MARCH 17th - JULY 4th
Its been a while so decided it's time I updated this blog somewhat. Well I decided to take my CBT and buy a Moped. A lovely Honda 125 and bought at a bargain price I was soon riding out on it and felt safe. I don't always use it as I still prefer the comfort and safety of the car, only that drinks petrol like water. I was suprised at just how much you need to be aware of other cars and gawd the pot holes in the roads, so many of them.
Next up was buying a book on clicker training and the little clicker and well its been sitting in my study doing nothing, not good tactics but I will get around to reading it and trying a few things, all for fun really nothing more.
In April I got the horse dentist out and it cost me £100, was I stunned or what, Luckily I went to an event where I saw my origianl dentist Garry Draper (who I had had trouble contacting) and he give me his new business card and I shall be getting him all the time from now at £50. Garry is also gonna be coming to our next social meeting to give a talk. Brilliant.

Loads of great things have happened, organised and bought 20 tickets for the Conference in November, Sold our horsebox and caravan and bought a great trailer at £400 less than what others where being sold for and not a mark on it. Also bought a new notebook for my travels rather than take my big laptop which weighs quite a bit in comparison.

WAR HORSE... if you haven't yet seen this theatrical show then you just gotta go, it is an amazing story of a horse called Joey during the first world war. The way they portray the story has you laughing and crying. You forget the horses are not real and are really drawn to the sad reality of war and what the horses went through.

MAY- This first week started with a fantastic 4 days at Norfolk beach, what an amazing time with great friends. I took Spike and Lucy took Kyle, Spike was amazingly good on the first day with just me and Lucy. The wind was up but we escaped the morning rain. I expected Spike to worry but he was clam and seemed relaxed.
Saturday was another story, though Spike went into the sea it quickly became all too much for him. The sound of the water with other horses, the smells, horses cantering, more activity ??? What ever it was maybe all of it, but Spike just burst, he started throwing his head around, running backwards and spinning around. It got so bad emotionally for him that he reared and leapt forward into canter but a few strides on he pulled up of his own accord. I dismounted three times and decided for the next few days not to take him to the beach. I instead went on foot and had a great time watching the others.
On Monday Lucy give me a gallop on Kyle which took the wind out of me.. boy can he still move... Norfolk was great, lots to do and places to eat out. with great horses and great company another trip for 7 days is being organised for next year.

JUNE - A trail ride around Brampton including lunch at the beautiful Broomhill Hotel with great weather was superb. I took Kyle who was a bit of a handful, the cheeky chap. when a canter was suggested Kyle hit a high gear wanting to be off, it took a lot for me to hold him and got to admit I was pleased when we settled back into a walk. Another ride has been organised with more joining us and I am hoping to take Spike.

TO DATE - Oh diddums, I did a really stupid thing, woke up one morning at 5am and decided to take the moped and go and see my horses. I got there okay, fed the two boys and made sure they were okay. Gets back on my bike and went to drive off. Only the bike refused to go forward, skidded on the hard gravel and fell over. Right onto my leg. Though my leg hurt I just thought I had lightly grazed it and twice more tried to drive off on the bike, still it wouldn't move.. DOH!!!! .. I had forgot to take off the security lock from the front wheel. How stupid is that..
Once the lock was off all was fine apart from the pain in my leg which was getting worse. ..... On getting home and taking off my chaps I was shocked to find my chaps covered in blood and the skin had been torn from my leg and was hanging around my ankle like a baggy sock that had lost its elasticity.
So at 7am I was in A&E and pumped with morphine and gas as by now the pain was intense. The doctor give me a dozen or so needles to numb the area and spent 1 1/2 hrs scubbing the area then stitching it up. I was told that the tendon was exposed and if the wound had of went another 1mm I would have severed the tendon and been off my feet for at least 18 months. Seemingly it was my Ariat boots that saved me. So here I am wondering if I will make the trial ride and bored. Stuck in the house and missing my boys.

Previous to my bike accident I had organised and attended an Intro to Western Riding Day and that was great. learnt a few things and now organising another day which I hope becomes a regular monthly addition to the NN calander.

What will the next few months bring?

MARCH
14th - 16th
I had a really great few days, on the Saturday I decided to try my Western Saddle on Spike, what with all the wind I couldn't do anything during the week. So come Saturday I was expecting Spike to have a bit buck as he isn't used to a Western saddle with all the tassles and the back cinch. He totally excepted the saddle and was so good that I decided to ride him in it. In fact all he did shy at was the plastic mounting block lol. It was such a turn around shows how content he is. I just don't hink he'd have been as relaxed if still at the other yard. Take no notice of my position, I need to re-adjust the fenders and get used to the different seat. lol.



On Sunday I decided Spike's mud fever (which is barely noticeable now) was good enough for him to be turned out with the other horses, We all expected a few frollicks with Kyle and Spike as they mingled with the other horses but no...instead the two of them quietly sauntered around the field completely ignorant of the other horses. The best they did was have a short flat out gallop and that was it. even the other horses stood there watching. I did hear that there was some play later but I missed it.. typical lol. even took my camcorder but well lets just say I best leave any recording to Brian.

My next great day was yesterday (16th), Brian had made me a great pedestal and I thought I'd play for a little with both the horses. Kyle was first and he did his usual snort before confidently standing on it. Wihtin minutes he was stannding with all 4 feet on it. This was a first for Kyle, we went and played a few games at Liberty and I thought Hmm!! give it a go and WOW!!! Kyle stepped onto the Pedestal at liberty and stayed there while I walked around him. He was so pleased with himself lol.

Then it was Spike's turn, he has never seen a pedestal so his reaction came as no surprise. Standing back on his haunches, neck outstretched he'd sniff it,snort and leap. His curiosity soon get the better of him and he was pawing away and stamping on it. I played loads of approach and retreat and playing other games and again the wow factor came as he too stood on the pedesatl with all four feet (on-line).

So my two boys were absolutely superb and I am so pleased that they are so happy

1st - 10th
Well this is the best I have ever seem my horses settle, even Spike doesn't get upset if I take Kyle out of the field away from him. His mud fever is clearing even though he is outdoors and I can even apply the mud fever cream without having to tie Spike up. He is definitely more relaxed. so I wonder if previously he was stressed to some degree. Maybe he picked up on the stress I have been under for the past 9 months? Whatever it was my two horses have settled great and so chilled out.

I got my new Western Saddle and Theraflex Pad and looking forward to riding out in it.

Things are brilliant, only thorn is the aggressive and threatening phone calls I am receiving continuosly from two of the girls, haven't they got better things to do. So pleased that I have saved them all for proof if I ever need them.

Good things come to those who wait and many good things are happening.