trailer to bring her home in, with another Shetland, suffering from Strangles as well which her friend Jane bought. Jo's vet thought it best to put her to sleep.

Jo thought otherwise.... She fed her with a turkey baster, and gave her daily injections of antibiotics. Slowly both ponies turned around and became fit and well.

Despite such horrific treatment at the hands of humans, Sweet Pea turned into the sweetest pony, teaching many children to ride over the years. She was never bad tempered or difficult, although she had a few hang ups.  She was greedy......having once been starved, Sweet Pea would scoff for Britain. We had to strip graze her, as given a whole field of grass she would not stop eating. She didn't like having a grazing muzzle on, preferring to rear up and over backwards than have it on. And injections (or maybe just vets?).......The vet had to be quick!!!

3 years after the rescue, Jo bought Mini (Winter Jasmine) . The two mares were inseparable ever since.  Wherever one went, the other was sure to follow. Together they were the most loving rascals.  Mini, having never suffered at the hands of humans, is more self assured and opinionated.  Whenever we brought a new pony in, Sweet Pea would be the first to make friends, Mini reserved judgement. In all their adventures and break outs i am never sure who instigated it. I think it may have been Mini, but she then pretends she was just following Sweet Pea. However, Sweet Pea was always the first to be caught, and then Mini followed.

Sweet Pea was never needy...She would come for a cuddle, but patiently wait behind Mini ( who demands attention). She was calm in all situations. She just was. Only last year, she piloted Nancy with mum Meg in their first show at the Suffolk Showground, coming first in the class.  She could always be trusted to nanny children.

We are sorely missing her.  Mini, who was laying by her body, is extremely sad. Dora, who only knew her for a short time, but was her friend is very needy at the moment, as is Lu who grew up with her. And us humans? We are heartbroken.

Run free Sweet Pea......There are a lot of people mourning you...xx

Living In a Dessert and A Pony Party

Ok I am being very English again and giving a weather report!!!!  Its been HOT!!
For the last 3 weeks its been up in the high 20's with blazing sunshine every day. Being by the coast we have had the odd cooling breeze, but NO RAIN. Being English we like a bit of rain, its what we're used to. Our grazing now consists of standing hay, the ponies leaving behind a dust bowl with no signs of life. We are already starting to think the grass will never come back.  Oh yes...Very English....Moan about the weather!!!!!  I actually like the heat, I have an awesome tan, But.......Just a bit of rain would be gratefully received.

We have been continuing with the kids lessons.....Polly who was born to teach children is loving it, and positively skipping around.  The big girls have had a few gentle hacks, and have been fairly laid back.  Charlie is being Mr Superstar. The clicker training is paying off.  I have been working at getting him to stand still at the mounting block whilst 'targeting ' a traffic cone.  Its working.  I can now lay a leg over his back, or lean on him.....when he backs up, I say target and he moves forward to the cone.  

As England are doing well in the World Cup (that is if you are reading this before the match against Sweden) , I have been playing with an England flag.  Charlie was more than happy to hold it in his mouth and wave it!!  Lu was very wary of it.  Funny how the baby is just curious, but the herd leader is cautious!!

Today we took Polly and the Shetlands to a local school fete. Yes we crammed all three into a trailer as it was just 2 miles away. We were given a spot next to the Bouncy Castle and I am happy to report that none of them batted an eyelash when it was inflated.  We spent a happy couple of hours with the children pouring glitter over the ponies (unicorns) and stenciling them. They were all really good......Until we were packing up.......

Although we had erected electric fencing it wasn't live, or very low!  Polly had been freed first as she never wanders off.  So we let the Shetlands loose to graze aswell. BIG MISTAKE!!  Never, Ever, Ever Trust A Shetland Pony!! After grazing near to us in angelic manners, they suddenly took off at high speed to the opposite side off the fence, ducked under and legged it down the school playing field. I started to run after them, was swiftly overtaken by Ellies Children and Chanice Who Helps On Saturdays, remembered my dodgy lungs and dicky ticker and slowed to a walk.  Out on the bridleway at the bottom of the school I could here lots of giggling, and the girls appeared with the somewhat chastised Shetlands in tow.  Like I said.....Never Trust a Shetland!

