Post hunting test , versatility is key

Finally after three days of rest, two of which meant staying in the field, it was time to get back to work. Fortunately it was a lovely sunny day.

Frank went out first then it was my turn. I got tacked up outside which I like best and off we set. TW said that its important to be flexible and adaptable. Today she said we would be relaxed and ploddy and have a gentle stroll. Very different from Sunday.

Well that was fine by me. Through the village, listening to the tree surgeons. Down the bridlepath , past the boys. Dog walkers in the distance. Dog walkers in the hedge. Lots of pats. Nice long reins. Very civilised.

I spotted a purple peril in the distance and tried to turn round but TW pointed out that I was another dog walker and I wasnt going to be that lazy. On we went. Through the hedge. Still walking. Through the hedge again. And again. Into the last cantery field. Still walking. Round to Zoe. Have a graze said TW. Sounds good says I .

Off Tw popped and I had a private picnic for a while then off to the yard. Just at the yard  there was a wierd little thing, like a tractor with a scoop! Oh dear. The driver stopped and was very helpful. TW told him to carry on as it was good for me. Eeeeeeee!! It dumped aload of stuff into the scary skip. I hid behind TW then marched over for a quick nosey. Boring!

Back to bed for a carrot and a munch then brekkie and it was baxk to the field. All nice and relaxed.

Still resting

Yesterday TW was a busy bee with little sisters birthday. Today she wanted a rest. So we had a rest day too. Mooching and munching. The sun came out as well which was lovely.

I wonder when the resting finishes? We've got things to do you know :)

Day of rest

After yesterday's excitement I wondered what TW might have in store for me today. Apparently it was franks turn for some fun so while they had a hack I got to snooze in my bed. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. I was dreaming of galloping and hounds and jumping. It was lovely. I do like my bed.

Birthdays, bloodhounds and burgers with bot

Happy birthday TW! We had such a lovely day today. It was barely light when she appeared, in we marched and I got settled down while she went to get ZM. Today was a special day.

I had my legs and tail washed and thermatex leg wraps on. Some nice grooming. Some nomming and some kipping. Then we were off in the box. Today was a big day.

We travelled for about an hour the three of us then we pulled into a farm. I got off, had a nosey and a nibble while TW found out the system. Then it was tack on and TW got all smart. I got a bit friskier than normal. Today was an adventure.

We meandered through the farm , there were loads of horses all smart. Some were a bit Bucky. Others were a bit spinny. I was mostly a good boy. Down we went into a little yard area. It was a bit stressy there so TW had a glass of mulled wine. Down in one. Then off into a field. There were loads of horses walking, trotting and cantering around. And jumping. I decided I didn't like my new bit . TW got stressed. She told a nice man she was scared, he said dont worry, let him go and it will be fine. Not sure what that meant. Sue and Steph had told TW not to over think it. Poor TW it's hard for her!

There was aload of noise and a whole pack of hounds appeared. Big bloodhounds. I wasnt fussed. Some men in posh coats made a speech and then there was a horn noise and lots of horses and hounds left. Eventually it was my turn with the nice man on the grey horse, the dancing mare, the little girl and some others.

Whoosh......off we galloped, TW lost her breathe and her arms went to jelly. The little girl cried and wanted to go back. TW almost agreed with her but it was too late. Whoosh .....I have never galloped so fast in my life. It was amazing. Around fields, up and down and round . A short rest to work out the route then off again, trotting, cantering , galloping. After a while I realised that although the other horses were great that I love TW best so we got into our own little rhythm in the middle of the others, sometimes racing a bit, sometimes holding back especially when the dancing mare did a big buck in my face and a lump of earth nearly hit TW. I stayed back a bit then!

Before we knew it we were back at the meeting place. I was so happy. So was TW. We were meant to have a break and go again but TW spoke to the nice man and said I was dithering a bit so we would go home happy and see him again in a few weeks if that was ok. Everyone was very friendly. Back to the box, lovely rug on, didnt wnt a drink so off we trundled via a place where TW and ZM got burgers and chippies from a window.

