Merry Christmas to everyone.
I thought these snowy photos looked more Christmasy than the sloppy mud we have every where now!
We had some very deep snow a week or so back, the ponies were quite happy, as long as they got plenty of hay but then when the thaw came and mud returned, that was it, they had to come back in. Luckily I'm getting fitter, so can do my share of looking after the animals, apart from some of the heavier jobs, it's my back that's playing me up now, oh dear getting old!!!
Austen loved the snow, he did a lot of 'snow ploughing' and enjoyed jumping in the drifts.
Laddie also enjoyed a good leap and a roll.
John had fun up on the cattle shed roof clearing the snow from our solar panels. June (4legs) enjoyed a prance in the arena.
June, the friend from Holland who came for a quick visit while we were on holiday has sent me some photos
December 5th
November seems to have passed me by, I know some of you have heard what happened to me during the second week of last month, but in case you don't know, I had a heart attack ! It came without any real warning, I just woke up in the morning with a pain across my shoulders, didn't think any thing of it, just thought it was my back playing up. I went about my usual morning routine, getting breakfast, emptying dishwasher etc but the pain got worse and I started to feel very unwell. In the end John called the ambulance, and in a very quick time the paramedics arrived. They decided it was my heart and called for the air ambulance!! all very dramatic. Unfortunately, the weather was not suitable for take off, so with blue lights flashing and sirens when needed, I was rushed to Cardiff University Hospital by road. I can't say I remember much about it, except that some hours later I found myself being very well cared for, people fussing round me and monitors bleeping. Apparently I had had a blocked coronary artery which had now been attended to with a stent, but I needed two more stents as other arteries were narrowing.
I was in hospital just under a week, and I can't praise the hospital staff enough for the care I got, they all made my stay as pleasant as they could. I had the second operation a few days later, not a nice experience, as I was awake while the stents were fitted and at one point I started to feel very strange and it was obvious from what I could hear there was some kind of emergency. However it was soon put right and it was not too long before I was back on the ward.
I've been home now for two weeks and doing well.
Of course this couldn't have come at a worse time, all the ponies and cattle in for the Winter. While I'm lying in my hospital bed, resting!! Poor John had all the farm jobs to do. A HUGE, thank you to all my neighbours and friends who stepped in and helped out. To Val for keeping John fed with tasty meals, and helping in the house, and to June and Tina for helping out with the animals. Thank you, Thank you, thank you.
To make life easier, June and Susie have been rugged up and turned out in one of our drier fields. I weaned Austen, so Rosie is with them. Austen is stabled opposite Katy, who has kindly offered to babysit him, not sure she sees it like that, but she is very good with him, just showing him who's boss if he gets too cheeky. Even though the fields are waterlogged, we have been lucky with the weather and they have been able to go out in the caravan field most days.
Laddie is in his usual pen and is quite happy with the odd walk about round the cattle pens.
According to my 'Heart Manual' I'm supposed to exercise twice a day and start taking walks. I have adapted this to fit my life, I exercise twice a day by filling haynets and hayledge bags, gently mucking out Austen, ( his stable is lighter work) and sweeping small areas of yard! I take walks leading Katy to and from her field, and have walked back from visiting the mares. At first I was very slow and had to keep sitting down, but I'm getting faster.
The only real problem is that I'm not fit enough to handle a newly weaned foal, he is really very good, and John leads him about for me, but he needs to learning about life, so although I had not intended selling him yet, I may have to think along these lines. He is growing on well, and I think he will be a very nice chap when he is older.
According to my 'Heart Manual' I'm supposed to exercise twice a day and start taking walks. I have adapted this to fit my life, I exercise twice a day by filling haynets and hayledge bags, gently mucking out Austen, ( his stable is lighter work) and sweeping small areas of yard! I take walks leading Katy to and from her field, and have walked back from visiting the mares. At first I was very slow and had to keep sitting down, but I'm getting faster.
