Sunday, December 12, 2010
Hay finally got baled
Well wouldn't you know it with my luck, we got the hay cut, looked fantastic, got turned then it rained and rained and rained, god what is wrong with me. Luckily we got some stinky hot days and we get it turned twice and baled. So I now have 11 medium bales in the barn, okay its not a huge amount, but it wasn't a huge amount shut off, as we did this as a test run. Definately worth doing the same again next year, with the other paddock will probably give me enough to get me through winter then. I didn't ride on Saturday, I was far to lazy, having been out the night before with Amanda and Helen, that and the fact it was like 32 degrees!!! Oh but I did send Shan and Jim off for a road ride with Alise :) Sunday was much cooler so trundled around on Lace, lunged Rat and mucked out, does it never end. I'm over mucking out at the moment and have made hte decision to sell Cheeky for a bargain basement price and before winter to get G put down, that gives us 3 horses a much more manageable number. Now I just have to find the perfect home for Cheeky.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Bangor Pony Club Show - Saturday 4 Dec 2010
I was in Saddle Hunter with Sandy and we had a beautiful day for it, just a bit of a breeze to stop it from getting unbearable in a woollen jacket. Big class, definately biggest I've been in now, think we had ribbons to 6 and at least 5 people missed out every time. Now I will double check what is written by Shan in the schedule but understand I got the following, 2nd in turnout, 2nd in rider, 4th in novice 0-5 wins, 4th in open and 5th in paced. I flagged the mannered and walking class as Lace and I were both over it by then. So thats its for this year, I'm looking forward to a break.
Vaughn Jefferies lesson
Well I took Friday off as leave, and headed out to Flaxton for a SJ lesson. I was rather nervous having only ridden a couple of times since I'd been ill and no jumping. Problem is I'm a control freak and Lace knows what she is doing and has a pace she likes to jump at, I'm getting there, but Friday was a great confidence builder, okay we had one stop at a jump, but that was my fault entirely, but I really have to focus on my release and not being so heavy in the hand, all a hang over from G. But it did get better, the more confidence I got. So will just keep at it, and by the time Vaughn is back again end of January, hopefully I'll be further along. But its amazing how your confidence goes when you have kids, and you may get it back if your lucky but its so easy to lose for no good reason at all.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Showing
Those that know me know I don't show, I've done two in my lifetime.
West Melton Weedons PC Show - Saddle Hunter
1st show - Lace was firing on all rockets, e.g. I found 5th gear, which was bit strange, considering I normally have difficulty getting her into 3rd! Anyway, we did okay, got some 3rds, got some 4ths, got some 5ths, pretty pleased with that, and judge mentioned our lovely 'gallop' I did the best in the Open - go figure, I HATE speed. Anyway, I was rapted with the day, and actually had a blast.
All Breeds Show - Saddle Hunter
2nd show -This time I was little more nervous knowing I was probably going to find 5th gear again, and I tend to build things up in my mind. Stupid thing is warming up outside the ring, and she's just lazy lazy, she knows the minute that judge is there its go. This time however I was prepared for it, and went with the flow, however, first 2 classes, she bucked going into canter! Don't know what that was about, but she stopped after what felt like was an eternity, but I'm wondering if more canter work in warmup is required. We got 3rd or 4th in Turnout, we got 1st in Novice 0-3 wins, we got 2nd in Novice 4-6 wins or whatever that was, we got 2nd in Open, we got Reserve Champ (never having done that before I can tell you I was packing myself!). I think we got 3rd in Paced and I decided that that was enough and called it a day. Pretty happy with the day as you'd expect and my daughter was on the sideline being as helpful as only she can be, however she has a tendancy to argue with me - about things she doesn't know about, so even though I appreciated her help, I also could have happily left her behind.
Ellesmere Pony Club Show - Saddle Hunter
We had entered the Ellesmere Pony Club show the following weekend, however it was that horrid the night before and the morning of, we just flagged that and wizzed down and helped. Unfortuantely I'd talked my sister into doing that show, she was not happy with me, mind you can understand that, by the time the judge in the Standardbred ring had done two classes the judge in the Hunter ring was still judging one class, okay it was a big class but talk about painful. All I can say is I'm pleased I didn't go, and I don't understand how a horse that is bucking and playing up can win the mannered class?
Coming up:
Anyway, coming up we've got a Vaughn Jefferies SJ lesson (next week) and we've got Bangor the day after - well timed Kylie! Otherwise we're on the count down to Christmas - I'm looking forward to the riding!
New Addition
As we lost Clarrisa earlier in the year, we finally by we I mean ME finally got a new Donald friend. This one is called 'Daisy' I know how appropriate, and she's another muschovey, female approx a year old. She's come from Flaxton, and seems to have settled in well with the chooks, and Donald, who I've never seen so active! MEN!
West Melton Weedons PC Show - Saddle Hunter
1st show - Lace was firing on all rockets, e.g. I found 5th gear, which was bit strange, considering I normally have difficulty getting her into 3rd! Anyway, we did okay, got some 3rds, got some 4ths, got some 5ths, pretty pleased with that, and judge mentioned our lovely 'gallop' I did the best in the Open - go figure, I HATE speed. Anyway, I was rapted with the day, and actually had a blast.
All Breeds Show - Saddle Hunter
2nd show -This time I was little more nervous knowing I was probably going to find 5th gear again, and I tend to build things up in my mind. Stupid thing is warming up outside the ring, and she's just lazy lazy, she knows the minute that judge is there its go. This time however I was prepared for it, and went with the flow, however, first 2 classes, she bucked going into canter! Don't know what that was about, but she stopped after what felt like was an eternity, but I'm wondering if more canter work in warmup is required. We got 3rd or 4th in Turnout, we got 1st in Novice 0-3 wins, we got 2nd in Novice 4-6 wins or whatever that was, we got 2nd in Open, we got Reserve Champ (never having done that before I can tell you I was packing myself!). I think we got 3rd in Paced and I decided that that was enough and called it a day. Pretty happy with the day as you'd expect and my daughter was on the sideline being as helpful as only she can be, however she has a tendancy to argue with me - about things she doesn't know about, so even though I appreciated her help, I also could have happily left her behind.
