Wakey Wakey 5

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Subject : Wakey Wakey 5!
From : Nikki - Italy

Date : 18.01.05 7:10:00 AM

Just thought starting No. 5 was a good idea, saves time re-loading!! Just seen OH off on the 7.05am train to Pisa Airport, as he's off to England for a week......whoooopeee, now I can REALLY clean up his stuff!! As much as I adore him, it really is LOVELY when he pushes off for a few days...gives me time to breathe and there's something about having the one you love around 24hrs a day, as he works from home, that casts a spell of apathy and nothing seems to get done. As soon as he's out of the way, off I go! It's bitterly cold out there this morning, minus -9 degrees again and everything as hard as iron with thick ice on the horses water. Just come back in from doing them and needed as least 15mins in front of the kitchen stove with a steaming cup of tea in my hands to warm up! Thanks for the Daisy rein idea, and thanks Sarah for your offer of sending me yours, but I think if I can construct some we'll be fine. It would be too much of a hassel for you to send them to me. Oh this courage and fear thing really gets to me. I loved reading Hazels account of how to get round it, as I really need a strong dose of courage now that OH is not here, and was only thinking earlier how lovely it would be if I could saddle up Orioni and just 'go', but....maybe I should do some ground work first to create a stronger bond. But I do have a problem there, as I have a theory. I did 10 mins of Kelly's Perfect Manners with Lona about 10 months ago, and she went berserk...really the first time she really threatened me in any way. She reared up, came down inches from me and then flattened her ears and lunged big time at me, and all because I asked her to back up!! How awful would it be for my confidence if Orioni behaved badly? He's a different horse, of course, and hasn't got her character in any way, but still these thoughts are there in my brain. But maybe I'll just bring him in and groom him anyway, and see how we go from there....have a lovely day everyone!


Subject : re:- Wakey Wakey 5!
From : Aberlemno

Date : 18.01.05 7:19:00 AM

Hi Nikki

Just written a bit on the WW4 thread, then spotted this one! Hang on in there with your bad boy. I don't do certain things with Fahly either - sending him away in round pen fashion would not be for him. We already have join-up - we're joined at the hip! I do it in the sense of squaring up to him and when he waved a leg once recently, I had had such a bad day, I YELLED at him, and he was so astonished he legged it to the back of the box and was extremely respectful after that - I think he felt my wave of anger, so much as heard it! I don't know what Orioni does to be awkward, but can you long rein him (in an enclosed space if necessary), so he gets the idea that he goes where you put him, before you go out for a ride? Is he very strong too? I don't think you can put Lona and Orioni in the same mindset regarding Perfect Manners groundwork. Will he move away from you in the stable - move away, step back without any problems? I tried clicker training with Fahly, but he is so bright that after two lots of clicking with rewards, by the 3rd time he just mugged me for the reward and said to hell with performing first!

Anyway, can hear G coming downstairs so had better go and get some breakfast for everyone. Back later. Jennie


Subject : re:- Wakey Wakey 5!
From : Sara B

Date : 18.01.05 9:13:00 AM

Morning all... just off to feed and turn out then off to the dentist (requiem playing in background !!LOL) you would actually think that I am having my head amputated the way I carry on when going to the dentist and nota simple filling !! well now you can see why it wouldn't be a good idea for me to have kids seeing as I burst in to tears when I get a splinter !! more LOL...

be back later feeling very sorry for myself hopefully if it doesn't go wrong arghhh (hehe)

don't worry about me as 'I may be some time' ;0) X


Subject : re:- Wakey Wakey 5!
From : Sara B

Date : 18.01.05 12:50:00 AM

I return relatively unscathed... well a very numb face and tongue.. oh how I hate the dentist, funny really its the injection bit that gets me the most, I end up trembling like a scolded whippet in the chair and yet I am more than happy to go round stabbing people with needles like they were moby dick (at work for any one who might stumble across this thread and think that I am some crazy sociopath !!) anyway I am going to have a little nap and then I ought to go get Ted and have a little jog around as it is dry here although beginning to cloud up... wont have that excuse when I get my hackamac oh bugger !!

Nikki again we relate Ted is no Harvey but I am stuck in the frame of mind that he might not be but he's a horse so therefore every bit as capable of pulling the same stunts... however horses as with people come in all different shapes sizes personalities and so on Ted is not mean Harvey was I suppose you have to let the similarity ie he/she is a horse end there cause they are not all the same thank the lord but the I suppose it also comes to one mans meat is another ones poison after all Harvey has now sorted his act out and is very happy being the leader in the hunt !! :0) Why dont you build up riding trust by just setting yourself a little goal (Goodness listen to me the woman who trembles when mounting her steed !!)why dont you tack up and say right today I am going to ride out for 10 mins or to the end of there etc when you have achieved that come home give him a love and thank him... do not think oh this is great its going so well I'll carry on, just build up slowly even if you start getting frustrated thinking you should be doing more just take it steady and end on a high note !! the only reason I say do this is cause thats what I am going to do although I seem to build it up then slip back down again I got to eventually get to the top of this confidence hill !! oh and agree with you re OH mine is away again mon to fri and as wicked as this may sound its great, I get to watch what I want, go to bed when I want without being disturbed a short while later, I get to eat what and when I want... oh the joys of keeping the house tidy too !! love him to bits but he does tend to get under my feet when he's about (bless him sounds like an unwanted dog ;0) !!)

Jennie how are you ? and how is your Mum ? did she develop that cold that you thought she would ? oh I do hope not sounds like you are busy at the mo... oh thought about you last night as I was looking through a superb huge healthy eating cookery book my Dad got me for Xmas, how some of those puddings can be healthy eating lord only knows still I will give some of the recipies a bash soon... so dont be surprised if you hear the sirens of the fire engines from were you are LOL !!

Oh well off till later speak soon Take care X


Subject : re:- Wakey Wakey 5!
From : Hazel

Date : 18.01.05 10:45:00 PM

Sara I hope you re-read your thread to Nikki there, your lovely Ted is not the demon Harvey, any more than you are a nasty anon on here, although you are a human so theoritically ....

I wish both you and Nikki so much luck with regaining your confidence, and wish I was closer to you, and could support you more, but if at any time you need to chat anything through, e-mail any time you like, or post on here, and I'll do my best.

Jennie, I'm sure there was a thread somewhere on here a while ago about bit seating. There is a mixed view on it, I seem to remember, but for some horses it has made a difference. I can't comment on personal experience, since I've not actually seen it in the flesh, so to speak. I think the head circling thing is a real arab trait, and certainly our little lad who does it although a Welshie, is a very araby type. Fortunately our little lad only causes a problem with it when he is being led and the head goes, and he has caught me on the cheek bone before now, and all I can say is OUCH.

I have to say that I do feel that I am doing the right thing for Kirsten with her acting and performing. She gets her stage buzz with her ballet school and school productions, but isn't being created into a stage child, by us pushing. I kind of hope that the bug does wear off, and she decides to take up a more reliable career, but if it is what will make her happy I will support her all the way.


Subject : re:- Wakey Wakey 5!
From : Aberlemno

Date : 19.01.05 7:20:00 AM

Very quickly, as I have been doing Family History for the last half hour and suddenly realised the time - G will be down any minute.