The only real problem is that I'm not fit enough to handle a newly weaned foal, he is really very good, and John leads him about for me, but he needs to learning about life, so although I had not intended selling him yet, I may have to think along these lines. He is growing on well, and I think he will be a very nice chap when he is older.
I have heard good reports of June's Mac who found a new home in Devon. He has started back in work and Niki has been back on board. Good luck Niki, and thanks for the lovely flowers and get well soon wishes.
October 31st
John and I have just returned from a short holiday in the Isle of Man, it was our first proper holiday for around thirty years, we have had odd days away but never a real holiday, it was only made possible because of the wonderful help from our friend and ex neighbour Veronica, from Actons, who came to farm sit, and June down the road who between them did sterling work looking after everything.
The holiday it's self was lovely and we hope we can go again sometime. The Isle of Man was wonderful, if you like peaceful countryside, dramatic coastlines and historical places to visit, then we highly recommend it. Not TT week though! We stayed in a very comfortable, B&B in Peel, the owners made us very welcome, and as it turned out we weren't the easiest of guests ( more later) John enjoyed the splendid breakfasts that were on offer and there were two delightful puppies to keep our minds off missing Norman. If you do visit the island we can fully recommend Albany House B&B, Peel. www.manxbedandbreakfast.com
Our plans were all made and everything was organised, when Storm Ophelia threatened, I also discovered Norman the dog had a couple of nasty raw patches under his ear and on his shoulder, it looked as if he had got caught up in a bramble and he had been scratching at the sores. Then another sore appeared on the other side, so I began to worry it might be infectious and Veronica was bringing her dogs with her. When she arrived she thought it would be best if the vet saw him and she and June offered to take him on the Monday, and her own dogs were confined to the kennel while he was out and about.
On the Sunday before we were due to leave, the ferry company contacted us to say our crossing might be cancelled or time changed due to Ophelia. Then we heard that our crossing had been brought forward by an hour, which meant leaving at seven the next morning, but they would contact us at 6a.m. to confirm. Next morning we heard it was cancelled!
We managed to reschedule for Tuesday afternoon, which meant arriving late at night at the B&B. They were very understanding and offered us an extra day at the end to make up. This meant I could go to the vet with Veronica, where it was not good news, Norman had a skin infection and needed, baths, medication, creams and potions. Good job Veronica is a professional dog groomer who took it all in her stride!!
I also heard from my sister, who wanted to come and stay the day after we returned, as they were going to be without electricity for a day, no problem as Veronica could move into the caravan for one night before she went back to Sussex. Whilst helping bath Norman, he tripped me up and I fell heavily on my side, a bit painful but not too bad. Never mind our quiet and peaceful holiday started the next day!
We set off after lunch on Tuesday and made our way to Liverpool where we were due to sail at 7.15p.m. Boarding went well and as we set sail there was a glorious sunset. We had an easy trip over, by the time we had disembarked, and found our way across the island, it was well after ten by the time we arrived at our B&B, we were welcomed in and were soon making ourselves at home in our comfortable bedroom.
We set off after lunch on Tuesday and made our way to Liverpool where we were due to sail at 7.15p.m. Boarding went well and as we set sail there was a glorious sunset. We had an easy trip over, by the time we had disembarked, and found our way across the island, it was well after ten by the time we arrived at our B&B, we were welcomed in and were soon making ourselves at home in our comfortable bedroom.
We spent the week exploring the island, so much to see and do, even though some of the attractions were closing for the Winter. The weather was kind to us, quite windy at times but mainly dry and sunny and on the one really wet day we spent time in the many wonderful museums. We even got to watch some seals swimming near the shore.
We stepped back in time and visited the working village at Cregneash, little crofts, just as they used to be, where John was able to keep his hand in milking and we also met a real Manx cat.
There are a lot of castles and a fantastic water wheel, all of which incurred climbing steep spiral staircases, perhaps not the wisest thing to do with a bruised rib! There were some tremendous waves crashing on the rocks on windy days.
