gallavanting in a gale

TW said that its a good idea to try really hard to push on and be brave. The wind nearly spoiled the fun today but TW said it was ok and we would still like a lesson please so off we went . The sun was shining but the wind was howling but I wasnt really fussed. I like lessons.

Firstly we practised walking round the track and not spooking at the stuff in the corners. Then we did trotting and making sure I went where TW said. Apparently I'm looking nice and forward at the moment and doing very well. Next we practised working off the track on a middling circle and flexing very slightly to the inside. I found this much easier on the right rein but the people in the fields behind distracted me a bit. It's confusing learning to flex, half halts on the outside rein don't mean stop but stay out and inside rein just means bend my neck a bit. Hmmmmm. I did good though.

There were two naughty horses cavorting behind me at one point, pulling on each others rugs and galloping and bucking. TW hadn't noticed them so I stopped and have them a shout! Oi stop it I'm trying to learn!! Ten they ran off and I could get back down to it. Next we cantered , this time I was better on the left rein. It's interesting cos this is what Etti said when she checked my muscles. We finished off by doing a whole line of poles down the centre line twice while another horse with a lightening bolt on his bum joined me. Phew. Loved it! I got lots of nice comments from everyone :)

Then it was back to the yard for some grub then back out with my buds. They were so jealous. Bracky started wrestling with me as soon as I'd had my drink!

I wish....

I wish TW didnt have to go to work. If she didnt go to work she could come and spend more time with us and we could do more riding and then she wouldn't be at risk of having all her confidence seeping away. It is a worry.

Despooking

ZM was sent to spy on me this morning to make sure I was in the right field. Fortunately my lovely purple ruggle makes me generally ok to spot.

TW came up this evening and said that she needed to do some despooking. I thought that was a most excellent idea as the other day on the big road she was proper scared of the bird scarer flappy things. In fact she was so scared that she made me scared. Not good. 

She walked around the field and stuck in two extra posts and tied two flappy carrier bags to them. My goodness me they flapped and made loads of noise. I was really impressed that TW didnt seem scared at all. I watched her you see while I was chilling and grazing at the same time. She was feeling so brave that she then went and tied a third flappy bag onto the fence. Well done you I thought but this time I couldn't be bothered to look up. 

Frank said that we should maybe make a bit of an effort to join in so we eventually mooched up to the last bag and stood nearby while TW showed how brave she was again. We all then had a big stampede led by frank but I wasnt reall sure what the fuss was about. It was nice to have kisses though. I hope TW keeps working a her nerve things. 

Scary, scarier, not scared

When TW arrived at the field this morning she was happy as she had a day off work. The happiness didnt last long. I wasnt in the field. SE shouted and shouted and shouted and came slipping and sliding down the field. I shouted her back I was so relieved! Eventually she arrived in the pond field and I ran towards her !!! Sorry, I said . I'd been rummaging in the hedge and all of a sudden popped through the other side!!

Up to the yard and tack on even though it was another windy day. We went through the village and down the bridlepath. The wind was blowing a gale. Stopped to shout ZM then on we went. Today we headed for the next village but the mud stopped us and we had to turn around. We practised some stopping and some little circles and then turned left long the hedge and did some more. As we headed back up the bridlepath I saw ZM and Zoe leaving the field. It was the scariest thing ever. I stopped. I stared. TW was ready for me when I tried to spin. Eventually I walked forward a bit . And stopped and stared. And pooed. And pooed. And pooed. TW wiggled the stick . I moved. I stopped. I shook from my head to my toes. I snorted. I shook. TW talked to me and wiggled the stick and told me that it was ok to stop and we could stand here a while if I wanted but we wouldn't be turning round and we wouldn't be bogging off. OH! After what seemed like a lifetime but really was only a few minutes. I started to scuttle forwards but TW made me walk nicely. She was going to get off me in the village for a stretch but today she said we had to stay together so as not to get into bad habits. I scuttled through the village faster then ever before. Oh dear!

Back in my bed I had kisses with TW and ZM and could relax. Frank came to see me and weate our grub and then a nice vet man came too. He said nice things about me and my posh name and gave me a jab. I tried to kiss him too. Straight after it was back to the field, the wind was still making me jump. I was glad to be back munching with my chums.

