Talisman Farm Sport Horses

Steps forwards and steps backwards

2012-01-28T23:41:00.000+13:00

First of all we got the hay in! This is the best feeling every year and, with a bumper harvest this year, we are very happy. No sooner had we filled both barns and the heavens opened and down came the rain. Perfect timing!! 712 bales of hay off around 6 acres is a very good yield - we could not be happier and the hay is absolutely beautiful stuff. We are now all set for winter and have enough to be able to sell a couple of hundred bales to help us pay the contractor.

I was beginning to feel a bit like the breeding season had stalled with mares doing funny things in their cycles and nobody getting in foal but in the last few days we have had a positive scan to Hooty (a full brother or sister to TF Ailbhe mac Brennan) and two trips to SYENZ for collecting resulting in one positive pregnancy and, hopefully, another in the next fortnight. Tinks was teased today and is not showing any signs of coming back into season and Bernie, Maddy and the lovely TB mare who won the Free Breeding competition have all been bred. Maude (Fantasy - Kingsway Diamond x Jay's Charm) has been leased for an in utero foal to Brennan and will be scanned on Monday to see where she is in her cycle and make sure she is still a good breeding prospect and Maddy, Bernie and Tinks will be scanned to check their pregnancy status - Fingers crossed firmly for a pile of positive results!

Now that the hay has been cut, I have been able to move the horses around a bit and Ailbhe, Hooty, Maddy and Ronan are sharing a couple of paddocks - So much fun to watch the stand off between foals (and Mare and foal in the case of Maddy and Ailbhe). Finally Maddy has relaxed enough to allow the two foals to hang out in close proximity so it is really just a case of waiting for Ronan to build up the courage to accept Ailbhe's advances and play.

We have a new house guest too, a lovely young German woman called Kirsi - She is proving to be a great help around the place.

Less positive news is that Brennan has been scratched from the Wairarapa Championships this weekend due to a unresolved case of greasy heel. I am sure he will be absolutely fine (vet coming tonight just in case) but I won't take him out if he is not 100% and he is just not right on a circle on the right rein. He is a young stallion and he will have many more chances to attend this and other competitions in the future. Hopefully we will be able to get him right in time for the autumn HT season so he can go to a couple of one day events - now THAT will be fun!!!!

I have also been spending a bit of time at my friend Louisa's taking photos of the young horses and stallions. They are planning a big sale late March with some lovely horses with super breeding so, if you are in the market for a nice youngster, keep an eye on the blog and I will add more details as and when I can.

It's harvest time ...

2012-01-18T22:20:00.000+13:00

Today, after a long wait, our hay was cut. Now it needs to dry and then be baled and then picked up and put in the shed. There is lots of it - And I mean LOTS! It is very green and leafy and full of yummy herby grasses and probably our best cut in 12 years of harvests. If it can dry in time and be baled before the forecast rain arrives I will be a very happy camper!

Now for today's most excellent news - Hooty scanned in foal - Whoopee!!! So that is a great relief and one less mare to worry about. Maddy, Tinks and Bernie all need to be scanned in the next fortnight so collective fertile jingles to them, please.

Ronan has sold ...

2012-01-17T11:56:00.001+13:00

and I didn't even get to blog his for sale notice on here. It's very rewarding as a breeder, especially one breeding during tough economic times to be able to sell my foals so easily. However I know that there are no guarantees that this will continue so am still going to be very careful about how many I breed - quality not quantity here every time! Ronan will be off to his lovely new home as soon as he is weaned (at around five months).

Maddy is being bred at present (foal heat) to Brennan so we are crossing our fingers and toes for a successful conception (50-60% on foal heat but Cindy obliged earlier in the season so I am hoping Maddy will do so as well). Watch this space! Maddy's foal will be for sale so, if you think you might be interested do let us know! I have already had to disappoint a few people by selling foals that they were interested in before they could make a decision so, if you want to avoid disappointment, consider an in utero contract.

We are still waiting for our hay to be cut. The weather has been horrible here this summer. It has rained and rained and rained and the grass has grown and grown and grown. We have a bumper crop and the red clover content is particularly impressive but none of this is going to be a lot of use to us if it doesn't stop raining long enough for it to be cut and dried! C'mon summer, sort yourself out!!! If the worst comes to the worst we should be able to get medium squares of baleage made but hay is ideally what we want/need.

I am writing this blog as I sit and wait for Victoria to arrive so that we can scan a couple of mares (Tinks has been irrigated as had some fluid post service - she also short cycled BIGtime so we want to help her pharmaceutically and in any way possible to conceive for her owner) and possibly collect and AI Bernie who I am not sure is a great live service candidate due to her size and her breeding status (maiden mare) - Finger's crossed for smooth sailing there!

One thing is becoming apparent now and that is that I really need to get Nick to build a phantom mare for Brennan so I am collecting and collating plans at present and hopefully we will have something in place if not soon, at least by the beginning of next season. If you can help in anyway - please let me know!

Postscript: Victoria has been and Tinks scanned clean of fluid. Bernie had a 50mm follicle so we collected Brennan off Maddy (who is still in season) and used what was collected to AI both Bernie and Maddy. Everything ran super smoothly and now we just have to cross our fingers that all three mares are in foal! I have decided that if Hooty has not taken again I am going to get Vic out and we will collect and AI her - I have a suspicion that her size is making it harder for Brennan to quite make the target so we will take a little of the effort out for him. Hopefully he will have got her last time around - we will scan her on Wednesday to check (finger's and toes firmly crossed!).

Some photos taken this morning below:

Random sunflower

Ailbhe

Mmm clover, delicious!

Mother and Daughter

Enya, Paddy, Maude and Snorkel

Paddy

Maude and Paddy

Portia

Maddy and Ronan

Ronan

At last a break from the rain!

2012-01-09T12:06:00.000+13:00

Hooray, the heavens are no longer drenching us with the tears of the angels and the sun is trying very hard to fight its way out from behind the clouds so, Maddy and Ronan (TF Ronan mac Colmain - a 7th C King of Leinster) have been set free into a grassy paddock for the day. He's a super foal - very bold, strong, smart and a bit blimmin' cute too really. I just wish I didn't have to sell him.

And, in other news, Lonsdale Tempeste was successfully inseminated at 4.15pm yesterday afternoon with the semen that was collected from Brennan in the early hours of Sunday morning. Now we cross all fingers and toes that she scans in foal in a couple of weeks time! C'mon fertility Gods - smile on us all!

Maddy and Dover have a Son

2012-01-08T15:36:00.000+13:00

Yesterday when I checked Maddy I noticed her udder had become very tight and her teats had filled. Her tail head had also slackened noticeably and her belly taken on a very dropped appearance. The last test was a milk check and the milk I expressed was white, tacky and sweet - 'Thunderbirds are go' I thought and set about pulling the foaling kit together and setting the foaling alarm up. Maddy was alarmed at 5pm and foaled at 11pm (no alarm required, as when I popped out to check her before bed she went down and commenced foaling).