There are a lot of castles and a fantastic water wheel, all of which incurred climbing steep spiral staircases, perhaps not the wisest thing to do with a bruised rib! There were some tremendous waves crashing on the rocks on windy days.
The museums were very fascinating, going back to the arrival of the vikings, the island has a wonderfully interesting history, and of course transport and railways are also a great feature. Nigel from the B&B kindly arranged for John to have a tour of the steam railway workshops, before we had a great evening on the 'Pie and Mash' evening steam railway trip.
We had one other little problem, a friend in Holland ( another June) who had bought a Dales from me eighteen years ago, was coming over to Britain for a visit and to view another Dales she was hoping to buy, I was not quite sure when it was but she was going to stay for a night in the caravan. I got an email to say she would be arriving Sunday, but because of our extra day we wouldn't be there! June from Holland said she could delay a day, so Veronica had to get the caravan ready for June and her family, which meant there was nowhere for her to go when my sister arrived on the Monday, but a hasty removal of all John's model planes from the spare room we don't use, meant Veronica did have a bed!
On the Saturday, Storm Brian paid a visit, this disrupted the comings and goings of the other guests at the B&B but we thought we were safe. On the Sunday morning we said goodbye and spent the day visiting places we had not yet seen and made our way to Douglas to catch the early evening ferry home, the waves were gently lapping the shore, so it never entered our heads there might be a problem. About two hours before we were due to sail John had a text to say the ferry was cancelled!! They could re-book us for 8 o'clock the next morning. Apparently, the ferry had been unable to dock in Heysham for several hours the night before, so had not had enough time to do the turnround. Oh dear, no bed for the night, and June would have arrived to see me, and my sister arriving next morning. Luckily the B&B came to our rescue and put us up for another night.
On the Saturday, Storm Brian paid a visit, this disrupted the comings and goings of the other guests at the B&B but we thought we were safe. On the Sunday morning we said goodbye and spent the day visiting places we had not yet seen and made our way to Douglas to catch the early evening ferry home, the waves were gently lapping the shore, so it never entered our heads there might be a problem. About two hours before we were due to sail John had a text to say the ferry was cancelled!! They could re-book us for 8 o'clock the next morning. Apparently, the ferry had been unable to dock in Heysham for several hours the night before, so had not had enough time to do the turnround. Oh dear, no bed for the night, and June would have arrived to see me, and my sister arriving next morning. Luckily the B&B came to our rescue and put us up for another night.
Next morning an early start got us to Douglas to catch the ferry and we got back just in time to meet June and have a catch up before she had to leave to view the pony for a second time on her way home. My sister had arrived bringing with her dinner for five. Norman was very pleased to see us, looking very well cared for, there had been no major dramas with the cows, sheep or ponies and Veronica didn't seem too stressed out !
Back to reality now, the weather is fine at the moment but the mud is dreadful and I think the next wet spell we have, we will have to go into Winter mode with all ponies and cows in. It was a lovely break but we could have done without all the extra complications of storms, ferries, itchy dog and bruised rib! We owe a huge thank you to Veronica and June. We would love to go again, but I think we might not be around in another thirty years, so lets hope when Veronica and June have managed to recover from all our dramas, they might consider helping out again in the future, and we'll try for some calmer weather and less hassle .
October 25th
I've got so far behind now, nearly the end of October and no updates, blame having a new computer which is proving very different from our old and now obsolete one, but starting to get used to it now.
Back in September we had visitors, John and Pauline from Devon with their two coloured cobs. Pauline said she hoped she would see some Kites whilst staying with us, so I mentioned we had a Kite Centre not far away, where each afternoon hundreds of Kites came in to feed. So one afternoon we all went off to watch the Red Kites being feed, an amazing sight. We have Kites nesting here on the farm but to see so many all at once was wonderful.
John, saw my John's little tractor and mentioned he had one just like it, and that he had a digger attachment to fit on the back that he never used, next thing we know, we are trying to arrange a trip to Devon to buy it!