Hazel - I'll do a search on bit seating (my other Araby friend recommended it, but I would rather be more informed before I decide). Kirsten may well see sense in the years to come over her stage career - it's difficult, as you want to do your best for them, but with your adult experience, you know that it wouldn't be the easiest choice of career. Better to be involved in the periphery I think, or on an amateur level. Our stage school are very happy to take your money, but haven't been offering a great deal for it. When it comes to getting to auditions, it's a phone call the night before, an address and you have to drop everything to go hell for leather up to London. I can't do that now with mum as she is, and of course with Fahly in at nights either. I had to explain this to them and they don't ask now.

Sara - I'm an absolute wuss with the dentist too (if you had MY teeth, you'd know why! You know the Pam Ayres poem, I wish I'd looked after me teef . . .) I currently have a wobbly molar post crown, but I am ignoring it since I know it's going to cost mega bucks to put right. He prodded it last time and said it's wobbly you know, so I told him to leave it alone and when it fell out, I would ignore it and not smile . . . The injection is the worst bit by far, but I take myself by the scruff now, look steadfastly at the ceiling and try and think of anything else except teeth or needles. I try to relax, but not easy I admit. It just HAS to be done, and the longer you leave it, the worse (and more expensive) it will be - so . . .

BTW, mum's cold wasn't too bad - just made her a bit dozy, but she was a bit brighter yesterday.

I know where you're coming from with the nerves. Hazel gave some excellent advice - you just (HAH!) have to reprogramme your brain to tone down the nasty experiences and play up the good ones. Fahly has his moments - e.g. the Killer Rabbit the other day - but he is mostly pretty good and if he leaps in the air, he always tries to stay beneath me when we come to ground! Having said that, my bad fall before I got him was when jumping and Fahly has a, shall we say - exuberant - jump. Last time I popped him over a one foot pole (having taken my courage by the throat and held on tight) he stood off from about a stride and a half away and flew it. Blimey! I tend to let the girls jump him instead as he does get a bit wound up - you should have seen him doing the Chase Me Charlie at our local show last year - sideways up to the jump till the last two strides and then PING! Gabby was riding him, and doing very well, but I could see steam coming out of his ears, so decided that after three rounds they could retire gracefully.

Nikki - have you been able to ride? We didn't get the threatened snow here, but I saw a car coming down from the hills with a few inches on its roof yesterday. I have the farrier coming this morning, and have to pick up Tam from town as she went to a Choral evening last night (her boyfriend and her best friend were in the orchestra) and stayed over at Sian's. I want to ride today, if I can fit it in. I actually did some baking yesterday (Choc. Chip Cookies and Plum Muffins) - Keith took one look and said suspiciously, what are you doing all that baking for? As if I had laced it with arsenic or something!

Was it Ann NF who was making Ligurian Fish Stew or you Nikki? Sounded very grand and I can bet your bottom dollar my lot would turn their noses up - Tam's good, but the other two take after Keith, who is highly suspicious of anything not looking like meat and three veg . . .

Off to do breakfast. J


Subject : re:- Wakey Wakey 5!
From : Sara B

Date : 19.01.05 9:21:00 AM

Morning girlies, well I spent the whole of last night tossing and turning in lots of pain feeling a little, actually alot sorry for myself I have woken up this am with a lower jaw that is swollen and hard eeek !! My worry is that these fillings had to be done either side of a crown that I have had numerous infections and abcess's in or near, so now I am thinking, oh o what if he has trapped some nasty bugs in it, cause they were using the holes on the other two teeth as fire exits !! or alternatively I could be bieng a big fairy LOL !!

Hazel its a strange phenomena when I seem to look at horses and am the only one that notices that the requeim is playing in the background,they grow these horns and I am sure their eyes change to a bright red... may be its my imagination again LOL !! No Ted is a very sweet and honest lad and the sooner I start realising this the better for both of us, last night I got a friend to help me bring in and they were as good as gold although I am sure I saw a look on their faces that smugly said... 'we are always good, dont know what she is going on about us running off dragging her behind ...never, she makes it up as she goes along that one !!'
to change the subject my little sister (I say little she's 22 tomo and now married to her italian stallion !!) they did a bunk and got married in hawai (sp ?) a few months ago.. well she was adamant that she would be an actress and the more people that told her she wouldn't made her more determined.. but when she tried to join the big girls club, the rejection audition after audition got to her I think, you got to be a tough cookie to make it in that world...but for a learning experience and a bit of fun its good

Jennie glad your Mum is a bit brighter wont be long till the warmer weather and longer days which seems to be a tonic for most of us oh teeth Jennie I know were you are coming from... mine arent the best I regularily attend the dentist (against my will of course !!) and always seem to have to have something done that hurts my OH has beautiful white and lovely sturdy teeth, yet I am the one who drinks milk by the gallon every day, brushes them religiously twice a day... one look at a sweet and the bloody things explode... NOT FAIR
Your lad certainly sounds like he lurves his jumping but I guess he's not for the faint hearted, he does sound yummy though, I do love arabs, my friend used to have one and to ride she was beautiful... just floated, she did have a bit of a diva attitude though bless her !!

Anyway best be off haven't checked spelling or punctuation so its probably awfull sorry speak soon X


Subject : re:- Wakey Wakey 5!
From : Aberlemno

Date : 19.01.05 8:17:00 PM

I think growing old is going to be fraught with problems. First of all I lost the Gravy Browning - searched high and low for it, but still haven't found it. Then when I went to put a pan of soup in the fridge, I found myself about to put it in the washing machine . . . I think I'd better go and lie down! (I'm worrying now where I DID put that Gravy Browning . . . Better check my knicker drawer . . .)

Sara - as for teeth, if it's any consolation, the really, really white ones often crumble to bits in middle age, whereas the rest of us have their grotty teeth held together with fillings! Loved your statement that the bugs were using the holes in the other teeth as fire exits. ROFL!

Hope that Ted is being on his best behaviour, and that you have put your nerves in a jar in the cupboard. Actually, have you tried Passiflora capsules for nerves? I swear by them - they can stop me getting a panic attack - I used to suffer dreadfully at exam time at Uni. You should be able to get them from Holland and Barrett or any Health Food store. They're non-drowsy and I quite often take one before I have to drive on a busy motorway.

Anyway, I am yawning like anything, so think I will go and chill out before bed. J


Subject : re:- Wakey Wakey 5!
From : gb

Date : 19.01.05 8:51:00 PM

So this is where all the old dg'ers hide, eh? This looks like the kind of thread we used to see, it's comforting to see this.

Anyway Nikki, I had a situation (you probably won't remember me talking about this ages ago), but I had a horse that I'd had since he was 7mths old (my 1st horse). I kept him for about 5yrs, and all the time worried about the time coming that he would be started and I'd have to ride him. He was a stubborn and very opinionated big Highland, and things were never that easy with us really. Everyone that rode him said how great he was, but there was always that element of fear with me. One day shortly after being backed he went crazy, rearing, bucking, etc. with me on board, another day within the same fortnight through me off (think saddle must have been pinching), and shortly after that I ended up in hospital with fractured jaw and concussion, not sure what happened as I had amnaesia. I ended up swapping him for a horse worth next to nothing compared to him, a 3yo Fellx that was about 13.3, I didnt care about the money though, I would have taken a shetland at that time. This was the best thing I could have done, Megan is the most wonderful confidence giver in the world (now 14.1/14.2), everyone wants to ride her that lacks confidence, and I bought Brodie, who's a 4yo, cheekier and not as safe, but after 2 years of being with Megan I was happy to do that and I still am.

I always felt a bit of a failure, until I recently communicated with his new owner, who said she agreed that he has that side to him and has had a lot to go through over the last 3yrs with him.

