I went up to the yard on Saturday and the horses had to stay in, as the rain hadn't stopped so the grazing was too wet for the horses to go on.
I wanted to ride Barnaby so I didn't want to give him any breakfast first. I brought my tack down from the tack room and then got Barnaby's head collar so I could put it on him and tie him up in the stable. Unfortunately he had other ideas and came barging out of the stable. At first I held him but he just set off trotting along the walkway until I couldn't stand it any longer and had to let go. He cantered down to the field gate and I was terrified he'd try to jump it, but luckily he buried himself in the bottom of it. I went down to try to catch him but he shot past me, then went for a little trotting session round the YO's lawn. Oh, my, flipping GOD!
Next he went the other way and ended up round the back of the muck heap, but came charging back down to the field gate. Haylie was there and appeared, having stuck Frankie in his stable (whose eyes were on stalks at all the excitement!) and we both stood with our arms out and managed to catch hold of the leadrope.
I dragged Barnaby back into the stable, tied him up and slammed the door shut! How embarrassing is that? We've only been here a couple of weeks, they'll be telling us we have to move on at this rate! Stupid horse.
I tacked him up and rode down to the kennels, as I'd been for a walk the day before to suss out how the bridle way works that's further up and found it makes a brilliant loop back to the kennels.
So we set off and it all went swimmingly. What took me ages to walk up with the bike on Friday took only seconds to trot up on Saturday. Unfortunately the big metal gate on the left was closed so I had to make my way across the farm yard then round a sticking out metal gate to try to open the little wooden gate a bit further up. Barnaby managed to get round the metal gate but slammed my leg into it. It was absolute agony. I collapsed onto his neck trying not to scream/cry and get my breath back. Barnaby was rearing and trying to turn round in this tiny space. Finally I managed to open the little wooden gate and make my way through.
The rest of the ride after that was brilliant, and I will try to go that way again, but the pain in my leg is unbelievable and I still had to go to work in the afternoon.
John seems to have finally twigged that I really do need his help with riding Barnaby. You can give Barnaby a day off and think that you've done him a favour, but really he could be ridden every day and not be bothered. He's more like a dog that needs his daily exercise.
So John cycled to the yard on Sunday morning while I had a lay-in (bliss). He rode Barnaby a long way (going through the gate again to make sure Barnaby did it properly this time) came back, turned him out, mucked out, poo picked and then cycled home.
By the time he got back he said he was ready to collapse! But just think: I do all of the above, and then go to work until 9.30 pm, or I've been to work and then do all that. It just goes to show, doesn't it? He said the worst bit by far was the cycling, so I am having an electric bike for Christmas! How excited am I?
Back soon I'm sure
Jane x
Monday 17 December 2012
Wednesday 12 December 2012
The Saga Continues
I went down to Barnaby's field Monday morning to get him in and noticed he was playing 'high heads' with Fred, in the field next door. They stopped when they saw me, trying not to look guilty, but as I got closer, Fred couldn't resist it and gently took the front of Barnaby's rug in his teeth and gave it a friendly tug. Then he bared his teeth and rested his chin on Barnaby's face. Barnaby sighed contentedly. Like a total buffoon, I just thought, 'awww, how sweet!' and took Barnaby out for his ride.
On Tuesday morning, unbeknown to me, my phone was on silent. When I checked it I had two messages, one from the YO and one from John asking me to ring him re: Barnaby. Trying not to panic I decided to ring John first. If it's bad news, I'd rather cry in front of him, first.
It turns out that on Monday evening, after John had got Barnaby in and fed him his tea, Steph came and took Fred out past Barnaby to ride him (they are next door neighbours) and Barnaby went ballistic, rearing up in his stable and tearing at his haynet. They were worried he was going over the stable door.
Then the next morning when Steph went to turn Fred and Marley out, Barnaby went mental again. They were so worried about him they put him in one of the outside stables to calm him down (thinking about it now I don't know why they didn't just turn him out).
So when I got there last night, there was a bed made for him in the outside stable, next to Cracker, who he also likes. I think it might work better for him out there as once Cracker and Ty come in, they don't go out again until the morning, so Barnaby should stay calm. What a flipping saga though, I'm so embarrassed. Thank goodness he didn't jump over the stable door. It wouldn't be the first time, would it? I daren't tell anyone he's actually capable of leaping over. (If you want to know what I'm talking about, read this.)
More soon
Jane x
On Tuesday morning, unbeknown to me, my phone was on silent. When I checked it I had two messages, one from the YO and one from John asking me to ring him re: Barnaby. Trying not to panic I decided to ring John first. If it's bad news, I'd rather cry in front of him, first.
It turns out that on Monday evening, after John had got Barnaby in and fed him his tea, Steph came and took Fred out past Barnaby to ride him (they are next door neighbours) and Barnaby went ballistic, rearing up in his stable and tearing at his haynet. They were worried he was going over the stable door.
Then the next morning when Steph went to turn Fred and Marley out, Barnaby went mental again. They were so worried about him they put him in one of the outside stables to calm him down (thinking about it now I don't know why they didn't just turn him out).
So when I got there last night, there was a bed made for him in the outside stable, next to Cracker, who he also likes. I think it might work better for him out there as once Cracker and Ty come in, they don't go out again until the morning, so Barnaby should stay calm. What a flipping saga though, I'm so embarrassed. Thank goodness he didn't jump over the stable door. It wouldn't be the first time, would it? I daren't tell anyone he's actually capable of leaping over. (If you want to know what I'm talking about, read this.)
More soon
Jane x
Saturday 1 December 2012
Waste of a Day!
John saw an advert for a horse for sale and rang up about it yesterday, so we went to see it this morning. We drive for ages around Derbyshire (still my least favourite county, I wonder why that is?) until eventually we come to a nursing home and ring the woman up and she comes out to meet us.
The mare (Bella) is standing on the yard, with her friend next to her. We go and greet her and get all the sniffing out of the way. John has a good feel of her legs (never going down that route again) and then we pause.
Nothing happens.
So in the end I ask the woman if we can see her ridden.
