Tuesday, 28 September 2010

At last some Spring weather!!!

I was beginning to think that the sun was never ever going to come back but the last couple of days have been lovely and I have begun to feel like we might actually be coming out the other side of what must be, the most disgusting winter ever!

Brennan has not had a lot of work or attention with the weather being so tempestuous but yesterday I brought him in and saddled him up and had a wee ride in one of the paddocks. He's so good, bless him, and very patient with me as I try hard very hard not to unbalance him.

I am entering him in some in-hand classes at the Carterton Spring Carnival which should be an interesting first outing for him - it looks like we will be competing against miniatures too, what a hoot!! I managed to score an amazing bargain through Tackshop in the form of an in-hand bridle set so I eagerly await its arrival to see if it will fit. Apparently it is just the right colour for Mountain and Moorland classes so it seems I did well. Now I just need to find a brass stallion bit.


Snorkel is growing well. She has her mother's sensitive nature but when I bring them in every morning for a feed I tie Libby up and I work with Snorks. She's very smart and lets me put her halter on and pick up all of her feet and rub her all over. She's not overly fond of being fussed over but stands well for me whilst I do everything. I am thrilled with her really. Such a pretty little filly with lovely ground covering paces like her parents. I can't wait to see what she will grow into. Perhaps if Amy does end up being a rider, she will make a nice large pony for her in time.

Riding Brennan:







Sunday, 19 September 2010

Spring storm ...

and what a doozy it has been! Power out for 18 hours over the weekend, rain, rain and MORE rain with a goodly dose of gale force wind thrown in for good measure!

The sun came out for a few hours today so I brought Brennan in for a saddle fitting session. I didn't ride because I was by myself and it was still very breezy and, well, I am a wuss! Plenty of time for riding anyway. I also took the opportunity to wave the measuring stick in his direction and it looks like he has made 14HH, which is great!

I think the saddle will be ok - It's going to be hard finding something that fits us both which is always going to be a problem. I have started down the weight loss road again - has to happen for Brennan and I am sure that I will feel better for it. The good news is that my weight plus the weight of my saddle is less than what Brennan has been used to so hopefully I won't literally break him once I do start riding him.

Brennan in the flatseat

Thursday, 16 September 2010

Look what I did today ....

I rode a pony!!!!

Such a super cool pony too. Very exciting (and kinda nerve wracking coz I was very worried I might literally break him - apparently I won't). Here are some of the photos. Brennan looks less than enthralled with me on him but Nick did not take many photos of us and I am sure he had his mouth shut and ears forward at least some of the time I was riding him!!!

Thanks again to Gavin Morison for doing such a brilliant job - I cannot recommend him enough when it comes to starting young horses and giving them the VERY BEST start to life under saddle. Brennan is the third horse that Gavin has started for me. The first was Reilly, a 15.2HH three and a half year old 7/8 TB colt (at the time), the second was Meg, a two and a half year old purebred Clydesdale and of course Brennan, a four year old Connemara (around 13.3HH). Gavin must wonder what I am doing with all these vastly different horses, lol!

You could smile too Brennan ya know!
Back up boy
Biiiiiig trot!
Yehar!
Catching flies (so attractive ... NOT!)
Hmm, now where's that thighmaster?
See he looks happy with Gavin on him!
Purposeful
Powerful
Pretty
Pony!
There is video too but that you will have to wait a bit longer for!