What I guess I'm getting at here (without knowing your full story with the situation) is that it isn't always you and sometimes things have to change.

Flip side is just go out with your tack, matter of factly and get on, as someone else said, if only for a few minutes - feed, pet and put away again. Next day, get on for a few minutes, get off, feed, pet, put away. Do you think that might work?

Good luck!


Subject : re:- Wakey Wakey 5!
From : Sara B

Date : 19.01.05 10:12:00 PM

hiya gb... there is more where this came from, put in wakey on search and you will see original wakey, then 2, 3, 4, I tell you (although you probably know) these lot could own donkeys with no hind legs on em LOL !!

Jennie will try those capsules, was going to say tabs but best be carefull, otherwise you will end up with a dawn raid by the drug squad, who would undoubtedly find your gravy browning in your knicker drawer... try and explain that one LOL !!

Dolly and Ted were both good again tonight, dear old Dolly she is just the sweetest, most laid back big bird, love her to bits and Ted well what can I say except... sexy, but with a bit of a bad boy image or so he likes to think, I am sure you can hear him telling me to tone it down when he's with his mates and I see him, yelling come on 'mummy's fluffy bunny wunny... whos a little cutie... doh whats wrong with mummys little tiger'
nah I am not that bad ;0)

right I off to bed as I am still feeling sorry for my self, and its swelling up more, so I look like a lop sided hampster !! speak soon X


Subject : re:- Wakey Wakey 5!
From : Hazel

Date : 20.01.05 6:50:00 AM

Sara, you's better stuff a whole load af sweeties in the other 'pouch' then to even yourself up...or maybe not as then you'll need more fillings! Seriously though, does your face normally swell after dentistry? Mine might be vile before, and a bit tender after, but I don't usually swell up, perhaps if it is still bad today, you'd better ring and check with the dentist.

Jennie, you made me laugh about ignoring your wobbly crown, guess what, I've got, well had actually, a crown on the first molar on the top of my mouth, which came out on a particularly gorgeous creamy toffee. It's not at all sore, tooth is dead anyway so I just left it. I got the dentist to put a smooth bit over it, to make sure it didn't go yucky, but now have a very distinguished gap! Iain does mention every now and again that most women would have a fit if they had a gap in their teeth, but I just say it doesn't show too much, and I'd rather have the £150 in the bank. He mutters something about 'no personal pride' and sulks a bit.

Sara just thinking about Ted rushing off when you bring him in. You know I often find with horses that they do what I expect them to. We have a bargey Shire on the yard, who most people wouldn't handle without a budket of nuts. I was detemined to change things and did some groundwork and then started to expect him to behave, and guess what he does. Thing is though he still misbehaves with those people who expect him to, but is an angel with the rest of us! Perhaps you should start expecting him to be good and see what happens, might take a bit of imagination though.LOL.

Got to go the morning rush is under way, and I'm not yet part of it and should be.

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Subject : re:- Wakey Wakey 5!
From : Sara B

Date : 20.01.05 10:35:00 PM

Hiya Hazel... hmmm right once again ! I am thinking I should go back to the evil man with drill tomorrow as I normally dont swell up or get pain like this after a visit to him... before yes maybe, It is still swollen and the pressure on the crown and the teeth either side is unbelieveable, I am stuffing brufen like they are going out of fashion not good but then your a wicked woman too not going back to the dentist after your crown did a bunk !! but then my Dad always had his expression of 'do as I say and not as I do !!' so I guess this is your defence then LOL !!!

The other thing you are oh so right about is my naughty baby Ted, it would appear that bieng led by me he pushes, barges and bounces off me, yet for others butter wouldn't melt !! I agree with your theory, I expect him to rush and he does !! it was funny yesterday as I went up to field to open gate ready for us to do the morning 'power walk' up and in to field and the farmer had the big machine with prongs/grabber on front (you know the ones they use to lift big bales and the like ) well I saw it and thought oh o.. but then thought no I will just ignore it and see what how they react, took them both up together and Ted spotted the evil horse eater, but just eyed it suspiciously, looked at me and Dolly, no reaction from us, so just gave it a small 'I laugh in the face of evil horse eaters' snort and carried merrily on his way, we passed the fire that the farmer was doing and again no reaction so all in all a very good turn out !! this is what I try to do now when riding on the road, I remain aware of all the cars etc but try to ignore anything that appears remotely scarey... generally singing quietly to myself
'mummys not scared so you shouldn't be either' !! its my own tune but rather effective LOL


Jennie I hope all goes well with you as its rather quiet on the Aberlemno front, I hope you have not been detained by the drug squad after my previous post to you or even worse put your computer in the freezer whilst doing your cleaning !! did you ever find that gravy browning LOL I like your thoery about our teeth holding out cause of the fillings so there is hope for my mouth yet with the amount I have got I should have a full set well in to my 80's then !!

Hope you are ok Nikki as you seem to have gone 'dark' since starting this thread....

Also has any one heard from Ann as she too has done a bunk ? !! hope all goes well with her too, I wonder how her Mum is ?

right off now speak soon X


Subject : re:- Wakey Wakey 5!
From : Ann NF

Date : 20.01.05 10:46:00 PM

Hello Everyone,
I`m back again after being submerged by a horrible cold for a few days. Feeling more human tonight thanks to all that caffeine in the Lemsip Max capsules!

Sara - sounds as though the old tooth bugs might be migrating. Don`t leave it long before you go back. It is awful when the anaerobic bugs start having a party in a root - they don`t always want to leave. I had one of those for months a few years ago....
Have you got a Dually for Ted yet? It has made a big difference to leading with my young ones and put a stop to most of the bargyness.

Nikki - I have recently realised that the daughter of a neighbour is living and working very near to you. Sienna is her nearest town and she has been around horse for years. She helped me with an unsuitable pony some years ago. Maybe she would come and ride out with you if you need a confident friend? I`ll e mail about it.
Hope you are enjoying your freedom, although I`m sure you will be just as happy to see OH back again :0)

Jennie - I hope your Mum is better today. Mine has now been moved off the rehab ward as she is so obviously NOT for rehab now. Some difficult decisions and discussions last week. She is so obviously rejecting food and fluid and doesn`t want to stay around in the state she is in. They were discussing doing a "small operation" to put a gastostomy tube into her stomach to feed her . I said that I felt this was totally against what she would want. From the many discussions we have had over the years,I know this would horrify her. A horrible business.... Hospitals seem so worried to let people die with dignity at the end of a long life. They are terrified of being sued . Very sad. I really feel that Mum is suffering as she is, both physically and mentally, so prolonging that is totally the wrong thing to do. I`m sure that is what she is trying to tell us when she pushes away the food and drink with the hand that still works.

One of our Border Collies, Whisper, had his dew claw removed at the vets today. It had been worrying him for several months. A very sleepy, sore dog is now flat out on the lounge carpet :0( I have made a waterproof (I hope) boot with gamgee and duck tape to go over his bandage. I`m just off to try and persuade him to come outside on a lead to "be quick" before we all go to bed. He must have a full bladder by now?!

