Post by Admin on Aug 11, 2006 10:57:24 GMT 1
This was one of Nikki's posts on the old DG about her experience on the Transhumance Trip that we would like to share as a lasting memory of a much valued DG member.
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Subject : A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From : Nikki - Italy
Date : 7/17/2005 5:57:00 PM
I have to first apologise for the quality, and secondly, it's very hard taking 'a few' photo's out of 300 or so, but thought that some would like to see a little of what I experienced on Orioni in June, and also see what/and where my Lona has gone to...there will be no pics of her until I go up the mountain one day and find her, however, I thought this might be interesting, only if you can be bothered to down-load, as I know how frustrating it is!!!
..Orioni and I looking out over some of the herd.
************************************
Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From :
Date : 7/17/2005 6:01:00 PM
Dream.................... i want to do that
************************************
Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From : Nikki - Italy
Date : 7/17/2005 6:04:00 PM
OK, got the hang of it now, here are a few more....
The herd passing...
The herd about to be moved on...
A little chap who couldn't continue, being put into a horse-box..
Manlio, our friend, (in the middle) and some of the lads, (butteri)
Resting, Orioni and Sabina, after a very long day...
There are many more, but far too many to put on here. Lovely memories!! I hope you enjoy them!
************************************
Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From : Nicky
Date : 7/17/2005 6:09:00 PM
Wonderful pics! Looks like you had a wonderful time- the rest of us are envious I'm sure!!!
************************************
Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From : Aberlemno
Date : 7/17/2005 6:24:00 PM
Lovely to see the photos - how on earth did you manage to choose from so many? It looks such a wonderful thing to do It's a HUGE heard Nikki - how many mares and foals?
Your saddle looks incredibly comfortable too. I just love Orioni - he's a real beauty, and Sabina is my favourite shade of chestnut. I had a New Forest pony that exact shade in my younger days.
************************************
Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From : Nikki - Italy
Date : 7/17/2005 7:02:00 PM
Oh Jenny, thanks!! Choosing is a nightmare isn't it?! There are 140 mares and foals at foot, and now more I am sure as so many were pregnant at the time, plus 5 were born on the way...we paused for half a day after each one was born, (they were born at night) so we got behind....and 'yes' my saddle is comfortable, an Appaloosa Trekking saddle, which unbelieveably doesn't fit Orioni at the moment, and Sabina has taken it over!! Can't believe they change shape that much, but he did, and now I am on the look out for something, but will wait until after the summer break to try something out. Hazel, when she was here, tried out Sabina in his saddle and we were both of the opinion that she moved far, far better in his than in her own, a Pathfinder, which is fabulously comfortable too, but obviously not for her anymore...
************************************
Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From : emw
Date : 7/17/2005 7:07:00 PM
What pictures Nikki, fantastic.. what shine and what condition on these horses living how nature intended...I especially was looking at superb feet!
Orioni ..what a colour and what a look of contentment and interest on his face too. Smashing.One day Nikki, one day....
emw x
************************************
Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From : Nikki - Italy
Date : 7/17/2005 7:17:00 PM
EMW... you are more than welcome!!! Actually, the condition of some of the herd isn't that great, sadly....they've had to get through a very hard winter, and were well ready to be moved up to succulent pastures. I, for obvious reasons, only put one of the nicest photo's up!!
************************************
Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From : emw
Date : 7/17/2005 7:21:00 PM
(((Nikki))) understand perfectly! but even so this is how nature intended all mammals to survive, using body stores in harsh conditions and then feasting during the lush months... most domesticated mammals ( us included!) have forgotten the great game plan and look what's happening to us! take care Nikki..
emw x
************************************
Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From : Ann NF
Date : 7/17/2005 9:38:00 PM
Wonderful photos again Nikki. The Transhumance must be the sort of experience that gives you good "mind pictures" for a long time afterwards.
The condition of the horses looks much as one would expect of a wild herd after the winter. As you know, the New Forest ponies are in a similar state in early spring ( some very much thinner) but you should see them now! All are looking beautifully round, well and glossy. I`m sure that the Italian herd will be the same in the summer months after a few weeks on the upland pastures.
