Another Fabulous Day

Today was just great. Daylight Saving started last night so in theory we lost an hours sleep. I was woken about 9:15 by a friend that wanted to pop around, I'm always happy to talk to friends. :-) I rang my uncle and aunt in Scotland as they wanted to chat to me before I leave for Manila. Then I did some housework before Jen arrived ('cos I hadn't done any for a while *blush*).

After Jen, I shot up to the paddock to meet up with Sarah and Kristina. Kristina was to ride her lovely new boy Oscar (I covet him!!!). He is a 5 year old TB and is just a sweetie.

Our tootle in the paddock didn't start off brilliantly as Bert broke free from Sarah and buggered off to the top of the paddock. He refused to come back down so poor Sarah had to trudge off and catch him.

Spyke was a duuuuude today!!! I used a riser pad under his saddle today as it hasn't been sitting so well. Today though he seemed much, much happier and really used his shoulders so I suspect it has been pinching a bit. He did some lovely work although I didn't really ask much of him (don't see the point when he is going to be turned out again for 6 weeks).

The star of the show was Oscar though. He was lovely. I had a wee ride on him and he was GORGEOUS!!!!!! I want!!!! He steps right under himself and really uses his butt. I likie!!!! He has a fabulous attitude and really, really tries hard.

Oscar and Kristina.

Oscar and Me.

After riding I took the girls for a walk in the forest (our favourite Sunday treat). The girls had a ball. Brina was especially delighted as the electric fence had gone!!! They had lots of swims, chased lots of sticks and met lots of dogs.

Brina

Our Forest Track

The National Dog Show in Christchurch

I have lots to talk about today. Last Wednesday I flew down to Christchurch to support my friend (and Sammie's breeder) at the National Dog Show. Originally I decided to go as Sammie's pup Meg was entered but she is going through a 'fugly' stage so she was left at home to grow into her legs. :-) Barbera had brought Wilbur and Pru. Pru was just coming into season so Wilbur spent most of the time in Chch trying to chat her up. Poor Pru spent most of her time sitting so that Wilbur couldn't 'check out her pants'.

Wilbur.

Pru

On the Thursday we had the Prelude Show at McLeans Island. It was really foggy and cold when we got up (at 5 o'clock 'cos that's when Wilbur needs to 'go'). Barbera and 'the team' from the North Island had been to the site the night before and had set up the gazeebos so we had a lovely spot. The fog cleared just as the bernese went into the ring and from there on it was a BEAUTIFUL day. The dogs showed well and Wilbur got Reserve of Breed, which was great and Pru got Best Bitch.

Wilbur in the Best Dog line up.

Wilbur in the Open of Group line up.

There are no pics of Pru in the ring as I was showing her. It was a really relaxing day as between forays into the ring we sat in the sun and just soaked up those gamma rays!!.

Some of the sights you see at a dog show!!!

After the show we took the 'kids' down to The Groynes which has a FABULOUS dog walking area. There are fully fenced enclosures for the dogs to run in off leash, there is permanent agility equipment set up and the river has had the entrance shingled so the dogs won't get muddy coming out of the water. It was obviously all set up by a 'doggy' person. It was great for the dogs to get some down time off leash.

That evening we had drinks and nibbles in the 'samoyed' room with Robbie and Helen and then had chicken and brie sandwiches for dinner and hit the sack (I slept EXTREMELY well after 3/4 s of a bottle of wine. :-)

The next day was the big National Dog Show at the Westpac Stadium (just around the corner from the motel). We were waiting outside the gate at 7am with our crates and tarps ready to grab a good spot. We got a GREAT spot right outside the entrance.

Our spot.

Wilbur, once again, got Reserve of Breed and Linda (who we travelled with) got Best of Breed with her girl, Dante (go the 'Naki!!!). Poor little Pru was completely ignored :-(. The judge didn't seem very interested in the bernese and spent quite a lot of time looking at what was going on outside of the ring rather than looking at the dogs which is pretty disappointing when poor Barbera has travelled for two days to get there. There aren't any pics from the showing as the light was really bad in the arena so my camera struggled to take pics.

We went shopping that afternoon and all managed to buy some rather nice jewellery. In the evening we were planning to go out for dinner but ran out of steam so Barbera and I ordered in a roast dinner and had an early night.