The NF boys are very happy this week as I opened up a strip of the bottom field so thay have some real grass to eat. Amazing how it has reduced the "stallion" fights and rough play. They are well fed but hay obviously isn`t as comforting as REAL grass!
Flaky is still in with her fragile hoof sole but is happy enough, as long as the "little and often" feeds keep coming.
Off to do last hay and find the Benalin.
Annx


Subject : re:- Wakey Wakey 5!
From : Hazel

Date : 21.01.05 5:54:00 AM

Never mind the drug squad for Jennie, it sounds as though Ann should be the first port of call. Ann, if you don't get a good nights sleep on that lot, apart from the caffiene, which you might have shot yourself in the foot with, you never will. I'm sorry to hear that your Mum is so poorly, but if it helps I think that you are right to feel that 'life at all costs' is not always best. I know that if my Mum has another stroke or severe medical problem we would not want her to receive agressive treatment. She herself has always signed the 'no resusitation' form when she has been into hospital for operations in pre-stroke days, so we know that she would not wish to be kept alive at all costs. Mum has really reached the end of her days, and if she can, I would like her to die with dignity.

On a brighter note, I had to take a customer out for a hack yesterday in the fiercest gale imaginable. The only thing you could hear was the wind howling in the telephone wires, and the roaring of the wind itself. Cars tended to creep up a bit unawares, and made us jump a bit, but the horses were real stars. I decided to use our little araby chap, almost full arab palamino kept as a stallion for 14 years then gelded and broken at that age and now approaching 31. Lanca is a lovely boy but not brave with big vehicles, but today coped well with the couple of vans we met. He managed to not get blown over on the exposed sections and was really very good with hub caps being blown along at him, don't know how that got there, and pigeons trying to fly up in front of him, but going backwards despite desperate flapping. The only problem was by a farm entrance where some blue plastic feed sacks full of rubbish started blowing down the road at him. His little ears met in the middle, he produced a snort audible over the wind and started to reverse. I was just trying to work out how to sort this one out, when the farmer came to the end of the drive in his car, and came to my rescue by chasing after and grabbing the bags. I must admit I'm still trying to puzzle out how I could have got out of the situation if he hadn't come along! All in all though it was a good to be alive ride, and makes me love the old boy even more if that is possible. I think he should come home and live in my garden, well the lounge overnight so he doewn't get cold. Having said that he has started moulting this week, and as I scubbed the mud off his face and ears yesterday I was showered with hair! It seems that all ours with significant arab blood are starting to lose their coats, despite lectures that we could have snow yet and to stop it! I took a few piccies ot the old man on my phone yesterday, and if I can manage to get a yahoo photo folder set up, it won't let me in at the moment, (my reputation must go before me) I would try and get them on here. I defy anyone not to love him.

Sara I hope your mouth is on the mend, there is nothing worse than tooth ache, and the throb of infection. Ouch. I don't know how you can call me evil, that's usually a term reserved for use by clients after half an hour of work without stirrups and being made to do legs away exercises!


Subject : re:- Wakey Wakey 5!
From : Aberlemno

Date : 21.01.05 6:40:00 AM

Back again. Sorry to have been so quiet, but I've been looking for the Gravy Browning still!!! Seriously, I have had the mother and father of all headaches for half the week (after my Bowen session at the weekend I think, exacerbated by several glasses from a winebox which tasted OK in the glass but seems to have had nasty after-effects - affected my breathing too, so obviously laced with preservatives, which I try to avoid).

I've also been hock deep in family history research, and hit the jackpot with my gran's family (Battams) and made contact with a chap who has taken the family tree back to the 1750's in Northants. WOW! Saved me a lot of work. There is a very strong Lacemaking tradition in the family, and my g.g. grandfather was a groom for the Ropers of Northants (very rich family - farmed 650 acres). This goes with another g.g.grandfather who was an Ostler, and a great uncle in Camberwell who was a horse dealer. Now I know where my horsey genes come from!

Sara - have you been back to the dreaded dentist? A swollen face and pain is not the normal reaction to a filling ...

It sounds like the "ignore it, there's nothing there" approach is the best one with Ted - don't expect something to happen or it will. I ride Fahly like this, as he can put in a good spook at times, and has a mortal terror of snakey bits of black plastic flapping in the wind. I just tell him not to be so stupid, relax totally and we skitter past. Just occasionally he will get the heebie-jeebies at a tree - we've ridden past it many a time, but today it's a WET tree and looks very threatening! We can be swinging along in trot and he will suddenly hit a brick wall, which absolutely KILLS my back - feels like I'm catching his front half in my lap. Ow. Shhh - I'm planning to ride today, but if I say it out loud, something will stop it happening. This makes me sound like I can actually RIDE - whereas I know differently : )

Ann - I'm very sorry to hear that your mum is so poorly, and the awful decisions you are having to make for her - although it sounds as if she is still making her own decisions, by deciding not to eat or drink. My mum has days where she will clamp her mouth shut and I have to try and tempt her with different things. Sometimes I get half way through giving her a boiled egg, and she will push my hand away. I have actually got her drinking again though - I tried some little packs of fruit juice which is tastier than squash, and the straw is thinner and goes into her mouth so she is able to drink more easily. She's been doing well with these and I don't have to rely on getting a whole jelly or more down her each day. This must be such a dreadful time for you and I hope you're sleeping OK (mind you, after all your cold remedies you should be out for the count the moment your head touches the pillow).

I hope that Whisper is soon on the mend - another one who has to have his foot protected from the wet. I bet you're brilliant with the duct tape these days!

I wish I could let ours out into another field. The top one is just a sea of mud where they come down for their bucket feed in the mornings - being where the entire field drains onto. I have to feed them their hay up by the top gate now, as it's at least dry up there, even if it does mean trudging up the lane with a Mollichaff bag full of hay, looking like Father Christmas in mufti.

Hazel - I took one look at our gales yesterday, and thought, perhaps not today! I hate it when you can't hear the traffic coming. I don't know what your lanes are like, but ours have sharp bends and steep sides and if you come upon a vehicle suddenly, there's not a lot of room to manoeuvre - especially if you meet the Milk Tanker coming down the hill towards you.

Lanca sounds absolutely gorgeous. It's just as well the farmer came along when he did, or you'd have had reverse gear going all the way home! Moulting already? Ours haven't started yet, but Fahly will have to have a very thorough grooming today, since he is wearing half the paddock, so I shall soon find out if he has joined in with your Araby lot.

Anyway, for once I have joined you in the morning. Off to check out the rest of the DG now. Jennie


Subject : re:- Wakey Wakey 5!
From : Ann NF

Date : 21.01.05 10:28:00 PM

Just before I hit the Benalin again.....:0)
Interesting about the Arabian moult. I noticed today that Flaky ( Section D x Arab) is moulting a lot on her face. She enjoyed a good face groom and scratching session today and we got lots out between us. The rest of her is just beginning to moult. I had assumed it was because she is inside, wears a stable rug unless it is really warm, and her body thinks it doesn`t need the winter coat any more.
She has never grown a thick coat. I was expecting a good Welsh coat the first winter that we had her, but it never arrived so we ended up buying her a NZ rug.
She was lonely today because the NF boys were down in the bottom field out of sight. I spotted Bobbin`s Mum and her extended family outside the back gate, so I threw them all some hay so that Flaky could see some friends through her back window and hear them munching companionably.
Jennie - I am not surprised about the headaches! Not just the dodgy wine but the 24/7 stress of caring for your Mum at home. On the other hand, at least you do know exactly what is going on so that the right things are being done. I now just have to trust the carers at the hospital. It has been frustrating not going in with this cold. I will go tomorrow whatever. It is such a responsibility when someone cannot speak for themselves any more. I too am a fan of those little packs of fruit juice. One of the only things Mum still enjoys drinking - sometimes....
Hazel - I think you are VERY BRAVE and yes, Lanca does sound lovely :0)


Subject : re:- Wakey Wakey 5!
From : Aberlemno

Date : 22.01.05 7:58:00 AM

Whoopee! Got to ride yesterday, and we had quite a whizzy ride at that. Because he's only been turned out since Saturday, he was on his toes - just a bit! I could see our shadow on the hedgerow as we rode along (when we were going slowly enough that was) - me (in my large wannabe-Council Roadmenders' high-viz jacket: I look like a large fluorescent cone-shaped firework!!) and my chunky lad, neck arched, nostrils flared and tail up like a flag-pole, looking like he was about to go into battle. Oh, I love him to bits .....