************************************
Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From : Tilly
Date : 7/17/2005 10:30:00 PM
My goodness Nikki, this is horsemanship. What inspiring photographs! Lovely horses - lovely lads!!
************************************
Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From : WOWEEE!
Date : 7/17/2005 10:58:00 PM
WOW!!! just wondering how did you go about getting the chance to do this? I would LOVE to do something like that in my gap year in a years time.
************************************
Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From : Liz
Date : 7/18/2005 1:02:00 AM
Absolutely wonderful, Nikki. Love Orioni - very like a palomino a/a I had some years ago.
************************************
Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From : Hazel
Date : 7/18/2005 5:30:00 AM
Great Nikki, lovely to see some of the photos again, I see you are becoming more brave!! By the way has OH had a go in the 'tower' saddle yet? Or is he doing yoga before he tries it?
************************************
Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From : Nikki - Italy
Date : 7/18/2005 5:55:00 AM
LOL Hazel, lazy old thing that he is, NO, he hasn't tried it!! He really has to, as come September, I'll be sizing up Orioni for another saddle, and we'll see just how well Orioni's on Sabina really does fit then!!
To WOWEE(!) I can't really suggest any other information except to look on Google nearer the time, or, if you are interested in 'exactly' what I have done, with Manlio and his herd, to contact me nearer the time...it's not free, and very, very basic, and long, long days, also anything from 7-10 days, depending on how many foals are born along the way. I know you can 'borrow/rent' horses from people who are actually on it, but it takes some organisation this end, but nothing is impossible. If you feel up to 8-10 hrs in the saddle a day, (and one day we had 12hrs, we took a wrong route, and yes, poor horses, and poor us) then you'd be happy!! There is a lot of hanging around, and the pace is very, very slow, no more than walking or trotting at the most, taking into account the pregnant mares and the babies...you are more than welcome to contact me around April/May next year on here, do a FAO Nikki - Italy and we'll see where we've got to!!!
And to Tilly. I was wondering whether anyone would mention 'the lads'!! They were ALL gorgeous, and I took plenty of photo's for my daughter as I wanted to demonstrate what she was missing!!! She just might take up riding again! (pigs might fly...) They can't be 'butteri' all year round, there simply isn't enough work, so they all have jobs or study, for instance, the lad in the paler full-chaps, Thomas, he is at Medical school, studying to be a Vet...the guy far right, sitting down is Fulvio, an Antiques restorer, the one far left, lying down, Marco, is a bar-tender in Rome, and there's Manlio in the middle, (with the other darker pair of full-chaps) who just works his a*** off 27/7 with the horses. 'Bye for now.....
************************************
Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From : Val (toons&co)
Date : 7/18/2005 8:38:00 AM
WOW Nikki, those pics are amazing. I'm trying to imagine Lona in the midst of the group. Does Manlio give you some news at all? And LOL Tilly for noticing the lads (I'm sure we all did, though I did also look close at the horses). Orioni is a beauty, he really is. Do you need to work on a fitness programme before taking him up there?
************************************
Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From : Nikki - Italy
Date : 7/18/2005 8:54:00 AM
Mmm, Val, I try and imagine Lona in amongst that lot too, and I don't get that much feed-back from Manlio as he is either up there with the herd himself, or looking after the other horses on his farm, and over-seeing a mass of things one has to do to make a living. However, OH and I are planning a trip later on this summer, to get some cooler air, and drive up the mountain and try and spot Lona....she'll have a bell on so won't be that hard once we've located the herd,...that will be the most difficult.. and as for dear Orioni, well, he's had his fitness problems this year, but actually, with pretty well constant hacks from March onwards, he and Sabina are in fine fettle by the time the Transhumansa begins...one funny thing about that first photo with him looking so 'alert'...he adored the foals, and positively stared and LOVED them, far more than the mares, (and I daren't even mention the stallion running with them) and I think one foal was quite near us when that picture was taken.
************************************
Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From : Val (toons&co)
Date : 7/18/2005 9:31:00 AM
Awww Toons is like that too, with foals. Thinks they're all his - LOL though he does love the 'girls' too. Wonder if it's something about geldings (I guess Orioni is a gelding). He's the half-quarter one, Orioni, isn't he. It will be SO nice for you to see Lona in her herd. The good thing is that you'll have had time to get used to her being away by then and she'll be completely integrated (and probably not even give you a look - unless, maybe, she recognises the horses).