Back at the yard I had a quick munch, rug change then I stormed back to the field to see the boys. I didnt want a drink. I wanted to wrestle. So off I went.

Pampering, dozing, new bit

TW was early again today. Frank and Brack said shes obviously not sleeping and is probably worrying about something. Wierd. In to the yard we went, tied up, more clipping. Even better boy today. It's actually quite relaxing. I especially like it round the back of my tail! It tickles!

Afterwards I got my PJs on and even got to wear my special thermatex posh rug. But then TW realised shed done some of the clipping wrong. So she re did it. I'm very patient.

Bit of a snooze while TW cleaned my bridle and then ZM helped her change my bit thing. Riveting. Off TW and me went into the illegal field so she could she now I liked the new bit. Really what is there to say? It's a bit chunkier I think than the other one . Maybe makes my head come up a bit more. We trotted and cantered and ZM said I opened my mouth all the time. So we did it again. This time I mostly had my mouth shut.

Back to bed, ruggle on, big bowl of food while TW went out with her folks . Quick rug change then down to the field. When I got t the field I had the biggest longest drink ever! Nom.

Then I turned down the hill and with one eye on TW I cantered down , bucking as I went. I could see her tummy flip flop as I bucked. ha! Dnt worry , I will be a good boy tomorrow. Mwah x

Good boy, lively boy

TW was up super early today. She said we were getting prepared. She also said it was freezing. It was true.

When we heard her come we all made our way to the big field to say hello. She caught me straight away, the others led by frank turned and cantered off back to the other field. I didnt mind. Good boy!

Up to the yard we went, tied me up and out came the clippers. Oh dear. TW started clipping on my furry leg. I'd don't go so well. TW started to panic. 90 mins later things were starting to look a bit better so I got dressed in my snuggy lidl rug and went into my bed for a doze while TW went to get fuel for the box.

When she came back she had to get Chaz in for the trimmer. He was not such a good boy. Then our plans for the day got changed again so TW tootled off and came back a bit later with ZM and Mr ZM aka mr peeping Tom. The clippers came out again ZM helped a bit but the hair tickled her cough and TW felt guilty for putting on ZM so then it was back t me and TW. Good boy.

She clipped and clipped and brushed while I dozed and nibbled hay and sucked her fingers. A man came to trim chazs feet and apparently I'm a poor boy for having my fur off? Not sure about that, I think I'm just a good boy.

All of a sudden the clippers started to go slow and the battery was dead so we had to stop. It was snowing abit. And very windy. So TW had a good idea. Lets go for a hack!

Tack on, TW on, I didnt want to stand still for my girth. Not so good boy! Whizzed through the village at 100mph, got scared by a lorry and ran backward. Not so good. Ten marched past it at 100mph. Good boy!

Down the bridlepath, I was dying to trot. March ,march, march. Did some trotting. I was dying to canter. Sometimes if you're lucky when TW sits two trot beats you can pretend shes preparing to canter and zip off like a fast boy. I learnt this on the very fast hack last week.She was ready for me today though.  March, march, march. Strange man on the bridlepath.....TW was nervous . We turned round. March , march, march.

Annoying dogs yapping in the field stopped our cantery fun. So we had a little trot and teeny canter on the bridlepath. Good boy. Frank was watching in the pond field. He was not happy. The three boys charged about and tried to make me join in. TW said I should stick with her. So I did. Good boy. Zoe was spying at me from her field.

At the top of the bridlepath TW jumped off and we marched home. Back to bed and ate some grub. Nom. I got extra linseed as I'm looking skinny. Then TW practised putting a new bit in my mouth. It was chunky.

Then pink rug on and off we went to the field. Nice drink of water and then off we trotted and cantered back to the pond field. Phew!

The best laid plans....