It was a text book foaling - By the time Nick and I had got our coats on and gathered everything together and got out to her, the colt was born and both were resting (foal still with hind legs inside and umbilical cord attached) and, within 30 minutes of his arrival he had taken his first wobbly steps and had his first feed. Unfortunately, because he is a colt and of no use to my breeding program (I desperately hoped for a filly), this little guy will be for sale. The weather is beyond diabolical outside and, as none of my foal covers fit him, they are both in box keeping dry and warm.

No names yet but, here he is!

Maddy just a few hours before foalng

Well hello there!

And now I am in the stable because it is SO nasty outside

How cute am I?!

Stretch!

Doug the midwife on duty

Adorable!

and stripey!

And, in other news ... At 5.45am this morning I was out in the pouring rain catching Brennan and loading him on to the float for a trip to SYENZ for collecting. Unfortunately the mare up north has decided to cycle so that she will require inseminating on Monday which means collecting on Sunday but, of course, no couriers run on Sundays! To get around this rather significant inconvenience, Victoria hatched a plan that involved getting the semen to Dannevirke show to pass on to a competitor who would take it with them for delivery closer to the recipient. So, this is why I was up so early rushing him to SYENZ. He was super to collect, especially considering he has only jumped the phantom a handful of times and not at all this season. Good boy.

The plan was going swimmingly until I got home and read on facebook that Dannevirke show had been cancelled! Argh! Luckily Victoria was on the case and alternative arrangements were made so, all going well, Brennan's swimmers should be well on their way to the recipient now. Phew! Did nothing good for my stress levels tho, I tell you! Please please please let it be a successful insemination now!

Battle Hill XC Fun!

2011-12-27T21:42:00.001+13:00

Today I hitched a lift with Rachael and Louisa to Battle Hill to go to the practice day. I was able to catch up with Kim and Reilly while I was there which was awesome! You would never know that Reilly had scared us all half to death only a couple of weeks ago with a nasty fall in the paddock which resulted in a very sore boy with a stake hole in his chest - the hole is completely healed (I had to hunt hard to actually find where it even was!) and he was absolutely loving his day out on the XC. Louisa also had Danny and Syd (Syd playing Schoolmaster for the day as Danny is only very freshly under saddle and it was his very first outing in public) and both horses equipped themselves wonderfully. It was a great day out and even the small overheating incident on the way home could not dampen everyone's enthusiasm.

When is the next outing folks?, I am keen! Will have to get on a horse myself one of these days too I s'pose!

Here are some of my favourite pix from today:

Reilly goes BOING!

Reilly and the Rolltop

Reilly - Out of the water

Getting Syd ready

Syd and Danny strolling

Syd over the rolltop

Syd

Danny's first jump

Syd and the log

Be careful now Syd

Danny being so brave

Yehar Danny!

Danny - Now we're talkin'

Syd and Rachael flying

Water babies

Reilly working on his XC canter

Reilly over the raised log

Reilly through the water

Banks are no trouble for Reilly

Reilly - Through the stockyards

Log

Reilly and Kim on the bank complex:

Sorry Rachael ...

Brennan and Louisa at Rei-Huia

2011-12-22T18:41:00.000+13:00

Just home from taking Brennan down to Louisa's place for his first wee jumping session there. Gosh what a little star he is! Didn't bat an eyelid at any of the show jumps which included some fillers, a liverpool with tarp underneath and painted planks. He was a bit shouty when we left him in the yards to contemplate his navel after first arriving (we had to take the newly painted poles and new jump stands and barrel cups down to the jumping paddock in my float) and he fidgeted being tacked up but he is a pony who likes to be doing stuff and tends to gets ants in his pants if he is made to stand around and wait - He is going to have to get over that!!!

Here are the photos from the outing - Isn't he just the cutest thing?!

Warming up

They have an audience

And they're away jumping!

CUTE!

Liverpool height popped up for last jump

All done

Good boy B xxx (and thanks heaps Louisa!!!)

Getting back my riding mojo

2011-12-22T15:00:00.000+13:00

Another day and another ride and, as I sit here typing this, I am also gearing up to take Brennan down to Louisa's to do some jumping so it's a great horsey day.

This morning my friend Jane came out with her Arab pony and we went out for a hack together up the paper road. The full loop is 25km but for starters we settled for a few kms up and then back down again - Meg is not very fit and I don't want to overdo it with her. I think the horses had a fabulous time as we walked, trotted and cantered (and even had a wee gallop at the end) out on our ride. The paper road is a fantastic steady ride up through some lovely farmland grazed by sheep and cattle. It's super for fitness and, even though there are some harder/stonier sections, for the most part barefoot horses like Meg don't have any trouble with it. By the end of the season I hope she will be fit enough to complete the entire loop.

Setting out

The tall and the short of it

Meet 'n greet

After the ride - Close pals now

Jane & Denny

Does my butt look big in this?

Stepping out

in unison

On the way home, captured on Amy's ipod

So a GREAT morning out, happy horses and happy riders - And THAT is what it is all about!

What has been happening?

2011-12-21T17:20:00.005+13:00

On Sunday I had a really fun day tagging along with Louisa and Rachael to the Horowhena PC One Day Trial at Waikanae Park. My role was that of photographer cum groom cum general entertainment. Louisa took Rei-Huia Squiggletop (Syd) and it was his second public outing and only the fifth time he had been asked to jump ... anything! He was a wee legend.

His dressage test was his first time in a dressage arena and, aside from gawping at the people throwing bottles in the recycling plant RIGHT behind behind the arenas after going left at C, he did a very green but very nice wee test to end up about 1/3 down the field. Louisa took him quietly around the Show Jumping and he jumped the course clear but with a few time faults and then we went and walked the XC. I have not evented for years and so it looked huge to me but even Louisa commented that it was a pretty meaty course for Pre Training (the PT and the Training shared a handful of jumps) and this girl is a bonafide mad eventer who has ridden at International Events in the UK so I guess it was fairly big. We were all laughing about poor Syd being a bit too fat and unfit to make it around - little did we know he would absolutely eat up the course and finish with fuel left in the tank. He still got a few time faults but double clear jumping efforts = Superstar pony. I think his next start is going to be training level now - he certainly has the scope and the rider so, why not?!

Scanned Tinks yesterday. Unfortunately she was not in foal but was teased and served today so finger's crossed for success second cycle. Might scan her after her cycle as she had a little fluid - need to make sure that is not still there after serving as will not help with conception success!

Yesterday I also went to Rei-Huia again, this time with Meg and we went off hacking over the hills. It was fab! I have my riding mojo returning and it certainly helps to have friends living so close to ride with - Great motivation. SO motivated in fact that I rode again today and even jumped Meg over the skinny log in the orchard paddock. I am such a nana rider these days - I want the brave kid who jumped the 1.20m gorse bushes with poles on top and the big ditches and banks around the old farm without so much as giving it half a thought back. Not sure where she went but I really miss her!

Contemplating 'The Log'

Don't touch it Meg!!

Tomorrow Brennan is heading over to Rei-Huia so Louisa can jump him over a few more jumps - Can't wait!