************************************
Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From : Nikki - Italy
Date : 7/18/2005 9:49:00 AM
Val, I've often wondered that, Lona seeing me and whinnying or racing over, but maybe, when we do the Transhumansa next year, and the year after that etc, it'll be Orioni and Sabina who will call to her, or she will recognise them or something, who knows, either way, you can bet your bottom dollar I'll have a lump in my throat, or worse!! Orioni is a gelding by the way...so what IS is about geldings that they love foals so much? I've heard this before.....quite touching actually.
************************************
Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From : Val (toons&co)
Date : 7/18/2005 10:11:00 AM
Well horses are supposed to have very good memories and Toons did recognise an old pal whom he shared a field with a year later, but their reactions aren't always what we humans would expect (more like "oh hi, it's you" and back to grazing). You most probably will see signs they recognise each other tho.
************************************
Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From : Nikki - Italy
Date : 7/18/2005 10:15:00 AM
Interesting study tho"...watch this space. As long as she doesn't say..'oh, there's that little creep Orioni, I wonder if he runs away as fast as he did before..'!!!!
************************************
Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From : Val (toons&co)
Date : 7/18/2005 11:06:00 AM
LOL Nikki, you got me laughing there as I can just picture it. Teehee
************************************
Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From : Louise C
Date : 7/18/2005 12:40:00 PM
Wow, wonderful!
Thanks Nikki, what a wonderful experience.
************************************
Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From : NickyS
Date : 7/18/2005 1:25:00 PM
I really wish you hadn't posted those pictures Nikki. I am sooooo blooming jealous you would not believe. Here I am stuck in my office doing nowt much and dreaming of that trip! Looks absolutely superb.. What happened to the foal who had to be transported? Was he/she ok? Also I am intrigued as to how you kept your horses overnight at camp. Were they tethered? The pic or Orioni and Sabrina look like they are loose.. Did they just stay near the group? I think the best bit for this for you must have been that you could ride your own horse.. I would imagine others had to hire a horse for the trip? Sorry lots of questions..
NickyS
************************************
Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From : Nikki - Italy
Date : 7/18/2005 2:14:00 PM
Nicky, I am so glad you liked them! The foal was 1 of 3 whose hooves couldn't quite hack it, and everytime we had a break, they were all taken out of the horse-box and given to their Mums for a drink. The din those Mums made as the foals were being put back in the box though was awful...and they were all very much OK!! Our horses were all tied up every night, even though some people at the beginning thought it was 'cool' to let theirs off free, to basically hassle the hell out of the ones that were tied...on the third night we all had a 'talk' with the ones who wanted their horses free, as it wasn't working, plus several horses got some major kicks. So, tied they all were, even tho' Orioni and Sabina look free in that photo, 'they wish'!!! Actually, 2 people hobbled their horses, which actually wasn't too bad when everyone else had theirs tied, the problems always started when you had some and some, and the hobbled horses couldn't get out of the way of a kick for example...however, it all sorted itself out, and 50 horses every night from night 3 were tied with no further problems......the herd, I might add, weren't too far away, who were looked after by who ever was on duty that night...they obviously were free. Yes, the lovely thing about all this was riding our own horses, having got them up to peak fitness throughout the Spring and earlier part of the summer, and really benefitting from it all. There's a huge bonding thing about riding for that length of time, and also spending a large amount of time with your horse afterwards in strange places....it was glorious! I never mind answering questions about my horses or the trips I do, I just love it!
************************************
Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From :
Date : 7/20/2005 8:14:00 AM
I still want to come next year. It sounds great.
************************************
Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From : Hayley with Ria
Date : 7/20/2005 8:46:00 AM
What amazing pics. All the horses look good too - and happy!!
Is the foal going to be homed??
Has any of the chaps seen Lona since??
************************************
Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From : Gem
Date : 7/20/2005 8:49:00 AM
How lovely and to see your girl up there in a year or so will be perfect for you i'm sure,
How is Lona getting along now? any update?