He was SO on his toes, eating up steep hills like they were flat, jogging, curvetting, and enjoying himself so much. We had a few OMG moments though - he really didn't know what to make of the Shetlands up at Isaac's old farm, especially as they appeared to have no visible form of support (they were lieing down), and the youngsters in the field opposite were hurtling about like loonies.

On the 2nd half of our ride, I thought he had settled down, and we had a gentle trot. The trot began to increase in its dimensions and became a BIG trot - his shoulders looked like pistons and he flew, and just when I thought he couldn't possibly extend any more, he upped it a gear! The POWER was absolutely mind-blowing. I've never known anything like it on any other horse I've ever ridden. He came back to hand nicely and was hardly blowing, so he's obviously fitter than I give him credit for. Can't wait for the weather to improve a bit and I can box him up towards Llanybydder and do some off-road rides with him. I've got him back in his lozenge snaffle and running martingale now, and he went really nicely in it yesterday because he was going forward. He does have his days where he procrastinates and evades contact, and becomes my Arab PLOD.

Ann - another moulting one. Fahly is losing the odd hair here and there, but nothing yet. It's been so mild though, that I can see them all starting soon - and we usually don't get snow until March! Flakey obviously enjoys having company and I bet Bobbin's mum and friends appreciate the hay.

I hope your cold is better now so that you can go and visit your mum again. Is she able to talk at all? Mum mumbles sometimes, and then sometimes comes out with a perfectly intelligable statement - yesterday's was about the wild birds at the nut nets outside her window (today's job - CLEAN the windows!) I felt really lousy first thing yesterday, but thought a ride might clear my head, and it did.

Sara - I hope that your toof is better now and you don't look like a lop-sided hamster any longer.

Anyway folks, time to go and feed round outside - I expect there is a long queue of cats by now. We have a new tom on the block - a real beauty of a big tabby with big white stockings and half a white face. He's a real bruiser of a lad, and perfectly tame. We call him Buster and he is definitely No. 1 tom. Poor old white cat aka Snowy and wannebe-housecat Timmy disappear when they see him coming. The number of stray cats round here never ceases and they all come to MY door . . . Guess I have SUCKER written across my forehead!




Subject : re:- Wakey Wakey 5!
From : Aberlemno

Date : 22.01.05 8:10:00 PM

I've just reread this morning's posting and it sounds like I'm showing off. Fahly just did his over-the-top Arab impression. He is such an easy ride - forward going and responds to the slightest leg aid and makes even me look like I can ride! Trouble is, he spoils me for any horse you have to WORK on and then my true calibre is shown up! Because I know him well, I'm not nervous on him (till we jump).

I've just been out to check him, carrying a big torch. (That is, I was carrying the torch, not him!) He is fascinated by torches and wants to check then out with his nose - can he make the light go out? Bless him, he's so funny. He had got wet out in the field with the girls, and I was scratching his poll - he got over-enthusiastic and nearly knocked me over as he suddenly pushed his head into my side and rubbed all the itchy bits. The wind is getting up now, and by the way the window is rattling, I think it's from the east, so I may have to go and shut his usual top door and open the other one so he's not in a roaring gale all night long.

Think of me tomorrow morning as I have a lovely job to look forward to - I was given a brace of freshly-shot rabbits today, so I have to get them ready for the freezer. NOT my favourite job I must admit, but it's free food and about as organic as meat comes.

Nikki's gone very quiet (and Carol, who I suspect is working flat out). Hope you're OK girls.

[Admin]

Subject : re:- Wakey Wakey 5!
From : Hazel

Date : 23.01.05 6:37:00 AM

Jennie what is it about arabs and part breds, they just have such power and such a long stride, even when they are only little. I must admit that my favourties on our yard are Lanca mentioned above and Silk who is half arab, but shares the oomph factor. We have a 16.3hh ex-racer on the yard, but until you get into gallop, she doesn't have anything like the power of Lanca, 14.2 or Silk 15.2.

Just peered out into the dark garden, and we don't have snow this morning, boo hoo, but it looks absolutely freezing, and I'm not much looking forward to standing in the manege for 5 hours teaching today! Think I might have to, at long last get the thermals out, we don't seem to have had any really cold weather yet, so I think they are burie at the back of the wardrobe somewhere. It's always funny when I pick up the younger girls from school after work, because all the normal people are shivering in 52 layers of clothing, and I am in a t-shirt and a jumper, still sweating from putting out bales of hay in knee deep mud! I always find though that I am lovely and warm until I get indoors, when I am suddenly freezing and in need of a bath or a very hot shower. Today my girls are having to join the younger childrens lesson at the beginning of the morning due to the later lessons being so busy, which means that there is no time to go home aftersten and myslef off,so they will be out in the cold for a long time today, not a problem for the little ones but I bet Iain is frozen. He is diabetic and I think his circulation is a bit duff, and also whereas the kids will grab a brush and groom something, Iain will just stand and freeze.

Well if I'm not frozen into the sand in the manege as a kind of ice sculpture, I'll speak soon. Nikki and Carol, what are you two up to?


Subject : re:- Wakey Wakey 5!
From : carol

Date : 23.01.05 7:18:00 AM

Here I am, up early as usual.

I have been working flat out, followed by laying down flat out afterwards going "oooh my back, oooh my knees....."!! and sleeping like a baby.
I'm a groom who hasn't done a lot of grooming so far, most of the time I'm mucking out and lugging huge bales of shavings and haynets the size of small planets. On the plus though I've lost an inch off of my waist in just three weeks. I'm starting to get to know the three horses characters better.Fynn, 17.2, built like a juggernaut,ex masters horse, is quite ponyish in his ways, loves scratches and cuddles and goes all soppy when you play with his ears. Freddie, TB, loves that game when you put his rug on he whips his head round and pulls it off from the other side. He also loves playing with zips on jackets, and having his tongue squeezed...very odd.
Jack, Irish sports horse, is the one I worry about. Something has happened to him with a previous owner I think. He's very withdrawn, and behaves almost too perfectly. He's got a very shut off expression, dislikes being spoken to directly and gets very uncomfortable if you happen to look him in the eye. I've been spending time just standing near him but half-turned away,breathing slowly and deeply and doing "sighs", and then taking a couple of steps away. He actually stepped after me last week and nudged my arm.......and then looked scared like he'd done something wrong. Patience.......I'll get there with him.
I had a chat with celebrity owner last week too, about Monty Roberts, celebrity owner is very interested, except he kept calling him Monty Don.
So that's work. My own horses meanwhile are fine, except Rupert still has a lump on his spine and I'm arranging for him to go and have a scan, as neither the vet or the chiro lady know what's going on with his back. And I MUST find a nice loan home for Mavis Cruett, my piebald shettie girl. She's backed and going really well, but she won't be a pony for tiny children to amble about on as she's extremely whizzy. She'd make a great Shetland Grand National pony.