While all this was going on, my friend June who lives down the road, had found a loan home for her young Dales gelding, Mac, and where was that? Devon!! So we planned a trip to Devon to collect digger and view prospective livery yard, which as it turned out was only about twenty minutes away from the digger yard. It was a long day but very successful, John came home with a digger and June was happy with her pony's new home.
While all this was going on, my friend June who lives down the road, had found a loan home for her young Dales gelding, Mac, and where was that? Devon!! So we planned a trip to Devon to collect digger and view prospective livery yard, which as it turned out was only about twenty minutes away from the digger yard. It was a long day but very successful, John came home with a digger and June was happy with her pony's new home.
Mac at home with June, and meeting his new Dales friend in Devon and John playing with his new toy!
The next weekend saw June and myself heading back towards the Severn Crossing, but this time we didn't have to leave Wales as we were heading to the David Broome Event Centre, in Chepstow to watch Lynette and Melrose at a dressage competition.
The last time I saw Mel, who is on loan to lynette, she was an unbroken youngster and now here she was having her first experience staying away from home and taking part in her first competitions. Even better, the day before she had won her 'dressage to music' class. When we arrived she was in the middle of one of her tests and looked to be doing quite well.
The last time I saw Mel, who is on loan to lynette, she was an unbroken youngster and now here she was having her first experience staying away from home and taking part in her first competitions. Even better, the day before she had won her 'dressage to music' class. When we arrived she was in the middle of one of her tests and looked to be doing quite well.
Mel took everything in her stride, behaved well in a strange stable, worked quietly, being ridden in with strange horses working round her and managed some good marks in her tests, though I think she was a bit tired on the third day. Well done Lynette and Mel. What change from the rather stroppy ' me me me' pony she was as a youngster. Mel will be taking time off from ridden work shortly as she will be on maternity leave, she is to become a mother next year.
I also have to congratulate Lynette who with Cyril ( Akehurst Take a Chance) has won the DPS points Championship for the second year running. Woody (Akehurst Ambrose) was 3rd in the youngstock section. Well done, it's nice to know that now I no longer compete, there is still someone flying the Akehurst flag.
September 9th
Over the last month we have had several visitors, which has meant we just had to have some days out!
Our friend Becky and her son Jakey came for a few days and June and Susie got ridden ( first time for over a year). Becky had a sit on first and it was if they had been in regular work, not bothered at all, than Jakey who is five years old, helped lead June down to the arena so he could have his turn, he sat very straight and asked the ponies to halt and walk on, I think they were a bit surprised to carry such a small rider, but looked after their charge with great care. We were all very pleased with ponies and riders, lets hope it's not too long before they are ridden again, I'm sure they enjoy doing something other than eating!
Early next morning, while the mist was still hanging in the valley, it was Susie's turn to take Jakey for a ride, walking quietly round the arena while Austen looked on in amazement, he even tried to upset Susie by charging round the outside, but he was ignored!
Over the last month we have had several visitors, which has meant we just had to have some days out!
Our friend Becky and her son Jakey came for a few days and June and Susie got ridden ( first time for over a year). Becky had a sit on first and it was if they had been in regular work, not bothered at all, than Jakey who is five years old, helped lead June down to the arena so he could have his turn, he sat very straight and asked the ponies to halt and walk on, I think they were a bit surprised to carry such a small rider, but looked after their charge with great care. We were all very pleased with ponies and riders, lets hope it's not too long before they are ridden again, I'm sure they enjoy doing something other than eating!
Early next morning, while the mist was still hanging in the valley, it was Susie's turn to take Jakey for a ride, walking quietly round the arena while Austen looked on in amazement, he even tried to upset Susie by charging round the outside, but he was ignored!