Ps very nice boys, ill bet you feined injury so they had to help you
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Subject : A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From : Nikki - Italy
Date : 7/17/2005 5:57:00 PM
I have to first apologise for the quality, and secondly, it's very hard taking 'a few' photo's out of 300 or so, but thought that some would like to see a little of what I experienced on Orioni in June, and also see what/and where my Lona has gone to...there will be no pics of her until I go up the mountain one day and find her, however, I thought this might be interesting, only if you can be bothered to down-load, as I know how frustrating it is!!!
..Orioni and I looking out over some of the herd.
************************************
Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From :
Date : 7/17/2005 6:01:00 PM
Dream.................... i want to do that
************************************
Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From : Nikki - Italy
Date : 7/17/2005 6:04:00 PM
OK, got the hang of it now, here are a few more....
The herd passing...
The herd about to be moved on...
A little chap who couldn't continue, being put into a horse-box..
Manlio, our friend, (in the middle) and some of the lads, (butteri)
Resting, Orioni and Sabina, after a very long day...
There are many more, but far too many to put on here. Lovely memories!! I hope you enjoy them!
************************************
Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From : Nicky
Date : 7/17/2005 6:09:00 PM
Wonderful pics! Looks like you had a wonderful time- the rest of us are envious I'm sure!!!
************************************
Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From : Aberlemno
Date : 7/17/2005 6:24:00 PM
Lovely to see the photos - how on earth did you manage to choose from so many? It looks such a wonderful thing to do It's a HUGE heard Nikki - how many mares and foals?
Your saddle looks incredibly comfortable too. I just love Orioni - he's a real beauty, and Sabina is my favourite shade of chestnut. I had a New Forest pony that exact shade in my younger days.
************************************
Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From : Nikki - Italy
Date : 7/17/2005 7:02:00 PM
Oh Jenny, thanks!! Choosing is a nightmare isn't it?! There are 140 mares and foals at foot, and now more I am sure as so many were pregnant at the time, plus 5 were born on the way...we paused for half a day after each one was born, (they were born at night) so we got behind....and 'yes' my saddle is comfortable, an Appaloosa Trekking saddle, which unbelieveably doesn't fit Orioni at the moment, and Sabina has taken it over!! Can't believe they change shape that much, but he did, and now I am on the look out for something, but will wait until after the summer break to try something out. Hazel, when she was here, tried out Sabina in his saddle and we were both of the opinion that she moved far, far better in his than in her own, a Pathfinder, which is fabulously comfortable too, but obviously not for her anymore...
************************************
Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From : emw
Date : 7/17/2005 7:07:00 PM
What pictures Nikki, fantastic.. what shine and what condition on these horses living how nature intended...I especially was looking at superb feet!
Orioni ..what a colour and what a look of contentment and interest on his face too. Smashing.One day Nikki, one day....
emw x
************************************
Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From : Nikki - Italy
Date : 7/17/2005 7:17:00 PM
EMW... you are more than welcome!!! Actually, the condition of some of the herd isn't that great, sadly....they've had to get through a very hard winter, and were well ready to be moved up to succulent pastures. I, for obvious reasons, only put one of the nicest photo's up!!
************************************
Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From : emw
Date : 7/17/2005 7:21:00 PM
(((Nikki))) understand perfectly! but even so this is how nature intended all mammals to survive, using body stores in harsh conditions and then feasting during the lush months... most domesticated mammals ( us included!) have forgotten the great game plan and look what's happening to us! take care Nikki..
emw x
************************************
Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From : Ann NF
Date : 7/17/2005 9:38:00 PM
Wonderful photos again Nikki. The Transhumance must be the sort of experience that gives you good "mind pictures" for a long time afterwards.
The condition of the horses looks much as one would expect of a wild herd after the winter. As you know, the New Forest ponies are in a similar state in early spring ( some very much thinner) but you should see them now! All are looking beautifully round, well and glossy. I`m sure that the Italian herd will be the same in the summer months after a few weeks on the upland pastures.
************************************
Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From : Tilly
Date : 7/17/2005 10:30:00 PM
My goodness Nikki, this is horsemanship. What inspiring photographs! Lovely horses - lovely lads!!