Brennan and Louisa

2011-12-14T17:27:00.010+13:00

This morning I went and visited Rei-Huia Sport Horses which is the Sport Horse Stud/Training establishment of Rae Healey and Louisa Gleeson. I got to have a wander around and take photos of some of their lovely horses. Due to family illness, the stud needs to sell a number of their horses so I have offered to help photograph sales horses. I will be putting details up of various horses from time to time too so, if you are interested, do let me know and I can put you in touch with Louisa.

Below are photos of Saddle Hunter prospect 'Rei-Huia Liam' (2005 Willie John x Regal Vain mare) and broodmare 'Rei-Huia Bernadette' (2005 Hi-Falutin [Zabalu] x Laughtons Legend/Mellay mare). Both horses are lovely types (Bernadette would SO be coming to live with me if I had the room!) and if you want more information, do not hesitate to contact me.

'RH Bernadette'

'RH Liam'

This afternoon Louisa came over and had her first ride on Brennan. Louisa has very kindly offered to help us with Brennan's jumping education and I am very excited and thrilled to have another highly talented rider to help with Brennan. He's surely going to be a very well schooled and well rounded pony!

Here are my favourite photos from today's ride:

B's second registered competition

2011-12-11T17:05:00.014+13:00

My favourite photos from today:

Brennan was very good today - He is certainly learning his routines and getting the hang of going out and about. He has never been bad as such but it really is starting to be 'just another day' when we take him out and this is fantastic.

He's been a little flat the last couple of days and we can't quite put our fingers on it. Not grumpy or sore and still more than happy to do his work but lacking sparkle and oomph for want of a better description. On Friday he was decidedly peppy and showing us how clever he was with his lengthened strides at trot and canter but Saturday and today, not so much. Hopefully it is just the humidity and nothing else - will be watching him closely.

First test today was 1.4 and he did a nice test - His transitions were a little sticky but he was obedient and obliging and the judge put at the end of the test sheet, "Happy chap, going along the correct lines" - I liked that :) 60.417%

1.5 had a couple of 'moments' in the afternoon but again a really pleasing test and Brennan did everything he was asked - Still lots to work on but we're headed in the right direction. Not sure of mark at this stage.

***BREAKING NEWS***

Results just in and Brennan was 4th in 1.5 (prize money, oh my goodness!) with a score of 64.783% - Clever pony and clever rider - Well done team!!!

Video of 1.4

This needs no explanation really :)

2011-12-08T15:18:00.000+13:00

TF Life O'Reilly

2011-12-03T20:15:00.008+13:00

Now that Kim has her truck back on the road I don't think there is going to be anything much stopping her and Reilly from getting out and about. So exciting! I am so happy to see Reilly being ridden so beautifully by Kim and I know he is in the most wonderful hands with her.

If you are new to the blog you may not know who Reilly is so here is a very brief bio:

Reilly is by Mighty Heights and out of a TB mare by Light Spirits called What a Lark. Reilly was born here at Talisman Farm in October 2004. There is a bit of a story behind Reilly's arrival and first few months, which you can read HERE.

Reilly remained entire until he was five years old and bred four lovely foals. I have retained one, Enya, who is out of my Kingsway Diamond mare, Maude. I hope she will have a performance career before coming home to be a broodmare.

Reilly now lives in Wellington with a friend who absolutely adores him. It seemed a waste having him sitting here in the paddock with me being such a numpty rider and I could not bare to sell him so Kim has him for as long as she wants him and he can come home and be a schoolmaster for Amy or even for me when she is done with him.

Last weekend Kim was able to take Reilly to their first competition - A one day event at Battle Hill. It was the first time he had been out since he was a three year old colt and I took him to a couple of unregistered dressage competitions (where he did very well) and he was a star for her. He did a very nice dressage test followed by a very green but extremely honest xc and then another green but honest SJ round to end up in overall second place - Not a bad start! If you have a facebook account, you should be able to view the video's below although you may have to join the Talisman Farm Group first - I have not quite worked that out.

Dressage

Cross Country

Show Jumping

and then today he went to his first gymkhana where he won the paced and mannered class and was second with Kim in the rider class (they just entered the two flat classes). Then he did a few rounds of Show Jumping where he showed his enormous heart and sweet nature by jumping round clear. There is a video below of one of the SJ rounds (not sure of the height). I think I see a bit of a future in show hunter ...

Show jumping round at Makara PC Gymkhana

I am super proud of my little Reilly and his clever rider - I am also very excited to see what they can achieve together. I hope to get to a few competitions in the coming season to get photos too.

2011-12-02T17:45:00.011+13:00

Photos of Ailbhe today - Three weeks old tomorrow and getting more and more gorgeous with every passing day!!

Glenbriar Double Delight (shown three times for a Reserve, 2 x Champions and a Supreme) arrived on Sunday and came into season yesterday. She was served today and will be served again on Sunday, teased on Monday and, if receptive, served again. Tinks is by Apsley Backchat and out of a TB mare and is a full-size pony.

Glenbriar Double Delight - Tinks

In the coming week both Hooty and Cindy are due back in season - finger's crossed both are in fact in foal and will not return. We will have some scanning to do next week! Grand Prix SJ mare, Pukeake Hine who came down a couple of weeks ago should also be ready to scan next week so finger's crossed!!!

Pukeake Hine

Brennan goes to a Ribbon Day

2011-11-27T17:46:00.008+13:00

Today Brennan, Karen and I trundled down to Solway for a dressage ribbon day. Brennan was entered in tests 1.5 and 2.2 (his first time doing either test and first time doing 2nd level). The weather was absolutely stunning - too hot really but lets not complain, we have had some pretty bad weather lately so this made a lovely change.

Brennan handled the step up to level 2 quite well, although he did lose canter impulsion towards the very end of the test which resulted in an accidental canter over the arena planks - Oops! He had never been in the sand arena either so was a bit looky but there were some really nice moments in the test so we were pretty pleased with him.

Test 1.5 was the afternoon test - It is a long test that feels like it is never going to end! There was a minor course error in a trot movement towards the end of the test and Brennan was possibly lacking a little bit of sparkle (it was HOT!) but he was very obedient and did everything he was asked and the test flowed very nicely - we could not be happier with him. He scored 69.5% and 2nd place in a class of 23 (he was the only pony) - AWESOME work Karen and Brennan!!

I have videos of both tests which you can view on Youtube here:

And, here are a selection of photos:

Well done Karen and Brennan! Another super day out.

Ailbhe day 11

2011-11-23T10:36:00.005+13:00

Todays equine super model offerings (you gotta admit, he is pretty cute!).

Sunday sees Brennan's first attempt at Level 2 in the dressage arena. It's just a ribbon day but sounds like there are really big classes. I am really looking forward to seeing how he handles the step up.

Day 3 - Baby needs a name ....

2011-11-15T20:45:00.001+13:00

no pressure Renee :op

Newspaper Article and New Baby pix

2011-11-14T18:18:00.004+13:00

This week we made the paper - I wish it had been for a better reason though *sad face*:

And today's photos of the new boy:

Baby Daze

2011-11-13T11:20:00.006+13:00

The bonny boy, who is still nameless, today.

