Maiden flight - doing alright

We have a swallows nest in our barn, it's on one of the beams above Remys stable. There are 4 youngsters in it. It seems like it's been no time at all, but today the first one left the nest and made it's maiden flight. It was wonderful to watch. It flew around the barn, unsure of itself, mum (or dad) hovering nearby and then flying in and out of the barn trying to guide it. It wanted to get back into the nest, but couldn't work out the logistics. It was flying and hovering, flying and hovering, trying to work out how to do it. Isn't nature amazing - within a few short weeks those wings will be powerful enough to fly for hundreds of miles. Eventually it flew out of the dark, dusty barn into bright, glorious sunshine and circled high above. I wonder what it was thinking at that moment, how it felt leaving the dark safety of the nest and going into the bright open space of a whole new world .
I rode Remy up to the school for a short session. He wasn't paying much attention today, wanting to look around. He's been very jumpy the last couple of days and although he was calmer today he was still quite distracted. I walked him on a long rein for a few minutes, letting him stretch and relax and then worked on some halt/walk/halt transitions. He was sticky giving me right flexion so finished by asking for flexion left then right at halt for a few minutes until he was offering from a light feel on the rein.
As it's been a while, I thought it would be nice to take him up the track so thats what we did. We were out for about 30 minutes, went as far as the road and he gave me a lovely, long, forward stride on the way home.

Gareth came to trim them yesterday so they're fine for another few weeks and he's happy with how they're coping with the very hard ground.

Also, our hay was baled yesterday. In the words of our farmer - 'catastrophe!'
Over the last few years we've had between 35and 45 large round bales of our two main fields and this year we got 10. Unfortunately for us we let the farmer have our other field for maize so we're missing the hay off there too.
Thanks to good friends who've offered us some hay I think we'll be ok, but I can understand how farmers are worrying with large herds of cows to feed.
This spring we've had extremely dry weather and having so little hay is unusual, but our fields need some attention and we plan to reseed at the end of this year, so they'll be in much better condition next year.

Hot and Dusty

It was hot and dusty yesterday in the school with Remy, so another very short session.
He's starting to offer more genuine bend on the right rein, but is still a little reluctant. His wolf teeth are  definitely coming through now, more on that side and I wonder if it's bothering him a little. The equine dentist is due anytime so, hopefully we can sort it out.
I asked him for trot on the right rein for the first time and I was pleased at the way he coped. I can't say that about myself however, my balance and position is awful. It's a long time since I've done any trot work and it shows, I'm going to have to practice!! Jim did a vid.

Just a little moment

After wasting the morning at the docs yesterday, I didn't have chance to do the horses, and as we needed some stuff for our newly emerging wet room I spent the rest of the day shopping.
It was great weather for riding this morning, slightly overcast, warm, but fresh. I took Remy up to the school, starting with a little in-hand to relax him - small circles, relaxed through his neck with good even bend, rein-back, giravolta, followed by a short ridden session.
I'm pleased with the improvement on the right rein. Today he was offering a nice flexion inside at halt and yielding to my inside leg  on the transition to walk, holding the balance on the outside shoulder and not falling out on the circle. He gave me some nice fluid changes of bend in the figure of eights and nice leg yeild on the left rein. On a large circle (20m) left, he felt nicely balanced, so I asked for trot and he offered it immediately with no tension and good rhythm. I was so happy, but not wanting to spoil the moment, and wanting to ask for the transition back to walk before he started to lose balance, I trotted half the 20m circle and then asked. He gave me a smooth transition, in balance. For our first trot in the school I think it was pretty successful. Just a little moment, but a moment to remember.
Again, Jim brought Bonbon up to the school as I was finishing my session with Remy. He said that she came up quite excitedly, but not silly. When she came into the school they both remained calm and she settled to work as Jim took Remy back to the yard. What a star! I worked her as normal, a very short lunge/in-hand session and then halting at the mounting step where I leant over her back. She was a good girl.

One out, one in

It's been another hot day, the kind that saps your energy. We've put Cindy back with the other hens and she went straight into the nesting box and laid an egg! She's happy to be back. The chicks are fine without her and they've been pecking around their new home and lounging around having dirt baths.
We tried a little experiment this morning with the horses. I went up to the school with Remy, a short lunge session followed by a short ridden session. I was chuffed, the right rein was better again today and we got some nice figure of eights with good changes of bend. A few steps of giravolta on the left rein and nice balanced circle with good bend on the right rein. I gave him a break, walking on a long rein, it needed to be more active so I gave him a small squeeze with my legs and he popped into trot. Not an evasion I don't think, just offering me what he thought I wanted. A good session.
While I was in the school, Jim had been getting Bonbon ready and we'd decided he should walk her up to the school, I could then work her while he brought Remy back to the yard. We thought that they'd handle it ok, but you never know, especially with a little madam like Bonbon.
Remy was quite surprised to see her coming up the field and she was very excited to see him in the school. She started dancing at the gate and when Jim brought her in she turned her back-end on Remy and kicked out at him. He was pretty cool about it all and we swapped over with no problems. She acted up a little as he went back, but settled pretty quickly and I worked her as normal.  I'm hoping they cope just as well the next time as it'll make working them both a little easier.

Hot hot hot!!

As you've guessed it's been HOT today. I rode Remy earlier than usual but it was still too hot, so a very short session. Pleased though, the rein-back is becoming more fluid and the right rein was a little better today. Some nice consistent bend and softness on the left rein.

Jilly has hatched 5 chicks, she seems to have left the remaining eggs, so I think she's decided that's her lot. We've moved Cindy and her babies out of the nursery into their own little pen where they can stay until they're big enough to go with the others. Cindy has had enough of them now, so I think that she can go back in with the others tomorrow.  Jim has made them a little house.

Another broody hen.......with babies

I had two good sessions this morning.
With Remy, I rode him up to the school through the field, a first. Jim walked on ahead, and after a few seconds of hesitation, I think while he was trying to figure out why I wasn't leading him as usual, he went no problem.
He was more focussed today with good bending to the left, some nice halt/reinback/ walk-on transtions and a little shoulder-in work down the long side. He's more reluctant to flex to the right, but again, it became easier today throughout the session. I practiced rein-back/walk on on the right rein, asking for a small flexion inside as I asked him to walk on which seemed to help. I finished by riding him along the lane home and having a little trot.

Bonbon's in-season at the moment and is a little sucky, she was a sweetheart today in the school. A short lungeing session moving her around the school, first at walk getting her to relax with a good, active walk and then asking for the trot transition. She's pretty relaxed in the trot, finding good balance, but I really hope she comes up more in the wither as sometimes I'm not quite sure she knows what to do with her extremely tall back legs. Between changes of rein, we worked a little on moving her quarters and shoulders and she seems to understand exactly what I'm asking for.
We finished with me laying over her back and she was really chilled about it.