TW had been waiting for Thursday afternoon all week, she had made a plan that this would be the start of our birthday plan preparation. Unfortunately I got carried away and ended up through the hedge and in the wrong field again. Oh dear.

When I heard TW coming I came galloping and shouting towards the fence. She was going to let me through but Robbies mum had other ideas. She said just let the others through. So I settled down to graze while TW opened the gateway and rm opened the leccy fence. The others were so excited!! They came steaming at the gate behind Eol who then stopped as there was a big muddy puddle! Wimp! TW shouted go Bracky so he took the lead and steamed into the pond field followed by the others.

Apparently when we move into a new field we have to gallop laps of the field and buck. So I did. It was great fun! I did some huge big rodeo bucks and TW felt a little sick. Wierdo. Eventually we settled down to graze and TW and RM put leccy fence up around the field. TW said she wanted to crack on with the plan but then it got really cold and she didnt have a coat so off she scuttled. Shame.

Bad bot

At the moment I have a hankering for hedges. And green green grass. Frank says grass is pony crack. Whatever that means. We've tried to eat through the other hedge to get into the bonfire garden but today the spies were obviously out and they were instructed to put up more leccy fence. Annoying.

This evening TW came up and let me, bee and frank through for our grub. I was the only one who really wanted it. Then I started on the pony crack. TW wasnt impressed. I ran about abit and she stomped after me muttering something about the honeymoon period being over and I was just the same as the others. I'm not though. I promise. When I was trying to give TW some kisses to say sorry, frank kicked me. Bugger.

Sorry ZM

I snuck through the hedge again and ended up in the wrong field today. No one knew until ZM arrived and had to rescue me. I felt very guilty. She's poorly too :( fortunately she loves me. We even had to walk past a big fire on the bridlepath. Scary.

At tea time TW arrived and had a new plan. Me , frank and Brack got tea in the coral bit. TW seems obsessed with my muddy and hairy bits and was doing things with my mane. Brack said it looks like she was doing plaits. Wierdo.

Cold

TW didnt visit today so I had a nice rest.

She did appear last night though, in the dark, in her pjs. I was so glad to see her , it was cold. I had no rug on. TW had thought my rug was going back on but there was a missed message or something. It's a good job she thought To check.

Tombot the toad

After yesterday's super activity of course there was only one way to spend a sunny Sunday. According to TW this was having a lesson! Who's would have guessed?

Off we went in the box , got ready and into the school. Holiest of molies!! There were huge colourful jumps everywhere. I got a bit excited! Walked one way. Lovely teacher said I was looking sparky! Her and TW talked in glowing terms about what a good boy I am. Then we changed the rein.

HOLY MOTHER OF GOD!!! There was the most scariest thing ever in the corner. A white dressage board, some wood and a spotty purple filler. IT was terrifying. I spooked. I span. Didnt work. I spooked. I ran backwards. And repeat a few times. When all else fails how about a buck? I probably shouldn't have bothered. My special spookiness and possibly slight naughtiness resulted in us spending the next however long practising flexing and circles in the scary corner over a pole. And the figure of eights. Phew.

After a bit we did some trotting and some more poles. Then cantering and more poles. TW was shattered. By the end I was shattered. It was a good lesson though. Shame we didnt get to jump. Maybe next time. Lovely instructor said I had been a toad at times but I'm still a very good boy.

It was nice to get back out in the field with y buds though. TW had a man come to take away some poo for his garden. I helped escort him round the field. Oh and TW also did some sheath cleaning in the middle of the village. Hope no one was watching!

Racing Raffy and catch the worrier

I think I would quite have liked a rest day today. TW had other ideas. I had a rest in my bed whe she packed the box, quick tootsie pick out and then on the box. Eeeee it was hard work. I'm glad I decided to go though!

So we trundled along for about an hour and then the box stopped and off I got. aha! I've been here before I thought. There were no other boxes about so I mooched about and ate the grass and looked at the doggies walking last and then the big red box appeared! Raf time! Then Tess turned up too with her human.