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!

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.

 

This Week We Have Been Mostly Fencing! And News From West Meadows.

Yes, now we don't have to put hay out, our time is taken with moving fences!! With no rain in sight, we have been moving the ponies along the field, opening up new grazing, and closing off old grazing.  In the hope that it will rain, and the grass will grow back for the Autumn.

Along with the sun, we have had oddly cold nights still (3c) and chilly North Winds.  Yes, us English Are obsessed with the weather!! 

We have been given permission by the landowner to graze the 12 acre field, which has been planted with a thousand trees, but left with 20m clearings, in which one day, in about 10 years,will contain Teepees for camping. We are now able to graze the circles.
So Jo and I set off on the tractor to explore.  Wow....It was like being on Safari....without Lions etc.  We actually got lost! Some of the trees are pretty tall.....some are stunted.  The grass is high everywhere.  Having hunted high and low for the clearings, we found 5.  Unfortunately, they have a lot of ragwort in them.  We had hoped to move the Shetlands straight away, but we have a bit of work to do first. And Jo picked up a tick!!!! And so we continue to move the Shetlands around.  Although Sweet Pea seems to be sound, we don't want to risk her running about with Dora yet.  Its times like these I agree with tethers, which would be handy to graze the little 'uns for a few hours while we are there.

Of course we wouldn't leave them tethered overnight.  I don't agree with that at all.  Equines being prey animals, get stressed if they are unable to run away at the first sign of danger, real or imagined.  Which brings me on to a brief update from West Meadows in Ipswich.  The girls from Voice of The Horse Facebook Page, worked long and hard to get the majority of....dare I say it.... The travellers ponies,off tethers last year.  Despite the Admin of the group getting asbos for harassment, the council did indeed fence the wasteland/water meadows in Papermill Lane, Bramford, so that 80ish mares could run free. However, the owner has 40 or so mares on land close to West Meadows Traveller Site, that he rents off the council, so its been hard to monitor these ponies. All through the Winter there have been reports to the RSPCA and Redwings Horse Sanctuary of distressed ponies.  Unable to go and check we have pursued the council about the amount of plastic hay wrappings strewn over the field. I spent a cold Winters afternoon lurking on the A14 embankment, dodging police cars and taking pics. As the council are keen on Ipswich becoming a centre of excellence for re-cycling plastic, this seemed a good place to start!! Anyway, after a council visit 2 weeks ago, this week reports have come in that two Redwings lorries were parked in the entrance of the Site.  The same night, the shelter that houses the Colts waiting for the Meat Truck, was burnt down.  There only seems to be about 15 ponies left on this site.  This can only be good news!

In other news.... We have lots of children coming to ride at the weekend with Eli teaching them.  Its all good fun and we are planning a 'Pony Day' with lessons, stable management, a picnic, Pony Painting and a Gymkhana.  
Charlie joined in today in-hand.  Fully tacked up i led him round. Then Jo took over the leading while I walked alongside, leaning on the saddle.  He was pretty chilled and quickly got over the fact I wasn't by his head.  This is extremely good progress on his behalf.... We will continue.

Daisy and Dora giving lessons

Charlie with Jo...Learning to go without me.

Polly and Scrumpy in our lovely wild flower meadows

Mad Dogs And English (Wo)Men!

And guess what????? Yes its gone from 5c to 25c .  English weather for you. Not that we are complaining about the heat.  Oh no, Not after that Winter. Still there are times of the day that it is.....maybe a little warm for, say fencing, or hacking.  Not that we take any notice of that. No we are hardened Horsewomen. We are used to the odd English weather. Four seasons in one day.