"Oh!" she says, "I didn't bring any tack!"
We start to say we'll leave it then and she says something about perhaps we'd like to come back tomorrow. I am thinking to myself, 'there's no way I'm coming all this way again,' and hoping John is thinking the same when suddenly she says, "My friend's tack is in the back of the car. I suppose we could try that and see if it fits." And bugger me if it wasn't a perfect fit!
So then, John gets on the mare, with her friend going ballistic, and sets off up the drive on her. I pray and pray and pray. And God says nothing, which I find quite disconcerting. The woman has brought the gelding down to watch the mare go, but he broncs and gallops back off up to the stables. 'Struth!
Eventually John comes back and looks quite okay on her. I am trying to see if the mare is dishing but she is swerving from side to side on the track so it's hard to tell. Then suddenly the horse goes mental, backwards, forwards, sideways, up to the fence, trying to take John's leg off, broncing, all four feet off the floor, until in the end I get hold of her and lead her in.
Eventually we are back on the yard and John gets off and we tell the woman we'll go away and think about it.
Oh, my flipping God!
In other news: We've been to R and R horsey shop and I've been trying on boots. I have, to my astonishment, ended up with the most beautiful boots I actually went in for, the Ariat Bromont boots. They are stunning and the most expensive boots I've ever owned, but they were so comfortable. I can't wait for Christmas now!
The mare (Bella) is standing on the yard, with her friend next to her. We go and greet her and get all the sniffing out of the way. John has a good feel of her legs (never going down that route again) and then we pause.
Nothing happens.
So in the end I ask the woman if we can see her ridden.
"Oh!" she says, "I didn't bring any tack!"
We start to say we'll leave it then and she says something about perhaps we'd like to come back tomorrow. I am thinking to myself, 'there's no way I'm coming all this way again,' and hoping John is thinking the same when suddenly she says, "My friend's tack is in the back of the car. I suppose we could try that and see if it fits." And bugger me if it wasn't a perfect fit!
So then, John gets on the mare, with her friend going ballistic, and sets off up the drive on her. I pray and pray and pray. And God says nothing, which I find quite disconcerting. The woman has brought the gelding down to watch the mare go, but he broncs and gallops back off up to the stables. 'Struth!
Eventually John comes back and looks quite okay on her. I am trying to see if the mare is dishing but she is swerving from side to side on the track so it's hard to tell. Then suddenly the horse goes mental, backwards, forwards, sideways, up to the fence, trying to take John's leg off, broncing, all four feet off the floor, until in the end I get hold of her and lead her in.
Eventually we are back on the yard and John gets off and we tell the woman we'll go away and think about it.
Oh, my flipping God!
In other news: We've been to R and R horsey shop and I've been trying on boots. I have, to my astonishment, ended up with the most beautiful boots I actually went in for, the Ariat Bromont boots. They are stunning and the most expensive boots I've ever owned, but they were so comfortable. I can't wait for Christmas now!
Yummy, yummy!
I've been for a fab hack when we got back. I went down KL road and met a horse coming the other way. Barnaby suddenly woke up, as if to say, "Blimey, there's another horse there mummy!" It turned out to be Chloe on Indie. We stopped for a chin-wag. Barnaby's quite fond of Indie actually.
Then we carried on into the village and went up G road to the roundabout. Barnaby was only too willing to go all the way round the roundabout and come back the way we'd gone, but I insisted we carry on past the senior school. I'd reasoned that, being a Saturday, it would be nice and quiet up there, so we set off at full tilt past the playing field... where there was a hockey match in full flow. "Smash!" went the ball against the fence, "Hooray!" shouts the crowd at the top of its voice. Barnaby, bless him, doesn't bat an eyelid. I am so proud of him.
We came home through the brook, which was slightly deeper than usual, after all the rain, and carried on home. Superb hack on a superb horse.
I love you, Bardy bear.
Jane xx
Friday 23 November 2012
We Are Gone!
Finally, the long awaited day has come and I've ridden Barnaby to his new yard. I've been so excited it's been like waiting for Christmas. John and I have spent the preceding days collecting all Barnaby's stuff together and bringing it home and sorting through everything. I've chucked loads of stuff out actually.
I had to cycle to the new yard and leave my bike there. I thought I was going to have to walk to the old yard, but John, who owns the farm, offered to give me a lift, which was an absolute godsend. It gave me time to put a bed down in Barnaby's stable and do his haynets and waters, which was perfect.
I got to the yard about 10am. Natalie was totally avoiding me, which is really starting to get on my nerves. All the horses were in and have been for 3 days because of the bad weather. I do agree it was bad, but you can't keep on keeping horses in like that, it's ridiculous.
I decided to take Barnaby on a proper hack rather than just ride straight to the new yard, so I rode all the way through the village and came to the yard round the back way. I've been riding past the new yard for the past few weeks to get Barnaby used to going that way and when we got to the entrance he went straight in. I got off at the gate and led him through and he was fine. I put him in his new (vast) stable and untacked him and he went straight down for a roll, which I take as a good sign!
I popped his turn-out on and led him down to the field. I knew it would be tricky as we have to go through two grass fields before we get to his paddock and I knew he'd be desperate for the grass, having been kept in for so long. I just kept his leadrope short, especially when I turned him to shut the gate, as there are sheep in the field and I didn't want them to be able to escape.
He was looking around, taking it all in, new horses to look at and grass as far as the eye can see! Eventually I got him to his paddock and put him in. I just unclipped the leadrope so he could go off and explore. Two other horses came down to meet him and there was a bit of squealing, but nothing major, then Barnaby decided to get on with what he does best and started eating. Next he had another roll, one of pure pleasure I think, then went back to eating. I think it was around then that I started crying. It wasn't with relief that I'd got him there safely, it's just with joy that I am doing the right thing for my boy. It's been killing me watching him in a stable all day, going mad when he sees me because he wants me to do something and knowing that I am the only person that can make a difference to his life.
I could see Barnaby was perfectly happy, so I walked back up to the stables, got on my bike and cycled home, thoroughly pleased and content. I'm so glad you're happy, Barnaby.
