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.
I’m delighted with how Diva is turning into a lovely young pony, and I am determined to keep the spectre of laminitis at bay. One good way to do that is for her to have plenty of exercise, so in addition to going for walks in hand, I have also put her on the horse walker and done some work with her in the lunge ring.
She is a very happy and energetic pony and for some reason absolutely loves going on the horse walker despite the sides being too high for her to see out!
Over the lockdown period, competitions were cancelled and suddenly virtual shows were popping up all over social media, with some big organisations, such as Royal Windsor, holding virtual versions of their shows. It’s been a great way for people to have fun with their horses and ponies.
I entered Diva into a Shetland pony virtual show whose profits go to a Shetland Pony Charity. I will tell you how she got on next time.
Some shows are now being held under strict social distancing rules, and it is lovely that people are able to get out and about again.
Check out Julius Caesar, the mini-Budweiser Horse’s Facebook page. He’s a young traditional cob who is embarking on his ridden career and got it off to a great start by winning his first-ever ridden class and being Ridden Champion. He is produced by my sister, Michelle, and lives with Diva’s relative and showing companion, Melland Jackson Jive.
It would be great to see your photos of either virtual or real competitions. See you next time!
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!