Jilly hen, who has been sitting on about a dozen eggs for the last few weeks, hatched the first two today so we've moved her into the nursery with Cindy hen and her 7 babies who are now a month old. Hopefully they'll be going into their own little nursery pen at the weekend, leaving Jilly in peace.
Why are we doing this exactly? I'm not cut out for it, because I can't contemplate eating them. I can't believe the joy I feel watching them grow and develop into little personalities.
HELP.  Good homes wanted for good layers, hmmm, beautiful fresh eggs!!  Anyone?

Back....

..to normal.
It felt strange this morning seeing the empty gite, expecting to see mum and dad sitting on the terrace with a cuppa.
I took Remy up to the school. Understandably after his layoff, he was a little distracted. I walked him around in hand to loosen him up and relax him a little and then got on.
It felt good, but frighteningly it felt like I hadn't sat on a horse for years rather than 3 weeks!! I stayed at halt for a few minutes asking for flexions to both sides- pretty easy to the left, not so much to the right, but it came better during the session. Then moving on to walk/halt transitions, slow and easy trying to keep his attention, halting, waiting, then asking again if we lost the softness in the hand until he started to listen.
A short, simple session. Good to be getting going again.
Jim seemed to think that he looked taller, I'm not sure, can a horse grow in 3 weeks? Don't know.

Success and departures

We've had a good week with my mum and dad. The weather's been ok, we've had some good times with friends and the gite was a complete success.
They're going home today and we're just hanging around now before we go to the airport.
I want them to stay, I always do, but, of course, they have their own busy lives to get back to.
Things will get back to normal, which is ok, and I am looking forward to getting going again with the horses after our couple of weeks off.

Chez Marlene

It's been a while as we've been finishing renovating a small appartment for my mum and dad.
We finally finished it over the weekend - just as well as my parents arrived on monday for a ten day stay.
It's been a bit of a trial with one thing or another, but we're happy with the result.
The horses are going to have another week off, but I'm missing them and really looking forward to getting going again next week.

2 good lungeing sessions today.
Remy was forward and relaxed and we worked at walk and trot with lots of transitions. The trot work is becoming more relaxed now and I think it won't be too long before we can start working on the canter.
Bonbon was brilliant, attentive and relaxed, gave me good trot transitions and stayed really calm.

Early days

A short ridden session with Remy yesterday just moving him around the school, working on reinback, a little shoulder-in/shoulder-out, head to the fence, trying to get nice flexion and even bend with one or two baby sideways steps here and there. It was a little blustery and lots of flies, but he stayed pretty calm.
Jim did a little vid and I'm pretty horrified at the way I slump and sit over to the right and draw my leg up! Definitely need some eyes on the ground to keep me in check and yell at me every time I do that!
Remy's been a bit confused with the reinback and it shows on the vid, but he feels like he's starting to understand it a little more now.

No hay :-(

It's very hot again today so a light session with Remy.  Started in-hand before I rode and, as usual, I wonder how much benefit he's actually getting from this as, yet again, I come away thinking that It just ends up with us both a little frustrated and confused. I keep convincing myself that I have to do it, know all the reasons why, but I'm pretty crap at it and don't seem to be improving, so is it actually worth it?  :-( When I get on, it feels much better, but then I'm doubting whether what I'm feeling is actually correct. Aaaagh.
A cyclist came down our track whilst I was riding him in the school. I can't remember if Remy's ever seen someone on a bike before, but it was quite unusual to see someone coming down our track and he was snorting at him. We halted and I rested the reins on his neck while he sussed it out and he stood still and calmed pretty quickly. Sweet, sweet boy.
I'm actually really tired, a bit under the weather and a bit fed up to be honest.  A pretty disastrous day in Limoges yesterday to pick up the kitchen order which had finally arrived, only to find that they'd ordered the wrong doors! My french is improving all the time, but I'm so glad I don't know enough to swear in french !
I'm really worried also that we don't have enough hay for the horses this winter. Everywhere I look, folk are searching for hay and I'm not sure what we're going to do.
The lump on Obi's side is growing.
Feeling a bit weepy, I'll blame it on the hormones!

Besotted

Great sessions this morning.
Remy had a short session on the lunge and he was pretty chilled. We had a few minutes in-hand with some nice giravolta and I tried some shoulder-in with me at his head walking backwards (not easy as I fall over my feet just walking forwards!) . I copied this after seeing it on a friends vid - so thanks Trudi, it looked so effective on your vid, I just had to try it!
I sat-on for a short session and was happy with the consistency of the bending and softness in the hand. The right rein is improving all the time and is starting to match the consistency on the left rein. The rein-back was more fluid today and I think he's understanding more and not getting quite so worried about it. After working for a few minutes on the rein-back/walk on transitions and small circles I let him out to a longer rein and he really walked on with a nice stretch out to my hand.
Apart from a little squeal and a throwing her back end at me ( really only a token gesture, but still not tolerated),  Bonbon was better today too. She settled to the walk/trot transitions and we got some nice forward walk and some fairly relaxed forward trot around the school and on large circles. Little (actually - big, rather fat) sweetie!
My resolve to have nothing to do with our chicks ( because they were Jim's idea and destined for the pot) has dissolved (no surprise to Jim) and I'm quite besotted with them. I've told Jim that there's no way that he's killing them and they'll have to go to good homes or stay with us!

Girls with attitude

I have to check the horses each morning as we have a timetable conflict. We bring them in early for breakfast and by the time I'm ready to work them they're lying down having a kip! They're obviously partying every night!
I went down to the stables this morning to find Remy up and eating hay, so returned complete with tack only to find he had a watery half-closed eye. It doesn't seem to be serious and on checking this evening, seems to be much better, but It was pretty hot with lots of flies this morning, so I didn't think it was fair to work him.
So, on to Bonbon, and I took her up to the school for a lungeing session.
She's a girl with attitude and she showed it today, shaking her head, squealing and at one point legging it back to the gate. I'm pretty easy-going with her ( some might say too easy going) usually, but, unfortunately for her,  there were two girls with attitude in the school today ( I'm a big softy really),  and after a little téte à téte  she settled down to some calm and attentive work. I was pleased with her and she came back to the yard pretty chilled.
I think our kitchen order MAY be ready by the end of the week, I really hope so as I'm getting sick of having builders around the place ( they're great and they're doing a good job, but enough's enough) and I want to  go collect it all before next week - it's going to be the final piece in finishing the appartment. My mum and dad arrive in just under 3 weeks and it has to be ready.
Just learned that my cousin has terminal cancer - I worry for my aunty and uncle, it'll hit them hard.

My two boys

I rode Remy today and it just felt right. I don't mean the training, I know we have a long way to go and I still have doubts about my ability to train him. I mean that for the first time it really felt that I had MY boy with me and it was an 'us'. It gave me a great feeling.
As I was walking him back home, I saw Obi playing and rolling in the field, obviously blissfully unaware that he's on borrowed time. It's obviously an emotional day and they got the better of me. I felt a sudden terrible sadness that I'm going to lose him and was immediately crying my eyes out. I'm crying now as I'm writing and he's looking at me from the kitchen with that big daft grin on his face. It makes me smile, I'll take it, it'll have to do.