Jane x
I had to cycle to the new yard and leave my bike there. I thought I was going to have to walk to the old yard, but John, who owns the farm, offered to give me a lift, which was an absolute godsend. It gave me time to put a bed down in Barnaby's stable and do his haynets and waters, which was perfect.
I got to the yard about 10am. Natalie was totally avoiding me, which is really starting to get on my nerves. All the horses were in and have been for 3 days because of the bad weather. I do agree it was bad, but you can't keep on keeping horses in like that, it's ridiculous.
I decided to take Barnaby on a proper hack rather than just ride straight to the new yard, so I rode all the way through the village and came to the yard round the back way. I've been riding past the new yard for the past few weeks to get Barnaby used to going that way and when we got to the entrance he went straight in. I got off at the gate and led him through and he was fine. I put him in his new (vast) stable and untacked him and he went straight down for a roll, which I take as a good sign!
I popped his turn-out on and led him down to the field. I knew it would be tricky as we have to go through two grass fields before we get to his paddock and I knew he'd be desperate for the grass, having been kept in for so long. I just kept his leadrope short, especially when I turned him to shut the gate, as there are sheep in the field and I didn't want them to be able to escape.
He was looking around, taking it all in, new horses to look at and grass as far as the eye can see! Eventually I got him to his paddock and put him in. I just unclipped the leadrope so he could go off and explore. Two other horses came down to meet him and there was a bit of squealing, but nothing major, then Barnaby decided to get on with what he does best and started eating. Next he had another roll, one of pure pleasure I think, then went back to eating. I think it was around then that I started crying. It wasn't with relief that I'd got him there safely, it's just with joy that I am doing the right thing for my boy. It's been killing me watching him in a stable all day, going mad when he sees me because he wants me to do something and knowing that I am the only person that can make a difference to his life.
I could see Barnaby was perfectly happy, so I walked back up to the stables, got on my bike and cycled home, thoroughly pleased and content. I'm so glad you're happy, Barnaby.
Jane x
Wednesday 26 September 2012
Last Day
So we did it today, we said goodbye to our wonderful boy.
It was the worst of days.
It was raining. We arrived at the yard and Barnaby was also in, which I hadn't expected. I put his rainsheet on and took him out of his stable to say goodbye to Zak. It was surreal. They sniffed each other. I don't know if they knew. I turned him out and came back and John was giving Zak his last groom. He said he wanted to put hoof oil on him. I suddenly understood what the whole of my End of Life Care Course had been about.
We took him slowly out onto the grass. He was pleased to be outside and munched away on the wet grass. I just stroked him and stroked him and told him how much I loved him.
Tears were pouring down our faces. We took his leg bandages off and he continued to munch, with the rain gently falling on his back. Soon the vet arrived. He looked as sad as we did. He explained to us what would happen, how Zak would fall and so on, I'll spare you the details.
And so, the fatal needle went in and we said our goodbyes, to this most precious and gentle of boys. He fell to the floor and I hugged him, then looked along his body and knew he wasn't there any more. I said, "I'm done here," and went to see Barnaby for a cuddle. John stayed with Zak and the vet.
I walked along in the rain and my body was racked with sobs. To be honest I could have sunk to my knees in the mud and just bawled. Then I saw the thing I really didn't want to see. The collection truck was pulling onto the drive. The driver looked really sad, but I knew he wouldn't know where to go unless I directed him. I asked if he'd come to collect a horse and he said yes, so I directed him along the track to where Zak lay.
I turned and continued on my mission to comfort Barnaby. He was standing eating, curious about the lorry, but calm. I gave him an apple and buried my face in his neck and sobbed.
After a while and a final hug, I left him and went back to the stables, but realised the lorry was still there and that I must not see, I must NOT see what he was doing, so I ducked through the barn and waited in the stables. Soon John came as the vet had said to him not to watch, and we just stood and hugged and cried.
Goodbye, my velvet boy. You were the sweetest thing, and such a good friend to Barnaby. I am so sad that I will never stroke you again. You were such a character and my heart aches that I will never see you again. Goodnight, my love.
No more now.
Jane x
It was the worst of days.
It was raining. We arrived at the yard and Barnaby was also in, which I hadn't expected. I put his rainsheet on and took him out of his stable to say goodbye to Zak. It was surreal. They sniffed each other. I don't know if they knew. I turned him out and came back and John was giving Zak his last groom. He said he wanted to put hoof oil on him. I suddenly understood what the whole of my End of Life Care Course had been about.
And so, the fatal needle went in and we said our goodbyes, to this most precious and gentle of boys. He fell to the floor and I hugged him, then looked along his body and knew he wasn't there any more. I said, "I'm done here," and went to see Barnaby for a cuddle. John stayed with Zak and the vet.
I walked along in the rain and my body was racked with sobs. To be honest I could have sunk to my knees in the mud and just bawled. Then I saw the thing I really didn't want to see. The collection truck was pulling onto the drive. The driver looked really sad, but I knew he wouldn't know where to go unless I directed him. I asked if he'd come to collect a horse and he said yes, so I directed him along the track to where Zak lay.
I turned and continued on my mission to comfort Barnaby. He was standing eating, curious about the lorry, but calm. I gave him an apple and buried my face in his neck and sobbed.
After a while and a final hug, I left him and went back to the stables, but realised the lorry was still there and that I must not see, I must NOT see what he was doing, so I ducked through the barn and waited in the stables. Soon John came as the vet had said to him not to watch, and we just stood and hugged and cried.
Goodbye, my velvet boy. You were the sweetest thing, and such a good friend to Barnaby. I am so sad that I will never stroke you again. You were such a character and my heart aches that I will never see you again. Goodnight, my love.
No more now.
Jane x
Monday 24 September 2012
Poor Zak
So we've been having big discussions all weekend about what to do with Zak. I've been waiting for John to accept how bad the situation is. He's been saying maybe Zak could go as a field companion, but how could he?