This time we went in a different direction. Onto the penine bridleways or something and eventually round Rother valley country park there was loads to see! Dog walkers, cyclists, babies in buggies, bridges to cross, horse styles to step over and occasionally random children riding ponies. We passed ducks and geese and lakes and railways , fields of horses and firemen and big lorries. Phew loads to take in! All interesting stuff.

The best bit of the ride I think what that we were allowed to go fast. Very fast. Tess is a tb and Raf is a speedy Arab. When they trotted fast I struggled to keep up. So me and TW snuck onto grass verges and cantered behind them. Hehehehe. Great stuff.

When we got Rother valley park it was super busy. I was tired. Very tired . So tired that I turned round and tried to go home. So we went a slightly shorter route over a little train line and right past some low flying ducks. Except all of a sudden I wasnt tired any more! We all bogged off up the grassy bit scattering dogs and kids and the occasional granny! TW has a new face. It's not the help me face. It's the oh dear I'm very sorry out of control pony face. Ooh it was fab.

On the way back we did loads of cantering together. Whheeeeeee!! I was mostly at the back but one time Raffy was behind me , he wanted to race. I was up for it. TW said let him past so I did. Booooo!! On one nice big canter i stumbled on a tree i think and went flying...fortunately i managed to catch tw before she decked it. good boy i am! Despite all the trotting and cantering I wasnt puffing at all and was striding out all the way back. It was a lovely outing.

Back at the box I had some grass and a snooze while the humans had a drink and a chat then it was back on the box and home!! It was great t be home, especially as TW let me mooch around the yard nomming grass while she chatted to ZM and drank tea. Im as fit as a flea ( well nearly). TW is a work in progress!

Running with rosko

We had another sunny day today, I'm trying not to get too excited but its good!! My day started of just fine with a load of hay in my bed while frank went out with TW. They're doing good at the moment. It's lovely to see. It's nice when he goes out first cos it means I can nom and snooze.

When they got back TW tatted about for a few minutes and then I heard the unmistakable sound of the Barbie mobile trundling onto the yard! Aha!! Rosko time. Frank was a bit miffed that he was missing out but I did point out that TW couldn't ride both of us at the same time and as he is strictly a one person pony it limits his options slightly.

TW wasnt sure where to go.....over the road or down the bridlepath. She's a bit wary of the big road at the moment but her mind was made up when she heard a helicopter overhead. Plus she was a bit tempted by the thought of getting Rosko all muddy! Bad worrier!

So off we went through the village and down the bridlepath. Slippy, slippy slide. Past the bench , little trot. More slippy slide. On we went and then we were there! Urge! Molly monster was waiting for us . I was more scared of her today but eventually we trooped past. The little madam started trotting and cantering and bucking about. Weirdo! Past the sheep shed and onto the hard path which soon gave way to more mud. TW and roskos mum were chatting away about how good exercise this was. Hmmmmm, for us or them? Rude! Through puddles and mud and grub and then we turned round and trooped back. The sheep were out when we got back. OMG they were HUGE!!! A silly woman banged her bin too.

On we went and when we got back onto the nice grass we had a lovely canter. Wheeeeeee. I never get to canter from the front. It was great. Then we turned along the other bridlepath and did a bit more trotting and had another little canter. Great fun!

Walking in the mud is proper hard work though. TW made us march round the village too before we could go back to bed. jeez! Eol was shouting and having a proper tantrum in the field and Rosko kept shouting back to him. Silly billy.

When we got back to the yard TW and me had a proper giggle and roskos muddy legs. Hehehehe. Very funny. He's such a clean boy, I think he needs a jolly holiday with us here so we can grub him up a bit. Then we settled into our beds with Rosko in Brackys room and we had a lovely snooze. I dnt think Rosko wanted to go tbh I think he likes being muddy. Next time I see him I'm going to try and kick some proper mud on him while we are cantering to make him really filthy. I think he would love that.