************************************
Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From : WOWEEE!
Date : 7/17/2005 10:58:00 PM
WOW!!! just wondering how did you go about getting the chance to do this? I would LOVE to do something like that in my gap year in a years time.
************************************
Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From : Liz
Date : 7/18/2005 1:02:00 AM
Absolutely wonderful, Nikki. Love Orioni - very like a palomino a/a I had some years ago.
************************************
Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From : Hazel
Date : 7/18/2005 5:30:00 AM
Great Nikki, lovely to see some of the photos again, I see you are becoming more brave!! By the way has OH had a go in the 'tower' saddle yet? Or is he doing yoga before he tries it?
************************************
Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From : Nikki - Italy
Date : 7/18/2005 5:55:00 AM
LOL Hazel, lazy old thing that he is, NO, he hasn't tried it!! He really has to, as come September, I'll be sizing up Orioni for another saddle, and we'll see just how well Orioni's on Sabina really does fit then!!
To WOWEE(!) I can't really suggest any other information except to look on Google nearer the time, or, if you are interested in 'exactly' what I have done, with Manlio and his herd, to contact me nearer the time...it's not free, and very, very basic, and long, long days, also anything from 7-10 days, depending on how many foals are born along the way. I know you can 'borrow/rent' horses from people who are actually on it, but it takes some organisation this end, but nothing is impossible. If you feel up to 8-10 hrs in the saddle a day, (and one day we had 12hrs, we took a wrong route, and yes, poor horses, and poor us) then you'd be happy!! There is a lot of hanging around, and the pace is very, very slow, no more than walking or trotting at the most, taking into account the pregnant mares and the babies...you are more than welcome to contact me around April/May next year on here, do a FAO Nikki - Italy and we'll see where we've got to!!!
And to Tilly. I was wondering whether anyone would mention 'the lads'!! They were ALL gorgeous, and I took plenty of photo's for my daughter as I wanted to demonstrate what she was missing!!! She just might take up riding again! (pigs might fly...) They can't be 'butteri' all year round, there simply isn't enough work, so they all have jobs or study, for instance, the lad in the paler full-chaps, Thomas, he is at Medical school, studying to be a Vet...the guy far right, sitting down is Fulvio, an Antiques restorer, the one far left, lying down, Marco, is a bar-tender in Rome, and there's Manlio in the middle, (with the other darker pair of full-chaps) who just works his a*** off 27/7 with the horses. 'Bye for now.....
************************************
Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From : Val (toons&co)
Date : 7/18/2005 8:38:00 AM
WOW Nikki, those pics are amazing. I'm trying to imagine Lona in the midst of the group. Does Manlio give you some news at all? And LOL Tilly for noticing the lads (I'm sure we all did, though I did also look close at the horses). Orioni is a beauty, he really is. Do you need to work on a fitness programme before taking him up there?
************************************
Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From : Nikki - Italy
Date : 7/18/2005 8:54:00 AM
Mmm, Val, I try and imagine Lona in amongst that lot too, and I don't get that much feed-back from Manlio as he is either up there with the herd himself, or looking after the other horses on his farm, and over-seeing a mass of things one has to do to make a living. However, OH and I are planning a trip later on this summer, to get some cooler air, and drive up the mountain and try and spot Lona....she'll have a bell on so won't be that hard once we've located the herd,...that will be the most difficult.. and as for dear Orioni, well, he's had his fitness problems this year, but actually, with pretty well constant hacks from March onwards, he and Sabina are in fine fettle by the time the Transhumansa begins...one funny thing about that first photo with him looking so 'alert'...he adored the foals, and positively stared and LOVED them, far more than the mares, (and I daren't even mention the stallion running with them) and I think one foal was quite near us when that picture was taken.
************************************
Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From : Val (toons&co)
Date : 7/18/2005 9:31:00 AM
Awww Toons is like that too, with foals. Thinks they're all his - LOL though he does love the 'girls' too. Wonder if it's something about geldings (I guess Orioni is a gelding). He's the half-quarter one, Orioni, isn't he. It will be SO nice for you to see Lona in her herd. The good thing is that you'll have had time to get used to her being away by then and she'll be completely integrated (and probably not even give you a look - unless, maybe, she recognises the horses).
