With Jill coming over to join us on our walk in the glorious spring sunshine, I opted to do something that we had first planned about a year ago, just before the first lockdown. We would visit the local pub halfway round our usual route.
The lovely weather brought out plenty of walkers, some of whom were bemused by the sight of a Shetland pony going for a stroll. They all commented on how they initially thought she was a very big dog until they got close enough to see her properly.
When we got to the village of South Luffenham, and more importantly, arrived at The Boot Inn, the three of us made our way to the seating area near the car park. I ordered the drinks and explained I had a pony with me, which caused much amusement. I explained we would keep well out of the way of everyone, however, our decision to sit on the sleepers at the boundary of the seating area came unstuck when we realised we were blocking the entrance to the car park. We then moved to the first of the picnic benches with Diva standing quietly next to me.
Our drinks arrived and the lovely landlady came out and exclaimed that they were already a dog friendly pub and now could say they were pony friendly too! Diva enjoyed the attention of the staff and was impeccably behaved as we enjoyed our cold drinks. I was rather pleased that she didn’t leave a present behind, although the landlady said it could go on their compost heap if she did.
Diva was such a good girl that we might include a sandwich for us next time and see if there could be an apple or carrot on the menu for her. This might become a regular occurrence.
Diva and Jackson have travelled to shows together several times but, as we try to enter Jackson for gelding-only classes rather than mixed mare and gelding ones, they had never competed in the same class.
Bob and I had our second lesson with out new instructor and all I can say is wow (plus I also stayed aboard – just!)!
As mentioned in a previous blog, the way the grass is growing this year is causing problems for people with good doers. This time last year Diva and Mabel were out 24/7 and I was getting to the stage of giving a little hay at night as the grass just wasn’t growing.
While there are plenty of benefits to a beach ride there are also particular risks you need to plan ahead for. If you want to try out beach riding then you need to make sure it is safe. If you’re wondering where to start, then read our top tips.