I wanted to get Travis back out to competition environments, but he definitely wasn't ready for BD novice, his fitness is not up to scratch to carry those huge plough horse shoulders in any sort of elevated manner, so we dusted off (literally) the show gear, and thought this was a great way to get him out and be physically less demanding. I am very glad we went and used the opportunity as he was a very naughty so and so - even rearing so high he pulled my friend up off the floor! But he shone where it mattered and we managed to get a 1st in the hunter class and a 3rd in the solid colours class. We were definitely too tired to hang around for the championship class, but for a first time out, to a competition properly this year, it was great to do something new. Now time for BD this weekend, time to dust off the posh clothes and dance our socks off, on very limited practice and even more limited fitness! No more delays or excuses now!
On the subject of something new we are now officially a small holding, we already had a few chickens, and a large vegetable patch, but now we have our first sheep. I am completely new to sheep ownership, so we just have 2 x 12 week old rams for this year, to build a bond, make them horse, dog, child tame before we get some ewes next year and start breeding.
I am blown away with how affectionate they are in only 7 days of being here. The horses definitely aren't sure what to make of them, but they sure are jealous of their little paddock which currently has the most grass! We have definitely reached maximum capacity at Homestraight Paddocks with 14 animals! Now to actually get the house finished!
After having a long wait and some lunch at the onsite café, it was time to get ready for the Joan Wolfe Overall Supreme Shetland Pony Championship. I got changed out of my usual showing outfit into black trousers and a maroon top with white spots, as you are expected to be a bit more “bling” in the evening.
We were all set to go for our next outing, and were super excited. That was until I heard the dreaded clunk of a loose shoe! I checked it over, praying it wasn’t too loose, but, nope, it was going to need a refit.
This show almost passed me by as I was unaware of the show organisation. Luckily, the schedule was posted on one of the Shetland pony Facebook groups that I am a member of. The show was being held at Onley Grounds Equestrian Complex, which is where I should have gone to a show a month or so earlier, but was ill and unable to take Diva (Melland Queen of Scots).
Since the show, Bob’s been enjoying a bit of a rest with a few lunge sessions and being lightly ridden, but I’m gearing him up hopefully for a show either this weekend or next. Wish us luck, and the poor arena pole pickers too, as he does like to send some sailing!