Hoping for rain

It's been heavy and overcast today so we've been hoping for rain. It's been so dry here recently and there's not a lot growing on our hay field. No joy, I'm afraid, and even though we could see it was raining in the distance it managed to avoid us.
Having said that, it was great weather for riding and I had a short lunge session with Remy, followed by a sit-on. We started with walk on a long rein around the school and he was really stepping out and stretching into my hand. His halt transitions were also clean and crisp. He struggled with the rein-back today so I got off and worked on them for a few minutes from the ground. When I remounted he responded a litle better, but I think there's confusion when I ask for the rein-back mounted, so something to work on. We finished by riding back down the lane and a little way up the track before heading home.
We then took Bonbon into the school for her lunge session. The last time she had a couple of explosions, spooking away from the top end of the school and I'd had to stand with her down there asking her while she started to relax and focus on me. By the time we finished the session she was calm and focussed and today there was no sign of worry working at the top end. She had a little squeal  today when I asked for trot, but she calmed immediately and settled into the trot. She's unsure of what I'm asking, but is giving me the benefit of the doubt and going with it, a good sign with Bonbon.
The chicks were out today, but by the time I got there with the camera, they were settling down for a snooze.

What is it............

....about me that folk think it's ok to take the piss? Do I have a big sign on my forehead that says 'go ahead, piss me off, it's good sport'! Or is it just the usual 'I am English' sign which gives every living frenchman the right to be fucking useless at his job, have no customer service skills and pretty much not give one fucking iota of a damn!!!!
I thought I'd mellowed with age, but I'm beginning to think that I could very easily go off my flaming trolley!

Big sigh...
....on a good note, Remy was brilliant today. Calm and listening. We worked on small circles trying to keep a nice even bend and softness in the hand, halt/reinback/walk on, and walk and halt transitions which were really pretty good. It was very hot this morning so did nothing with Bonbon, feel bad about that too - too eager to get indoors for a cool drink.
Touch wood, our chooks seem to be doing well with their babies, who don't seem confused at all, having 2 mums clucking over them.

Time flies.....

A busy few days.
We have two broody hens and 7 chicks. They've decided they're going to raise them together - I hope it works out!
The builders are back with a vengeance and it's pretty chaotic here. The kitchen units that we ordered from Leroy Merlin 3 weeks ago were due on the 13th May, but, surprise surprise, they've not even arrived at the store yet!!
Time seems to be passing so quickly, one week blending into the next. I feel like I've gotten old almost overnight, my eyesight has gone west and I have about 3 different pairs of specs. One set for reading, one for the computer and one for the telly. Crap!!
I really like this vid

In need of a trim

A ridden session in the school today with Remy working at walk on halt/reinback/walk on and figure of eights. I then rode him back down the lane and up the track, the same ride as yesterday but Jim followed rather than walked with us. He was great, he was forward; stayed soft in the hand and when I stopped to chat with a neighbour on the way back, he stood calmly and patiently.
Gareth came this afternoon to trim their feet and although they'd gone over time-wise and their feet looked a little untidy, there was nothing that couldn't be fixed by a good trim!
Happy Bunny tonight!

The Passage of a Living Art

 

Posted by Horses For LIFE Magazine on May 15th, 2011

Just recently someone asked me how can we judge another horseman except by the works that he produces?

But in retrospect I was reminded of an article from Volume 41. The Passage of a Living Art. How fleeting this gift is, that exists between us and the horse.

Excerpt of The Passage of a Living Art

When one has had the blessing of learning from a truly gifted and/or difficult horse, the blessing cannot even begin to be described in words. The work of art that you create between the two of you is so unique, so uplifting, so life fulfilling, that it fills your soul and your heart. No wonder there are those who envisioned a Pegasus. A winged beast, a winged horse, because when your soul is first introduced to that magical moment you do feel like you are flying on the back of the horse, you truly understand the message, the concept of a Pegasus. Because you have flown, truly flown – as your horse takes you places that creates an understanding of life that reaches far beyond the two of you.

It has taken years, years of becoming wiser, for the horse to become physically stronger, for communication to expand to mere flickers of thoughts instantly translated, for both of you to explore movements that no one even begins to think about, let alone teach today.

Everything about who and what you are as a horseman is defined in the muscles of loins, in the passage of hooves of this one special horse. Everything about what you know sits there in front of you in gleaming coppery coats and flickering ear tips. And then the sublime art, the passion, the wings of all of who and what you are, is gone.

There are no words to describe the emptiness inside when the living art as expressed in the muscles and sinews of this mythical creature come alive, dies. Not only do you have the devastation of losing a piece of your heart, but you have lost your mentor, your teacher, your student, your success, your knowledge, the ability to show to others the amazing lessons you have learned.

Everything is gone.

I have cried losing a horse, but with this there are no tears. There is simply a void that will never again be filled. An emptiness of self, of experience; it is as if who and what you are, were, and know, is dead as well. And, truth be told, you are. A part of you is now dead.

No other artist can know what it is like to put all of yourself into one piece of art for literally years, always knowing it can only be temporary – that there is no permanence – that one day this will be gone. There are no ifs that it will be gone, it is a known, a given. The passage of cruel time ensures this.

We look at this amazing gift, the indescribable experience, the art that this horse has shown you, given you, has been the actual art itself, only to end.

In our equestrian world there is only one way for this art to continue even in a small part, and that is to pass a tiny little portion on to another living being. Whether to another horse or to another rider. To somehow find a way to pass along just a small portion of the experience, of the feeling, of the knowledge. In this way, through the generations, through the centuries, we continue to pass along the answers we have found, the art that was created and is now gone.

by nadja king

Cherry cake!

Not posted much recently; but we've been getting on with working Remy and Bonbon. Today I took Remy for a hack down the track, through the little wood and back home. Only about 25 minutes, but further than we've been before. Remy was fine. A couple of heavy breathing moments, but nothing he couldn't handle. Jim  walked with us and I think if we continue like this Remy will gain confidence each time..
We took Bonbon up to the school and she was a little lack-lustre. She's been in season and she's seemed a little tired today. We had a short session on the lunge at walk and trot and then I lay over her back and put my weight in the stirrup. We need to keep up the exercise as she's getting porky!

We've just picked an enormous bowl of cherries so Jim's now baking; making cherry cake. Yummy!

What a great morning

The server's been down the last couple of days so we've been offline. It was pretty obvious that all our equipment was working, but when I called the tech line to see what was going on, the only thing they suggested was that the power supply for my modem may be faulty :-o

I've lunged Remy the last couple of days and he's really starting to let go and relax. After the lunge session I've had a sit on, working on walk/halt/rein-back transitions and trying to keep a soft feel and slight inside bend on the rein .He was really focussed today and he's starting to feel better balanced. I finished today by riding him up the lane back to the yard and had a short trot which felt great.