Last week, I had a panic on. Found a lump in Scrumpy Dogs mouth that looked very dodgy. The vet wanted her in the next day to remove it. At 11 and a half I was worried about the anaesthetic, and what they might find under the lump.  Trying to keep busy didn't help.  I found myself staring at water containers as I filled them.  It was the longest morning of my life!!  Luckily Scrumpy is a Jack Russell, thereby as hard as nails.  She sailed through the op, and felt well enough to chase a cat later that evening.

During that slightly dodgy week, it got warmer and warmer. The Bank Holiday weekend reached tropical temperatures.  Bliss after the Winter.  At the weekend all the little ponies were used in lessons.  They are loving being so useful.  Even Sweet Pea forgot to rear.  And Dora has been amazing.  Polly too seems to love being the 'Pony that taught a thousand kids to ride' and is full of bounce.

I have set up a round pen near the tack-room.  Okay its not perfectly round, but near enough.  And handy for water, drinks etc. Lu and Daisy went out Saturday, with Jo and Chanice Who Helps On Saturdays. In the meantime I was able to work Charlie, who is still being very colty.  After some good work, and some dancing/follow me free-school stuff, I got him a small feed and took a chair, drink, phone etc out to sit with him while he ate. Meanwhile the others came back.  Lu was looking so pretty I put a harness on her that I want to sell. She was brilliant considering she has never worn a harness before, and only mildly objected to the crupper!  While I was taking pictures Charlie decided to move the chair. I managed to rescue my drink in time, but he picked the chair up, then stood all over it.  He also found it funny to pick up and wave a jacket that was on the back of the chair.

Yesterday, Jo and I decided that it was a good idea to re-fence the biggies field, and move them down the hill, so that the grass can come back at the top. Good plan in 28c, at midday.  As usual it took longer than we thought, what with fencing the edges, and adding miles of hose on to reach the bottom of the hill. Still we have vowed NOT to say Its Too Hot.  So we drove ourselves on through the hottest part of the day, until we were like clockwork dolls winding down.

Today was even hotter......so we went out for a hack at 1pm!!! Having lost a lot of Farm Track Hacking when a Giant Farm bought a lot of nearby land, we decided on crossing THE ROAD and plodding down some country lanes.  Lu hasn't been that way since she was a baby, and Daisy has never been that way. I even wore a hat!!!! And we both wore fluorescent tabs.  OOOOH get me...So BHS.  I even put long boots on (a bit Lara Croft with the short shorts), and took my phone, And a lead rope!!

THE ROAD is always busy.....and fast.  Personally I don't care having crossed the M4, and some major A roads,not to mention cantering along the A12 verge as a child, and riding a 3 year old up the A140. Its a mere co-incidence that the only riding accidents I have had that have ended up with me in hospital have been on roads. So i set out to be nanny to Lu, Daisy being bombproof an all.....

Turns out Lu is perfectly cool in traffic, whereas Daisy reacted like she had a stick up her arse.  Still it slowed the traffic down!  My usual hacking position of one finger round the buckle of the reins, had to be adapted in order to steer Daisy and thank traffic.  I also found out my new 'brakes' bit was no brakes at all. Still they were both awesome and I thoroughly enjoyed a new route.  In fact I was like an excited kid...pointing at every farm track and dodgy looking footpath, saying "Where does that go?" Poor Jo. It must have been like a child in a car saying "Are we there yet?" every 2 minutes.  Needless to say we were all very sticky when we got back (including Charlie who must have been charging round his empty field for over an hour).  But the beauty of the new round pen, meant we could turn them loose while we got a drink and de-booted.  I brought a sweaty Charlie up to join his girls and we were able to hose them all down from the middle of the pen.

Sadly in mine and Daisy's excitement I forgot to take any pics on my phone, of the quaint cottages and the awesome view over the river, but i did manage to set a brilliant riding app, which even shows our route...Little things!!