Ellesmere Pony Club Show - Saddle Hunter
We had entered the Ellesmere Pony Club show the following weekend, however it was that horrid the night before and the morning of, we just flagged that and wizzed down and helped. Unfortuantely I'd talked my sister into doing that show, she was not happy with me, mind you can understand that, by the time the judge in the Standardbred ring had done two classes the judge in the Hunter ring was still judging one class, okay it was a big class but talk about painful. All I can say is I'm pleased I didn't go, and I don't understand how a horse that is bucking and playing up can win the mannered class?
Coming up:
Anyway, coming up we've got a Vaughn Jefferies SJ lesson (next week) and we've got Bangor the day after - well timed Kylie! Otherwise we're on the count down to Christmas - I'm looking forward to the riding!
New Addition
As we lost Clarrisa earlier in the year, we finally by we I mean ME finally got a new Donald friend. This one is called 'Daisy' I know how appropriate, and she's another muschovey, female approx a year old. She's come from Flaxton, and seems to have settled in well with the chooks, and Donald, who I've never seen so active! MEN!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Earthquake - For me
Before the memory fades this is my recollection of the 4th September at approximately 4am.
Something is wrong, I’m awake, its not a noise I hear, I don’t know what is it, but all of a sudden the brain registers the fact we’re moving and not just a little, we’re being tossed around. This isn’t normal, but its amazing how slow your brain can be to register these things after being asleep, I’m certainly not leaping out of bed immediately like you’d like to think you would, woman of action and all that. I think the dogs and cats must have been long gone (obviously more action than me). I must have at some point leapt or been thrown out of bed I just remember squatting in the doorway to the ensuite and hanging on for dear life, no supporting arm from my partner pushing me out of bed, he was probably long gone by then. All you could feel was the earth moving up and down so violently, you couldn’t walk you’d have been knocked off your feet so fast, you needed something to hold on to. At this point I thought the house was gonna fall down around us, I couldn’t understand how it wasn’t already happening, the house was moving up and down so much, I was sure trees would be over, nothing could stand up to this. I could hear smashing glass at this point I start thinking about Shan sleeping right by the big corner window (okay at this point my brain went Shannon), I yell for Roly (its pitch black and no glasses on, I'm blind), no idea where he is, no ones talking and we’re in the same room, he’s trapped by the ranchslider, holding himself up on the wall, at which point I yell at him to get away from the windows. He couldn’t get out even if he’d wanted to, the duchess has fallen over with the TV and everything else, and the bed is moving around so much unless he wants to try to open the ranchslider he aint going anywhere. Not long into it I hear Shan screaming, luckily by then I can sort of stand and manage to get down the hallway to her room (don’t recall any of that but must have happened), I remember yelling at her to get out of bed and get into the doorway – she does manage to grab her duvet at the same time (very grateful to that, as we’re all in pjs), and we hunker down there, waiting for it to stop. Bear turns up and tries to hide under the duvet, Skye turns up and does, so two dogs, Shan and me and I’m trying to yell at Roly to find out where he is, I think has gone to the study to try to find a torch, obviously all the power is out. Once it settles down enough we go outside, its pitch black and we have to wait it out till we can actually see whats happening. Roly goes back in to get my cigarettes which I must admit to virtually chain smoking. He also toddles down to see the horses, at this point I’m shaking and feeling sick. Cheeky has broken through the electric tape, flown through the metal gate and is the paddock with Lace, cut and bruised and scared but nothing major, the boys are all pretty flighty but safe. Roly toddles down to the check the neighbours who have a crack right through their house, but otherwise are okay. By the time its light enough to go inside, there is glass everywhere, all the cabinets are down, all the TV’s, bookcase, fridge is open and contents all over floor, pantry same thing, cupboards and draws and contents all over the kitchen floor, so much smashed glass everywhere, I’m not sure we’ll get all the glass back up even with the vacuuming.
When we made the dash around to find me cigarettes, we couldn’t believe the trees were still standing, we thought for sure they’d all be down, we lost 5-6 down the boundary on K&B’s property but that’s not bad going.
I can’t however believe how lucky we were, I can’t believe the house took all that punishment and stayed upright, no one was hurt or died. Our cats and dogs are all okay, after a month they are almost back to normal, the dogs don’t look to us for the little aftershocks now, and the cats tend to not even bother waking up unless they feel its worthy of their attention. Horses were a little jittery but they’ve come through remarkably well. And at the end of the day, its family and your babies (whether human, canine, feline or equine) that counts.
