Meg and Reilly

Two 'ponies' worked today - I feel a good month coming on with the arrival of Bernou, a keen rider from the Netherlands. I think she was rather taken with both ponies, Reilly in particular who is the first stallion she has ridden. Bernou rides mainly endurance on her Norwegian Fjord and breaks in horses for other people. Reilly is going to get a good work out while she is here I think!

And here is Meg with Bernou on board and also Nick - We all had a wee ride today and she was adorable. I am hoping to take her down to a local dressage day this weekend, weather allowing, just for a look around. Should be lots of fun!

My very first Hamish foal all grown up!

Today I had the immense pleasure of visiting my first homebred Hamish baby and his doting mum, Kim. Kim bought Malteser off me when he was a gangly rising two year old and broke him in herself. She has done a superb job and he has grown in to a really super little horse. He's only been back in work for two weeks after a bit of a break but you would never know. He even showed off some of his excellent lengthened strides and a bit of lateral work while we were there. What is very clear to see is that he adores Kim and the feeling is very definitely mutual. They make a really great team! He's such a character and loves to put things in his mouth (cover straps, his bridle, clothing, his own leg - you name it, it's fair game) and you can see he has a very mischievous twinkle in his eye. Adorable!

I am hoping to pop back over again in a few weeks once he is jumping again so I can take some more photos of them showing off over fences - I can't wait! I did of course take some photos today so here are a selection for sharing.

Chillin'

Tied up

Canter

Trot

Bit of lengthening

Lengthening on the other rein

Meg's first ride at home

Hells teeth what an awful day weather wise it is! I was going to sneak a ride in this morning but the heavens opened and so I retreated back inside to the warmth for a few hours until there was another clear break around lunch time when I dashed out again with Nick and camera in tow and whipped clompety out of her paddock (and her nice warm rug) and took her for a ride. She is hysterical - SO bloody keen to just get on and go. Quite a different horse to Reilly who would stand and sleep if I let him but not our Meg she's all business thanks! I cannot wait to blast around a XC course on her in a few years - she is going to LOVE it!

We went down to the far end of the property and had a wee potter around in the back paddock. Didn't do too much as it is quite slippery but she was great. Nick even got on for a quick ride (sans helmet, we did have words about that) and she was very good although Nick did admit that he was not sure who had all the control and suspected possibly it was not him, haha!

Here are a few photos from today:

A man and his horse

Walking
More walking

A bit of trot

Canter, Meg's favourite!

Walking down the hill

Good girl Meg