I am thrilled to also be able to say that this cracking colt has sold to a fabulous home. We're working on names together as the one I had picked out won't work with his new owner. As a breeder, breeding in a tough market, it is extremely rewarding to be able to sell my young-stock so quickly and to such wonderful homes. I am sure his new mum, who has really missed having an Irish horse in her life, is going to have the most amazing time with this boy and I cannot wait to share in their journey - I wish them the very best together!! I know my bonny boy will never replace the very special Irish girl that she once shared her life with but I do hope that this new partnership will put salve on the deep wounds inflicted by her passing and re-ignite her passion for the wonderful Irish horse.

Tragedy and triumph

2011-11-12T15:31:00.004+13:00

It's been quite a week...

It started with the idiot neighbours up the road setting off fireworks late on Saturday night. They had given us no warning - We have lived on this road for 12 years now and never heard so much as a double happy cracker go off so the loud bangs and sky rockets were completely unexpected and the horses were very upset. I had Hooty in the foaling paddock beside the house and she was beside herself. I managed to catch her eventually and Nick sped up the road to find where the fireworks were being let off and ask them to stop. Sadly the damage had already been done and Cindy slipped her premature foal as a direct result of the stress. She was not due until December. I was devastated to find the beautiful little bay baby with blaze and stockings in the paddock. We only bred Brennan to two mares last season so Hooty's foal is to be his only foal for us this year. Cindy will be re-bred to Brennan and sent to her owner in Auckland.

This morning at 3am Hooty foaled a beautiful big chestnut colt with all the chrome. He really is big - Surprisingly so considering the size of his sire! But, he's about as close to perfect as they come. He has a wonderful blaze and high whites on three legs and a sock on the remaining leg. I am thrilled with him. Put him and the 'Little Cracker' (the filly in Wellington) side by side and they could almost be twins!

Updated Conformation photos

2011-11-07T20:33:00.003+13:00

Today Brennan got the works! He scrubs up pretty nicely tho, don't you agree?

What's been happening and what's coming up

2011-11-06T21:59:00.007+13:00

Congratulations Brennan, you are a father at last. Amber, a pony mare in Wellington, foaled a delightful (sex not known to me at this stage) foal over the weekend. I am hoping to get over to Wellington next week and will try and call in to meet him/her and get some more photos if I do. It is so nice to, at last, have a foal by Brennan on the ground. Hopefully next season there will be lots more!

Brennan's next outing is in a couple of weeks. Just down to Solway for a dressage ribbon day but this presents the perfect opportunity to give a L2 test a go. He was going to do two L2 tests but the second test is 2.5 and, after a bit of a play at home today, Karen and I decided to just do the 2.2 and 1.5 instead. 2.5 is just a bit advanced for him right now and we don't want him to have a bad experience in the arena.

Last night was Guy Fawkes and for the first time in 12 years of living here someone on our road let off fireworks. It was NOT good as Hooty, who has an expected foaling date of 18 November and is heavily pregnant, was very distressed by the loud bangs and bright lights and was rushing around her paddock in a right state. Nick flew up the road in the car whilst I tried to catch and settle her. Eventually she stood for me to catch her and Nick came back to tell me that he had found who it was and they had promised not to let any more of the really loud and colourful sky rockets off so I stood with Hooty whilst the last of the crackers went off and then waited for a bit until all was quiet and let her go. No sooner than I had removed her halter and there was a God almighty wail and a series of bangs and a lot of bright flashes and, of course, poor Hoots bolted straight for the fence-line with me in hot pursuit. I managed to catch her again (I was very angry by now) and calm her and eventually was able to let her go again and head to bed.

This morning she seemed fine so hopefully no damage has been done.

And last of all for today's blog entry, one of Nick's latest songs:

Clydesdale Pony

Taking pix for other peeps

2011-11-01T21:23:00.008+13:00

I have had a busy few days. On Saturday I was down at the A&P show taking pix in the Pony SJ rings, Sunday I photographed the hack ring and on Monday I went down to Longspring Sport Horses and took photos of four of their stallions. You would not think that taking photos would be tiring but I was absolutely exhausted at the end of the three days!

Here are a handful of the photos I took. There were literally hundreds so it was hard to pick out which ones to share so these are just random ones that jumped out at me when I was writing this post.

If you would like me to take some photos for you, just get in touch - I would love to help out!

New Kids

2011-10-19T19:13:00.003+13:00

We don't just breed horses at Talisman Farm - This year we have branched out into goats. I don't think there is anything much cuter than a goat kid, except perhaps a donkey foal - we might try for one of those in the next few years.

Today is the 3rd anniversary of our darling Debi's passing and Silas' birth so it seems fitting that we welcomed three new lives into the world. Penny produced a single doe kid and China had twins, a doe and a buck. All doing well. Here are some photos:

Brennan's First Registered Dressage Tests

2011-10-16T20:33:00.016+13:00

I don't think I could actually be any happier with Brennan's performance today. Right from plaiting him up last night (he slept through that) to loading him on the float to come home today, he didn't put a foot wrong and I really could not be more proud of him. His first test was a little rushed and he was a tiny bit distracted but he did everything asked of him and warmed up in a new environment surrounded by more horses than he has ever had to deal with (including a couple who rode right up his jacksy) beautifully. 1.2 was his first test and he scored a very respectable 60.833% and 3 points for his ESNZ record.

Back to the yard we went with 3 hours and 45 minutes to kill between tests. We started with him in the stallion box but it was so dark and dusty that neither Karen nor I could really face it again so we stuck him in an outside yard. He enjoyed having a bit more to look at. Then it rained so we went back under cover to a covered yard, then the sun came out and it got hot so back to the outside yard, then it rained again so we went back under cover, then the sun came out ... you get the picture? The judge from the morning test even hunted us out to find out more about Brennan and compliment us on what a lovely pony he is with huge potential - that was a super bonus to our day!

By the time he was tacked up for his second test he was so chilled out that he was half asleep bless him and Karen had some trouble finding the 'go' button but he went out and did a really nice, flowing test that we were both really happy with. We took him back and packed up the float and came home before the class was finished - he was tired and so were we - I got an email a couple of hours ago to let me know he came away with a 65.5% mark and another 5 points for his ESNZ record. Bloody Brilliant! This was a composite mark as there were two judges for the test. The first judge giving him 64.231% and the second, $66.923%.

We were very lucky to have a good friend come and video both tests for us - something we are so grateful for! And, of course, I was there with my camera so, here are a selection of photos and the videos from the day.

Warming up

Another yard moment

In the arena

Too ... tired ... to ... keep eyes open

Soopa kyoot pony parked in his yard

Preliminary Test 1.3% - 65 577%

Preliminary Test 1.2 - 60.833%

October Special and Breeding Plans for this season

2011-10-06T15:43:00.006+13:00

Rightio, in a push to encourage mare owners to get their bookings in I have decided to offer a 10% discount on all contracts received with booking fees paid by the end of this month. I know as much as anyone how tough it is out there at the moment but believe that people should still feel that breeding a foal of their own is within their financial grasp so I am trying to make it as affordable as I possibly can whilst also endeavoring to see my two lovely boys patronised this season. We have had a lot of interest and inquiries so hopefully this offer will spur some of you into action.