Something is wrong, I’m awake, its not a noise I hear, I don’t know what is it, but all of a sudden the brain registers the fact we’re moving and not just a little, we’re being tossed around. This isn’t normal, but its amazing how slow your brain can be to register these things after being asleep, I’m certainly not leaping out of bed immediately like you’d like to think you would, woman of action and all that. I think the dogs and cats must have been long gone (obviously more action than me). I must have at some point leapt or been thrown out of bed I just remember squatting in the doorway to the ensuite and hanging on for dear life, no supporting arm from my partner pushing me out of bed, he was probably long gone by then. All you could feel was the earth moving up and down so violently, you couldn’t walk you’d have been knocked off your feet so fast, you needed something to hold on to. At this point I thought the house was gonna fall down around us, I couldn’t understand how it wasn’t already happening, the house was moving up and down so much, I was sure trees would be over, nothing could stand up to this. I could hear smashing glass at this point I start thinking about Shan sleeping right by the big corner window (okay at this point my brain went Shannon), I yell for Roly (its pitch black and no glasses on, I'm blind), no idea where he is, no ones talking and we’re in the same room, he’s trapped by the ranchslider, holding himself up on the wall, at which point I yell at him to get away from the windows. He couldn’t get out even if he’d wanted to, the duchess has fallen over with the TV and everything else, and the bed is moving around so much unless he wants to try to open the ranchslider he aint going anywhere. Not long into it I hear Shan screaming, luckily by then I can sort of stand and manage to get down the hallway to her room (don’t recall any of that but must have happened), I remember yelling at her to get out of bed and get into the doorway – she does manage to grab her duvet at the same time (very grateful to that, as we’re all in pjs), and we hunker down there, waiting for it to stop. Bear turns up and tries to hide under the duvet, Skye turns up and does, so two dogs, Shan and me and I’m trying to yell at Roly to find out where he is, I think has gone to the study to try to find a torch, obviously all the power is out. Once it settles down enough we go outside, its pitch black and we have to wait it out till we can actually see whats happening. Roly goes back in to get my cigarettes which I must admit to virtually chain smoking. He also toddles down to see the horses, at this point I’m shaking and feeling sick. Cheeky has broken through the electric tape, flown through the metal gate and is the paddock with Lace, cut and bruised and scared but nothing major, the boys are all pretty flighty but safe. Roly toddles down to the check the neighbours who have a crack right through their house, but otherwise are okay. By the time its light enough to go inside, there is glass everywhere, all the cabinets are down, all the TV’s, bookcase, fridge is open and contents all over floor, pantry same thing, cupboards and draws and contents all over the kitchen floor, so much smashed glass everywhere, I’m not sure we’ll get all the glass back up even with the vacuuming.
When we made the dash around to find me cigarettes, we couldn’t believe the trees were still standing, we thought for sure they’d all be down, we lost 5-6 down the boundary on K&B’s property but that’s not bad going.
I can’t however believe how lucky we were, I can’t believe the house took all that punishment and stayed upright, no one was hurt or died. Our cats and dogs are all okay, after a month they are almost back to normal, the dogs don’t look to us for the little aftershocks now, and the cats tend to not even bother waking up unless they feel its worthy of their attention. Horses were a little jittery but they’ve come through remarkably well. And at the end of the day, its family and your babies (whether human, canine, feline or equine) that counts.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Bit of a catch up
Had 3 days off over the school holidays, managed to go road riding once with Shan and Alise, my nerves were back again, so very much just a walk around. Lots of traffic on the road, but everyone behaved so that was good. I know the horses love it so just got to get myself used to doing it.
Lace has improved out of sight with our trot to canter trans, other way still requires work but definately improving - the halt to trot has helped no end. She's soft to ride, so had high hopes for the WMW show at Kirwee last weekend unfortunately, we found 5th gear, I never get 5th gear and hence we had a braking problem. So first couple of classes w(Saddle Hunter) as very much her pulling and me trying to get her to listen. When we did our individual workout in the Open she was much better, got a bit of the brain back. She still did well, well I think so being a non show-er, we had 2 or 3 3rds, 1 4th, a 5th and 6th (6th was for her novice and was deserved). I actually really enjoyed the day, other than the heat, and have already entered Ellesmere PC show and Bangor PC show. Shan is also doing Ellesmere as is our friends Amanda, Helen and my sister Tracy and her mate Toni, so should be plenty of fun.
I need to get myself sorted with some lessons though, I'd been told I ride too low with my hands, after seeing a few photos from the day, I have gone the other extreme now, LOL there is always something.
I will be doing some hunter rounds at Ellesmere PC show too, so watch this space :)
Lace has improved out of sight with our trot to canter trans, other way still requires work but definately improving - the halt to trot has helped no end. She's soft to ride, so had high hopes for the WMW show at Kirwee last weekend unfortunately, we found 5th gear, I never get 5th gear and hence we had a braking problem. So first couple of classes w(Saddle Hunter) as very much her pulling and me trying to get her to listen. When we did our individual workout in the Open she was much better, got a bit of the brain back. She still did well, well I think so being a non show-er, we had 2 or 3 3rds, 1 4th, a 5th and 6th (6th was for her novice and was deserved). I actually really enjoyed the day, other than the heat, and have already entered Ellesmere PC show and Bangor PC show. Shan is also doing Ellesmere as is our friends Amanda, Helen and my sister Tracy and her mate Toni, so should be plenty of fun.
I need to get myself sorted with some lessons though, I'd been told I ride too low with my hands, after seeing a few photos from the day, I have gone the other extreme now, LOL there is always something.
I will be doing some hunter rounds at Ellesmere PC show too, so watch this space :)
Sunday, September 26, 2010
25-26 September 2010
Well finally what fantastic weather, we needed something to cheer us all up. I've even stopped feeling every little shake, thank god.
Well I had a ride in the paddock on Saturday, and must say Lacey if finally getting the way I ride, didn't have sore calf muscles this time round, she pretty much kept tempo and only had to flick her a couple of times to pick up the pace. Our canter was much improved also, so had a lovely ride. On Sunday we ventured down to Leeston for the measuring day, she started out a right wee tart, kept pulling backwards, but once Shannon started scratching her nose that was it, she just about nodded off to sleep, she was just having me on. So at least thats one thing done and dusted, and really liked it down there, nice and quiet and friendly helpful people. In my lifetime I've only ever done that once before.
Yesterday was a completely differnet story, Lace as per usual was such a good girl, but I had to pack in our ride when a wind gust almost seperated me from the saddle. I don't think Lace minded.
Shannon has just started Jim up again, so been walking him around the paddock. His third ride today, and she'll start doing some little bits of trot. He's been out for about 4 months now, so will take our time. He's such a dude though.
So that was our weekend, I was thinking about taking this Friday off, but they're saying it may not be so warm, so may just take the Wednesday of next week off, add it to my Monday and Tuesday and have a 5 day weekend. Doesn't that sound nice.