On Saturday morning it was very, VERY windy. We took the dogs to The Groynes which was much busier on a Saturday. There were very big branches down all over the place. It started to rain just as we were about to leave and I swear there was sleet in that rain. It was farking cold!!!!. Barbera and Linda dropped me at the airport and I headed home.

I had a GREAT few days but it was lovely to see my girls when I got home too. I am NOT looking forward to missing them for 6 weeks.

Mucking Around

Last night my flatmate Tracy, who is a beginner rider, came up to the paddock with me and we had a little fluff around with the horses. I started with a little ride on Tai to see how he was feeling and then Tracy got on, while I rode Spyke. I had managed to leave a stirrup leather behind in Martina's truck on Sunday so I rode with no stirrups. As soon as Tracy was on board I taught her the one rein stop as Tai has a bit of a 'sense of humour' with new riders and has been known to pop into a canter and not stop (the little bugger he he). Once Tracy had the stop mastered we just pootled around the flat part of the paddock. Spyke was being EXCEPTIONALLY lazy and, as I didn't have my 'not up for discussion' stick I ended up working very hard to get not much response. Guess who is going to be working hard tonight??? The good thing (and somewhat surprising) is I am quite enjoying doing some work without stirrups.

Tai and Tracy had a bit of a ball (once Tracy got used to Tai asking for contact) and they did some nice trot work (I will post a photo once Tracy has sent me a couple). Tai got a teensy bit chipper towards the end but Tracy had that O.R.S. down pat and Tai didn't get away with it.

Tracy had a ride on Spyke after her play on Tai and had little trots. Spyke was lovin' it!!!! He mooched along, half asleep having a marvellous time.

It was nice to be able to share the boys who are both just wonderful horses. :-)

A Ditto Day

Today was a copy of yesterday. :-) Took the dogs to the forest in the morning and had a lovely walk. Then went to the forest in the afternoon, with Martina this time. Spyke was as perfect today as he was yesterday.

I am slightly gutted about having to give him 6 weeks off while I am working in Manila as he is going sooooo nicely at the moment.

:-)

Today was as close to perfect as you could get. :-) First thing this morning (actually it was about 11am 'cos I slept in) I took Sammie and Brina down to Animates as they had a big promotion today including free worming. They are about due to be wormed so I thought 'Why not?' The shop was really busy and it took us aaaaages as everyone wanted to meet the girls. The girls were great, they weren't shy and enjoyed being the centre of attention. The girls got a quick check over before they got wormed. Brina could afford to lose a couple of kilos but has perfect teeth and Sammie is in perfect condition. :-)

After worming I took the girls up to the forest for a walk and a swim. It was the most beautiful, stunning day.

Next on the agenda was a ride in the forest with friends. I was a teensy bit worried about how Spyke would be as he has only been lunged a couple of times since last weekend. I was really pleased with the horses that we were going with though as both Bert and Choc are really sensible horses. We got off to a really good start as Spyke came over to the gate when I arrived with the truck (usually, when he sees the truck, he bogs off to the top of the hill). I popped him on and went up the hill to pick up Bert, Sarah's horse. Once at the forest I was able to tidy a very dirty Spyke up. He was still very chilled and relaxed.

We had the loveliest, loveliest ride. Spyke lead most of the way. He walked out with his ears pricked and only spooked (little mini ones) about twice. I was especially thrilled with him when Choc had 'a moment'. Poor Kristina had to get off Choc and he managed to get free. We then had about 5 minutes of him hurtling around playing Catch Me If You Can. He was running up behind us and around us and Spyke did not wind up at ALL!!! I got quite nervous about it but Spyke was perfect.

I think I have finally got the feeding right. Today I Luff My Horse LOTS!!!!!!!

A Perfect Sunday (Almost)

I had a lovely day. I started with a sleep in (which is compulsory on a Sunday, I feel :-) and then took the girls for a walk in the forest.

On the way up to the forest I stopped and took the boys' rugs off. Tai ended up covered in grooming marks so I know he had a good day.