After Jakey's early morning ride it was time for us all to go out for the day. We set off for the Owl Centre and Small Animal Park, near Kington. What a lovely interesting place, I never knew there were so many different species of Owls, and the animals were a delight. Jakey had a wonderful time and so did the adults!! Nice cup of coffee too and of course, on a day out John must have an ice-cream.
I took so many photos it was hard to choose which to use, I particularly liked the Angora goat with the splendid horns, he kept appearing in different corners, and the Alpacas were cute, as long as you didn't annoy them or you got spat at!!
Soon after Becky left, we had more visitors for the caravan over the Bank Holiday and John got busy doing the last cut of silage, so all set for the Winter now, plenty for all animals to eat.
Then all change again, two more caravan visitors, this time with their two coloured cobs, who between going out exploring the Welsh countryside, made themselves very useful munching down long grass in our calf paddock. Pauline mentioned that she hoped to see the Red Kites while they were here and I replied that there was a Kite centre not far away, where they come to be feed every afternoon, and guess what, we got invited to join them, so another afternoon off, and another very interesting place, where hundreds of Kites swoop down at feeding time. We had often driven passed and seen them flying around in the sky, but to see them feeding was fantastic.
Then all change again, two more caravan visitors, this time with their two coloured cobs, who between going out exploring the Welsh countryside, made themselves very useful munching down long grass in our calf paddock. Pauline mentioned that she hoped to see the Red Kites while they were here and I replied that there was a Kite centre not far away, where they come to be feed every afternoon, and guess what, we got invited to join them, so another afternoon off, and another very interesting place, where hundreds of Kites swoop down at feeding time. We had often driven passed and seen them flying around in the sky, but to see them feeding was fantastic.
Austen is growing up fast and is completely over his little operation, thank goodness. He did give me a bit of a fright one morning, I went to get him and Rosie in from the field, he dawdled along like an old man, instead of his usual flat out gallop, crept passed Katy and the others with out so much of a glance and put himself in his pen, where he did manage eat his breakfast. My immediate thought was he had an infected wound, but all looked clear, I applied extra antiseptic spray and smothered them both in fly spray just in case. When it was time to go out, he once again crept out behind his mum, usually he's off like a bullet, and when she went off for a drink, stood watching her go, whinnying pathetically, he was starting to get me really worried now. Then, when he did walk off he seemed to be a bit stiff in his off hind, and after a couple of days he was back to his usual 'racehorse' self, so I think he had had a bit of a mishap when chasing around showing off, as he likes to do.
In fact he is calming down a lot now and becoming a 'gelding' thank goodness, he still likes to charge in front of mum, when they come in, but instead of chatting up all three girls as he passes, he just gives them a sideways glance, saying my breakfast is waiting and puts himself in his pen. He is leading better now and the nasty continual biting has all but stopped. In fact, he's turning into quite a good boy, he has nearly shed his foal coat, looks very smart in his new one.
In fact he is calming down a lot now and becoming a 'gelding' thank goodness, he still likes to charge in front of mum, when they come in, but instead of chatting up all three girls as he passes, he just gives them a sideways glance, saying my breakfast is waiting and puts himself in his pen. He is leading better now and the nasty continual biting has all but stopped. In fact, he's turning into quite a good boy, he has nearly shed his foal coat, looks very smart in his new one.
August 19th
It's pouring with rain, and a lull in indoor jobs, means, at last a chance to get on here and do an update.The last few weeks have flown by. First, we had all our internal doors paint stripped, so have been busy waxing them and rehanging, which in the case of bedroom doors had to be done urgently, as visitors expected last weekend, when we were all off to a family party. Still more to do but we are very pleased with the result.
John and I have both had birthdays, so treated ourselves to a couple of days out. For John's day out, we went to some gold mines, very interesting, John even had a chance to do some gold panning and came home clutching a little bag of gold fragments! I think Norman preferred the next part of the trip, a paddle in Cardigan Bay. On my birthday we went to Silver mines, do I sense a theme here?
Now even more catching up round the farm needed!