We took Bonbon in the school for a lunge session, walk and trot and a couple of times over the poles. She's a little star, she's forward, but doesn't over-react and already feels light and responsive on the line.  I can't believe how 'grown up' she looks with her tack on! We finished by walking her back down the lane - she's never been that way before and was a little on her toes, but behaved brilliantly.

It's been a great morning with the horses!

Short and sweet

Two lunge sessions today with Remy and Bonbon. It's been a while since Bonbon's been in the school and she was so focussed. I lunged her around the school at walk and trot and I couldn't be happier. She's starting to come up in her wither and she's definitely looking less croup high.

The first time in the school for Remy since his osteo treatment and I worked him the same as Bonbon, around the school at walk and trot. A little tight on the left rein (his worst rein), but when I asked for trot on the right rein, he immediately relaxed and stretched forward and out with no tension whatsoever on the line. He gave me the trot that I've been aiming for since we started. Chuffed doesn't describe the feeling.

Enjoying the spring sunshine

Remy

Bonbon

She's getting to be a big (fat) girl!!

Dodgy back......

As I've started to do a little more with Remy, I've been a little concerned that something wasn't quite right in his back-end. A while ago I went to bring them in from the field and he was standing at the gate refusing to move his back legs. It lasted less than a minute, but when he moved off he was very hesitant. He wasn't lame, not even unlevel, and to be fair he seemed ok, but he'd obviously done something in the field and since then I've had this little niggle that he wasn't quite right. To put my mind at rest, I arranged an appointment with the equine osteopath and she came today.
After an initial assessment in the stable, I walked him for her and she saw immediately that he was out over is lumbar spine into the sacroiliac area. Not a big problem, but enough to alter his movement behind and restrict the placement of his hind legs. After a little manipulation she said that he was fine and I'm sure that I didn't imagine that he immediately looked much more free behind.
All in all he's pretty much ok and I can continue with his exercise as normal.
What a relief!
Went over to a friends yesterday for a hack on one of her horses. It was good fun, but I haven't done much riding recently and to add to that my backside has got used to my lovely comfy treeless saddle, and unfortunately her saddle was like sitting on a plank. My seatbones are groaning this morning!

Good old Toddy!

Woohooo, good old Toddy, a leg end in his own lifetime!!! Well done to the two brits, Piggy French and Mary King.

Letting-go

A really rewarding session today with Remy. In hand, relaxed neck, stretching forward and down, halt/walk/reinback. He was so relaxed and I could feel the letting-go through the line. Apart from a couple of times in the reinback, he stayed this way the whole session. Chuffed.
A short session also with Bonbon and she was good too. Learning the same stuff as Rem and learning really well too. Reservations to the back of my mind, I'm looking forward to Badminton this afternoon.
Cindy's sitting on the eggs.

Didn't know hens could growl.......

It's been a quiet time on the blogging front, not had the inclination, don't know why.
Things are moving on quietly with Rem and Bonbon. I've been a bit off form this last week, but hopefully back to it next week.
I've loved eventing since I was a girl, I'm a big fan and try to watch the 4stars every year, but I've just watched this years cross-country at Badminton with a few reservations. There were some excellent riders and some questionable riders to say the least, but it has to be said that equestrian sport and the art of riding in lightness certanly don't go hand in hand. It didn't sit well with me as with even the best combinations the horse is still subjected to pushing, pulling , kicking whipping and gobbing in the mouth.
I'm not sure how I feel as over the last few years I've become so much more aware of a more ethical, considerate and sympathetic way to ride and interact with my horses, but it's hard to break the habit of a lifetime  and I get such a thrill watching  those beautiful horses go X country and I still jump up and down when Mary King crosses the line safe and sound. A few combinations fell today, a couple of riders off to hospital and a few injuries to horses, one of which hasn't been mentioned ( a very bad sign), I hope they're all ok.
My fave horse of the day was Marina Kohncke's (Loheit) horse Calma Schelly, first spotted warming up  at the start box, with the most amazing paces and going round in good style.
Our young hen, Cindy has gone broody. We've moved her to her own little pad, but she doesn't seem impressed, growling and pecking at Jim as he tried to lift her off the eggs. Anyway she's in there with the eggs in a little nesting box and hopefully she'll settle back to sitting on them.

Square halts (or not, in our case)

It's been a good weekend sportswise. Man City beat Man United in the semi-final of the F.A, Cub and our boy Lewis won the Chinese Grand Prix!
I've been continuing with Remy, a short session every day. Friday, I lunged him and for the first time got canter on the lunge. It wasn't very good and it was only a few strides, but it was there. It also improved the trot that followed.
The last couple of days have been quite busy, but I managed a session yesterday working in-hand on halt/walk/rein-back transitions, concentrating on getting a square halt (something, I'm ashamed to say, I've neglected). Today, I had two short sessions, one in the morning, the other this afternoon, working on the same thing and he was very calm and attentive. The halts, although not square behind were much better in-front.

Pineau in the sunshine

A good session with Remy in the school, working on the lunge, lots of softness and stretching, interspersed with some pole work. Then a session with Bonbon , the same exercise, on the circle, good forward walk, stretching forward and down, even bend. It's always been obvious that she's much more supple than Remy and it really showed today. She got it almost immediately, her inside hind coming through and under really nicely. She was a bit twitchy, think she might be coming in season, but she was such a good girl and remained focussed.
Had a lovely afternoon with Ricky playing music, drinking pineau and sitting in the glorious sunshine.

Girlie lunch

Started with hill and pole work today with Rem to encourage him to bend his hocks and to strengthen and use his back-end more. Trudi and Lydia came over and we went for a girlie lunch out as a belated birthday pressy. Thanks, Trudi, I had a lovely time and thanks Lydia for making me feel like a kid again, although my aching bod is certainly reminding me of my age now!!

Birthday....

Had a lovely day yesterday for my birthday! Bev and a few other friends came round, we were supposed to have a  bbq, but, typically, it was a dull, overcast day. It didn't matter though, we had a good time and Jim made us a lovely meal. My mum and dad came on the webcam which pretty much made my day.
My best friend from childhood, Luan,  has recently got back in touch with me and she sent me a cd with 'tunes from memory lane' and they certainly did bring back a few! Heart wrenching and heart warming all at the same time - I shed a few tears, wonderful though!
We've got the electrician in today and the builders return tomorrow, so it's going to be all go for the next few weeks.
A short ridden session with Remy in the school today, he's such a good boy. Got to grade the school this afternoon.

OMG, my poor tree!