1. He won't travel in a lorry, so where would you take him?
2. He eats so much food he isn't really suitable as a field companion. Field ornaments are supposed to be cheap to keep.
Then John's been saying we could get on with it and keep Zak on box rest for a year, but the vet says there is no guarantee he would be rideable at the end of it. I know we did this before but this was four years ago and Zak was a lot younger then. By the time he came sound this time he'd be 17.
He isn't the sort of horse that would be content with plodding round a field time after time.
The vet said his good leg is diseased. This has come as a total shock. We honestly had no idea. There is just no guarantee that he'd ever be sound, just a guarantee that at some stage his leg will pack in altogether. I can't bear to think about it.
God give me strength and give John the ability to face reality.
Jane x
1. He won't travel in a lorry, so where would you take him?
2. He eats so much food he isn't really suitable as a field companion. Field ornaments are supposed to be cheap to keep.
Then John's been saying we could get on with it and keep Zak on box rest for a year, but the vet says there is no guarantee he would be rideable at the end of it. I know we did this before but this was four years ago and Zak was a lot younger then. By the time he came sound this time he'd be 17.
He isn't the sort of horse that would be content with plodding round a field time after time.
The vet said his good leg is diseased. This has come as a total shock. We honestly had no idea. There is just no guarantee that he'd ever be sound, just a guarantee that at some stage his leg will pack in altogether. I can't bear to think about it.
God give me strength and give John the ability to face reality.
Jane x
Saturday 22 September 2012
Sad Day
I hacked Barnaby out this morning and we've been back down for John to ride Zak. I'd been waffling with Jane and didn't realise John was back, quicker than expected, when Jane nudged me to look. It took a while to sink in, but looking at Zak I could see that he was horribly lame. He was as lame as when he originally damaged his tendon four years ago.
John said he'd been fine, he was cantering along when Zak suddenly went horrendously lame. He'd jumped off instantly and walked him back. Luckily he'd only gone round the farm, so he didn't have far to come home.
We put him in his stable for a while and could see his leg had really swollen up so took him out to hose his leg for a while. I knew we had to call a vet out. Jenny came to have a look and she soon agreed. We phoned Chine House and the vet came in about an hour. He said basically the tendon had gone. You could see it was bad. He put a bandage on it called a Robert Jones, basically, layer upon layer of gamgee and bandages, and Zak hobbled back into his stable. The vet said he will come on Monday and scan him, so we'll see. I think it's going to be bad.
John said he'd been fine, he was cantering along when Zak suddenly went horrendously lame. He'd jumped off instantly and walked him back. Luckily he'd only gone round the farm, so he didn't have far to come home.
We put him in his stable for a while and could see his leg had really swollen up so took him out to hose his leg for a while. I knew we had to call a vet out. Jenny came to have a look and she soon agreed. We phoned Chine House and the vet came in about an hour. He said basically the tendon had gone. You could see it was bad. He put a bandage on it called a Robert Jones, basically, layer upon layer of gamgee and bandages, and Zak hobbled back into his stable. The vet said he will come on Monday and scan him, so we'll see. I think it's going to be bad.
Thursday 23 August 2012
Frustrations
It's like this: when we first moved here it was on the understanding that our horses would go out 24/7 in the summer, but for some reason this has never actually happened. I suppose it's partly our fault for not asking why, but also partly the YO's for not offering.
I was awake for ages on Monday night as it suddenly hit me that I was really frustrated that the horses were still coming in at night, especially Barnaby as it's been way too hot for him to be in a stable. He stands there dripping with sweat, and I feel so sorry for him. Being a good mummy, of course I want to look after him to the best of my ability.
So I prayed about it, then went to see the YM in the morning. I just said it had always been our intention for them to be out and it was offered but nothing has materialised. One horse came here for an operation and as soon as he got better he was turned out, which is what I think annoyed me the most, so I mentioned it and asked if ours could please go out. The YM was fine about it and said she would talk to the YO, and now, glory allelujah, ours are out!
What I had completely forgotten, though, is that Zak needs to be fed, so we've arranged it so that both boys will be brought in in the morning, so Zak can eat (Barnaby doesn't have anything at this time of year) and turned back out, then they'll be brought in with all the other horses at tea time, again so Zak can eat, then we'll come up and ride them and turn them back out when we've finished.
I think this will work really well, because:
Either me or the staff will take Zak's rug off in the morning.
I will ride Barnaby while Zak eats breakfast.
I can put suncream on Barnaby (but the staff will do this on days when I'm at work or asleep (when I've been on nights).
Then I'll turn both horses back out.
We'll probably both come up in the evenings to feed/ride/turn back out.
This will work at weekends when we do the mucking out, too, we'll bring them in for Zak's breakfast, then turn them back out, then muck out and go home/shopping.
In the afternoons we'll come up and ride, feed and turn back out.
Perfect.
I am a very happy bunny now, it's such a relief. The boys have never been kept in during the summer, unless they've been bathed to go to a show the next morning.
Also, Zak is clearly no longer lame, judgeing from the bucking and leaping that went on yesterday when I turned him out. John and I went for a quiet walk round and Zak was fine.
This morning, Barnaby and I did the slightly speeded up version! I was going to hack out round the village but didn't feel very well when I got there, but felt so much better after I'd ridden. We had a few good gallops. I love how fit Barnaby is now, I was grinning like an idiot when I got back.
Jane x
I was awake for ages on Monday night as it suddenly hit me that I was really frustrated that the horses were still coming in at night, especially Barnaby as it's been way too hot for him to be in a stable. He stands there dripping with sweat, and I feel so sorry for him. Being a good mummy, of course I want to look after him to the best of my ability.
So I prayed about it, then went to see the YM in the morning. I just said it had always been our intention for them to be out and it was offered but nothing has materialised. One horse came here for an operation and as soon as he got better he was turned out, which is what I think annoyed me the most, so I mentioned it and asked if ours could please go out. The YM was fine about it and said she would talk to the YO, and now, glory allelujah, ours are out!
What I had completely forgotten, though, is that Zak needs to be fed, so we've arranged it so that both boys will be brought in in the morning, so Zak can eat (Barnaby doesn't have anything at this time of year) and turned back out, then they'll be brought in with all the other horses at tea time, again so Zak can eat, then we'll come up and ride them and turn them back out when we've finished.