I don't think sue would do that :(

Today was a windy day. A very windy day. Well windy enough, 20mph winds. But lovely and sunny.

TW came up early and in we went to the stable, rug off, bit of hay which I ignored and tack on. Excellent. But the wind kept blowing. I wasnt sure what to do, I wanted to go for a nice ride but it was a little scary.

Off we went , as we got to the drive a big gust of wind blew so I stopped and had a poo. Oh dear thugh TW. Oh dear thought I. At the end of the drive we turned right.  There was a big metal thing and skip hidden away. Didnt like that. TW said we were gonna be brave and do the triangle, I like that ride but I've only done it on my own once. In June. Oops.

Crossing the busy road I had a little look at the white lines but it was ok. We trundled on and I was a bit nervy but TW sang and talked to me. I was starting to relax when all of a sudden I spotted them. Evil sticks in the field behind the hedge. Evil sticks with flappy rustle things attached. Holy mother of god!! I stared at them. TW said keep going. I stared some more. Ran about a bit. Span a bit. Floated a bit. They were awful and once I'd spotted them I couldn't forget they were there. I turned and trotted for home but TW caught me and aimed me into the hedge. Damn . Eventually she got off . They were still there though. Terrifying scary sticks. Aaaaargh.

I did a bit of spinning and pulling and made TW annoyed . Sme nice lady drivers slowed right down with their hazards on but noone took any notice of them. Then I got bored and wanted to graze. That made TW mad. It was probably a good job thou as while we were arguing about me grazing about twenty colourful cyclists started heading towards us. TW panicked but I wasnt interested. SE breathed a big sigh of relief as they shot up the big hill instead of coming past us.

Finally we got to safety and waited for the road to clear, I marched across the new red road markings with no problem. I'm a good boy really. Back at the yard TW got back on and we did a lap of the village in the windy wind. It was awful but I did my best. Phew. Back at the stable I had a cuddle and some grub while TW went off to watch some jumpies. I think we need more practise at windy riding and lots more practise on the big road. I'm shattered.

Ouch, snooze and another Tom

We had more snow in the night. Quite a bit more but today it's been sunny and the snow is melting. When TW arrived at the field we were all stood down in the snowy part of the field dozing in the sunshine.

It was off with the rugs and then TW spotted my face. The little cut from yesterday is actually a big deep cut. I have no idea how I did it :( it's all clean though and not particularly sore as I let TW poke and prod it. So she decided to phone the vets and when they phoned her back....yes you've guessed it the vets name was Tom too!!! So that's me, vet, farrier and dentist all with the same name. TW says I'm by far the best looking though. He made TW check if the cut reached my nostrils ( it doesn't) and whether there was a hole through my gum ( there wasnt) and said he thinks ill be ok but I need my jabs doing ASAP. Nice.

Once again we hoped to go for a hack but TW said it was too slippy leaving the field and that maybe my face needed a rest. She was a bit annoyed by this but never mind. I lay down for a snooze and she came and sat with me so that was nice. I think TW needs to channel her sue energys soon or we will never get out again!

Slippy, sore, and saddle

Oh my goodness it's still icy coming out of the field. Frank is alot better than me at walking in the slippiness. It does make me nervous. I'd hoped for a hack today but it wasnt to be. Such a shame. I enjoyed some munching though. TW thought about clipping me again but decided it might be a bit cold and I don't have any thicker ruggles to wear.

She spent quite a while faffing with frank today while I rested and argued with Zoe . All I wanted was a little kiss. Such a meany. When TW came back from taking frank to the field she saw I'd got a cut on my muzzle. It was sore. Not sure where it came from though. She was going to put tea tree in it but decided against it. What a relief! That would sting.

I got to try on my new old saddle today, it's lovely and soft. I hope it fits properly when the checker person comes. Before long it was time to slide back to the field as TW said shed lost all feeling in her face and needed to go home. Wussy.

The kissing game

Today TW returned!!! It was just going dark and the man at the big house was throwing snow about and making Eol jump about....and there she was in the field! Me frank and Brack were so pleased to see her we all bundled over to give her a cuddle.

Really it would have been nice to go into the stables for the night I think. SHe thought about it for ages but decided it would be difficult in the slippy village and the dark and especially with the big nobbers being  nobby. As she left I went and stood by the leccy fence watching her so she came back and we stood and had lots of kisses for ages. It was lovely.