Um, can't think of much else right now. I'm dreading going out into the frozen wastes this morning too Hazel,although I've just looked outside and there's not a cloud in sight, so at least it's going to a sunny day.

love Carol xxx


Subject : re:- Wakey Wakey 5!
From : Aberlemno

Date : 23.01.05 7:26:00 AM

Hazel - yes, the oomph factor certainly sums Arabs and part breds up doesn't it. Fahly's about 15.1, but rides like 16.2 - he has a tremendous length of stride and is incredibly scopey to jump. I don't think he's that fast (little short-legged 13hh fatso Itsy is, surprisingly) but at trot - well. George Borrow wrote of riding a Welsh Cob that trotted at about 16mph (and kept it up for miles) - I wouldn't be surprised if Fahly wasn't going that fast on Friday. I don't let him do it for long though, because of it jarring his legs, but while it lasts it's exhilerating.

I don't envy you the 5 hours' teaching outside today. Hope you find your long johns in time! It's too dark to see what the weather is outside, but no snow (I'd notice that). I hope your girls enjoy their lesson today. My two had a whole hour without stirrups on Friday, but mainly at the walk. Rhianne had them lifting up their heel towards the cantle and touching it with the opposite hand. Half the riders couldn't do it - and this is teenage kids. Of course, says she smugly, my two had no trouble : )

You do get warm working outside. I can remember when I worked with hunters, mucking out in a t-shirt (and johds I hasten to add) in the snow, and I never got a cold either. I'm not quite so hardy these days though.

You'll have to pack a hot thermos of coffee and a hotty botty for Iain to shove under his jumper! Enjoy your day. Jennie


Subject : re:- Wakey Wakey 5!
From : Nikki - Italy

Date : 24.01.05 5:14:00 AM

Hi everyone, yes, yes I know I've been remiss but actually,- and it's a bit odd, - I've been sleeping really well just recently, and been sleeping in an hour most mornings! Then, panic-ridden, rushing about, getting children ready for school, and doing the horses much later than usual, much to their disgust and indignation, by the look on their faces!! Then, when there is a quiet period, sneaking on here and really not having too much to add, so I thought I'd save up! Well, to be honest, I STILL haven't got too much to add other than when the Vet. Paolo, came the other day he wanted to see Lona....so we walked down to the field where they were and called them over and she came first, as predicted and just stood, very close to me while we were talking....he reckoned at a glance there wasn't anything neurologically wrong with her, he gave me alsorts of examples of horses with brain tumours, non of which she showed any signs of...then he went into the field and put his hand on her nose to hold her, and proceeded to stroke her neck and chest, both big 'no go' areas with her and she started (much to my relief I might add as I was beginning to think I was fabricting the whole thing) and to give him his dues, he didn't leap out of the field as any normal person would have done, he stayed with her until she stopped and then calmly removed himself, after having put himself in considerable danger I might add...he reckoned she had escalating bahavioural problems, maybe caused by a shift in leadership in the herd. He suggested that she may find life easier in a field by herself, which is exactly what KAS and her friend Shuna suggested when they were here, trying to sort her out. But that option is not really practical as you can bet your bottom dollar that as soon as the others moved off out of ear shot and sight she would go ballistic...He understood perfectly that she was no longer fun to be around and it had gone sour, and reckoned the 'herd' idea, (putting her in one) was the best option. He knew no one who would take her on, although he did phone, as we were standing chatting to Lona, another Parelli branch and they gave the same story as the one I found...'give' them the horse, spend a lot on livery, and allow them to sell her to a Parelli home after re-training and keep the cash..that's no real guarentee either that she won't end up going to the meat man...so the herd it is, and OH is returning tomorrow and we plan to drive down and speak to our friend face to face, spend a night and return home. Get it sorted, once and for all, before the Spring arrives and she gets impossible. Paolo the Vet said he would never put a horse down like this, she's not ill...and suggested the 'commanciante' the horse-dealers....whaaaaaaaaat, I said, that's the cruelest way, she would be passed piller to post, being mis-handled and badly treated because of her behaviour, and may even eventually actually hurt someone or worse... So I ended up feeling slightly disappointed that my lovely, young, American-trained, well-educated Vet could still think that passing a horse on to the dealers was a better fate for it that putting it to sleep. I don't know, maybe I have some pretty odd ideas, but considering the thousands upon thousands of unwanted horses in the world, surely putting some to sleep because of escalating behavioural problems would slightly, very slightly relieve the numbers? He was shocked I think, and I was disappointed, well, so what......,.
My bonding, on the other hand, with Orioni, has gone from strength to strength as I have been riding him, out with my daughter, every day and he's FABULOUS, I adore him, and now realize his playing about is purely ignorance of the situation, and he just needs more of the same to get him to trust me and vice versa. I really feel very positive about him...thank goodness as my confidence levels with dealing with horses was really beginning to plummet. We've had a mass of snow and it's really very boggy and muddy out there, and today, altho' it's Monday, the girls aren't going to school as apparently Siena is all snowed up and although the public transport is running, sporadically, there doesn't seem to be a reliable service to get them to school and back. It's only minus -3 out there this morning, but the roads are probably lethal....I am sorry I haven't remarked on anyones' posts but there are so many, and I've been so lax but glad everyone is doing fine. One thing I have suffered, (for want of a better word!) is freezing cold feet when out riding...my hands, face and body are fine, but it's my feet that are like blocks of ice. What do you all ride in to keep them warm?


Subject : re:- Wakey Wakey 5!
From : Aberlemno

Date : 24.01.05 6:47:00 PM

Nikki - I loved the nonchalent "Only minus 3 out there this morning". Blimey. If it was minus 3 here we'd be up to our armpits in snow, as it's always raining!

It's been cold here the past couple of days, but the sun was out this afternoon and so Fahly and I cut brambles in the paddock. That is to say, I cut the brambles, and Fahly was under the impression he was helping me! He was thrilled to bits to have me out there with him - he just adores being around me, so I always feel guilty if I'm having a busy day and only manage to "see" him when I am turning him out, bringing him in and feeding him/changing his rugs. Anyway, that's a couple of hours work put in and a rather small area has been cleared. I need to do the little triangle of the paddock by the stream too, and I really should clear the brambles in the top field too. Keith has decided, however, that this falls into the category of MY work. Is there anything that doesn't, I ask myself?

At least you know now that Lona's problem is not a physical one, so it sounds like the sooner she becomes part of the herd, the better. I hope your trip goes well for you, and you manage to sort it out with Manglio was it?

Orioni sounds like he is really settling down with you - quite a relief, as Lona's behaviour is bound to knock your confidence. Have the daisy reins worked with Hercules?

Carol - loved hearing about the horses you work with. Freddie, who likes having his tongue held, is not alone. A gorgeous and feisty ex Swiss Olympic horse where Tam worked last winter, would also put his tongue out for you to "hold". Very odd. I hope you are able to bring Jack out of his shell - poor chap, sounds like he's had a bad time somewhere.

I hope that Rupert's back is sorted out soon - does he have to go to Bristol for the scan? Good luck with finding a home for Mavis Cruett too - where DID she get her name from?!

Have got to dash now, as Gabby needs the computer to do her homework. Typical! Jennie


Subject : re:- Wakey Wakey 5!
From : Sara B

Date : 24.01.05 10:05:00 PM

hello all I am back and in one piece (kind of !!) all be it typing with one hand I shall tell you that story shortly !! are you ready for a long one ;0)

My face is alot better and the swelling and pain subsided after a couple of days so I am guessing 'o evil one with drill' didn't do to much damage and the bugs must have found an alternative escape route LOL !!