I think this will work really well, because:
Either me or the staff will take Zak's rug off in the morning.
I will ride Barnaby while Zak eats breakfast.
I can put suncream on Barnaby (but the staff will do this on days when I'm at work or asleep (when I've been on nights).
Then I'll turn both horses back out.
We'll probably both come up in the evenings to feed/ride/turn back out.
This will work at weekends when we do the mucking out, too, we'll bring them in for Zak's breakfast, then turn them back out, then muck out and go home/shopping.
In the afternoons we'll come up and ride, feed and turn back out.
Perfect.
I am a very happy bunny now, it's such a relief. The boys have never been kept in during the summer, unless they've been bathed to go to a show the next morning.
Also, Zak is clearly no longer lame, judgeing from the bucking and leaping that went on yesterday when I turned him out. John and I went for a quiet walk round and Zak was fine.
This morning, Barnaby and I did the slightly speeded up version! I was going to hack out round the village but didn't feel very well when I got there, but felt so much better after I'd ridden. We had a few good gallops. I love how fit Barnaby is now, I was grinning like an idiot when I got back.
Jane x
Saturday 18 August 2012
Good Hack, Bad Hack
I've had a bit of a stomach bug, probably from the prawn sandwich I had in Loughborough on Thursday. I nearly didn't ride, but felt well enough to go.
John wanted to take Zak on a long ride, so he got him in, tacked up and away he went. I knew I had plenty of time, as he'd be out for at least an hour and a half.
Hannah got Marley and Q in, so she said she'd go for a quick hack on Q, then come back and we'd get Gypsy and Barnaby in, which was fine.
Barnaby became a bit stressed when he realised Zak wasn't there, but I decided to go ahead and get him ready anyway. I can't believe the amount of hair that's coming off him, it looks like snow on his stable floor! I thought I'd do 20 brush strokes in one place, but kept going and going and there was still tonnes of it coming off, so I gave up and tacked him up instead.
I wondered what he'd be like as he was annoyed that Zak still wasn't back, but I got on him and he was fine, so we set off down the drive and turned left and went up the road. He was quite pleased when we got on the bridleway and went down to the brook very nicely, giving the odd really deep whinny as we went along. I think he'd decided it was better to go out and look for Zak rather than wait at home for him to come back.
The last time I asked Barn to go through the brook going away from home he absolutely refused, but it was very deep, so I let him off. I've been making him go through it coming towards home and he's had no problem with it whatsoever. So before he realised what had happened, he was through the water, then suddenly decided he wasn't going any further. Anyone with a cob knows how stubborn they can be! There was a man there walking his dog who'd stopped to have a gawp, so I felt I couldn't smack Barnaby and I certainly couldn't swear. I kept pulling the left rain, cos I know he's weaker on that side, so he turned, but then he reared and ran backwards into the bushes. After a few goes I realised I was getting nowhere, so I got off and walked him up the track towards the school. I was hoping for a bench or a stone where I could get back on, but there was nothing, so I had to mount him from the ground. But I knew there was no way I could let him win, otherwise he'd never go that way again.
He did try to turn for home, but I legged him on and he carried on down the track. I decided to risk having a little canter on the grass, and he was fine, so we kept going. After that he was very good, so I went along the track, past the two fields of cows, then turned left and followed the field track down. After that the grass got way too long and I turned and came back up the hill. I asked him to trot as I didn't know how strong he'd be, but he was really well behaved. I want to be able to come here on my own regularly, so I need him to be good. I decided if I could cope with him in a foul mood, he'll be fine on other days.
Once we got onto the main track, Barnaby was desperate for a canter, but there are some quite serious holes in the ground, so we did a sedate canter so I could steer him round, and then I let him open up and it was fab, to be honest. I am doing much more galloping with him now, it's almost as if he knows I'm confident enough to do it with him, quite strange! Don't forget, at the old place there were hardly any places to canter, let alone gallop, so this is quite a big step forward for us both!
We got back and John spent ages cold hosing Zak and I washed Barnaby down as it was actually very warm on the hack.
Then Rachel turned up and said if we weren't in any hurry to go, Pimm's was being served, so we sat and had a few glasses with everyone. It was quite a giggle talking about our hunting experiences etc. Much nicer than being on your own all the time.
So a nice end to a very nice day. Let's see what tomorrow brings. I so hope Zak isn't going to be lame for too long.
Back soon
Jane x
John wanted to take Zak on a long ride, so he got him in, tacked up and away he went. I knew I had plenty of time, as he'd be out for at least an hour and a half.
Hannah got Marley and Q in, so she said she'd go for a quick hack on Q, then come back and we'd get Gypsy and Barnaby in, which was fine.
Barnaby became a bit stressed when he realised Zak wasn't there, but I decided to go ahead and get him ready anyway. I can't believe the amount of hair that's coming off him, it looks like snow on his stable floor! I thought I'd do 20 brush strokes in one place, but kept going and going and there was still tonnes of it coming off, so I gave up and tacked him up instead.
I wondered what he'd be like as he was annoyed that Zak still wasn't back, but I got on him and he was fine, so we set off down the drive and turned left and went up the road. He was quite pleased when we got on the bridleway and went down to the brook very nicely, giving the odd really deep whinny as we went along. I think he'd decided it was better to go out and look for Zak rather than wait at home for him to come back.
The last time I asked Barn to go through the brook going away from home he absolutely refused, but it was very deep, so I let him off. I've been making him go through it coming towards home and he's had no problem with it whatsoever. So before he realised what had happened, he was through the water, then suddenly decided he wasn't going any further. Anyone with a cob knows how stubborn they can be! There was a man there walking his dog who'd stopped to have a gawp, so I felt I couldn't smack Barnaby and I certainly couldn't swear. I kept pulling the left rain, cos I know he's weaker on that side, so he turned, but then he reared and ran backwards into the bushes. After a few goes I realised I was getting nowhere, so I got off and walked him up the track towards the school. I was hoping for a bench or a stone where I could get back on, but there was nothing, so I had to mount him from the ground. But I knew there was no way I could let him win, otherwise he'd never go that way again.
