I have been putting the Christmas decorations up at home, including the wreaths that Diva helped me forage for supplies. I had promised Diva a more interesting and, more importantly, an edible wreath for her stable door.
This time I went foraging alone as I was not sure the supermarket would be impressed if I tried to take Diva inside! I had decided to make the wreath with parsnips, carrots and apples, and I was pleased to find some carrots still with the tops on. So that part went well.
The next challenge was how to attach the vegetables to form the shape of a wreath. I decided to use garden wire rather than a frame as I thought it would be easier for Diva to snack on the wreath if the vegetables were only attached by one wire.
I planned the order before I started to put them on the wire. Carrot, parsnip, carrot with tops, apple and repeat! I pushed a hole through them with a metal skewer and in no time at all they were all attached.
I hit a slight problem when I joined the ends of the wire together as the wire was too flexible to hold in a circle. So, did I opt for a rather oval wreath? After a little think I hung the wreath on the door and then tied another couple of bits of trusty baler twine to open the oval up into a bit more of a circular shape.
By this time Diva was trying her best to put her head over the stable door to see what was going on. I brought her out of the stable to have a little munch since it is nearly Christmas after all.
I did have a chuckle when she first tried a parsnip, then went for a bite of apple before selecting a carrot for dessert.
I will let her have a munch a day until it is gone, being careful to ensure her teeth are well away from the wire.
I wish everyone a very happy Christmas and best wishes for the new year!
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!