It's pouring with rain, and a lull in indoor jobs, means, at last a chance to get on here and do an update.The last few weeks have flown by. First, we had all our internal doors paint stripped, so have been busy waxing them and rehanging, which in the case of bedroom doors had to be done urgently, as visitors expected last weekend, when we were all off to a family party. Still more to do but we are very pleased with the result.
John and I have both had birthdays, so treated ourselves to a couple of days out. For John's day out, we went to some gold mines, very interesting, John even had a chance to do some gold panning and came home clutching a little bag of gold fragments! I think Norman preferred the next part of the trip, a paddle in Cardigan Bay. On my birthday we went to Silver mines, do I sense a theme here?
Now even more catching up round the farm needed!
Austen is growing up fast, he is going to be a big lad. These photos were taken a month or so ago.
Kerstin took these when she was here at the begining of August
He is very colty and as he is living with his mum with no other ponies for company, she is taking quite a lot of abuse from him. When he comes in from the field he charges up to Katy and the others, telling them what a stunning chappie he is, and of course Katy, being the gentle soul she is, agrees with him, which makes him even more big headed! So last week a visit from the vet! He was very brave and seems to have got over it well, just need him to realise he is now a gelding, not a stallion!
There is nothing better than to show off to the Jersey cows! Who don't seem too impressed!
There is nothing better than to show off to the Jersey cows! Who don't seem too impressed!
A week or so back Kerstin and Heiko who live in Germany and have one of my Dales, Peggy, who features on the Before and After page, made what Kerstin called her 'Crazy Welsh Weekend' visit. She had been looking for another Dales and after several false starts, found one just over an hours drive from here. They arrived Friday afternoon, rather shattered after driving from Germany, through France, catching the ferry to Dover, then driving here to Wales, quite a marathon!
The next day, along with another friend June, also a Dales owner, I drove them back to England to see Village May Queen, stable name Vicky. We all had a fun day, Vicky was lovely girl, very well behaved and obviously loved by her owner, who was sad she had to be sold.
The next day, along with another friend June, also a Dales owner, I drove them back to England to see Village May Queen, stable name Vicky. We all had a fun day, Vicky was lovely girl, very well behaved and obviously loved by her owner, who was sad she had to be sold.
After a restful Saturday, well almost. One of our cows, Monica calved and we had a problem catching the calf, but Heiko sneaked up, caught it and carried it back to us. We have named the calf after him !
Kerstin and Heiko set off for home Sunday morning, after a slow journey to Kent, they missed their ferry, and had to wait for another and arrived back home in the early hours of Monday. Hence the 'Crazy Welsh Weekend'.
Kerstin and Heiko set off for home Sunday morning, after a slow journey to Kent, they missed their ferry, and had to wait for another and arrived back home in the early hours of Monday. Hence the 'Crazy Welsh Weekend'.
However, it was all worth it as Vicky now lives in Germany with Kerstin. She seems to be settling in well but was obviously very tired and a bit dazed after her long journey. I'm sure she is going to be a much loved member of the family. Lena, Kerstin's daughter seems pleased with her as you can see from the photo. Good Luck Vicky in your new home.
Laddie enjoyed a visit from Kerstin and her camera, he is turned away on the hill overlooking the farm, after covering Katy and Rosie, who look to be in foal. He is quite happy keeping an eye on everything from on high and he has two young calves to keep him company, one of which is Mirrie who is blind. She copes very well and seems quite settled.
Most of these photos were taken by Kerstin while she was here, she got some good ones of Austen and it was hard to choose which ones to use.
Well it has stopped raining so I had better go and turn some ponies back out.
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Well it has stopped raining so I had better go and turn some ponies back out.
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May 31st
Those of you that used to visit my old site may remember 'Bambi' our tiny premature Jersey calf born November 2014. She was smaller than the young sheep she lived with!
Those of you that used to visit my old site may remember 'Bambi' our tiny premature Jersey calf born November 2014. She was smaller than the young sheep she lived with!
