There is no wonder us Brits talk about the weather. After the recent sub-zero temperatures and snow, we have now been enjoying warm, sunny and – importantly for horse owners –dry weather. The days are getting longer too, which makes getting up early in the mornings easier now it is light. The mud is finally beginning to dry out, which certainly makes life more pleasant.
The fact that spring is in the air is impossible for me to miss as I live in a cottage on a sheep farm and I am currently surrounded by the deep throaty calls of the ewes and the shrill replies of their lambs. Diva is quite fascinated when we pass a field of sheep and lambs in it whilst on our walks.
I kept finding twigs in the corner of Mabel’s stable and when I looked up, a collared dove was boldly watching me with her beady eyes. I just wish she would use twigs without thorns as poor old Mabel could end up with them stuck in her if she lies down on one. As quick as I clear them up, another pile seems to materialise.
However, the thing to remember is that we are still only in early March. We seem to have this “false spring” each year now, prompting snowdrops and daffodils to bloom, yet only today, the news is heralding another cold snap on its way!
Also prompted by the sunny weather and the promise of shows actually being held, horses and ponies up and down the country are now being tidied up after a winter of being scruffy! Florence, who is staying with my sister, has been tied up in anticipation of getting out and about. She looks beautiful. Mabel is moulting like mad, but the Shetlands Diva and Jackson are clearly aware of the prospect of colder weather and are holding tight to their winter woollies.
Once again I threw Arlo in at the deep end, affiliating him purely for the Arena UK second round show, and once again he pulled it out the bag. How lucky am I to have such a wonderful little horse? We haven’t really competed this year. I don’t really compete over the winter, and also my horsebox was away for repairs up until the beginning of June, so I had no transport even if I’d wanted to.
With the dry ground we don’t seem to be having much luck with shoes, as little madam managed to pull both her front shoes off within 12 hours the other day! We entered the arena with two shoes on for a schooling session and left it with one missing (took about an hour to find it). Then that afternoon, as I went to put some hoof ointment on, I looked down and had to double take, thinking I was looking at the wrong hoof. But, no, the other shoe was missing too.
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.