Cancelled

Everything is cancelled because of the weather. No travels in the box at the weekend, no pleasure rides, no meeting new chums. It's sad. Even sadder is the fact that we've not seen TW for a few days. ZM checks us though and Rm too. I miss her though. Hopefully she'll be up soon. Bracky says take no notice , we've got grass and shelter and chums.....I like people too though.

Rug repairs

ZM is repairing ripped rugs for TW. I'm very grateful as the snow is even thicker and its chilly. Te good thing about snow though is you can snuffle it out of the way and still get to the lovely grass underneath. We all agree snow is better than all the rain we've had.

It's a bit boring though when the snow makes ice and the village is too slippy to walk down. TW said the bridlepath looked lovely for riding on today but getting to the yard was a bit too risky. Bracky says this could be a new ice age and maybe we are destined to be snowed in forever. But then I think the grass won't grow? That would be wrong.

Mooch

Today there was no riding. TW said the village was slippy and not worth the risk. Fair enough . I enjoy mooching round the field in my lovely purple rug. TW pootled about and did a bit of poo picking and gave us a cuddle and off she went. Hope the weather clears soon we have plans.

What would Sue do?

TW came and got me early ish from the field. Damn it was a bit slippy through the village. I tired to hold her coat with my teeth for extra balance but apparently that's not allowed. So we walked on the pavement instead.

At the yard she noticed my pink rug was ripped. Oopsy. Never mind. I got a hay net but tbh I wasn't fussed. There's plenty of grass under the snow you know?

Out came the tack. I couldn't believe it and fidgeted about a bit. On with the tack and off we went. Hmmm TW didnt get on. It was slippy in the drive and I was confused. TW said today we are playing a game, it's called what would sue do? Shed read some stuff in a confidence book about pretending to be brave. Oh my!

If you are sue then who am I ? I pondered. I'm not hairy Mary as she is too girly. Very true said TW.

I could be storm? I love storm said TW but I think he is a bit big and strong so maybe not.

Aha I said, I must be Solly? TW turned a funny colour and said look I'm sue and you are just the Bot.

We picked our way through the village and gingerly crept down the bridlepath. Daft game I reckon so I tried to bit the back if TWs knee. Ouch!! The stick smacked me straight back in the chest. She's worse than Bracky. Not fun!

At the bench TW stood in it. Oh ok I see. I tried to get on it too but I only got one leg up before she pushed me off. It was very confusing. Round and round the bench we went , TW trying to get on and me trying to keep out of the way of the stick. Hahahaahah! TW wanted to give up but I reminded her what would sue do? So she kept trying. Roskos human messaged her and TW was about to admit defeat but I got distracted and quick as anything she was on.

My girth was loose so TW tried to do it while I made my best efforts to march home. Sue wouldn't allow that she moaned and eventually we were sorted. Turned round, past the bench, along the bridlepath . The snow was crunchy and cold but it was actually quite nice. Back we came, behind the hedge and a little walk along the edge of the field. Ten off she jumped and we slipped and slid back t the yard. TW was VERY happy and I got a lovely bowl of food . Perfect.

I've now got a new purple rug on. It's very snazzy. The be village road was evil when we went back t the field. Maybe a day off tomorrow ?

For sue

The weather at the moment is Baltic. The wind is blowing and the snow is falling. I'm ok though in my rug and I go and hide in the hedge when it's really cold.

Today TW really wanted to ride but the wind put it off a bit. Plus she's a bit of a baby. That's what Brack says not me. I think she needs to be a bit braver though really. Some people ride in all weathers. Rosko says that Hairy Mary's human goes out no matter what the weather , proper hardcore. I want TW to be like that. Brack says he doesn't believe me though.

TW poo picked for hours today which was good . Bracky was being a Nobber though, trying to rip rugs and bite our bums. Little punt double barrelled me in the chest too. Ouchy. Wonder if we will get to ride at all this weekend?

Big bug in a pink rug

TW visited us this afternoon and did some poo picking. She was a bit grumpy as she wanted to ride but its all a bit icy and slippy everywhere on the bridlepaths and she didnt fancy riding on the main road. Silly sausage.