And, now to my plans for my own mares this breeding season. I have a number of breed-able mares here, including my lovely 23 year old Kingsway Diamond mare, Maude, my sweetheart Laughtons Legend mare, Hooty and my wonderful Clydesdale mare, Meg. My own personal financial situation at the moment means that I am hesitant to breed more than one foal this coming season but I also really don't want either of my lovely older girls sitting around empty when I know they both are healthy and fertile and produce superb foals - Meg could have her first foal next season too. I have an in-utero foal/mare lease contract that I am happy to send to anyone who might like to lease either of these girls and I am negotiable to a point on the details and costs. It's a great opportunity to breed a foal from a top quality mare without having to outlay on the purchase of the mare or deal with the breeding side of it all.

Wynyard Night Owl (Hooty) - Laughtons Legend x TB mare

Fantasy (Maude) - Kingsway Diamond x TB mare

Both photos were taken within the last week. Hooty is due to foal to Brennan in six weeks. Maude is empty and ready to breed now.

So, if you want to take advantage of any of these breeding offers, please fire me through an email on talisman.farm@gmail.com and we can talk :o)

Oh and Meg, of course

October 2nd lesson

2011-10-02T19:27:00.013+13:00

Back to the arena today for a lesson. A much politer pony to tack up and ever so obliging - Good boy! The lesson went well and today Becky focused Karen and Brennan on getting a more active working trot, encouraging Brennan to use his engine and really come through from behind. By the end of today's lesson, Brennan's over tracking at the trot was hugely pronounced and he was really going places! Fab!

Just a little distracted - this pic makes me laugh

The video is an unedited, warts and all collection of clips that I took today and yesterday.

Back to the Arena

2011-10-02T09:47:00.004+13:00

Yesterday we took Brennan down to play in Becky's sandpit. He worked very well, even if he was a bit distracted whilst we got him ready (sheep + a brand new enormous pile of wood for splitting next to the stables not to mention the someone who was shifting cattle next door = brain overload!). Today it's back to the arena but this time for a lesson. Brennan is now ESNZ registered and has his first official first level start in two weeks. Watch out Bren, thinks are gettin' serious now!

Spring Horses

2011-09-30T12:17:00.005+13:00

Just a few random photos taken today and yesterday. Maude and Hooty are available for breeding lease and can be bred to Brennan or Hamish this season. Hooty's foal by Brennan will be for sale - I am super excited about the cross!

Maude, 23 years old and looking a picture!

Paddy, 22 years old and feeling good!

Hooty, 19 years old and in foal to Brennan

Hoots

Beautiful Hoots

Maude, not feeling her age

Maude and Snorkel who is now a yearling

Me and Norks

Please contact me via the blog, the website (www.tfsporthorses.webs.com) or email: talisman.farm@gmail.com if interested in our breeding leases or future foals.

Fun on the lunge

2011-09-27T22:18:00.007+13:00

Yesterday I thought I would mix the in-hand work up a bit and threw caution to the wind and tried some xc lunging. Brennan thought it was great!!

Through the water complex

Snorkeling anyone?

Ditches

Good pony

and banks

Brennan goes to Pony Club

2011-09-25T13:14:00.006+13:00

OK, so I didn't actually realise that pony club was on today! The local PC xc practice days were being run yesterday AND today and we had already decided that it would be a good idea to take him both days as the more public outings for him, the better, especially at this time of the year - he KNOWS that breeding season is just around the corner! But I was a little disconcerted when we arrived at the showgrounds today at 10am and found so many floats and horses and ponies - they really were everywhere! Nevertheless, it was a very good experience for a young stallion and a great learning opportunity.

Today we had 'Shouty Brennan' - He was very vocal and spent quite a lot of time in the yards and around the yard area turning in tight circles (every time he yelled, he had to turn until he shut up. Rinse, repeat). Aside from the odd yelling session however, he was a good boy and had a lovely hack around the course proper (we were in the kindy paddock yesterday). The water proved a challenge for another day. We got our toes in but didn't push the envelope - My homework is to get him jumping in and out of the water feature we have here at home (aka the 'dam' or the 'pond'). Hopefully the frogs will forgive me!

Today Brennan got to try out a gallop. He thought that was actually very hard work, thanks very much - I think he would generally like to saunter through life but he CAN gallop and he did.

Once done it was back to the yards to be untacked and back on the float and home. I am looking forward to introducing him to water and ditches during the week - watch this space :)

Brennan goes XC - Wheeeeeeeeee!

2011-09-24T17:07:00.014+12:00

Today was very exciting for both pony, owner and, I think, riders because it was Brennan's first time out on a XC course and out in wide open spaces cantering and jumping with other horses. He was a super good boy and took it all in his stride. Not surprisingly he was a tiny bit on his toes to start and shouted a few times but who could blame him really as it was busy and there were lots of other horses calling out so he probably thought it would be rude to ignore them, haha! It was just the best sort of life experience for him ever today and I am thrilled with how well he performed. The jumps were teeny tiny but it was not about getting him to show how high he can jump, it was about making the experience fun and educational for the pony and absolutely not over-facing him and I know we succeeded in our goal of doing this. I must take a moment to thank Kim who came all the way from Wellington to ride him for me and Karen for offering instruction and guidance and for catching the loose horse that came straight for us at the end of the day (see Karen, I knew the bucket with feed in it would come in handy!!).

I took a few photos and was lucky enough to have Nick come over after his stint at the Farmer's Market so he kindly wielded the video camera for me. Here are the results:

Getting started over a cross pole

Warming up

Zoomin'

More zoomin'

Leapin' (well, not quite)

Off the bank

Careful pony

Cuuuute!

Lovin' the logs

Jumpin' tyres

Up a bank

Clamberin'

All done - good pony

Video

Brennan's new saddle

2011-09-14T12:17:00.008+12:00

In my whole life I have never, ever, had a new saddle. So, when Brennan's BRAND spanking new Wintec arrived on Monday night I was very, very excited!

The package included a Wintec Pro with contourbloc, the entire Wintec gullet system (including a gullet gauge for measuring), stirrups, Wintec webbers, an elasticated Wintec dressage girth, Wintec saddle cover and white saddle pad and when opening the box I felt like a kid on Christmas morning.

Unfortunately the weather yesterday was not conducive to trying the saddle on for size (we had thunder, lightening, hail, sleet, snow and wind!) but today is a beautiful day so I trundled out this morning to give it a whirl.

Brennan measured wide with the gullet gauge so Nick and I pulled the medium gullet out and put the wide gullet in and I tacked him up and clambered on board. I have not ridden Brennan for many, many months and am packing a few extra winter kgs so the ride was short but very, very sweet. I was amazed at the new tricks he has learned and so impressed with the fantastic job Karen is doing producing him. We even nailed a couple of walk to canter transitions - wicked!