Brina is starting to get over her encounter with the fence and is getting much braver. It is nice to see her returning to normal although it is also nice that she listens to me more now. There were lots of dogs in the forest today and the girls even met a doberman that they had to look up to (with very nice owners).

On the way home I stopped and got the girls a cannon bone each. That kept them quiet for a couple of hours while I washed the car and (gasp) did some housework. Yes, it's true, I vacuumed, did dishes and mopped and yes, it was painful!!! I also mowed the lawn. Very DG of me LOL.

Next on my agenda was going with a friend to look at a lovely young horse. He is a very good looking boy and is very sweet. I had a bit of a play on him and had the odd moment of pretty darned nice movement. He is very, very green but has a good attitude. It will be interesting to see what happens next.

Then I rode Spyke. He was LOVELY!!!!! He had a bit of dentistry done yesterday (I may not have mentioned that as he was a bit of a toad so didn't end up getting much fixed. I am also really sore from wrestling with him. My acupuncturist is gonna kill me!!!). I was a bit worried that he might be sore in his mouth today but he was really, really lovely to ride. He was forward moving and was bending better and was just generally lovely. So he is back in the good books again. I think cutting his dinner down a bit was a good idea too. :-)

Brina with her bone, still soggy from her swim at the forest.

He Has ALMOST Redeemed Himself.

Spyke was a good boy today....mostly. We went up to Kristina's and then joined her and Sarah over at the neighbour's arena. He was quite good going up the road (I didn't ride him as the roads are just too busy). He was a bit lookie up the first hill but this is a horrible, busy piece of road. I had to stop halfway up though as I am seriously unfit!!!! We got to Kristina's and I had a long drink of cold water while Spyke introduced himself to the chooks.

Once everyone was ready we headed next door to the arena. Spyke was pretty good and did the odd bit of really nice work. The arena was quite deep and he struggled with it a bit. There were also two poles out which Spyke insisted on jumping which was really cute. LOL. There were a couple of occasions when I felt that Spyke was brewing a buck but he never did thank goodness!!! I have however, after seeing the next photo, decided that a cut in feed will not hurt him and may save ME from being hurt!!!!

As you can see he is not exactly looking 'poor'!!! Next weekend we have a lesson booked which I am really looking forward to.

Here is another 'chicken shot' 'cos it's cute.

Grrrrr!!! I am MAD at him!!!

I am so mad at Spyke tonight. He always prats around on the lunge, bucking in the canter. It's no problem, I just bring him back to a trot and then pop him back into a canter and away we go. Tonight though was one of those 'speshul' nights where he was a complete pillock!!! He was bucking and hooning and, unforgivably, kicking out at me!!! It made me soooooo mad. He was put away with a teeny tiny dinner (as he is CLEARLY not under fed) and NO PAT!!!!

However, Tai was lovely!! I was so mad at Spyke that I decided to have womble on Tai and he was so sweet. It was funny as I asked him to leg yield but I asked as I would Spyke and we went completely sideways with no forward movement. LOL he is so funny and adorable. :-)

Yay Riding Pics (Ummm and perhaps Bucking)

I had a lovely time at the paddock tonight as I wasn't all by myself. :-) Kristina popped by (and had a camera shoved in her hand LOL) and then Steph popped down, it was really nice. Roll on summer when TARTs can get up and rolling (Taupaki Adult Riding Team). Spyke was really funny and played up for the camera on the lunge. As can be seen here. There was quite a lot of bucking just before and after this particular pic. He often bucks on the lunge when I ask him to canter, it is a bit of a 'yahoo' buck.




After lunging it was nice to ride with someone on the ground as Kristina was able to tell me when he was looking a bit flat etc. He was really, really stiff on the left rein so Kristina is going to have a wee look at his teeth in the weekend (as she is an equine dentist....it's so nice to have friends LOL) to see if there are any problems stopping him from flexing.

Kristina also managed to get some ridden pics. The light was really starting to go so they are not all that clear but it is just really nice to have some.

Here is a sunset shot. I think at this point I was actually trying to encourage him to lengthen but the ground was actually quite boggy and I think it was really hard for him.

Then I have a nice head shot but pleeeeese don't look at his mane as I haven't had a chance to do 'The Spring Cleanup' yet. He is such a sweet boy (MOST of the time).