Well, look at her now. Last week she became a mum, I call her Bambles now as she's a bit big to be called Bambi! She is a good mum and is now being trained to the milking machine.
More cow news. At the begining of April one of our beef cows calved, all seemed to be well but the next day we found her calf collapsed in the straw, with no suck when we tried to feed her. After several days of tube feeding we were getting nowhere and we also noticed her eyes were becoming covered in a white film, so off to the vet and into intensive care. They nearly lost her when she started fitting but just when we were ready to call it a day, she had a turn for the better. She is now fit and growing fast, but sadly she seems to be blind, we are not sure if she has any sight as she seems to follow the light of John's head torch. She copes very well, and is now living with another calf and they get on really well. Not sure what the future holds for her as we have never had to deal with a blind cow before.
Austen is growing on well, he likes nothing better than a good gallop round his field, it's a shame he hasn't got any other foals to play with, but he seems to quite like Bambles' calf.
May 22nd
Rosie's foal is here. Born on May 9th, Austen, posh name Akehurst Rose Man. He chose just the right time to be born, eight o'clock in the evening, and friends from Sussex not long arrived for a visit, so I had some help with the delivery. He was very big, but good old Rosie heaved and pushed and with just a little help he was here. He was so tall he had problems finding the milk bar, and when he finally did manage to work it out and quench his thirst, there was another problem to solve. How do you lie down? When your legs are as long as his, it's a long way down and he got very scared when it all went wrong, and it was ages before he dared try again. But a few hours later we found him snuggled in the straw, and since then he hasn't looked back.
Rosie's foal is here. Born on May 9th, Austen, posh name Akehurst Rose Man. He chose just the right time to be born, eight o'clock in the evening, and friends from Sussex not long arrived for a visit, so I had some help with the delivery. He was very big, but good old Rosie heaved and pushed and with just a little help he was here. He was so tall he had problems finding the milk bar, and when he finally did manage to work it out and quench his thirst, there was another problem to solve. How do you lie down? When your legs are as long as his, it's a long way down and he got very scared when it all went wrong, and it was ages before he dared try again. But a few hours later we found him snuggled in the straw, and since then he hasn't looked back.
.His first outing was in the arena, where much to his surprise, his mum fell to the ground to have a lovely relaxing roll. Rosie then showed him how to walk, trot and canter and soon he was off chasing round and round.
Two weeks later and with the weather improving he is out in the field. He can get up a lot of speed galloping round his mum but so far I haven't managed to get a photo of that, but here he is posing for the camera.
Spring Time.
Well it's all very quiet here, down to five ponies at the moment, which has made life easier through the Winter.
Sadly no riders for them at present as a back problem I've had for years, has worsened. Apparently "I've worn it out" and that's official. Now we have had some Spring sunshine, the ponies are all in a better frame of mind since the fields have dried up and they can go out again. They have been very good through the Winter, going for exercise in the arena or walk way, but there's nothing like a buck and a kick in a field, or a good munch!
Katy has been busy assisting John with the lambing, which went very smoothly this year, no dramas and no orphan lambs to feed, so I think she thought it rather boring. Katy likes a bit of drama, it gives her an excuse to run round her pen bucking!
Rosie is due to foal next month, she's had a break for two years. She is seventeen this year and had her first foal June Rose ( still here with me) in 2004. She then had a break for a year, when it was intended to back her, but it never happened. So in 2006 she had foal number two and has had one every year until 2014, when I thought she could do with a break. So fingers crossed all goes well for her.
Melrose, who will be four this year, went off on loan last Autumn to Lynette, who already has her younger brother, Woody and Cousin Cyril. Lynette has backed her for me and taken her out and about. Hopefully she will be put in foal later this year.
Melrose, who will be four this year, went off on loan last Autumn to Lynette, who already has her younger brother, Woody and Cousin Cyril. Lynette has backed her for me and taken her out and about. Hopefully she will be put in foal later this year.