Now I can't wait for Karen to try it out!!

I got the Dressage Queen in a flatseat!

2011-09-10T20:07:00.005+12:00

Today we have photographic proof that DQ's do jump. I think Karen thought I was joking when I told her she was going to be riding Brennan in a flatseat today. Joking I was not, haha! I am so bummed that the first photo today ended up being a little out of focus but I am sure there will be other jumping pix to come so it is not the end of the world. Karen did a fabulous job today, especially considering that it has been about 17 years since she last jumped (don't you dare tell her I told you that tho!!).

Brennan also tried a new bit today, a Myler, but he told Karen, in no uncertain terms, that he did not like it, so he went back into the Neule Schule. It's a little big but he is happy in it so, until we can find one in his size, it will have to do.

Today was more dressage schooling followed by by a bit of zoom zoom over poles. Brennan was feeling quite 'well' today and, for the first time ever, nearly unseated Karen when he kicked up his heels at one point. I didn't laugh, honest, well not much anyway. I also didn't get a photo of it, darn!

I like you ...

2011-09-09T11:04:00.006+12:00

The season is ramping up now - woohoo! We have a measuring day to take Brennan to next weekend and then a cross country practice weekend the weekend after. I have asked Kim if she will come over and take Brennan for a spin over the intro jumps at the Solway Showgrounds and she has said she would love to so he's going to get his first taste of XC. Karen and I will take him down on the Sunday so he gets a double whammy. Can't wait! I brought him in for another session on the lunge this morning and included a few trot poles and some barrels - He ate it all up and was very enthusiastic. This bodes well. Here are some photos and the video:

Some trot poles and a dressage rally

2011-09-04T16:13:00.009+12:00

The weather has been kind to us this weekend and Karen and Brennan have a couple of good rides under their belts. You will notice from the photos that his mane is getting shorter - I have been brave and agreed to having it pulled so we can present a more workman-like and professional picture. Now I have done it, I am very pleased but it was actually quite a hard decision - I did love that mane. The fetlocks and tail stay though!!

Saturday was lateral work and an introduction to trot poles and Brennan was on form - he's learning and retaining everything and doing everything that is asked of him which is all that we can ask. Now I need to get some decent jumps and poles!

Today the local dressage group was running a rally alongside the show jumping group who had a practice day so Brennan had a double whammy to contend with. It was the first time he has seen show jumps and horses jumping over them and he was absolutely transfixed. In fact he left a considerable portion of his brain back in the yards and was lacking a little focus but it was a good outing - next outing may be a xc practice day. Now he is going to just LOVE that!!

Super pony!

Dressage Rally

Baby shoulder-in

2011-08-28T17:55:00.010+12:00

I have a seriously cute pony and I am seriously excited about him! As I completely forgot to book the arena today and Becky was away teaching, Karen rode Brennan at home. The surface is not very forgiving but at least it has dried out enough now to no longer be slippery. As well as working on downwards transitions (which were a bit messy yesterday), Karen had a play with some shoulder in and did a couple of very snazzy halt and walk to canter transitions - Clever, clever pony and clever rider!

In other news, we have started to pull his mane *horrors!*. Honestly I felt sick when Karen started but I know it is going to create a neater and more harmonious picture plus it will make those hunter braids for dressage that much easier to achieve. He's not only going to be a smart performer when out and about but he is going to look pretty darned snazzy too!

And in more exciting news, Brennan's new saddle should be here by the middle of September. I desperately wanted to support a NZ business but in the end the strong NZ dollar and the incredibly low American prices meant that I have ordered his new Wintec Pro (with contourbloc) from a site in the States. The package deal includes all 6 gullets, gullet gauge, white saddle pad, Wintec webbers, stirrups and girth. A package that would cost close to $2500 if purchased here in NZ has cost me, so far, $985. I am just waiting for it to clear customs (where I expect to be required to pay another 20% in GST and Duty charges) getting it to me for under $1200. Does this remind anyone of a certain Rugby jersey story that was headline news here recently?

The Horse & Pony is out and our ad is in and looks pretty good. I have had a couple of inquiries and interest in Hamish for AI so am now considering building a dummy mare here at home and having Hamish trained so that both boys can be available via AI. If we can collect here at home, I am tempted to make Brennan available by AI only but will make that decision as and when.

Here are today's photos of my superstar pony and his fabulous rider:

Brennan goes out and about

2011-08-27T16:34:00.008+12:00

Since the weather has been particularly hideous recently, Brennan has had virtually no ridden work and minimal lunging/in-hand work (appalling footing) so today, taking advantage of the wonderful weather we are now enjoying, Karen and I took Brennan down to Becky's for a spin around her arena.

We were super pleased with him and he worked very well and tried super hard. He also seemed very happy with the change of bit. He has chewed his way through his resin Neue Schule bit so, for safety and comfort's sake, it had to go and he is now in one of Karen's mare Molly's other bits (I forget what it is now) and he worked nicely up into the bridle - Yay!

Here are some photos:

All done!

Album number two

2011-08-24T12:37:00.008+12:00

Reflections, now available! Clever Nick!

A sound byte - The Busker's girl, track 8.

Amy's first ride on Brennan

2011-08-23T18:09:00.008+12:00

It seems I have the perfect lunge lesson pony already ...

LOVE my boy!

The BIG snow of August 2011

2011-08-17T18:05:00.013+12:00

This past few days the weather has been absolutely awful! Snow is really pretty stuff and, especially for seven-year-olds, very exciting but it makes a HELL of a mess and now, as it begins to thaw and we experience days of sleet and rain, my paddocks look completely trashed! I have quite a few paddocks that are horse free fortunately but I also have quite a few horses running through the hay paddocks right now - I just hope the damage is not so great that the hay crop suffers.

The horses have all coped remarkably well, although I have been feeding out double rations of hay to ensure that everyone has full tummies. Nick and I took masses of photos but here are a selection of my favourites. For my overseas readers, this sort of snowfall is pretty much unheard of here. It's a once in a lifetime event!

Our wee cottage nestled in the snow

The tackshed/hayshed/stable block

The view of our back paddocks and behind

The view over to the mountains

Amy and I

Brennan

Me and Brennan

The obligatory snowball fight

Gotya!

Nick and Amy

The bubble car disappearing under snow

Driving down our road after feeding out

At Brian and Carol's

Hamish doing a chipmunk impression

Bados' paddock

Snowy house

Jess

Jet

Peek-a-boo Rusty

Ata, Enya and Meg in a blizzard

Amy waiting for the school bus

Our letter box

Here comes the school bus - school was cancelled!

Amy

Snowy branches

An after school ride

2011-08-10T19:36:00.005+12:00

Amy is loving having her own pony again and Rusty is settling in beautifully. I think they're going to make a great pair. I rode for close to three years before I ever had the luxury of a saddle so know how beneficial bareback riding can be for your balance and feel when on a horse. I was also a few years older and stronger than Amy when I started riding so, I have promised that she can have a saddle again for their next ride - the weather forecast for the coming week is really awful so not sure when that might be!