She pottered about with the barrow and we all mostly ignored her. But then!! Flipping Chaz started to march over to her! I spotted him right away and marched faster. She's mine!!! I got lots of cuddles and kisses and only tried to headlock her once. I also tried to chew her a bit and attempted to push the barrow but that didnt work. TW was singing me a song about being a big bug in a pink rug. It was embarrassing but no one else had their own song. Just me. Excellent. Eventually I tootled off and ate some of the hedge. And then she was gone.

Snuggles

We had a little bit of snow in the night. Brrrr. My pink ruggle keeps me warm though. Today it was sunny so TW took my rug off for a bit. We had lots of snuggles and chats and then roskos mum visited and I tried to nibble her. Frank got to go for a play this afternoon I wished I could go too.

No more baby bot

Baby bot is no more! Today we had a visit from lovely dentist Tom and I had my toofy pegs sorted. I was very brave. There was sme filing , some more filing and then right at the end the lovely dentist went and fetched his glasses and pulled out my last two baby teeth! Ouchy! I made a big dinosaur grumble , swilled my mouth with water, had an extra strong dentist mint and shared a cuppa with TW! I'm a big boy now!

Before the dentist came TW and me went out for a poddle with Zoe and ZM. There were lots of nobbers in the village who made us squeeze past them in their shiny cars. ZM was very annoyed!! We went down the bridlepath and turned right and did lots and lots of trotting. I think Zoe wanted to be a racehorse but me and TW were in our bubble and carried on our own merry way while Zoe and ZM disagreed about their speed behind us. It was really cold but nice and sunny.

Me and frank gave TW lots of kisses today, it was a lovely morning and then back to the field.

The mess, the shock and the dinosaur

Frankie says that when TW worries the best thing to do is tell her that's everything ok. So today when she came to the field I let her catch me straight away and we marched to the yard together. It's much easier when it's just the two of us.

I was back in my bed today which was nice. I had a nibble and a snooze and then it was time for a brush. Oh dear! TW says I have an icky sticky sheath that needs cleaning. She had a little poke around, I didnt mind ( unlike frank who kicks and Brack who needs to be sedated) . TW splashed some oil around and said shed have a look tomorrow. Whatever.

Then it was round the yard to the box. AAAAARGGGHHHH!!! ZM was hiding behind the tack room having a pee!!! TW shouted don't look!! Cover your eyes!! But I was rooted to the spot in horror! I couldn't tear my eyes away. Fortunately TW eventually distracted me and we got on the box. Phew!

Today we didnt go far in the box, just to see lovely Tor. We had to wait a while as a big ginge was having a lesson but then it was our turn. It was great fun but really tiring. We did loads of trotting and practised lots of the bits from the intro a dressage test. Tor said lovely things about me. I wasnt even too distracted when another horse came in for a bit.

At the end of the lesson we had a rest and it felt good! I did sme lovely sighs and groans. Tor looked confused and said I sound like a dinosaur!!! Not sure about that. I hope we go back soon. Then it was back home, quick lunch, rug on then back to the field. Not bad at all.

All wrapped up

TW put my pink ruggle back on me today. It was nice. Frank says shes probably worried about me as I've been hiding in the hedge alot . She also thinks I'm not quite myself at the moment. Not sure what she means. Although being as she walked past me in the dark because she thought I was Bracky maybe she's going a bit crazy?

Slow-bot

TW and frank say sometimes I walk verrrryyyyyy slowly when TW is learning me in. It's worse when I'm with the others. Today on the way to the yard and back I was super slow. TW worried a bit but then when we did the lungey business I was fine and looked lovely .

There's a rumour that the slowness is an oirish trait. Not sure about that , tbh tonight I was maybe a bit slow as I hoped to stay in my bed for a bit longer. It's raining again. My tootsies were full of stinky stones too so I was very pleased when TW picked them all out for me.

Resting

I'm a bit tired today tbh. When TW came to get me from the field with frank I was standing asleep in a nest of hedgerow that I'd found. I was barely visible! I got to mostly rest today. It was a bit foggy and TW was a bit late coming up so once shed walked the little dog, fed Zoe and ridden frankie it was time for her to see her parents. I didnt mind having a doze in Brackys stable and eating a big bowl of grub. It was nice.

