We’ve been very busy the last few weeks, and can happily say the roof and guttering is now 100% complete (repair of Bob’s damage done too). I’ve painted the outside brickwork too – it was originally a bright white but I preferred a warmer shade so opted for a cream, we are now stripping the paint from all the doorframes and the doors ready to paint those too.
A certain little lady recently had a birthday. No birthday cake, but a few carrots were enjoyed that’s for sure. Diva was 3 years old on the 13th of July and has begun to appear more mature – that or all the grass! Joking apart, with most of our wonderful native breeds, we need to be careful of their weight.
Now we are allowed back out for training and competitions, I could not be more excited about the progress of both boys! Travis seems to have taken the time to mature - so back off to affiliated dressage we go. I am not expecting miracles, in fact I am expecting to be exceptionally rusty. I am even struggling to remember just one test! And Travis is feeling rather tubby and unfit, OOPS!
Just before lockdown was implemented, it had been arranged that Florence would go to stay with my sister Michelle so her point to pointer, Treat Yourself, could come to the yard to use the horse walker.
The weathers been a bit on the confusing side recently, but I have to say I was relieved with the rain as it kept the flies at bay and gave Bob some relief. He is still getting plagued yet the mares don’t seem as bad? Very odd, unless it’s just he has a weaker resilience to them (he is a big wimp after all).
It was a bit of an eventful couple of weeks recently.
We’ve had good news finally that we have been waiting on and I have been going grey over – the planning committee has approved the arena yipee!!
Ben is still settling in really well, and now with some restrictions lifted I have lots of plans to get him out hacking. I am really hoping these hacks will steer his brain completely away from racing, which is deeply engrained and I often forget until I take up too much rein contact.
I haven’t been walking Diva out around the lanes since lockdown commenced, as it just didn’t seem right without my friend Jill accompanying us. This weekend, with things relaxing a little, Jill was able to come over to the yard and we enjoyed a lovely socially distanced walk in the sun.
When the weather turns chilly, humans wrap up warm but horses depend on their owners to keep the cold at bay. Knowing when and how to rug a horse is a complex matter, with lots of factors to consider.