Video

Amy's first ride on The Rustbucket

2011-08-08T08:35:00.004+12:00

It was a bit windy and Rusty still not 100% sure about this whole 'new family/home' thing but Amy was so desperate to have a go that we brought him in for a quick ride. Here are the photos:

Cute!

We have a winner AND a new family member!

2011-08-05T22:41:00.010+12:00

It is with much pleasure that I can announce the winner of the 'Win a Free Breeding to Crossiebeg Brennan' competition is Kendra Muir's very lovely thoroughbred mare, Honey (photo above). Congratulations Kendra, we cannot wait to meet Honey! We had some really super applicants and wish we could offer them all a free breeding - It was very hard to make a final decision! The competition was so popular, we are thinking that we may very well run another one in the future.

Today we have also welcomed a new member into the family. Rusty is a gorgeous Section A Welsh pony and is Amy's new riding pony. Hopefully I will get MY Meg back now, haha!

Waiting for his new little girl

Yup, I think they are going to get along fine!

A very happy and excited little girl!

Down on the farm

2011-08-02T20:10:00.008+12:00

Today I milked my cow...
and made butter from the cream!
Go Me!

I also dusted the clompety off and took her for a spin. It has to be at least 4 months since I last rode her. Goodness knows where the time has gone but she has grown a bit and measures 165cm now. I thought she seemed to be getting bigger!

All-in-all, today was a good day.

Brennan's first ride since 26 June

2011-07-31T17:34:00.011+12:00

Not sure where the time has gone but the weather over the last month has been very uncooperative so Brennan has had a holiday! I think he has been getting quite bored tho and is certainly feeling very full of his own self importance! Today we trundled off to Becky's place so that Karen could take him for a spin in the all weather and see if the buttons we had installed earlier were all still in working order. I can thankfully say that, yes, they are.

He had a bit thrown at him today (loose pony running around in float parking paddock whilst unloading, ponies all around the arena in paddocks, pony being re-covered at gate right next to where float was parked when time came to go home etc.) and whilst he was certainly far from perfect (fidget bum) before and after his ride, he did nothing out of the ordinary for a young stallion feeling a bit fresh and distracted - He was very good when it counted though and that is what ultimately matters.

Here are some photos from today:

Meg gives pony rides

2011-07-29T16:39:00.006+12:00

Today Amy had a friend over for a play date so Meg was dragged out of the paddock after three months off and took on the role of lead rein pony ... Bless her heart!

That's my Megastar!

Snowfall

2011-07-25T17:27:00.007+12:00

Today we live in a bit of a snowy wonderland ...

Cindy & Isla

Pond & duck house

View out over the back pdks

Maude

Maddie & Isla

Brennan

View towards the Tararuas

Maddie

View out the back

View to the north

View out the back

Lemonwood

Doug and Me

in a snowstorm

And another view

and video

Rico

2011-07-24T10:35:00.003+12:00

Got these cute photos and an email from Aimee today. Aimee owns a 'wee' gelding by Hamish (bred by an outside mare owner) and is really enjoying him. The clipped photos are the most recent and the horse ball photos are from May - He's clearly another character filled Hamish baby!

"Hi Louise,
Thought you might like to see some pics of the lad. We are still stoked with him - very trainable and good head on his shoulders. Constantly surprises me with how well he adapts to new situations. Took him to Massey in June for his big op (gelding) & he took it all in his stride - even floating through Palmy peak hour traffic on his lonesome without batting an eyelid.

Gonna be a big boy though - easily 15.1hh & needs to move into a 4'9 rug as his butt is well & truly hanging out of the 4'6's I have on him. Scary, must be some big genes in there somewhere :o)"

Luna - FOR SALE

2011-07-23T15:02:00.010+12:00

This gorgeous filly is by Kintyre Lodge Robbie and out of a very nice TB mare by Centro. Her owner is not asking for a lot of money and, if I was in a position, I would dearly love to buy her but, I am not, so I am letting everyone know about her. This is a VERY nice filly!

Clydesdale/TB (Kintyre Lodge Robbie/Missy by Centro) weanling filly. Bay with big blaze and 2 partial socks. Just weaned and being lightly handled. Mature easily 16hh plus. Very nice type. $1200 ono. Can winter her and happy to graze her for new owner. Email: rachaelw@xtra.co.nz

Sire - Kintyre Lodge Robbie

Dam - Missy

Luna at a few days old

Luna more recently (pre-weaning)

Proud Mummy Moment

2011-07-08T08:51:00.005+12:00

Yesterday Amy (aged 7) gave her performance at Opaki School's fundraising concert for Christchurch. She is so brave. There is no way you would get me up in front of a couple of hundred people singing. NO way!!! What is even more special about this performance is the fact that Amy wrote/composed this song herself.

2011-07-04T19:10:00.007+12:00

The supermodel strutted his stuff today. I wanted to get his ribbons on for some photos since we never took any when he won them. I think he looks pretty proud of himself, what do you think?

And after the ribbon photos I let him go and have a run around. Of course one of the first things he did when my back was turned was roll in the mud! He's such a smart ar$e!

Karen has found Brennan his next saddle. Brennan is a very lucky pony to have his very own personal shopper - now he just has to earn enough money to pay for all this planned shopping, haha!!! And, on that note, I am still having no luck finding a job. Got another rejection over the weekend - have asked for some feedback regarding my application but, not surprisingly, I have had no response. I am over qualified for everything I apply for but I wish people would not assume that because you hold qualifiations above and beyond those required that you are not prepared to happily and professionally fill the role. I just want a nice, relatively low stress job that pays enough to cover the bills. *sigh* OK, whinge over, better get off this blog and on to applying for some more jobs :o)

Midwinter Mudpuppies - Another Photo Essay

2011-07-03T16:23:00.007+12:00

Miss Hooty - Not feeling her age (Rising 19)

Ata

Enya

Shakin'

Maude at very nearly 23

Farm Matriarchs

Enya, Ata the clown and Meg

Hijinx

Bree

Snorkel

Magnificent Maude

Lovely ladies

Meg needs a bit of work

Enya or Miss Orange Thang

A Meg moment

It's July and we still have grass and the horses are leaving hay that is being fed out. This is a great thing and long may it continue. Covers were off this morning and won't go back on until tomorrow (except for Paddy who has his back on now). The forecast for tomorrow is excellent but there is bad weather coming so Ata will have his first cover lesson tomorrow. He better be good! It is so nice to look around and not have a single horse whose weight I am remotely concerned about, including the old timers. I'm hard feeding Paddy and Brennan (because he is in work) and that's it. This makes a huge difference from hard feeding EIGHT horses like I did all last winter. Maude and Hooty are looking and feeling great. I am so looking forward to seeing what Hooty can produce to Brennan. I am always excited about my foals but don't think I have been quite as excited about a foal for a few years. Hooty is positively blooming and looking every inch the expectant mother. Roll on summer and all the new babies!

Photo Essay - The Mudpig

2011-07-02T16:22:00.011+12:00

This is what greeted me in the paddock yesterday but I had neither the time or the energy to deal with it so I left him as he was.

