I haven’t been walking Diva out around the lanes since lockdown commenced, as it just didn’t seem right without my friend Jill accompanying us.
This weekend, with things relaxing a little, Jill was able to come over to the yard and we enjoyed a lovely socially distanced walk in the sun.
I thought Diva might be a little excited and perhaps a bit naughty since we haven’t been out since March. But as ever, my lovely Shetland pony showed perfect manners and strolled along without pulling or looking for trouble.
The fine weather meant we encountered all sorts of things such as several cyclists and a ride-on mower going at full pelt just on the other side of a hedgerow. I am hopeful that she’ll become a cracking driving pony when she is old enough, as she just takes everything in her stride.
One thing we had never before come across was a horse and carriage. I stood Diva to the side of the road on the verge and thought she might be frightened by this unusual sight. She stood rock solid as the handsome coloured horse approached in his four-wheeled carriage.
We had a chat to the ladies and received permission to use a photograph for the blog but I totally forgot to get their names! Perhaps in a couple of years’ time Diva and I will be trotting along behind them in convoy.
Diva is looking very shiny as her summer coat has now come through, and several people in their gardens commented on it as we passed. So far, our plan of having a drink in the garden of a pub has not been possible due to the Covid-19 restrictions, but hopefully we’ll be able to do this before the end of the summer.
As Diva is living out 24/7 at the moment, I thought she might have been a little tired after our walk. I needn’t have worried. When I turned her back out in the field, she galloped flat out, bucking and kicking, down to the other horses. I love seeing her have a play.
Stay safe everyone and see you next time.
Before bringing a horse or pony into your life, it’s very important that you understand what the costs will be and have a plan for how you will meet them. Let’s look at what you can do to prevent your equine galloping all over your bank account.
From Cheltenham to the Grand National, from Red Rum to Desert Orchid, a day at the races couldn’t be closer to the nation’s heart. And there are few roles more key to that experience than the professional jockey.
Well winter is on its way, the evenings are slowly drawing in and the mud has begun to appear, making my lovely green grassy paddocks resemble a mud covered swamp - like something out of Shrek 😫 (although I am loving the trees changing to the autumnal colours).
I’m pleased to say Autumn and I made it through our dressage test with the new riding club. We did have a few set backs along the way though – Autumn came up slightly lame on the Tuesday evening when we were practising so was given a few days’ rest.