A short lunge session yesterday followed by a short sit-on and then a ride back down the lane. The walk was forward and active, nice even bend on the right rein but more resistant to bend to the left. He's hanging onto the bit a little on that side and is more reluctant to release.
In the afternoon I went to the garden centre with Bev and bought some lovely lavender and a liquid amber tree. I love trees and I've wanted one of these for ages. There were several there to choose from and I ummed and ahhed for quite a while before choosing the one that I wanted. Unfortunately, the owner then came over and gave it a bloody good pruning before he bagged it up!!!!  Not really being a gardener, I was mortified, but he assured me it was a good thing to do!
Today was far too warm to do anything in the school so we had a stretching session followed by a short session with the bridle and some gentle flexions. He was very responsive with the flexions and happy to release on both reins. He was well rewarded though and he seemed to enjoy it! His wolf tooth has just come through on the left side, and although I don't think it's bothering him I'll have to keep an eye on it.
I followed that with a short bridle session with Bonbon and she was relaxed and happy to release and relax her jaw when asked.
Very enjoyable sessions, lovely and cool in the barn!

Making a start

I backed Rem last year, and apart from the odd ride to and from the school I haven't started his ridden work until now.  Today we had our first lesson, and the start of his ridden education. It felt good to make a start. Jim took a few pics and a vid.

Revolution

There's been a revolution here overnight.
We let the chooks out this morning to find a rather bedraggled, blood-stained Blanco (our mature cockerel) and a rather pleased with himself Ginger ( young stud) strutting around with the girls!
Blanco's quite an aggressive chap and some might say he's had it coming as he's been pushing Ginger around ever since he arrived, but I feel really sorry for him and, after all, he did a fantastic job of protecting the girls.
I hope they settle, it's hard to watch Blanco on his own at the edges of the flock. They're a fickle lot those hens!

Lunge work - getting there

It's been a rainy old day today. Yesterday was hot and sunny, very close,  and so the horses had their first night out without rugs. Great for them, but not for me this morning as they came in looking like they'd been mud wrestling. Our fields are not muddy, but, somehow, they managed to find some!!
After a good grooming session, the rain had stopped so I took Remy up to the school and we had one of our best sessions in ages. We've been concentrating on lunge work, trying to get softness, rhythm, and good stretch long and low.  Today he had an active walk stride and when asked for the trot transition he was responsive and forward and quickly relaxed into a good stretch long and low with a good rhythm and good, even bend. He's becoming much more consistent and I think we're getting there, to that point of it all clicking into place. Not perfect by any means, but I'm so proud of him and the way he tries for me despite all the mistakes I make in the process. It was raining heavily by the time we finished and we were wet through but I'd not even noticed.

Wolf teeth

The  electrician's been here today so we've had wires everywhere.It looks so bloody complicated, god knows how he makes sense of it, I'm just glad that he does!
The equine dentist's been here this afternoon for their 6 monthly check. Corky and Bonbon were fine, but Remy's got a wolf tooth erupted. It needs to come out, but it's only just through so we'll have to leave it 2 or 3 months before it's big enough to get hold of without digging into the gum. I hope it doesn't cause him  problems in the meantime.

A couple of scruffs!

It's been a wet couple of days, yesterday being particularly miserable, so not a lot done with the horses.
I've started doing some stretching exercises with Remy and today we had a relaxing session in the barn, followed by a general tidy-up as he's looking quite scruffy coming out of winter.
Jim took a pic, and in fact, he certainly doesn't look as scruffy as me!!

Yee haa!

I rode Remy to the school again today and we had a lunge session at walk and trot. The trot is finally startng to come now. He's starting to relax and stretch into it and get a much better rhythm. After the session I rode him back down the lane and then on again up the track, this time past the haylage bales which he had a good look at, but then stood calmly. He walked out really nicely on the way back home and it felt great.

We then took Bonbon to the school for her lunge session.
We tacked her up in the barn, including the saddle, and as soon as we put it on she objected to it. We kept it on and started walking her up the field to the school, but for whatever reason she was having none of it and started yeehawing about and nipping at her side. I unbuckled the girth to see if anything was scratching her and decided to carry it up to the school. She then walked up fine.
Once in the school she was a little lively, but soon settled into a nice walk stride and we worked around the school using long sides and circles on both reins. We then put the saddle back on and she was fine with it so we had another five minutes on each rein before finishing on a good note. Little madam - she's a sweetie really!

Sunshine!!

It's been a glorious day, sunny and warm.
I rode Remy up to the school, we had a lunge session and then I rode him back and on up the track. Jim came on foot and we were out for about 20 minutes. The neighbours were loading up a big white van on the outward journey and we met it on the lane coming back, but Remy took it all in his stride. We stopped and chatted to the neighbour and I was so pleased with his quiet calm behaviour.
We then took Bonbon to the school for a short lunge session, moving her around the school, long sides and circles asking for walk halt transitions. To finish I brought the step over and leant over her back on the saddle, patting her on both sides and putting a little weight into the stirrup. What a good girl.
The weather's so nice I may mow the lawn - or then again, I may ride Corky this afternoon, I had a very short lunge session with her yesterday and was quite pleased how easy and relaxed she looked..

Well, after a disastrous day yesterday (breakdown on the motorway - car now in bits in the garage awaiting devi (gulp)) we've started the week in good form.
This morning I started with a short in-hand session with Bonbon as she was the only one standing, the other two snoozing. We concentrated on walk and halt transitions and keeping relaxed through her head and neck. It was a bit blustery and she was a good girl.
Remy was up and munching by the time I'd finished with Bonbon so had a short session with him in-hand. He's getting (and keeping) the relaxation through the neck now, he's keeping good forward momentum and moving his quarters and shoulders really well. His reinback was great today, really straight and fluid, followed by immediate walk on with a lovely long stride.
Finished with a hack out on Corky. She seemed tired today. It may be that  now she's on her own with the youngsters she's not getting as much rest overnight - I don't know. She livened up a bit on the way home ( comme d'habitude) and was striding out (figuratively speaking, for Corky) by the time we arrived back.

Thanks all...

... for the lovely comments.
We're getting on getting on here and after being pretty subdued, the horses seem to be  returning to normal too.
I've really enjoyed riding Corky the last three days. I'm aiming to get her fit ( I know, I've said it before) so that she'll be up for some hacking out with Remy, but also because I want to hack out with some friends - and, she needs to be fitter. It was a lovely ride today, about 40 minutes at walk and she was so focussed and sensitive, with some lovely stretching, a good walk stride ( for Corky) and some really precise halts off the seat ( helped by my stash of carrots). I always say it, and I always mean it - she makes me smile!!

Anky

Anky died yesterday.
She was a beautiful, sweet horse with tremendous spirit, a constant challenge, but with the capacity to bring great joy.
She's gone now and free from pain but she'll stay in my heart forever.