Now the almost in one piece story erm (looking rather pink and sheepish and hoping that Sarah W doesnt read this and that you lot wont judge !!) after my 'low' time with my Teddy bear I decided that we would do something that would be fun, promote bonding and get both dolly mixtures out and about, so suggested to OH that we take horses and dogs out for a lovely pinic on the plain, he agreed and off we set with springers, two horses looking rather amazed at the idea of 'walkies' and back pack full of sandwiches, sausages flask of tea etc... the one very stupid flaw with my planning was I thought that head/pressure halters and rugs would suffice (yes I know but hindsight is a wonderfull thing !!) so off we go, having a few problems with Teddy getting a little bit over enthusiastic so OH takes him and back pack, I am with dogs and Dolly, all goes well out on to the plain, oh what a wonderfull sunny but cold day.

My mixtures had other ideas not content with getting heads down and grazing, wandered around constantly, froze when people walked past, Ted decided that he liked egg mayo sarnies and spent his whole time mugging me for them, when he didn't get one he turned his attention to the sausages, which were being guarded by an increasingly cross Rosie who looked like something from American werewolf by the end cause Ted wouldn't back off !! in the back ground was OH muttering away about horses, stupid plan, etc !! So after freezing gracefully for about 1 hour pretending I was having a marvelous time I decided that I would admit that this was probably not one of my better idea and that we should head home !!

TERRIFIC 5 scramblers on their muddy and roaring bikes flew past I was calming both Ted OH and myself then Dolly decides that now would be a good time to prat around and elegantly canters round my OH... he was as calm as a calm thing, spoke to her, did all the right things and dealt with her fantastically, I was very impressed !! but this set the scene for the whole walk home with us circling and halting and calming ok this gets to the cringe bit ....

If you know the plain then you are aware of all of the slippery chalky different gradient tracks whilst walking Ted behind dolly and OH he decided to spin and jump up on to a 'ledge' about 4/5 feet of the ground surprised me but the more surprising thing is when I went to get him down he LEAPT all four feet of the higher ground sailed above me legs beautifully tucked up, rather reminiscent of something from the spanish riding school (you probably got the picture !!) he landed on this slippery chalk track and thankfully just went 'tadah' rather than oh bugger that hurt !! both OH and I just looked at each other amazed and stunned with my comment being well he jumps like a stag and is very bold maybe we could do XC !! silly comment I know but I was horrified !!

Anyway we proceeded then 'BANG' Ted cantering... try to turn head... Ted now galloping... silly mummy thinks she can hold x amounts of 100 lb horse trys but fails... lets go,off screeches Ted down the track, my thoughts, a) my baby he is too young to be galavanting on his own !! b) arghh the vets bills c) a few thousand pounds worth of animal running in direction of road d) potentially fatal to any one in his path cars, bikes, pedestrians... himself !! Dolly stood still and watched with a wise look, OH stunned, Dogs dashing for cover from said furry marauding beast... Ted takes a short cut away from road through a gap in hedge and doubles back on himself I could hear him full steam ahead running back up hedge visions of being caught in long line ohhh to horrible to think about he dashed up to his jumping ledge ready to take off further in to plain when Dolly still with wise look and still very calm, let out the most almighty bellow.... Ted turns sees us and gallops towards us dogs again heading for cover he swerves to miss me and sliding stops by Dolly and OH by now he has grown about two foot in hieght and width and is giving proper snorts.... OH leads him home and Ted shaken but calmer follows happily I have dogs and Dolly again...

The out come of this fun promoting time together ... it looks as if I have either broken/ dislocated ring finger, it is swollen (OH had to pull ring off on returning home whilst I was screaming for mercy) I swore that it would come off and that it was not to be cut off... said finger now about the size of my big toe and bruising rapidly, I cant bend or straighten it someone even questioned wether I had 'done the tendons in' no idea but I really dont want to go to hospital even though I know I should I am just frightened about what they might do I hate pain and at the mo I can handle not moving or using finger/ hand !! also mildly sprained my previoulsy badly sprained (thank you harvey !!) ankle but hey I am kidding myself and think I am a big tough bird !! I will see how it is tomorrow and go in if its as bad as today but like I pointed out (and as you have probably experienced ) I ahve to keep going as OH is not around during week to muck out, do horses, dogs, cats, fish etc so I would be reluctant to be out of action !!

Anyway going back to Ted I asked my friend to come see him as she has an arse like superglue and balls as big as a house, if she would assess Ted to see if it was him or me with big problems (it has been decided that Ted needs to get working again, cause he's a little monkey with out it, devising his own entertainment like breaking out the field and galloping round yard only to jump back in field when he realises he has been cornered by riding buddy but that another story LOL !!)

Any way I digress she got on him fresh from the stable took him up to field and worked him gradually picking up pace (although she was exhausted cause she is used to riding fully fit and hairy scary race horses as her father is a trainer !!)Ted took alot of coaxing to go forward and she was singing away to him 'come on lazy lad etc ;0) ??!! she loved him and he loved working and by the end was cantering round the field happily...

Then this is the bit I am SOOO proud of, I got on with one hand out of action and a gamy ankle and he was as good as gold and I DID IT girlies, I was cantering him round the field like a thing possessed !! and he loved it and so did I, my friend said she could tell when I went in to canter I was scared, but I did it and the more I did it and realised that nothing bad was going to happen the more I relaxed... I am on top of the world today, I said to myself today (after the rifting I got from my OH about badly behaved horses and a reflection of my horse manship !!) that this was it, if I couldn't get over my fear with Ted, then we would have to part ways as he is too young to be used as a plod and he wants to do more I think... and as I love the fluffy ikle toad to bits, I am determined to 'get there' and we are going to become a partnership, its going to take time and lots of patience, but I just know we are going to really enjoy it when we get there :0)I am excited but nervous as we are going up to work Ted tommorrow am and I am going to ride him from the stable this time and I feel alot more confident about it than I did this morning, my friend is ace with confidence building and is more than happy to help us as she said today she would be ' over the moon as he is worth his weight in gold and is a real little gentleman, she wants to see me enjoying riding and him again' so I guess I will have to wait for a while before we do olympia but hey it will be worth the wait !!


Sorry to go on but I am just thrilled with my achievement... I have been reading all your posts and it sounds as if everyone is getting on ok...

Ann my thoughts are with you for your Mum, take care of yourself too, as you are important and sometimes when fighting against the tide we forget this

Nikki it sounds cold, but it too sounds like you are getting back on track with your confidence yippee and your girl just sounds like she needs to be a horse and you are kind enough to give her that chance

Hazel yippeeee my achievement (had to get that in again !!) I dont envy you freezing your bits off whilst teaching shame you cant have a hot toddy cause its a bloody good excuse to have one ;0)

Carol sounds like you have got your handsfull with all your charactures you work with... I love the sound of mavis ! good luck with your boys scan

and last but not least

Jennie you sound like you are having a grand time with your boy he sounds lovely, did you ever find the gravy browning by the way ? LOL or did I miss that thread... I hope you are feeling better and your Mum is holding her own

Oh well better go cause its taken me forever to type this speak soon X

[Admin]