************************************
Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From : Nikki - Italy
Date : 7/18/2005 9:49:00 AM
Val, I've often wondered that, Lona seeing me and whinnying or racing over, but maybe, when we do the Transhumansa next year, and the year after that etc, it'll be Orioni and Sabina who will call to her, or she will recognise them or something, who knows, either way, you can bet your bottom dollar I'll have a lump in my throat, or worse!! Orioni is a gelding by the way...so what IS is about geldings that they love foals so much? I've heard this before.....quite touching actually.
************************************
Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From : Val (toons&co)
Date : 7/18/2005 10:11:00 AM
Well horses are supposed to have very good memories and Toons did recognise an old pal whom he shared a field with a year later, but their reactions aren't always what we humans would expect (more like "oh hi, it's you" and back to grazing). You most probably will see signs they recognise each other tho.
************************************
Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From : Nikki - Italy
Date : 7/18/2005 10:15:00 AM
Interesting study tho"...watch this space. As long as she doesn't say..'oh, there's that little creep Orioni, I wonder if he runs away as fast as he did before..'!!!!
************************************
Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From : Val (toons&co)
Date : 7/18/2005 11:06:00 AM
LOL Nikki, you got me laughing there as I can just picture it. Teehee
************************************
Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From : Louise C
Date : 7/18/2005 12:40:00 PM
Wow, wonderful!
Thanks Nikki, what a wonderful experience.
************************************
Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From : NickyS
Date : 7/18/2005 1:25:00 PM
I really wish you hadn't posted those pictures Nikki. I am sooooo blooming jealous you would not believe. Here I am stuck in my office doing nowt much and dreaming of that trip! Looks absolutely superb.. What happened to the foal who had to be transported? Was he/she ok? Also I am intrigued as to how you kept your horses overnight at camp. Were they tethered? The pic or Orioni and Sabrina look like they are loose.. Did they just stay near the group? I think the best bit for this for you must have been that you could ride your own horse.. I would imagine others had to hire a horse for the trip? Sorry lots of questions..
NickyS
************************************
Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From : Nikki - Italy
Date : 7/18/2005 2:14:00 PM
Nicky, I am so glad you liked them! The foal was 1 of 3 whose hooves couldn't quite hack it, and everytime we had a break, they were all taken out of the horse-box and given to their Mums for a drink. The din those Mums made as the foals were being put back in the box though was awful...and they were all very much OK!! Our horses were all tied up every night, even though some people at the beginning thought it was 'cool' to let theirs off free, to basically hassle the hell out of the ones that were tied...on the third night we all had a 'talk' with the ones who wanted their horses free, as it wasn't working, plus several horses got some major kicks. So, tied they all were, even tho' Orioni and Sabina look free in that photo, 'they wish'!!! Actually, 2 people hobbled their horses, which actually wasn't too bad when everyone else had theirs tied, the problems always started when you had some and some, and the hobbled horses couldn't get out of the way of a kick for example...however, it all sorted itself out, and 50 horses every night from night 3 were tied with no further problems......the herd, I might add, weren't too far away, who were looked after by who ever was on duty that night...they obviously were free. Yes, the lovely thing about all this was riding our own horses, having got them up to peak fitness throughout the Spring and earlier part of the summer, and really benefitting from it all. There's a huge bonding thing about riding for that length of time, and also spending a large amount of time with your horse afterwards in strange places....it was glorious! I never mind answering questions about my horses or the trips I do, I just love it!
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Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From :
Date : 7/20/2005 8:14:00 AM
I still want to come next year. It sounds great.
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Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From : Hayley with Ria
Date : 7/20/2005 8:46:00 AM
What amazing pics. All the horses look good too - and happy!!
Is the foal going to be homed??
Has any of the chaps seen Lona since??
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Subject : re:- A few pic's of Nikki - Italy on the Transhumance Trip....
From : Gem
Date : 7/20/2005 8:49:00 AM
How lovely and to see your girl up there in a year or so will be perfect for you i'm sure,
How is Lona getting along now? any update?
Ps very nice boys, ill bet you feined injury so they had to help you