A little sunshine to brighten the spirit

We've had that in reality and figuratively speaking today.
It's gloriously sunny, and it seeps into you and warms you from the inside out.
My babies have given me plenty to smile about.
The trailer's still hitched up in the yard from collecting the unit the other day so before my session with Rem, I took him out for some trailer training. We'd left the training a good few months back with both Remy and Bonbon loading on, standing for a few minutes and then walking off. Today, I asked him to walk on, stand quietly as I put up the breast bar and then Jim raised the back ramp. He was fine and it was all done with quiet, confident acceptance. Chuffed!
Our session was good.I wanted to ride him up to the school, so Jim walked alongside and it was fine even though a couple of cars came towards us, they stopped just ahead of us and we walked past without a problem. We had a short in-hand session with the bridle (first time in a while) and I moved him around the school, asking for a nice stretch forward and a soft feeling in the hand. He setted to it well and we got some nice circles with even bend, some shoulder in and some reinback with a low neck. I finished by riding him back down the lane, home.
When we got back, I told Bonbon how well Remy had done in the trailer, so, of course, she had to show me how clever she was too. To be honest, I was never in any doubt that she'd oblige and she walked on the trailer without a second look and stood quietly as I raised the breast bar and Jim closed the back ramp. While she was having a good sniff around, Jim opened the jockey door and I stepped out for a minute or two, leaving her in there alone. Then she waited calmly as I lowered the breast bar and we walked quietly off the front ramp. Although it's a while since we've done any trailer training, it's obviously sunk-in and they're happy with it all. The next step will be to have them in there with the motor running.

Une petite promenade

I had a good session with Remy today. We walked up the lane to the school and had a short in-hand session. He's beginning to be more consistently relaxed through his head and neck now, keeping a nice stretch forward. We had a really nice giravolta on each rein, some nice shoulder-in, both on the circle and down the long side and some rein-back to walk on, followed by a couple of rein-back to trot. He's coming a little softer in the trot on the lunge, starting to get the relaxation we're getting in the walk. He falls on his inside shoulder on the right rein trot and it's difficult to keep his shoulder up and out and so get a relaxed inside bend. Today, I practiced one or two rein-back to trot and then asked him to lift and yield his shoulder in walk and then ask for the trot transition. He seems to find it funny that I'm trotting along beside him, but we got a few nice, balanced steps. I couldn't resist a sit-on at the end of the session so I rode him back down the lane, with a litte diversion up the track to chat with our neighbour.
Anky's still miserable this morning. She was unsettled last night, but ate some hay and a little feed this morning. She's at the bottom of the garden today ( a little change of scenery) and although she's been lying down, she's been eating a little grass too. It's been so nice today they've all had a little snooze in the sunshine.

Obi and Anky and the Vets

It's been a bit of a stressful day. Obi went off to the vet first thing for his tumour removed. The vet said to ring after lunch to see if we could pick him up. As it turned out, she rang us at 11.30 to say we could, if we wanted, pick him up immediately as he 'doesn't settle here'. The reality of it was, he was howling the place down and they'd had enough of him. He came home bright as a button, big relief all round.
The vet came to see Anky. I'd booked him for a full work-up for the beginning of next week, but Anky's been so down with very little improvement over the last few days, I rang him this morning and he came over immediately. A friend came over for support and I couldn't appreciate it more. Not only is she very caring and supportive, she's also very knowledgeable, the perfect person to have around at times like this. A big thank you Andrea!
Anky was sedated and then the vet perfomed a rectal exam, an internal and external ultrasound, checking ovaries, uterus, large and small intestine. He took a blood sample and a peritoneal tap, all to be sent off for analysis.
He discovered fluid around the large intestine and ceacum, and thickening of the wall of the small intestine. Possible indicators of inflammation and/or infection. I really hope that the blood test and tap can lead us to a more definitive answer. He's left me with an anti-inflammatory/painkiller and at least this should make her more comfortable.

Trimming and trailers

It's been a busy couple of days. Yesterday we had a visit to the vet with Obi, another check-up and to assess a little growth on his foot, which the vet says is a tumour and has to be removed. Only a little operation, but still a general anaesthetic. He's booked in for thursday.

Gareth, our trimmer came this morning and they're all doing well, even Anky who has great feet ( still a puzzle considering how many problems she's having at the moment), good growth and good quality hoof.
This afternoon we went to pick up a kitchen unit and I had my first go at pulling the trailer (gets used for everything except transporting horses!!), even a little reversing, so was quite pleased with myself. It would be nice to have a horse to ride - and somewhere to go with it!

Little whickers

I walked up the lane to the school with Remy and we had a lovely session in-hand. We're starting to get a much better feel now. Remy's taking much more responsibility for the forward, being much more motivated and focussed. He's lowering his head into a nice stretch with relaxation and release of tension through his neck. It can be inconsistent, but if we lose it, we soon get it back. He's getting a lovely forward walk stride and today when I asked for shoulder-in and slowed my movement, he followed my example and rebalanced himself. I can now move toward his shoulder and he moves away very nicely with good lifting of his inside shoulder. He gave me a lovely giravolta into a shoulder-in on the circle. The best thing was the little whicker that he gave me during one of the movements - made my day.

I've been continuing with the lunge and in-hand stuff with Remy over the last week. It feels like it's starting to come together now. A good session this morning with stretching and relaxation, left rein looking much better balanced,right rein more difficult to stretch the outside, falling onto inside shoulder, but this is getting better in the walk with moments of good balance in the trot. The transitions from walk to trot are much cleaner with more energy.
Had a good day out in Limoges with Bev yesterday, lunch and some shopping, didn't buy a thing but Bev bought a new bag and a couple of plant pots. The sun came out in the afternoon and it was lovely to enjoy it over a couple of drinks.
The builders are coming next week to start on the unfinished rooms in the barn, so, no doubt we'll be back to Limoges very shortly for supplies.

Anky's been a bit uncomfortable this last few days. I've gone to get them in and she's been standing in a stretched-out way. She's eating, but she looks miserable. Having said that, they all look a bit miserable, we've shut them out of their favourite field, the grass is a bit sparse and it's raining (not sure that bothers them as much as it does me). So, is she really miserable or am I just thinking that because I worry about her so much? I don't know, but today I felt the need to change her routine a little. I so much want to see her enjoying life and a spark in her eyes. I've done nothing with her because she's too much of a worry for me health-wise, and also I thought I'd just leave her be and concentrate on the youngsters.
I took her for a walk up the lane, let her eat some grass on the verge and then into the school. I wanted to see her moving - she was ok, but a bit crabby behind - tightness, discomfort - I don't know. She's lost weight this winter and looks a bit poor, that's a worry too. I may do a little light lungeing with her several times a week to see if I can loosen her up a little - or I may not - I may change my mind by tomorrow.

Took Remy for a walk too, it seemed to be the day for it. He was looky but fine. Ten minutes in the school in-hand and then back down the lane home. Our neighbour stopped in his truck to chat to us for a few minutes and Rem was pretty relaxed about it all.
Anky's got to me today, I take it to heart, can't help it, I just want her to be happy.