And the last one is just because I like it. :-) (Apart from the fat lump on top....poor Spyke)

Ouch!!!

The boys are getting the day off today as this morning I had my final 'Manila Trip' jabs. I am heading off on October 4th and will be gone for six weeks *sob*.

I can say that the tetanus shot hurts!!!! My left arm feels like it has done five rounds with Mike Tyson so no horsing for me today!!!!

Funny Weather

It was really lovely again this morning so I stopped on my way over to Mum and Dad's (to drop off Dad's Fathers' Day cookies) to remove the boy's rugs. I tried to get a pic of the boys mutual grooming in the sun (they hardly wait until the rugs are off before they start scratching each other) but a) my cheap little camera didn't work and b) as soon as they saw me with the camera they wanted to come and see what I was doing. So in the end the pics were taken on the phone again (I'm sure it used to take MUCH clearer pics than this).

The boys looking blurry.

Blurry Spyke.

Blurry Tai.

The weather turned quite cold, rainy and windy at about midday so I stopped by the boys to put their rugs back on. They were up the top of the hill looking a bit cold but they refused to come down when I called them, they just stood and looked at me so they ended up staying naked another few hours.

I took the girls to the forest. Brina remembered what happened last week and would have been happy to be left in the car. She kept jumping up at me and I get the feeling that she would have jumped in my arms if she could have. However, once we had walked past the scary fence she settled down a bit and even moved away from my knee a couple of times.

On the way home I stopped and worked Spyke's socks off!!! 'Cos I'm still mad at him!! He lunged for about twenty minutes and then we did some flat work. He's working in a much better frame so far this year (probably as I'm more aware of it) but he is very stiff on the left rein. He is going forward well and we are working on lengthening and shortening his stride which at the moment is resulting in a fair bit of cantering BUT he is doing some really nice downward transitions (some fairly awful ones too LOL). He was quite pooped by the time we had finished and I was quite sore too as my muscles are starting to sieze up after yesterday's acrobatics. I then gave a Tai a quick lunge. He was looking perfectly sound but wasn't too keen to canter so we just stuck to a couple of minutes of trot on each rein.

I Luff My Horse a Teensy Bit Less LOL

I fell of the little bugger today. It was a beeeeeoooootiful day and I decided to just hack quietly around the paddock (the roads are too dangerous around us and he ain't great on his own) as I don't want to be just schooling schooling schooling all the time. I went up the side of the paddock away from the road (there is a swamp that splits the paddock in two) and then went up the road side. He was being a bit of a pillock on the road side, threatening to buck, reefing, napping so I made him go back up there a second time. Well, I knew what was going to happen a few seconds before it did, there was a boy racer or a motorbike, I can't quite remember which, that was doing it's boy racer thing down the hill. It was very noisy and I can remember thinking "just don't backfire" right before it backfired. Spyke whipped around and, being only my third ride in MONTHS my seat is even crappier than usual and I got spun out of the saddle over his shoulder. Fortunately it appears that I remember how to roll and the ground was quite soft so it was not too painful (although I am starting to sieze up a little now). There was much muttering on the way down to the mounting block and then there was some schooling!!!! (And it was lovely schooling too :-) Then I took him up the driveway which has always worried him. We took it slowly and every time he stopped I let him stand and look for a few seconds and then asked him forward. We got all the way up the drive AND all the way around the house so that was good (I think he was also feeling a teensy bit guilty he he).

See!!! Spring!!!!

Luff My Horse

I rode the Spykelet today!!! For the first time in MONTHS!!!! I lunged him for a few minutes on each side before getting on.....BAREBACK. Now I know that doesn't sound like much but for me this is a huge indication of just how much I trust this horse. I was, of course, nervous (it will take me a long time to get over that) but I knew, even though he has only been lunged once, that he wouldn't do anything 'silly'. He was sooo good AND I trotted!! Anyone who knows my seat (or lack of) will know that I have terrible balance but I felt completely safe. Admittedly, Spyke wasn't exactly in his most active trot but I'm still dead chuffed!! He was even going in a nice frame and I think I acheived a leg yield. Luff my horses!!! :-) I would love to post a pic but even though my camera was there I had no-one to take pics. :-(