Well I had a ride in the paddock on Saturday, and must say Lacey if finally getting the way I ride, didn't have sore calf muscles this time round, she pretty much kept tempo and only had to flick her a couple of times to pick up the pace. Our canter was much improved also, so had a lovely ride. On Sunday we ventured down to Leeston for the measuring day, she started out a right wee tart, kept pulling backwards, but once Shannon started scratching her nose that was it, she just about nodded off to sleep, she was just having me on. So at least thats one thing done and dusted, and really liked it down there, nice and quiet and friendly helpful people. In my lifetime I've only ever done that once before.
Yesterday was a completely differnet story, Lace as per usual was such a good girl, but I had to pack in our ride when a wind gust almost seperated me from the saddle. I don't think Lace minded.
Shannon has just started Jim up again, so been walking him around the paddock. His third ride today, and she'll start doing some little bits of trot. He's been out for about 4 months now, so will take our time. He's such a dude though.
So that was our weekend, I was thinking about taking this Friday off, but they're saying it may not be so warm, so may just take the Wednesday of next week off, add it to my Monday and Tuesday and have a 5 day weekend. Doesn't that sound nice.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
20 September 2010
Well we've not been doing much recently, the weather has been apalling, we've had rain, rain and more rain, then the flaming earthquake and I'm not really feeling very motivated at all. However we did just get Roly's 40th birthday present, okay it's a tad early but oh so cute, such a time waster. His name is Teddy. Roly has been taking Teddy for runs (Teddy's definately fitter), brushing Teddy and found he meaning Teddy not Roly loves his belly being scratched. Teddy is a nosey wee parker and loves to investigate while I'm making the girls feeds up, he found the carrot bucket, so thats now empty, he also loves chasing the dogs, saying that, he gets told no and he looks at you with those big brown eyes, and says 'wasn't me'.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Audrey - Girl with the super clean white horse
Audrey was a special person who went out of her way to help people. Shan had lessons with Aud and Aud even offered to pick her up for school so she could have a lesson, I mean who does that anymore - but that was Aud, anything she could do to help. I'll always remember that infectious giggle and quick smile, the quick witted responses at the pony club meetings. She will be greatly missed and while leave a gap I don't know that can ever be filled at pony club. I did have to laugh at her furiously scrubbing Clouds hocks at pony club, to get those grass stains off, but honestly how did she keep that horse so white! We love you Aud, you were taken too soon.
18 July - Eyreton PC ODE
Bad start to morning, almost didn't go. Got there 30min late, thank god for Helen who groomed Lace while I got gear and back number. Not bad dressage test, considering I'd not ridden in a week but Shannon had since she was on hols. Managed to get 3rd to Helen's 1st. Clear SJ even though really slippery, but broke little finger (hence short blog), XC clear but slow, if I'd been closer to time would have been 2nd but came home with 3rd instead. Had fun is the main thing, and Lace was perfect angel and looked after me.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
14 June 2010 - Update Kaiapoi ODE
Well we arrived, good start to day, easy drive. Lace was beautiful outside the arena, listening, transitions were good, but once we got in arena, I think I was sooo worried I was going to forget it, I just got tense. She was up and down with her head at canter, but all in all was okay. Only got about 8th, but considering she's only been ridden 3 times in 3 weeks thats okay. SJ was rather scary for me to walk, mainly cause I've not ridden her much recently and no jumping practice. However she was a dream, and I learnt when she reached out for some jumps to just give her her rein and stretch those legs down of mine and just sit there. No rails down and the turns I was worrried about weren't an issue. XC started great, flew through all the water, but got to the big corner near the end of the course and there were two sacks on it, I looked straight at them thinking they werent' there before, so needless to say she stopped. I did the same thing again, wasn't till I took the corner from a differnet line and I WASN"T LOOKING at the sacks did she fly over, so all my fault. But I was soo happy with the ride, no pulling, it was lovely. I came off even though I'd stuffed up, really really happy with her. However she has started pulling back at the float, did it 3 times and if it hadn't been for a lovely woman beside us I couldn't have left her to walk the XC. Helen also tied foxy up to my float and she seemed to settle after that, helped Helen was riding immediatley after me. So that helped a great deal too. Thank you Helen!!!!
Monday, June 7, 2010
8 June 2010
Well we didn't even bother going to Rangiora to compete on Monday, definately made the right decision. Grounds were very boggie for SJ but XC was fine. But after having done this event 3 years in a row, they never cancel even though the SJ and dressage areas have been apalling, we've decided not enter that event again. With a drive of over 75 minutes its not worth getting out there and then turning around and going home again. I'd rather flag the money than risk injury to my horse or myself. My friend went, shes closer than us and said they had 6 people turn up in our class, so I wasn't the only wise one it turns out. I'm totally sick of this wet weather, and the inability to get on the horses and do some riding. Hence I've been rather depressed about it all.
I've still got Kaiapoi and Springston events, if I can't get on Lace at least a couple of times this week will probably flag Kaiapoi and hope for some better weather with Springston, thats only 5 minutes down the road however, so no big deal if it all turns to custard.
Oh and I clipped Lace on Saturday, she was in fact worse than G, who knew that would be possible. Every part of that horse is ticklish, her neck, her flank, her belly (okay fair enough there), we had a bit of cow kicking, not trying to get me but warning shots, so unfortunately her belly is very patchy. Roly was holding her as we needed her down by the house to get power, thats another thing on the to do list for the barn. But just decided prettiness wasn't a necessity, so rather than wind her up to much, we just got it done as best we could and let her back out beside the boys.
Shannon isn't taking part in Collier now, date has been moved to end of June, which means she and another rider are unavailable. Shannon who has gotten into the Selwyn Development Squad for netball has games every Sunday now, so we'll be travelling down to Timaru, Ashburton, North Canterbury and one in Chch.
I've still got Kaiapoi and Springston events, if I can't get on Lace at least a couple of times this week will probably flag Kaiapoi and hope for some better weather with Springston, thats only 5 minutes down the road however, so no big deal if it all turns to custard.