He did try to turn for home, but I legged him on and he carried on down the track. I decided to risk having a little canter on the grass, and he was fine, so we kept going. After that he was very good, so I went along the track, past the two fields of cows, then turned left and followed the field track down. After that the grass got way too long and I turned and came back up the hill. I asked him to trot as I didn't know how strong he'd be, but he was really well behaved. I want to be able to come here on my own regularly, so I need him to be good. I decided if I could cope with him in a foul mood, he'll be fine on other days.
Once we got onto the main track, Barnaby was desperate for a canter, but there are some quite serious holes in the ground, so we did a sedate canter so I could steer him round, and then I let him open up and it was fab, to be honest. I am doing much more galloping with him now, it's almost as if he knows I'm confident enough to do it with him, quite strange! Don't forget, at the old place there were hardly any places to canter, let alone gallop, so this is quite a big step forward for us both!
We rode back down to the brook. Obviously Barnaby was marching home and had no problems going through it this time, cheeky so-and-so! We got onto the road and trotted along a bit, then in the distance I could see what looked like someone riding on the pavement on the opposite side of the road. As I got closer it looked like someone leading a horse with someone riding it. Then we got even closer and I realised it was John leading Zak, so we trotted up to them.
It turned out Zak had gone lame a long time ago and John had got off and walked him home. It sounds like the same thing he did when John did the major ride where he got lost, but he said Zak hadn't stumbled or anything and had been absolutely fine for ages, then suddenly went lame. I don't know what's up with him, poor boy. Barnaby was very pleased to see him anyway, and walked the rest of the way very calmly, but had that, "Told you I'd find him!" look on his face.We got back and John spent ages cold hosing Zak and I washed Barnaby down as it was actually very warm on the hack.
Then Rachel turned up and said if we weren't in any hurry to go, Pimm's was being served, so we sat and had a few glasses with everyone. It was quite a giggle talking about our hunting experiences etc. Much nicer than being on your own all the time.
So a nice end to a very nice day. Let's see what tomorrow brings. I so hope Zak isn't going to be lame for too long.
Back soon
Jane x
Monday 4 June 2012
Bucket List 1
Then John passed me the umbrella. I was ready to drop it in a split second if need be, but held it down by Barnaby's side and he was fine, so I slowly raised it up above my head and he couldn't have cared less. It was so exciting. I rode round the manege and John filmed me, it was so cool. I always knew he could do it, my brave boy, he is totally unflappable.
So proud of him.
Some of the ponies in the paddocks next to the school were quite astonished, though, they couldn't understand why there was a levitating umbrella floating past!
Can't wait to scrapbook these pics.
Jane x
Monday 9 April 2012
Settling In
We've had a really good but busy week, unpacking everything and deciding where everything should go. It's very strange having an extra room upstairs, which is now John's dressing room, and an extra room downstairs, which is my craft room.
There seem to be loads of doors, too, as in the cottage everything was open plan, with only a door to the bathroom. Here there are three doors right next to each other, to get out to the garden, and two at the front, which takes a bit of getting used to.
It's still very cold as well and we haven't got any central heating as the boiler doesn't work. We've had a plumber out who couldn't get the pilot light to stay lit. We can have showers, but no bath yet, which is the thing we were looking forward to.
Part of my brain knows full well why I'm here but the other half can't get used to it yet. It's as if we're on holiday, even though I have all my stuff around me.
Tessa is confused, too. She is used to having all that land to run around in, and now has a long, narrow garden. It seems to be full of interesting sniffs, though, which she likes. There is a lovely table and chairs and barbeque area out there, as well as a shed and a greenhouse, which will be fun in the summer. There are primroses and trees that are just budding, and a pheasant that strolls around without a care in the world.
I'm sleeping very well, which is doing me good, and I've realised it's because we can't hear the rain on the roof any more. I've gone outside and seen that it's really wet, but had no idea all through the night.
But the most important part is that the horses are loving it on their new yard. Barnaby is being a bit boisterous, but I'm not surprised as he doesn't know where he is. Last Sunday we rode and decided just to go steady and go in the school. Barnaby was dragging me towards the fences and I think it was because he thought we'd travelled to a competition, and this was obviously the showjumping! It took a long time to settle him. Zak wasn't bothered, he thought he may as well have a bit of fun and pop some fences.
But, oh, the hacking! We ride straight onto fields from the back of the farm and it's just field after field. It is absolutely blissful. John and I went together and the horses loved it. We did some cantering, as it's all grass around every field. I could feel Barnaby going, "What, cantering?" so I said, "Yes, darling." so he did his obligatory 20 strides, like he would at the old place, then I could feel him hesitate,
"What, all of it?"
"Yes, my love, go on!" and away he went, side by side with his buddy, who was dying to streak away. Just fabulous.
We spent one session with me in the school and John taking Zak out, which went very well. I don't want Barnaby to think he and Zak mustn't be separated under any circumstances, as he is used to me riding him out five days a week on his own.
It will be strange from tomorrow though, as John is back to work and we will go to the yard when he gets home. The horses are being mucked out for us five days a week, so we've been doing it over the bank holiday weekend.
I haven't mucked shavings out for 3 years and just stood staring at it at first. Then I though, 'Oh well, just stick a fork in and see what happens,' and away we went. They don't use wheelbarrows, either, they muck out straight into a rubber skip and tip it straight into a little truck called a Kubota, which someone then drives round to the muck heap and empties it.
There are no water buckets either, they all have automatic waters, such luxury. We didn't even have those on Lorna's yard. The stables also have the metal door that opens to slot hay in. I will take some pictures as soon as I can, I promise, then it'll be obvious what I mean.
Well I'd better go and cook something for dinner.
More soon,
Jane x
There seem to be loads of doors, too, as in the cottage everything was open plan, with only a door to the bathroom. Here there are three doors right next to each other, to get out to the garden, and two at the front, which takes a bit of getting used to.