And today I brought him in for an industrial strength wash - This is what I had to contend with:

Snuggles with Doug to start

Hello boys

Dusty Doug the feline assistant

Just chillin' with ma homies

More snuggles

Leg close up - fronts

Tail dread

Leg close up - backs

Mudpig is a pony again (and noisy with it!)

Cleanliness is next to Godliness

Clean clean clean!

and cute cute cute!

Now, don't do it again Brennan! Yeah, right!

I have moved him so he can now no longer trash the fenceline to show off to his (in his dreams) girlfriend Meg. Take that Brennan! Rawr, I am such a mean mother!

I will leave you with Doug who can have the last word:

Building bridges

2011-06-28T07:57:00.005+12:00

'Build a bridge and then get over it.' I like this saying because I just don't see the point in bearing grudges and dragging up old things that should be long dead and buried - it's kinda like living with scabby old sores that you keep picking off only to make them bleed again when they have nearly healed - all you end up doing is creating an ugly scar. Surely it would be better to put a plaster on your sore and then, once it has healed, just remove it?

If people do wrong by me or my friends, I just distance myself from them as I find that it's much easier to do this than create a negative focus and dwell on it. Life is much nicer when you surround yourself with positives and push the negatives away. So, I just don't understand people who can't let go and who insist on letting things fester and eat away at them - It must make life really horrible to be so focussed on negative emotions. I feel genuine sympathy for those who carry the heavy weight of bitterness on their shoulders and the chains of paranoia around their hearts. It cannot really make for a very cheery existence and God only knows there are enough hurdles in life to face without wasting energy on suspicion, rumour and innuendo.

It also bugs me how easily people think the worst of others. What is with that? And how can a person make a decision on someone else based solely on on what they think that person may or may not have said about them according to a third party or parties? Surely it is better to go to the source and listen to what they have to say and then decide? Everyone has agendas it seems and some people will stop at nothing to advance their own agendas. That is just sad.

Seemingly random as this may be for a blog entry from me (not a horse in sight!), I have been reminded recently of the inability of one particular individual to let go of something and allow herself to move on and this has sparked a revisit to a blog entry from a few years back - I thought I would re-write it in the hope that anyone reading it who is currently bearing a grudge thinks about how this negativity is affecting their everyday life and the way that they treat people or the way that they are perceived by others. In my experience bitter and suspicious people don't make very good friends, which is often a real shame as they inevitably are good people who have allowed bad things in their lives to affect them too deeply.

Life has its hurdles, it's true and we can't all get along but I think it is how you deal with the hurdles that face you and where you focus any negative feelings that helps define you as a person. So, what does this say about you? Me, I am a bit of a live and let live girl. I believe in being honest about my opinions with others but don't believe in intentionally hurting the feelings of others. There are always ways to say and do things that can help negate the hurt or, sometimes, it can be better just to say nothing and keep your feelings to yourself. I am fortunate enough to be living my dream. It's not always easy and there are aspects of the dream that are missing but it's my dream and I am definitely doing everything I can to make the most of it.

Peace.

Team Brennan's First Red Ribbon

2011-06-26T16:16:00.011+12:00

Well the final day of the Autumn series dawned cold and wet! Yuck! The stable has really come into its own with the arrival of winter and keeping the boy in work/having him out competing. It really was a Godsend to be able to put him in there last night and pull him out this morning dry and, aside from the shavings liberally through his mane and tail, clean!

Today Brennan spent some time in one of the stallion boxes at the grounds. They are small, dark and fairly run down and the door is too high for a 14HH pony to see over the top of. He wasn't particularly thrilled about being in there but it was a good lesson for him. At one point the other stallion in the competition was put in the box right next to him so, rather than upset him or the other stud, we elected to move him to a box further away. This one he could just see over the top of on his tippy toes - Too cute!

Before each test Karen stopped and had a quick chat to the judges to let them know that she would be circling/repeating transitions/movements if he did not get them right the first time. We were aware that this would lose us marks but the point of the exercise is to teach Brennan that he is to do what he is asked when he is asked and if he does not, he repeats until he gets it right. Pleasingly he did not have to repeat any movements in either test and, aside from losing his forwardness in his first walk (which was firmly corrected, resulting in a bit of lost balance) and attempting to exit the arena at A again (cheeky little bugger), the test flowed really nicely and they came away with 76% and 2nd place (2% behind the winning test). Thrilled!

The second test was also very pleasing and Brennan was obedient and obliging and got all his transitions. The walk was better this time so he had clearly learned his lesson from the first test. Final result was a First placing with a score of 70% - Way to go Brennan and Karen!

Karen rode Brennan beautifully and very tactfully and the outing was a great learning experience for him. We're both absolutely thrilled with him. So, now we work on stepping things up a notch to come out in First Level at the next series starting in October. Bring it on I say!!

Karen and Brennan's 4th Lesson

2011-06-25T15:13:00.010+12:00

I was so happy to be able to take Karen & Brennan to their lesson in the SUNSHINE today. Now if the weather Gods can put on a repeat performance for tomorrow, I will be ecstatic!

I am really looking forward to tomorrow now. It's going to be another great learning opportunity for the boy and I have a feeling that it is Karen's first competitive start in quite a few years. I hope she enjoys herself. I am sure Brennan will be a good boy and that is bound to help!

If anyone is coming to watch (and we hope you do!), please remember that this competition is being treated solely as a training exercise meaning that if the pony does not do as the pony is asked during his test, the pony will repeat the required move until pony gets it right! We're not after the ribbons or the high percentages, we're looking at this as a learning exercise for a pony stallion who has a whole lot of performing ahead - days like this are about building a solid foundation for Brennan's performance career to be built upon. I'm just super lucky to have such a fantastic rider with so much experience and 'feel' in Karen and a trainer like Becky to help them bring it all together. I am also pretty damned lucky to have a pony like Brennan to take out and show off!!

This weekend past

2011-06-20T08:24:00.011+12:00

So it was the last weekend before Brennan and Karen make their partnership debut next weekend - exciting stuff. On Saturday we took Brennan down to Becky's arena for a work out. He was a bit grumpy and a little off his game. Didn't do anything wrong but just lacked some of his usual razzle dazzle and enthusiasm. I had my new video camera and have taken video which I will link on here, just be aware it's not his best work. I also took some photos.

Sunday Brennan, Karen and I went down to the Solway Showgrounds for Brennan to have a work session around other horses. He had a much better attitude on Sunday although I now have instructions to up his feed allowance so he has a bit more spark - Not sure who was more tired once they had finished, Brennan from having to focus and concentrate so much or Karen for having to keep Brennan going forward! I also have video of his first 8 or so minutes working in - again, it's not stunning footage but at least shows you how chilled out he is in company. He had a quick whizz around one of the arenas that had been set up and ran through 0.4 for the first time. I called the test so was not able to video him but, aside from losing concentration when a rider parked her horse between C and M (where he had to pick up his second canter lead) and a little loss of concentration coming up the centre line to halt, he did a nice, flowing, forward test with a nice contact - If they can repeat this next weekend, we will all be very happy.