Oh and I clipped Lace on Saturday, she was in fact worse than G, who knew that would be possible. Every part of that horse is ticklish, her neck, her flank, her belly (okay fair enough there), we had a bit of cow kicking, not trying to get me but warning shots, so unfortunately her belly is very patchy. Roly was holding her as we needed her down by the house to get power, thats another thing on the to do list for the barn. But just decided prettiness wasn't a necessity, so rather than wind her up to much, we just got it done as best we could and let her back out beside the boys.
Shannon isn't taking part in Collier now, date has been moved to end of June, which means she and another rider are unavailable. Shannon who has gotten into the Selwyn Development Squad for netball has games every Sunday now, so we'll be travelling down to Timaru, Ashburton, North Canterbury and one in Chch.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Upcoming
With long weekend coming, I've taken Friday off work to try and get horses all tied up, catch up on mucking out that hasnt' been done due to rain, and get some work into Lace before Rangiora ODE on Monday. I also anticipate I'll be clipping her on Saturday. So lets hope the weather on Monday isn't as nasty as they're predicting, I'd appreciate a bit more sunlight, since I can some today for the first time in weeks. Also brother inlaw has his 40th B/day party this Saturday, so will be another outing for us. I've also entered Kaiapoi ODE and Springston which will be our last, but yet again will be weather dependent. I'm not the young fool I once was, and refuse to get cold and wet all at the same time.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
2 June 2010 - Update
Well its been a while between posts, so time to let you know what's happening.
Still no subdivision so no fencing, which is a blow as with the amount of rain we've had our electric standards are struggling to stay upright. We have however gotten access to our barn, as Kaye's has been progressed enough to get her four horses inside. So Sunday was spent moving the sawdust from one bay to the others so we can lay pallets and be ready to lay concrete in at least the one bay. What a job though, for the rest we will definately get in a little mini digger.
Haven't ridden in a few weeks other than the occasional potter because of weather and ground conditions. Luckily Collier was postponed, we've got such well draining soil, I just couldn't see how they couldn't be water logged, we are greasy and slippery, so much so I don't want to risk riding. We did get enough of a break yesterday with some more sun, to chuck Lace on the lunge, she was soo pleased to be out of her paddock and doing something, she kept dropping her bottom lip while she was trotting round, then wanted cuddles every time I asked her to halt. Okay she might look depressed (who can blame her with all this rain), not unlike myself but what a sweetie.
We're supposed to be doing Rangiora this weekend, Shannons last event for the season, but will play it by ear with weather, not risking her or either of the horses if the ground conditions are dangerous, I'd rather just flag the money.
Shannon got into the Selwyn 15 and under development squad (netball) so she's over the moon. Means more training and more netball - arh!
Thats it from me, pretty boring I admit but with all this rain not a lot we can do, and yes yet again its raining today, we had 2 days without, 1 with sun and we're back to rain. I hate winter!
Still no subdivision so no fencing, which is a blow as with the amount of rain we've had our electric standards are struggling to stay upright. We have however gotten access to our barn, as Kaye's has been progressed enough to get her four horses inside. So Sunday was spent moving the sawdust from one bay to the others so we can lay pallets and be ready to lay concrete in at least the one bay. What a job though, for the rest we will definately get in a little mini digger.
Haven't ridden in a few weeks other than the occasional potter because of weather and ground conditions. Luckily Collier was postponed, we've got such well draining soil, I just couldn't see how they couldn't be water logged, we are greasy and slippery, so much so I don't want to risk riding. We did get enough of a break yesterday with some more sun, to chuck Lace on the lunge, she was soo pleased to be out of her paddock and doing something, she kept dropping her bottom lip while she was trotting round, then wanted cuddles every time I asked her to halt. Okay she might look depressed (who can blame her with all this rain), not unlike myself but what a sweetie.
We're supposed to be doing Rangiora this weekend, Shannons last event for the season, but will play it by ear with weather, not risking her or either of the horses if the ground conditions are dangerous, I'd rather just flag the money.
Shannon got into the Selwyn 15 and under development squad (netball) so she's over the moon. Means more training and more netball - arh!
Thats it from me, pretty boring I admit but with all this rain not a lot we can do, and yes yet again its raining today, we had 2 days without, 1 with sun and we're back to rain. I hate winter!
