What has been happening?

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

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

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