Fun in the sun

TW was a wee bit poorly today so decided to work from home. When she felt a bit better she arrived at the yard and said for a great me and frank could come and have a munch in our beds and get our tootsies have a dry. Lovely plan. Only frank decided that he wanted to go for a hack too. So he did. And then I decided I wanted one too. So I got one too.

As soon as TW got on I was marching through the village like a pro. It was a bit soggy and nasty going down the bridlepath but we survived. We just went right at the bench for a short one and then did loads and loads of trotting. TW said I needed to be very brave and learn how to look after myself in the slippy mud so she gave me a loser rein and we bowled along with me concentrating really hard. It was tiring. I heard a noise and TW heard it too but we couldn't work out where it was coming from. It was three dogs off their leads with two ladies. One was the big huge wolfhound. He started coming from behind the hedge and his owner shouted to warn us. S we turned round to face him and he ran off. It's only a dog I don't see what the fuss is about?

Off we went and eventually went behind the hedge where it was really soggy but with some nice bits.  So we practised cantering and trotting very carefully and very slowly even on bits that we weren't sure about. It was great fun. TW laughed and said that I obviously like going fast and that we can't canter every time we go out. As a compromise we did more more cantering but very collected and on the right leg . TW practised moving me about while we were slowly cantering too.

At the bench TW wanted to go in the other field and donwhatbher and frank had done but there was a  spy with a dog so we just trotted and slowly cantered up past Zoe's field on the bridlepath. At the end of the bridlepath the man from the house made me jump out of my skin!!! Phew! It made me wary through the village and TW said I looked like a banana!!

When I was back in bed me and frank had a lovely big bowl of food each then I got my blue mw rug on and went back to the field. Big drink of water and then it was time to trot off and wrestle Brack! Lovely!

Bossy frank, rug rips and snogs

Well I'm a bit confused. I thought TW was the boss but today frankie managed to make the electric fence fall down so we could all get onto the other grass. He then managed to make robs mum move all the fencing so we could be on the rest of the field. Wierd. They all acted like it was the best thing ever but I'm not convinced. TW wanted us to stay on the old grass so that's where I'm staying.

When TW arrived after work it was still light. The first thing she spotted was the clump of fluff in the floor. I saw her brain ticking and then she realised my lovely purple ruggle was ripped. Oh dear. It's a proper good rip too. I stomped over to her and had some snogs and tried to carry her bag for her. We all marched about a bit while TW poo picked and then she was off. So I did some trotting, bucking and finally cantered right the way back down to the old grass. Just where I should be.

Molly monster

It's really wet at the moment. It didnt stop us though, we had a great morning! Firstly I had a snooze in my bed while frank went out and then I got ready to go. TW made sure she did a good picking out of my hooves as they were all stoney.

Off in the rain we went, through the village marching along. TW was happy with my speed. Slippy down the slidy bits and then along the bridlepath. Past the bench and past the bits that scared frank. TW was a bit unsure about the super mud bit but then she decided we have to be versatile or something so we picked our way over the swamp and kept going.

Today we went further down that way than I'd ever been....and further than TW had ever been on her own. That's because I'm so good. Past a scary feed bag, stared at some big colourful things called umbrellas , past the little stable yard where we saw a yappy dog, some people and a shitty Shetland who cantered after me and alongside me. Had a little jump when a pidgeon shot out of a sheep shed but carried on. Good grief!

Along the concrete bit of the last bridlepath, stared at some bird scarers and the umbrellas in the distance. Through some more mud and crept along the grassy edge. It was lovely, I was very brave. Before long we turned around and headed back. The shitty Shetland was waiting again, rolling her eyes at staring. Little weirdo. Her name is Molly. TW thought she was great fun. Not sure about that.

Trotting through the muddy bits in the way home and finished off with a lovely canter and another trot up to Zoe. Phew! Alot of work! I had a lovely rest in my bed while TW did some poo picking and then finally I got to go out to the field. After a big drink I cantered all the way down to my buds and me and Brack had a rear and box fight. Perfect!