Sunday, May 2, 2010
2 May 2010 - Waihora ODE
Well what an amazing day for me, not so much for poor old Shannon, however she should be very proud of herself and if she hadn't knocked a rail in SJ I would have been forking over for a new show jacket for her. Shannon did her dressage test first, not as good as previous ones she understood why she got 10th, so thats good. Lace did mostly a nice test, however first canter there was some head movement, but our loops were spot on, and our circles at canter, as they were supposed to be, and other than one trot before the marker she did a really nice test, enough to get us 3rd. XC well, they were full height, for me, very scary, there were some big wide jumps out there. She tried to put me into the tree before jump 1 but once she saw those flags she headed straight for the jump, then we had to go through a gateway, yet again all stop, I did manage to go a tad forward at that point, doh! After that, we were in cruise mood and the scary number 5 she jumped beautifully and I started to get my confidence up. She was responsive, and came back when asked and really jumped beautifully. We got to the drop to the water, I slowed to a trot, she worked it out and said pretty much ' bugger this were off' and leapt in, she wanted to take the big element out, luckily I hadn't lost that much of my reins and we took the right one and we were homeward bound. We kept it slow because of her shoe, but no issues there, still on, and no more cracking. Shannon (who Julie kept an eye on, cause I was riding) flew around the course, much better pace and clear all the way - well done Shannon I'm so proud of you! Jim and her seem to have so much confidence in each other now its great! My SJ was a nice round, however I yet again managed to loose a stirrup, so not sure whether I'm not putting my weight down evenily or tilting, so need some help here. But she was just fantastic, they were small, so no issue and I could set her up nicely for each, so no rails no stops. Shannon who has a problem with Jim flattening out, kept him in a beautiful outline and nice and rounded however she relaxed (you could see it) before the final jump and he just flattened out and took the rail with his back legs. Shannon would have been in the placings if the fence steward had gotten it right, but in future she's going to yell her back number out as she comes up. I managed to stay on 3rd and I must say 1st place was a beautiful horse and rider, so well deserved.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
27 April 2010
Well the lovely farrier (aka Grant Nyhan) turned up on time yesterday to put a new shoe on for Lace and also gave Shannon's boy a tidy up. Wonderful man, coming out so quickly, knowing we were desperate but still managed to give more than his fair share of cheek! Anyway, I was very proud to tell him how I was now 'cantering' his wee joke re George. Even Grant's comments re my outings with Lace were I told you to get a decent horse for ages, yeah well fair enough but its amazing what you put up with. Anyway, no riding for us last night, managed to remember to give the chickens their chick starter crumble, even though they are just about full size now. Then Shannon had netball training for school so I dropped her off and headed home to tidy up and try to get as much washing done as I could. Was semi successful. Today Shannon finishes school early, so she's going to ride Lace first, do some fitness work, then she'll jump on Jim and do the same. If I get time when I get home I'll do some schooling with Lace, if I don't get time at least she's had some riding. We've got Steph coming round tonight to do our hair, cuts for me and Shannon and Kaye is getting a cut and colour so we should look a lot tidier for our next event, Waihora this coming weekend. I've got to call into the saddlery to get another medical arm band as I'm not sure I can find mine, so rather than panic, I'll just get another one. Shannon also believes Kaye managed to find my disappearing spur, so thats a saving.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
West Melton Weedons 25th April 2010
Had West Melton Weedons ODE on Sunday, a fine warm day, thankfully. Shannon felt she did a better dressage test this week from last but only managed 7th, thats still pretty good, so think she should be very proud of herself. I felt like we did a worse test than last weekend and managed a 3rd placing, wow, must have looked better than it felt.
We had XC first, great start, however jump number 4 we just stopped, typical, just came through a gateway and she just stopped not sure what she was looking at, certainly wasn't the jump. I had no spurs as I've managed to lose one lord knows where. Flew around the rest of the course, however almost took a tumble when Lace stumbled and almost went down, didn't realise till the end of the course she'd at that point ripped off her front shoe. Luckily I managed to hold on, and we flew the rest of the course, such a blast, I did make her go slower than she wanted to, felt my luck was only just holding with me not coming off. She jumped beautifully and came back when asked, mostly :) The jumps didn't feel too big, so really enjoyed myself.
Shannon flew around the course, no stops, flew through the water, well done Shannon and Jim. SJ Shannon managed to take a rail but that managed to put her in 6th place overall. I went clear, however because of Lace's missing shoe I took it slow and tried to make sure we did nice round corners, Lace had other ideas and in the first of the double she managed to unseat me by the time we did the 2nd element I had no stirrups and only just held on, so had to pull her up and get my stirrups back then do the final jump. Man I had a lucky day. We only managed to get 11th overall but all in good day. I always however manage to sabortage myself, it was another of those days. Long day, pleased to be home and in bed by 7pm and asleep not long afterwards. Next weekend we have Waihora, so already put the call into my farrier.
We had XC first, great start, however jump number 4 we just stopped, typical, just came through a gateway and she just stopped not sure what she was looking at, certainly wasn't the jump. I had no spurs as I've managed to lose one lord knows where. Flew around the rest of the course, however almost took a tumble when Lace stumbled and almost went down, didn't realise till the end of the course she'd at that point ripped off her front shoe. Luckily I managed to hold on, and we flew the rest of the course, such a blast, I did make her go slower than she wanted to, felt my luck was only just holding with me not coming off. She jumped beautifully and came back when asked, mostly :) The jumps didn't feel too big, so really enjoyed myself.
Shannon flew around the course, no stops, flew through the water, well done Shannon and Jim. SJ Shannon managed to take a rail but that managed to put her in 6th place overall. I went clear, however because of Lace's missing shoe I took it slow and tried to make sure we did nice round corners, Lace had other ideas and in the first of the double she managed to unseat me by the time we did the 2nd element I had no stirrups and only just held on, so had to pull her up and get my stirrups back then do the final jump. Man I had a lucky day. We only managed to get 11th overall but all in good day. I always however manage to sabortage myself, it was another of those days. Long day, pleased to be home and in bed by 7pm and asleep not long afterwards. Next weekend we have Waihora, so already put the call into my farrier.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Cheeky
Well had the vet out, little later than anticipated but he arrived. Turns out its mud fever causing the issue, I hate mud fever. So guess tonight we'll be washing and trying to get the scabs off, and we've got some ointment to put on. At least she trotted up fine, and we lunged her and she was even, so Shannon can keep her in work. Mind you Shannon may need a few days off, she's either strained, sprained or broken her thumb! Let's hope she's okay for Sunday.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Cheeky - 21 April 2010
Cheeky had come back into work after her fence and leg incident, however Shannon was riding her on Monday night and said she felt a bit hoppy, then she said there was some tail swishing going on, and then the back end was giving the warning signs of a buck coming. As Shannon said "she dont' buck unless shes' sore", so we made the decision to get the vet out. Not sure if there is possibly an infection in the leg she had the incident with, its her white stocking leg so hard to look at and say is it slightly swollen or not, or is there an abscess brewing? Who knows, but we did well for 2 months after the incident, so rather than stick her back in the paddock and wait it out, best we get on to it, and keep her in work.
Kaye has been helping Shannon and they've been getting some really nice work. It's actually hard to tell if Shannon is riding Lace or Cheeky they're so similar to look at, so thats pretty good in my book. We may look at taking Cheeky to the Ellesmere Dressage Day dependent on what the vets report is. I will try to get some photos of Shannon riding Cheeky during the week, as we've got nothing that isn't from a year ago.