It's still very cold as well and we haven't got any central heating as the boiler doesn't work. We've had a plumber out who couldn't get the pilot light to stay lit. We can have showers, but no bath yet, which is the thing we were looking forward to.
Part of my brain knows full well why I'm here but the other half can't get used to it yet. It's as if we're on holiday, even though I have all my stuff around me.
Tessa is confused, too. She is used to having all that land to run around in, and now has a long, narrow garden. It seems to be full of interesting sniffs, though, which she likes. There is a lovely table and chairs and barbeque area out there, as well as a shed and a greenhouse, which will be fun in the summer. There are primroses and trees that are just budding, and a pheasant that strolls around without a care in the world.
I'm sleeping very well, which is doing me good, and I've realised it's because we can't hear the rain on the roof any more. I've gone outside and seen that it's really wet, but had no idea all through the night.
But the most important part is that the horses are loving it on their new yard. Barnaby is being a bit boisterous, but I'm not surprised as he doesn't know where he is. Last Sunday we rode and decided just to go steady and go in the school. Barnaby was dragging me towards the fences and I think it was because he thought we'd travelled to a competition, and this was obviously the showjumping! It took a long time to settle him. Zak wasn't bothered, he thought he may as well have a bit of fun and pop some fences.
But, oh, the hacking! We ride straight onto fields from the back of the farm and it's just field after field. It is absolutely blissful. John and I went together and the horses loved it. We did some cantering, as it's all grass around every field. I could feel Barnaby going, "What, cantering?" so I said, "Yes, darling." so he did his obligatory 20 strides, like he would at the old place, then I could feel him hesitate,
"What, all of it?"
"Yes, my love, go on!" and away he went, side by side with his buddy, who was dying to streak away. Just fabulous.
We spent one session with me in the school and John taking Zak out, which went very well. I don't want Barnaby to think he and Zak mustn't be separated under any circumstances, as he is used to me riding him out five days a week on his own.
It will be strange from tomorrow though, as John is back to work and we will go to the yard when he gets home. The horses are being mucked out for us five days a week, so we've been doing it over the bank holiday weekend.
I haven't mucked shavings out for 3 years and just stood staring at it at first. Then I though, 'Oh well, just stick a fork in and see what happens,' and away we went. They don't use wheelbarrows, either, they muck out straight into a rubber skip and tip it straight into a little truck called a Kubota, which someone then drives round to the muck heap and empties it.
There are no water buckets either, they all have automatic waters, such luxury. We didn't even have those on Lorna's yard. The stables also have the metal door that opens to slot hay in. I will take some pictures as soon as I can, I promise, then it'll be obvious what I mean.
Well I'd better go and cook something for dinner.
More soon,
Jane x
Tuesday 3 April 2012
We Are Here!
I am recovering from what has been the most exhausting few days ever! We moved the horses first thing Friday morning. I have only just found my camera in one of the boxes, but I'll try to take some photos of their new yard tomorrow.
I was absolutely dreading the journey. Some of you may know we have terrible problems travelling Zak. We packed their rugs and feed bins and loaded the horses, Zak in first, then Barnaby, with me travelling in the back to hold onto Zak and talk to him on the journey. The first few minutes were awful. For no apparent reason, Zak decided he couldn't possibly remain upright, and leant against the partition between him and Barnaby with his legs straight out against the opposite partition. I pulled him upright again and just kept talking calmly to him (no easy feat when you feel sick yourself!) and eventually he calmed down and decided he could travel after all. We bonded in the back of that lorry, I can tell you. He was actually resting his chin on my arm after a while and blowing in my ear, which was so sweet. Barnaby had no problems whatsoever. I have to say though, that if I hadn't travelled in with Zak he would have fallen over and done goodness-knows-what to himself within the first five minutes.
Basically I prayed all the way there.
And we arrived in fine style, with Zak not even sweating, which was fantastic.
We took them into their new stables and Barnaby practically fell asleep. We unloaded their rugs and tack, stowing them in various places and then were able to turn them out... onto grass. Neither of them could quite believe it and didn't know whether to buck and leap about, canter up and down, greet their neighbours or just eat. Okay, it wasn't long before they decided to just eat, and I'm not surprised as they've both been desperate for grass for ages. Barnaby has been leaning against the dry stone walls at the old house, hoping his weight would knock a section down so he could get into the field next door.
I know we haven't had rain for a while anyway, but there is no mud in these fields, and plenty of grass. I also thought it was our job to poo pick every day, but we have it done for us Monday-Friday. We do it at the weekend as part of our mucking out. How blissful is that?!
It was the strangest feeling ever to drive away and leave the boys there. I haven't been away from Barnaby for three years. It was odd when we got back to the farm, too, as we've never been there without them. I kept looking out of the kitchen window to see what they were up to, but there was no one there. So odd. I worried about whether he was warm enough, settled in, able to lay down on the small shavings bed (actually it was a lot bigger than I'd realised once I'd seen him in it) would he drag people around the yard, would the staff remember to keep them together, etc etc.
And so we finished the last of the packing...
(More soon!)
Jane x
I was absolutely dreading the journey. Some of you may know we have terrible problems travelling Zak. We packed their rugs and feed bins and loaded the horses, Zak in first, then Barnaby, with me travelling in the back to hold onto Zak and talk to him on the journey. The first few minutes were awful. For no apparent reason, Zak decided he couldn't possibly remain upright, and leant against the partition between him and Barnaby with his legs straight out against the opposite partition. I pulled him upright again and just kept talking calmly to him (no easy feat when you feel sick yourself!) and eventually he calmed down and decided he could travel after all. We bonded in the back of that lorry, I can tell you. He was actually resting his chin on my arm after a while and blowing in my ear, which was so sweet. Barnaby had no problems whatsoever. I have to say though, that if I hadn't travelled in with Zak he would have fallen over and done goodness-knows-what to himself within the first five minutes.
Basically I prayed all the way there.
And we arrived in fine style, with Zak not even sweating, which was fantastic.