What about me?

Frankie had another hack today. I didnt. I did get some more clipping, a sleep in the stable, a little trotty lunge over some poles ( hate it on the left rein) and a walk back to the field with TWs dad. Oh and a nice bowl of grub. It would have been better if I could have had a hack too though.

Short and fast

Bracky asked if this should say short and fat after TW, I think that's rude.

Frank had a hack first today after we both had our hoofs trimmed. He was a bit naughty. He best be careful or he won't get to go to any parties which would be a shame.

When it was my turn I got to wear my lovely  new leather breastplate thingy. Snazzy. I was ready to get going and whizzed through the village super quick. TW was impressed. We went down the bridlepath and by Zoe's field we went behind the hedge. Wheeeeeeeeeeeee!! We cantered all the way along the hedge. It was amazing!!

We crossed right behind the next hedge and off we went again! Wheeeeeeeeee!! Faster this time. A short trot and walk rest while I kept asking to canter and then wheeeeeeeeeeeee wheeeeeeeeeeee!! We cantered nearly all the way along behind the hedge , turned round and did the same again. Phew! Loved it. At the end we went back into the first field and had a slower canter baxk to where we started. TW was shattered but we were both very happy!

Off she jumped and laughed as I wasnt even puffing. We walked back through the village while she phoned mr Scottish grumpy pants and told him she would never be fit enough to be a jockey. Then back at the yard she clipped some of my hair off. Oh dear. Afterwards I had some grub with frank and then had my purple heavy rug on and we strolled back to the field.

Good day.

Bracken makes work for idle hooves

After yesterday's fun I would have liked another day of fun today but TW was at work. So I did some sheltering in the hedge with frank as the wind was super strong. And some grazing . And then Bracky had a great idea, lets break the leccy fence along the wooden fence and wiggle along and nibble the grass in between the fences. So we did. It was great fun.....until Robbies mum caught us and shoed us out . Booooooo.

TW popped up later and gave me some kisses though which was nice. I think it's nearly light enough for her to ride after work. Frank says he goes first though. Poo!

Steep hills and new friends

TW arrived at the field in the dark today. That's always a sign. Today was the first sport endurance ride of the year!!! Exciting. I had a quick brush and a doze in the stable while she got everything sorted and then we were off.

It's always a bit wierd travelling in a different direction, today I think we went east. It was all nice roads though which helps I think. We were the second people to get there and with a bit of direction the box was parked and I got to have a look around. It was a nice place!

The ride was lovely. We went round with to new friends, Quinn the cob and a lovely mare. Their riders were very chatty and friendly a we had a great relaxed time. The route was different as it was nearly all roads so good for my tootsies. The wind was ferocious but we all bundled together and kept on marching. There was a huge hill, some woods with a great view and a steep track back down. We passed through a couple of villages and a few pubs which made TW think about chips! Then before we knew it we were back at the boxes. Two hours for nine miles with only one little trot. Very good for the start of the year!

I got my pjs on and got on the box while TW went for a bit of grub and then we razzed home so I could get my grub. Nom. Then it was back to the field where I had a huge drink and then cantered down to my buds to tell them all about it.

Just chilling

Today was my rest day. It was lovely. I snoozed in the sun while frank did some work. Got naked in the sun while TW poo picked and had a few kisses and then went back to sleep. Lovely.

TW says in three weeks we are doing something special and we need to work hard . I wonder what it is?

Who lives in a house like this

Today I got to visit Rosko. We had a lovely sunny hack round the villages by him and did a fair bit of trotting. It was grand. But by far the best bit of the day was getting to stay in roskos bed while TW and roskos human went for lunch.

I had a bit of lickit , lots of salt lick, stamped on his straw banks and trashed his bed. Kissed his friend Archie and then ate alot of his super huge haylage net. Then had a snooze. Perfect.

It was lovely to get back to my field though, no place like home. Can't wait to visit the haylage house again though!!