In the mist

We worked in the mist and drizzle today. It was fab. Remy was focussed and relaxed. We did some nice work on the lunge. His transitions are much cleaner and more active and he's starting to relax into the trot. Finished with some in-hand, giravolta, leg yield down the long side, shoulder-in on the circle and a little reinback.
Continued with Bonbon and lunge training. She's staying out on the circle now and the walk/halt transitions are getting better. The in-hand work is improving, she's moving her quarters really well and getting the hang of moving her shoulders. There were a couple of distractions with our neighbour skulking ( bonbon's word not mine) on the edge of the wood with her dog  and the chasse hooting in the distance, but she kept her cool and focus and I was really pleased with her.

Retail therapy

Had a much needed day out yesterday with Bev. A tasty lunch, lots of chat and some retail therapy! A good day, thanks Bev.
This morning started off overcast but fine, but by the time I was ready to do something with the horses it was miserable and raining - the horses had a day off and so did I, I hate the rain!

A beautiful day

It has been so warm and sunny today, a real spring day.
Remy was very calm and focussed from the start and we had a really enjoyable session in the school. I started off on the lunge, but moving fairly close to him, moving him around the school using small circles in the corners. He was relaxed with a long neck, good stretch and a good walk stride. I didn't work too much on the trot, but we got some good transitions keeping the relaxation, good on the left rein, a little on his inside shoulder on the right rein, but that'll come right with time. We finished with some leg yield, shoulder in and reinback. The last reinback that we did was so fluid that instead of the walk forward, I asked him for a trot transition and he pinged up into a trot with such ease I was slightly taken aback. LOL, the boy's learning.
Next, Bonbon in the school, saddle, bridle and lunge cavesson, looking very grown up indeed and a completely different horse from the last session. Very calm and attentive, relaxed with a lovely forward stride. We spent a little time on the lunge training and then some in-hand with reinback and moving her quarters and shoulders away. I finished the session by standing her up next to the mounting step and leaning over her back for the first time. She took it very well, although I couldn't put my full weight on as she's so tall I'd have to jump up off the step. A bigger step is required, I think.

Distracted

It was bright today, but quite blustery. I took Remy up to the school for a lunge session and he was very distracted, no problems with forward though, just not relaxed and forward! He did calm down eventually and we got some relaxed work at walk. I finished with a short in-hand session with leg yield, shoulder in and some reinback.
I put the saddle on Bonbon and took her out to continue her lunge training - she was a little distracted by the weather, but really just not in the mood. She squealed a couple of times and reared up on the lunge, but after a telling off and moving her forward, she continued in calmer fashion and we finished with some reinback and moving quarters and shoulders independently.
I'm still trying to shake off this bug and although feeling much better, it's still tiring me out. Jim got me some super duper cough medicine from the pharmacy today, so I'm sure that'll help.

Inside or outside?

Hmm, not much of a decision....
It's warm and cozy in the house, but I'm looking out of the window and it's grey and miserable and tipping down outside! Not very encouraging of outdoor pursuits!!
Luckily, we got the best of the weather this morning and I took Remy up to the school for lungeing , followed by a short in-hand session.  He was a good boy and I worked on a circle to get some rhythm and relaxation and then I moved him around the school working on walk and trot transitions. We finished in-hand with some leg-yield, shoulder-in and a couple of reinback to walk on exercises.
After the session with Remy, I brought Bonbon into the barn for a good grooming session, put on the saddle and took her for a walk around the yard. She didn't mind it at all and we had a short in-hand session with reinback and moving her quarters and shoulders independently. She's pretty good at moving her quarters over, quite happy to reinback, but not sure about moving her shoulders away. We got one or two good steps today though.

Don't mention the weather..........

What is it with putting pen to paper??? I just have to mention the weather and it all goes to pot. Well, not completely to pot, but overcast with a chilly wind today and not the warmth that I'd expected. I know we're only in february, but my head's already clicked over into spring - probably a big mistake.
It was a chasse day today and they were at the bottom of the neighbouring field, dogs howling and horns hooting. A lone dog wandered across our land, nose dutifully to the ground, blissfully unaware that she was going in completely the wrong direction. It's nearing the end of the chasse season, so I'm hoping that this will be the last time we see them.
We'd brought the horses in early and they were restless in their stables. I took the opportunity to bring Bonbon into the barn for a grooming session. She was quite alert to the noises, but soon settled and relaxed. They're starting to moult, so that's a good sign.

Certainly not resistant to frost!

The weather seems to have turned a corner and it's been sunny and warm the last few days.
I've been in bed most of the week with a nasty bug, but it seems to be passing now and this morning I took advantage of the weather and had a short session, first with Remy and then Bonbon.
Remy worked on moving the shouders and quarters independently and then together in a leg yield and giravolta, also reinback with a low neck to walk on. Bonbon continued with her lunge training, just a few minutes of walk and halt transitions, followed by five minutes work in-hand including moving her shoulders away and reinback.
Two short sessions which I really enjoyed, I've missed them this week. 
The warm weather is prompting me to tidy the garden, so hopefully, next week I can get started. My supposedly  frost resistant pots have turned out not to be and have succumbed, so, before the bulbs start to shoot I'll have to replace most of them. That's the first job for next week.

Giggling like kids

Had a good day out yesterday, lunch at Trudi's with Bev. We ate and chatted a lot - very enjoyable!
Today, same again with Remy and Bonbon, a good session with Remy, moving shoulders and then quarters, a little reinback and a short lungeing session on each rein. Bonbon continued with her lunge training and she's pretty much got it at walk and halt transitions.
Spent this afternoon at Ricky's playing, giggling like kids and drinking afternoon tea with dutch cookies.

Chooks a laying......

After a week or so off, we started again yesterday with a good grooming session and a maintenance rasp for all. They don't look too bad for the middle of winter.  Anky could do with a bit more weight, but she's been quite well for a few weeks now, so I'm pretty happy with her.
A short in-hand session for Remy and Bonbon today. Moving shoulders and quarters and reinback for Rem and continuing baby lungeing with Bonbon. Both good as gold.  It's bloody cold though!!!
Our chooks are settling in really well. I go in and feed them breadcrumbs and they gather around like little children for sweets, and one or two are eating out of my hand. The older two have started laying again and the last couple of days we've had one or two tiny eggs, so the youngsters are laying too now. Great.

Smart cookie

Continuing the lunge work with Remy today, looking for good forward movement with active hind legs, good rhythm and relaxation and lowering of the neck. He's getting there, with better rhythm today.
Bonbon had her second session at starting lunge work, she was a complete star. Walk and halt transitons on a circle, both reins with good forward movement. Started and finished on a good note. The shortest session I've ever had with a horse!! A smart cookie.

Obi improving

Obi seems to be improving day by day. We've had another 2 visits to the vet and she's pleased with him. Apart from being tired, he's much more like his old self. We're taking it as it comes.

Yesterday, Remy and Bonbon both had short in-hand sessions and I went for a short hack with Corky.  She had her stroppy head on. Another reason why I have to get her into the groove in preparation for going out with Rem. Once she gets her head around the fact that she's not, in fact, retired, she'll be fine.