We took them into their new stables and Barnaby practically fell asleep. We unloaded their rugs and tack, stowing them in various places and then were able to turn them out... onto grass. Neither of them could quite believe it and didn't know whether to buck and leap about, canter up and down, greet their neighbours or just eat. Okay, it wasn't long before they decided to just eat, and I'm not surprised as they've both been desperate for grass for ages. Barnaby has been leaning against the dry stone walls at the old house, hoping his weight would knock a section down so he could get into the field next door.
I know we haven't had rain for a while anyway, but there is no mud in these fields, and plenty of grass. I also thought it was our job to poo pick every day, but we have it done for us Monday-Friday. We do it at the weekend as part of our mucking out. How blissful is that?!
It was the strangest feeling ever to drive away and leave the boys there. I haven't been away from Barnaby for three years. It was odd when we got back to the farm, too, as we've never been there without them. I kept looking out of the kitchen window to see what they were up to, but there was no one there. So odd. I worried about whether he was warm enough, settled in, able to lay down on the small shavings bed (actually it was a lot bigger than I'd realised once I'd seen him in it) would he drag people around the yard, would the staff remember to keep them together, etc etc.
And so we finished the last of the packing...
(More soon!)
Jane x
Sunday 25 March 2012
Saying Farewell
We've been to Zion Church in Chesterfield for what will probably be the last time. I was fine until the last song, and then cried because it felt like the last day of school. There are so many people there we've grown to love, including the pastor, Paul Hollingworth, but all the members of our Connect Group, too. I will miss my dear friend Priscilla so much.
Afterwards we went to Stablemates to say goodbye to the staff and darling Marley dog. They've been good friends to us there. I was surprised, actually, to realise how many lives we have impacted, hopefully in a good way. Sometimes we assume we have no influence, and that's not the case.
We've spent the afternoon packing more clothes, throwing things away and dismantling the wardrobes. We've had a fabulous ride in the school, too. It's lovely to be able to wear a T shirt outside in March, how often does that happen?
To keep myself motivated and forward looking, I just thought I'd write a list of some things I won't miss when we move. Here we go:
1. The mud. No longer will I stand trapped knee deep in mud with an irate horse bearing down on me and my life flashing before my eyes. It may sound funny here, but it so isn't.
2. Not being able to touch the ceiling when I take my jumper off!
3. No one playing football outside my sitting room window. Even in a council house, nobody expects you to put up with that.
4. People being able to walk through my house whenever they feel like it.
5. Having to ask for haylage to be put out.
6. Having to hide in the bathroom to make phonecalls.
7. Being expected to babysit ad infinitum. Like staff.
8. The tap being frozen when it snows.
9. No off road riding. Trailing round the same roads over and over again. Seeing fields and not being allowed in them.
10. Having no one to hack out with.
So there we are. I'll be back tomorrow, with a list of things I've got to look forward to, but some concerns, too, I think. It isn't all plain sailing.
Back soon,
Jane x
Afterwards we went to Stablemates to say goodbye to the staff and darling Marley dog. They've been good friends to us there. I was surprised, actually, to realise how many lives we have impacted, hopefully in a good way. Sometimes we assume we have no influence, and that's not the case.
We've spent the afternoon packing more clothes, throwing things away and dismantling the wardrobes. We've had a fabulous ride in the school, too. It's lovely to be able to wear a T shirt outside in March, how often does that happen?
To keep myself motivated and forward looking, I just thought I'd write a list of some things I won't miss when we move. Here we go:
1. The mud. No longer will I stand trapped knee deep in mud with an irate horse bearing down on me and my life flashing before my eyes. It may sound funny here, but it so isn't.
2. Not being able to touch the ceiling when I take my jumper off!
3. No one playing football outside my sitting room window. Even in a council house, nobody expects you to put up with that.
4. People being able to walk through my house whenever they feel like it.
5. Having to ask for haylage to be put out.
6. Having to hide in the bathroom to make phonecalls.
7. Being expected to babysit ad infinitum. Like staff.
8. The tap being frozen when it snows.
9. No off road riding. Trailing round the same roads over and over again. Seeing fields and not being allowed in them.
10. Having no one to hack out with.
So there we are. I'll be back tomorrow, with a list of things I've got to look forward to, but some concerns, too, I think. It isn't all plain sailing.
Back soon,
Jane x
Thursday 22 March 2012
A New Beginning
Many of you who've followed my previous blog, Chickens In My Kitchen will know that we've spent the past three years living on a small farm with our horses. I haven't had to work, and have stayed at home all day looking after the horses, ducks, cats and chickens.
Then, out of the blue, a couple of months ago, we were told the farm was to be sold. We were in total shock, as you can imagine. We've been through a phase of thinking we'd have to sell the horses (Barnaby and Zak) and move somewhere nearer to where my husband works.
We are born again Christians and pray about even the small things, but this is a pretty big thing, so we got before God. I was very brave and willing to sell the horses if that's what it took, but also cried and said I couldn't bear to part with them.
Once I'd admitted that, things moved very quickly. We have found a house to rent and a lovely livery yard (I hope, more of that later) and move in less than two weeks.
I feel that this new chapter in our lives warrants a new blog, as we start this new adventure, and I hope you'll come on this journey with me.
It's all Barnaby's fault. What do you do when you feel that you own the most wonderful horse in the world and you've made him a promise that you'll never sell him?
Only time will tell...
Then, out of the blue, a couple of months ago, we were told the farm was to be sold. We were in total shock, as you can imagine. We've been through a phase of thinking we'd have to sell the horses (Barnaby and Zak) and move somewhere nearer to where my husband works.
We are born again Christians and pray about even the small things, but this is a pretty big thing, so we got before God. I was very brave and willing to sell the horses if that's what it took, but also cried and said I couldn't bear to part with them.
Once I'd admitted that, things moved very quickly. We have found a house to rent and a lovely livery yard (I hope, more of that later) and move in less than two weeks.
I feel that this new chapter in our lives warrants a new blog, as we start this new adventure, and I hope you'll come on this journey with me.
It's all Barnaby's fault. What do you do when you feel that you own the most wonderful horse in the world and you've made him a promise that you'll never sell him?
Only time will tell...
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