I guess truth be told I've also given up the idea of selling her. Shannon is making her look so good, and she's pretty quiet and I think the two horse have helped get her confidence up. Well its not like we need to room, so looks like I'm stuck with another mouth to feed after all.
Kaye has been helping Shannon and they've been getting some really nice work. It's actually hard to tell if Shannon is riding Lace or Cheeky they're so similar to look at, so thats pretty good in my book. We may look at taking Cheeky to the Ellesmere Dressage Day dependent on what the vets report is. I will try to get some photos of Shannon riding Cheeky during the week, as we've got nothing that isn't from a year ago.
I guess truth be told I've also given up the idea of selling her. Shannon is making her look so good, and she's pretty quiet and I think the two horse have helped get her confidence up. Well its not like we need to room, so looks like I'm stuck with another mouth to feed after all.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Belfast ODE 18 April 2010
Well I practiced my dressage test the day before, mmm should have done some work on this rather than all the jumping. It was awful, on the day it was definately better, but resisting and got loads to work on (alot of it was me but we definately need to work in an arena more). We were well down in our dressage but thats new horse, nervous rider for ya (wasn't last by any means so I can live with that for now).
Shannon had a great test, she came 3rd in her dressage, she was rapt. I missed the whole thing as she was riding her test essentially the same time I was doing mine - typical!
I had XC first, at this point I was thinking what the hell am I doing. However when the man said when your ready and I let her go there was no thought of stopping, I even got to the point of just letting her go, she just bowled around with me on top, not a thought in the world of stopping, bolting or bucking - I had so much fun! I felt confident enough to let her go in the forest, once we hit the open I made her come back to me, she was not straight as she kept trying to drift towards the floats. But once she was going away from them we were fine.
Shannon had SJ first and did a lovely clear round, they are such a happy combination. No rails down and no stops. We've got this recorded so at some point will get a link on here to it.
Our SJ was a bit hairy, Lace was wanting to go a little faster than I wanted, probably cause to her (not me) the jumps were tiny (so little bit flat) but she went clear and I only got behind her the once, that will teach me. I had a brillant day and came away very very happy with an overall 9th place for our first outing together.
Shannon unfortuantely had one stop in the XC she said there were some kids right beside a jump playing with papers and Jim spooked at them rather than the jump, oh well thats life unfortuantely, but she came away with a 4th overall so she really has come along leaps and bounds.
So I have to say a big thank you to the following people for helping Shannon achieve this great result - for helping her with her dressage during the week prior and running through her test and fine tuning - Alise Yates (well done Alise your hired!!!!), and the jumping is all down to Tracey Kovacks, she's given Shannon so much confidence in herself and her horse, so big thank you to both of these people :)
Shannon had a great test, she came 3rd in her dressage, she was rapt. I missed the whole thing as she was riding her test essentially the same time I was doing mine - typical!
I had XC first, at this point I was thinking what the hell am I doing. However when the man said when your ready and I let her go there was no thought of stopping, I even got to the point of just letting her go, she just bowled around with me on top, not a thought in the world of stopping, bolting or bucking - I had so much fun! I felt confident enough to let her go in the forest, once we hit the open I made her come back to me, she was not straight as she kept trying to drift towards the floats. But once she was going away from them we were fine.
Shannon had SJ first and did a lovely clear round, they are such a happy combination. No rails down and no stops. We've got this recorded so at some point will get a link on here to it.
Our SJ was a bit hairy, Lace was wanting to go a little faster than I wanted, probably cause to her (not me) the jumps were tiny (so little bit flat) but she went clear and I only got behind her the once, that will teach me. I had a brillant day and came away very very happy with an overall 9th place for our first outing together.
Shannon unfortuantely had one stop in the XC she said there were some kids right beside a jump playing with papers and Jim spooked at them rather than the jump, oh well thats life unfortuantely, but she came away with a 4th overall so she really has come along leaps and bounds.
So I have to say a big thank you to the following people for helping Shannon achieve this great result - for helping her with her dressage during the week prior and running through her test and fine tuning - Alise Yates (well done Alise your hired!!!!), and the jumping is all down to Tracey Kovacks, she's given Shannon so much confidence in herself and her horse, so big thank you to both of these people :)
Practice practice practice
Well Shannon and I have been out and about alot with Amanda and Helen doing jumping. It's been fantastic for me especially with new horsie. Got my confidence up, mind you she's a treasure so not hard, but we've been Melton Park several times (photos to come) and McLean's Island. I did however have to go down the route of changing Lacy's bit for jumping, she's a tad too strong, just tucks that head in so I've put her in a waterford and she's been great, not able to tow me along so much LOL.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Baby Bear
Skye was a very unhappy doggie without her best bud Jess. So we made the decision (as much for ourselves if we're honest) to get her a new friend. So we got little Bear (male) GSD and though she was very uncertain for the first few days, they're now happily playing and Skye seems a lot happier. We were concerned it was more stressed than she let on as she'd started to wet again while lying down, she hadn't done that in a long time. But since having Bear she's not done it, so think we did right thing for Skye.
Jessie Dog
Unfortunately Jess took a sudden turn and was taken to the vet on a Moday morning. She's been very lethargic and her gums had gone white. While I knew something wasn't right, I hadn't expected it to be so bad. Her stomach had blood in it, turned out after lots of tests she had a tumor on her spleen and her spleen was bleeding into her stomach. No real option but to put her down which we did that evening after saying good bye. She was so happy to see us when we first went in we wondered if we were doing the right thing but after she'd had her hello and her I love you lot, she looked miserable. Very very hard decision, just breaks your heart, but we took her home that night and buried her in the garden and put the lemon tree over her, as her favourite place in the garden at the place was under the lemon tree. Seemed fitting some how.