Today a friend came over to help with the youngsters and Remy had a lunge session, walk and trot, looking for forward with more activity of the hind legs, relaxation and stretching and lowering his neck. Bonbon had an in-hand/baby lunge session. Both were well behaved and I'm very pleased with them.

Obi

Obi had what looked like a stroke last night. The vet called it an 'accident vasculaire cérébral' and, of course I know what that is because it's what Jim had last year. It was late, but we rushed him to the vets and they were really good with him.
She explained the options and said that it could be a 'one off' vascular event, an infection in the brain, a brain tumour or possibly a problem with his vertebra putting pressure on his spine or causing inflammation.
After a couple of injections we brought him home, wobbly and scared ( me and Jim also) with an appointment for today. It was a case of watching and waiting, so it was a long night and we emerged all of us tired but Obi showing some signs of improvement.
He had x-rays today of his lungs and neck, firstly the lungs to see if there were signs of tumour ( any signs of spreading from a brain tumour are most likely to show up first in the lungs) but they were clear. His neck, to check the vertebrae for any sign of changes, and there was a narrowing between 2 of them which could have caused a problem but it wasn't conclusive. He has lost a little weight recently and this is a worry also, so it's a case of  keeping up with anti-inflammatories and antibiotics and close monitoring.
I hate my beautiful boy being so scared and confused, but he's more like himself today and we'll just have to wait and hope.

A busy morning

It was sunny and bright today and I started with flexion sessions for Remy and Bonbon. After this I took Corky for a short (35min) hack and then a short in-hand session with Anky. Remy and Bonbon were very happy to oblige with some nice flexions and stretching down. Corky, after some encouragement (she really thought that she'd retired) walked out nicely with a long relaxed neck, and Anky tutted her way through our in-hand session but relaxed, and after moving her shoulders and quarters independently, gave me some nice giravolta and shoulder in.

Remy and Bonbon in-hand

Another short in-hand session today with Remy. Working again on relaxation and stretching down,trying to get even bend on a circle, rein-back with a low neck and moving the shoulders and quarters independently. He was calm and attentive.
A short session also with Bonbon in-hand, asking for softness, lowering of neck and taking that into the walk transition. It's been quite a while since I've done anything with her but she was also calm and attentive and very well behaved.

Enjoying life

Inca's been having a few problems eating over the last week or so. We took her to the vet and I was worried that they would have to give her a general to sort it out, but luckily they were able to remove some tartar with just a light sedation. She has an infection where it had been pressing into her gum but after a few days of antibiotics, she seems much happier, eating well again and obviously enjoying life!
Apart from a short ride on Corky the other day, I've done nothing with the horses for a while. It was such a lovely day today and I took Remy into the school. A short session working on relaxation with a low neck in-hand and then a short sit-on asking for walk/halt transitions.

Eggscellent

Well, it's the 1st Jan and another year unfolds. Our two original chooks have been moulting for the past couple of months and so stopped laying. Our new chooks are still a little young and hopefully will start laying in the spring. Of the two originals, Boo is now looking resplendent in her new finery and today produced the first egg of the year!! Good for her!

Au revoir

Up early this morning to take Mum, Dad and Thomas to the airport.  I returned home with a heavy heart. The house is empty and I miss them already.
I feel I should return to doing something with the horses, but I'm very reluctant to do so. It's a worry - I can't seem to find any fun in it these days. When did it stop being fun?
Horses fill my life, I love them, but it has to be fun.  Perhaps it really is time to stop.

Chistmas day

Spent in the usual way, eating, drinking and playing games, but we also managed to get a little walk out with the dogs.

Knitting , X Box - what's that all about ?

We've got my parents and nephew here for christmas.It was a bit touch and go with the weather being so bad in the Uk,but the gods smiled on us and kept the airports open! It's great to have them here, but difficult to find things to keep them occupied, it's a little quiet here for townies. My mum's a little bored and has already knitted one scarf. She's started on another, doesn't like the wool so the job's now fallen to me to finish it. It's a very long time since I knitted anything, but I think I can manage a scarf!
Jim's decided he wants an X Box (Why?????)  so we're waiting for that to arrive along with several games. I suppose it'll keep his mind active. Thomas (nephew) is 'well pleased' and we're having to track it's every movement online.
The horses are taking a back seat, but they seem to be enjoying themselves out 24/7

New chooks

We went for some new chooks today. Our happy little band has been depleted and they're a little lost in their huge pen so we felt it was time to give them some playmates.
We thought we'd get 3 point of lay hens (3-4 months old) to start laying in the spring -  but, best laid plans and all that, we came away with 4 young hens and a young cockerel heading for the abattoir that we just couldn't leave!
So we have Jill, black and white Light Sussex, Brin, a beautiful brindle colour, Golden Wyandotte, Buffy, Buff Orpington, Sindy, a lovely cinnamon coloured Buff Orpington x Indian Game Bird and finally Ginger, a beautiful 6 month old pure bred Buff Orpington cockerel.
Here they are settling into their new home

 and our chooks keeping their distance

 They're all in the hut together tonight and I hope they're all intact tomorrow!!

Di and Rem, feeling the cold!!!

The weather here is grim at the moment. Over the last couple of days we've had glimpses of the sun, but it's lost its warmth and it's very COLD!!
Some pics  of our last session in the school continuing with the in-hand work. Notice Di sporting her snazzy winter wardrobe! LOL  We're just at the basics but we're making progress and I'm reliably informed :-) that we're at a good place to build from.

Be positive...

I was that person today. Our in-hand session was positive with lots of energy. Very simple work in the headcollar, moving first the shoulders and then the quarters, putting it together for a good giravolta on each rein, keeping the shoulders up, good crossing over. Jim called it 'taking charge', it felt a little bit like that too! LOL
Remy thanks his Aunty Trudi for providing the stimulus for some semblance of order!!!!

Venturing out from the gloom

We've been doing this over the last few days. The snow has gone, but we've had days of rain. Now we're getting drier, colder weather, with brief but very welcome sunny spells.
I had a short in-hand session with both Remy and Bonbon today, working with a cavesson on a small circle asking for relaxation, slight inside bend and lowering of the head and neck. They were both focussed and well behaved. After the in-hand with Remy, we had a mat session which he seemed to enjoy.

Wintry walks....

...with Obi.
Over the last week or so I've been taking Obi for walks around the tracks. I'm not much of a walker, but I thought it may help to get me fit and Obi needs controlled exercise to strengthen his back legs - he's a heavy dog and not getting any younger  (like the rest of us). It's lovely countryside around our place and I find that I really enjoy it (whatever happened to the girl who used to drive to the corner shop!). This is our walk today.
Down the track through our fields

 towards the lakes

 I don't think our neighbour is going to freeze this winter

 the largest of the three lakes

heading back towards home, a place to rest

 and another

 nearly home

 time for a hot brew

  A lovely morning, nice lunch with a couple of 'winter warmers' (hot cherry liqueur and red wine), just the way to tackle the weather.