TW says maybe my tootsies need doing soon as they seem to grow faster than franks. She also thinks me and frank need some of our fur removing again. Interesting .

Girls girls girls

When TW came to the field today to get me I thought maybe she was going to put me in my bed for a few hours for a nice rest. I was sleepy from yesterday's hard work. But I was wrong. Quick brush, brief nap and then into the box again!! I couldn't believe it.

When we arrived I was a bit confused. It was a different yard. There were lots of nice horses about but I don't want to move!! It was ok though, I spotted my friend Kez! We were there for a hack.

Today's hack was a it different to normal. I was out with three girls! Three lovely but rather opionated girls. Kez, Margot and Tamara. How posh?? I had to stay at the back which was annoying, I also had to stay out of the way of girly kicks. Me and TW had sme wrestles over this. We went round the lovely park, walking , then super fast trotting...I wanted to canter soooo much. Sometimes Kez managed to canter ...she's so fast! Margot did sme lovely bucks hehehe.

I was pooped when we got back but it was such a lovely day again! I love new friends and new hacks. I hope we go back soon.

Keep on Rolling baby

Today I learnt a great new thing!! Smetimes when leading me , TW doesn't pay a great deal of notice. Particularly when we are in the top section of the field and she is waving at frankie who is in the bottom part of the field. I think she was a bit shocked though when the lead rope went tight and she turned round just as I flung myself on the floor for a lovely big muddy sweaty role!! It was amazing!! She laughed though. Maybe ill do it again.

We had a lovely day today though. It was lovely and sunny so me and TW pootled off in the box to Blidworth woods. It was a bit strange when we got there. There were something called doggers in the car park. Not doggies although there were some of those too. TW swore and said the stupid dogger men should feck off back to work and she would set Boo on them if she could. Wierd!

In the car park we met up with two Lucy's and a Tom pony. I loved him straight away. Tom and one of the Lucys and me and TW set off for a lovely sunny hack. I decided I cold be the leader and stomped round the woods like I'd always been there. We walked and trotted and trotted and cantered. Toms Lucy shouted advice to TW to help us be better in balance. It was hard work but we loved it. We did fast trotting and slow trotting, went on mud and tracks and yellow roads and sand!! I loved the sand. We even rode through a pylon. I was really brave and TW was proud.

Towards the end I was fair pooped, it's proper hilly there so I had a cunning plan and stopped for a group of kids so they could stroke my nose! Excellent. I hope we can do this again sometime!

Back at the yard TW checked the weather forecast and chucked me out with no rug. Amazing!!

RIP Deano

Today is a very sad day. TW came to the field this evening and said that My favourite aunty Steph had lost her lovely ginger Deano today. He had an accident yesterday out with the bloodhounds and his leg was too poorly to be mended. TW was very sad. I gave her lots of nibbles which made her smile and cheered her up for a bit. I also tried to nip her ankles and grab the Velcro on her boots. She stayed and cuddled me for ages and then went home.

I hope aunty Steph is ok. Run free at rainbow bridge mr Deano xx

Happy 2013 !

TW said we had to start the new year as we mean to go on. But then she realised that although it was really sunny that it was super windy. Hmmmm. So we were both really brave and went out anyway.

Down through the village where the villagers were all starting to meet for their New Years walk. Down the bridlepath which was slippy and soggy. We saw a jogger man and I tried to run with him but TW said no we had to walk. Rubbish! Past the bench where it got even muddier and slippy, I hate it when it's like this . TW had hoped we would go all the way along to the next village and along the last bridepath but it was too soggy so we turned round and started back.

We had a couple of trots homeward bound but the ground was a bit deep and I wasnt keen. Plus my bridle was annoying my nose a bit. TW says maybe I can have a bigger one to see if that helps. Back through the village, it was getting scarier as the wind was rotten. TW said I had to be a very brave boy and she would keep me safe. I had a little stamps spook at two ladies who snuck up on me when I was eyeing up the scary skip but that was it. TW was very proud. So was frank when I got back.

Back at the yard I had a lovely big bowl of grub with frank and then we went back to graze in the field. The boys are letting me be part of their gang a bit more now. It's good especially as there's lots of grass! TW wants us to have a busy 2013. Should be good I reckon.