March 2010
Well it has been a busy time for us. I got my friends horse on trial and he was right, she is just what I'm after. Show off. He's already lining up Shannon's next horse. Anyway, Lace is 16.1-162hh even though farrier is adament she's 17hh - he does like to joke! Not having had a mare myself to ride before, I was a bit hesitant, but she's not really any different from the boys. I have managed 3 road rides with Lace, 1 with Alise and Shannon and 1 with just Shannon and myself. I then made the huge trip to Tai Tapu and went for a ride with Julie, it was a 2 hour ride and my butt was soooo sore, thank god I was riding in the Barnsby and not the Stubben but she's a dream on the road and I'm getting my confidence back - who knew. We went out with my sister and her friends to Belfast and did some jumping, had a few stops but that was me learning to ride her properly, but after that we were away and laughing, nice thing is no buck no bolt. I've organised to get a jumping saddle for her, so I can do more than the one day I did, so Shannon has now got the Stubben which fits Jim a treat. Poor old Jim has been out of action for over a week, last ride he tripped and went down on his knees, the ground is so hard we immediately hosed his legs and smeared Aloe all over. He was definately sore the next day. Shannon then got sick so they've both had a well deserved rest period. Rat is ready for action again now, leg is fine after the altercation with the fence, and had his shoes reapplied. So as of this weekend he's back in work (weather permitting). However now Cheeky is out of action, just as Shannon was starting to jump her, she had an altercation with the fence and managed to take all the skin off her back leg. Swellings down but due to the amount of skin taken off probably out of work for a month or two.
I have a show this weekend, the CRC Show, so looking forward to that. Entered Lace and myself in the Hack ring, so hope all goes well and we have fun. We've just been working on our trot to canter transitions and canter to trot transitions as they're not flash but yet again thats me not her. So my main goal is to sit up, not drop my hands and no hunching! Easier said than done.
I have a show this weekend, the CRC Show, so looking forward to that. Entered Lace and myself in the Hack ring, so hope all goes well and we have fun. We've just been working on our trot to canter transitions and canter to trot transitions as they're not flash but yet again thats me not her. So my main goal is to sit up, not drop my hands and no hunching! Easier said than done.
Monday, January 18, 2010
January 2010
Well its been a long time between posts. Lots has happened. So I'll try to get you up to date with minimum of fuss :)
Did a few events last season, G however wasn't cantering straight on one rein in the dressage, and thought I was dragging him round with my heavy hand, turns out it wasn't that at all, the arthritis in his knee is that bad he's been carrying himself to make it easier for him. Needless to say the jumping was fine, his favourite thing and we did manage to get 7th at our first event, but thats the end for George. He's now been seen by regular vet and has arthristis in the both knees and doesn't have very much movement in one. So he's been retired to enjoy what is left of his life in comfort. He's not coping on the hard ground however, as some days he's dead lame at walk and others he's okay so were playing it by ear as last thing I want is him in any more pain.
Rat had a long period off waiting for Tommy to come back and see us, needless to say his sacri was out, got that fixed and immediately went back into small paddock running around kicking out and skidding to a halt. I just watched Tommy drive off, thinking do I ring him now or wait a few hours - arh!
Anyway, Rat had started doing some jumping, probably about 50cm and at times he has a great style, however I'm not holding my breath for another G.
Shannon has brought Cheeky back into work and things are going well there, just walk and trot and working on keeping the inside bend on the circles, just the basic's while trying to get some muscle development and fitness back. Shannon does a great job of riding her, has the pony really moving and in a lovely outline.
Shannons coming ahead leaps and bounds with Jim, she's been having Tracey Kovacks lessons and she is a differnet rider, she no longer bounces around the sj course, the confidence is coming up, she's happy, Jim's happy, we're all happy. Oh and Shannon managed to pass her D+ certificate just before Christmas - yee har!
Just before Christmas we moved, so we now have the horses on the land with us, its great, however I'm not able to ride as often as I'd like, we've had such miserable drizzly weather, and I'm being so careful with the new saddle, especially as Shannon has stolen my jumping saddle.
I'll try to get some photos of the house and the land as a before, and once we've been able to get started once Kaye and Bryan are set up in their own place we'll add the during photos.
Right, I'll try to make these posts more regular, bit like the lessons I intend to have :)
Did a few events last season, G however wasn't cantering straight on one rein in the dressage, and thought I was dragging him round with my heavy hand, turns out it wasn't that at all, the arthritis in his knee is that bad he's been carrying himself to make it easier for him. Needless to say the jumping was fine, his favourite thing and we did manage to get 7th at our first event, but thats the end for George. He's now been seen by regular vet and has arthristis in the both knees and doesn't have very much movement in one. So he's been retired to enjoy what is left of his life in comfort. He's not coping on the hard ground however, as some days he's dead lame at walk and others he's okay so were playing it by ear as last thing I want is him in any more pain.
Rat had a long period off waiting for Tommy to come back and see us, needless to say his sacri was out, got that fixed and immediately went back into small paddock running around kicking out and skidding to a halt. I just watched Tommy drive off, thinking do I ring him now or wait a few hours - arh!
Anyway, Rat had started doing some jumping, probably about 50cm and at times he has a great style, however I'm not holding my breath for another G.
Shannon has brought Cheeky back into work and things are going well there, just walk and trot and working on keeping the inside bend on the circles, just the basic's while trying to get some muscle development and fitness back. Shannon does a great job of riding her, has the pony really moving and in a lovely outline.
Shannons coming ahead leaps and bounds with Jim, she's been having Tracey Kovacks lessons and she is a differnet rider, she no longer bounces around the sj course, the confidence is coming up, she's happy, Jim's happy, we're all happy. Oh and Shannon managed to pass her D+ certificate just before Christmas - yee har!
Just before Christmas we moved, so we now have the horses on the land with us, its great, however I'm not able to ride as often as I'd like, we've had such miserable drizzly weather, and I'm being so careful with the new saddle, especially as Shannon has stolen my jumping saddle.
I'll try to get some photos of the house and the land as a before, and once we've been able to get started once Kaye and Bryan are set up in their own place we'll add the during photos.
Right, I'll try to make these posts more regular, bit like the lessons I intend to have :)
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