Subject : re:- Wakey Wakey 5!
From : Nikki - Italy

Date : 25.01.05 5:23:00 AM

Oh god, what an hilarious account Sarah! Your story is just the stuff to start off my day! How brave you are, and how great you are gaining all this confidence, well done. Something 'big' has clicked with Orioni and me too, and today I am going out for a few minutes by myself...I WILL BE SINGING and saying ridiculous things to him and me, as strangely, and this is not a brag, my voice seems to calm him! He appears to really listen to what I am saying, and when he gets stressed, ie. he's last in line he thinks huge monsters are about to pounce on his bum, when first, which he normally is as he has a phenomenally fast walk, he thinks trees and whatnot will attack. Yesterday for example Chloe and I were walking down a track, a well-known route for us, and 2 men from some vines nearby came walking towards us.....Orioni jammed on his brakes, head came up very high, and the snorting began....'ooooooooh, he said, they're going to kill me, help,' but oddly, with some ridiculous words of encourgement from me and a great deal of rubbing his poll, (yes, his head was that high!) he walked tentatively on...so, really, at the end of the day I think it's practise he needs, and I am beginning to feel that he won't do anything ghastly....well, it's about time, I've had him nearly 2 yrs and he's only been used with various friends who came out with me when I was on Lona, so he's never had the chance to actually go out there and do it himself....and what a relief to actually be able to fling my arms round his neck and breathe in his lovely horsey smell and say thank you, after a ride, instead of practically getting my face ripped off with Lona....OH is back today, so then hopefully at some point this week or early next we will be fixing up her future.
I love reading everyones posts on here, what a nice bunch of people we all sound!! Maybe we should do a Wakey Wakey meet up!!


Subject : re:- Wakey Wakey 5!
From : Hazel

Date : 25.01.05 6:33:00 AM

I'm really quite pleased and excited that both Nikki and Sara are making such big strides forward. Both your horses are stars, with huge characters and those are the kind of horses that you can establish a superb bond with, and you are both on the way. Sara there must be something in the air about fingers at the moment, as you are the third person I know with (?) broken fingers. Floraidh's (no 3 daughter) best friend broke a finger at school last week, falling over in the playground. A friend of mine had an obscure accident loading her Welsh Cob, who is an angel to load and wasn't being any trouble himself, when the horses in the lorry next to her trailer went nuts just as my friend was starting to ties her lad up. He was startled and jumped back three strides, then stepped back up to be tied up. Trouble was the rope whipped through my frieds fingers, she had let go for safety as I always told her to, but there was a small knot in the rope, and it smashed the middle three fingers of her right hand. OUCH.

Speaking of this friend she obviously can't ride at the moment, her fingers don't work at all yet, and she wanted him to have more work than just with her daughter at weekends. So yesterday I went to ride him for her, and due to transport difficulties we had to try and use a corner of the field, which was rather smooth and slippery. He normally works here with his younger rider in the summer with no trouble at all, but yesterday the whold of one side was full of scarey monsters and he kept spooking and spinning around, scaring the owner out of her wits as she kept saying "he doesn't normally do this". The slippy ground didn't help as he slid all over the place when he spooked so that kind of confirmed there was something to worry about. So I decided to take him out round the village instead. He doesn't normally go out by himself without being on the lead rein, and was a bit keyed up anyway, so you can imagine his reaction to the fact that it was bin day, rabbits were running scared, horses in adjacent fields all wanted to play, and bicycles kept appearing from behind and creeping up on him! This nice gentle little mother daughter first horse share, turned into a huge puffing beast, have to say it was real fun, but the owner couldn't believe him.

Sunday was so cold here, there was still ice on the roads at lunchtime, and our manege was frozen until 11am. So there am I togged up for standing still in the cold, having to take out a lead rein hack round the lanes for the first hour. I was leading Catriona because she was on a cob with suspect eyesight who normally doewn't hack out, as he is very spooky and tends to bolt if spooked. She doesn't care less of course and her relaxation and the fact that I led him, he trusts me a lot, meant that we only had one small incident when we met an old english sheepdog which Ben thought was a bear with carnivorous intent, and that was just a bit of speeding up and a spin round to keep his eyes on it until it was out of harms way. So you can imagine me with my thick layers walking and running round the lanes for an hour. Afterwards I think that the sweat was dripping out of my sleeves!

Nikkin I would love a Wakey Wakey meet uup but don't know how it would be possible as we are quite far spread aren't we.


Subject : re:- Wakey Wakey 5!
From : Sara B

Date : 25.01.05 3:41:00 PM

hello... I sit before you looking slightly bedraggled, cold and tired but.... THRILLED... YIPPEEE WOOOHOOO as planned I went up to field on Ted this am and worked him, and I find this very amusing, despite all my fears of him galloping off in to the distance with me I am beginning to suspect that this might not actually happen !! WHY ? I hear you ask well I am considering changing Ted's name to MARY... mary mary quite contrairy (sp)!!

My friend came up with me and fell about as Ted and I 'worked' becasue quite frankly if he went any slower we would be going back in time !! it seems that in a confined space I can summon up the courage to 'get after him' and get him moving but Ted has decided that actually this 'getting after' buisness is too much like hard work and at any opportunity will go back to slow...slower...or stop !! as friend pointed out in between her fits of giggles and my puffing, panting and sweating, he is too laid back to bolt !! but she also said because I am feeling stronger and more confident in the field rather than hacking out in the huge open plain he will behave himself because he can feel that I am relaxed so he feels chilled

Again I cantered up and down field but this time there was a difference I was a) more willing to do it and b) I actually enjoyed it and was grinning from ear to ear by the end... cant wait for tommorrow amazingly one of the other horses in the field next to mine was galloping full tilt up and down because his 'girlfriend' had gone for a hack so he was protesting... Ted just stood and looked at this horse in total amazement as if to say 'blimey I wouldn't bother putting that much effort in to it mate !!' so again he has shown that he is trustworthy and kind and it seems that I might be getting this message to my brain very slowly !! obviously we will have to build confidence with faster work with other horses around or on the plain by ourselves but I am just taking every step as it comes and will tackle that when I feel we are ready !!

Nikki you sound as if you are doing sooo well too, your voice will calm him but also will calm you too cause you are taking your mind off of potential monsters you are breathing rather than panicking holding your breath or breathing rapidly and hence you will relax... isn't it such a great feeling when it start coming together.. having horses is a labour of love and to get something so wonderfull in return is fab

Hazel doesn't it make you laugh with the 'oh my goodness he/she doesn't normally do that' phrase !! you sound like you had a good time with the it was fun comment'... my comment would've been 'anyone have a spare pair of pants' !!

I love reading these posts too, I enjoy hearing what every one has been up to and what is going on in their lives, call it an occupational hazard me= nosey !! it would be fab if wakey crew could ever meet up as it if it is possible we will have to try to do it

Anyway off to lie down on sofa !! before I get my ponies in speak soon X


Subject : re:- Wakey Wakey 5!
From : Nikki - Italy

Date : 26.01.05 4:53:00 AM

Oh god, well, I didn't go out on Orioni yesterday as it was blowing a gale and flurries of snow, and it was miserable out there. But my 'oh god' bit is because I was chatting to OH last night, as he had just got back, and was telling him how enthusiastic I felt about Orioni, and that I was going out the next day, alone, on him and OH said, 'Hmm, wouldn't bother, you'll have problems, he'll be a pain in the a***, better just to stay riding in company,' I couldn't believe this negative attitude, and I had been feeling so great about things, so positive, and now I have this huge knot in my stomach and don't want to do it, (says she stamping her foot) I WILL make myself do it tho', if only to prove OH wrong, but how can a few words just blow my confidence skywards? I was feeling so great about it all and now this I keep thinking about all the negative factors, like it's too cold, Orioni will be too friskey, too windy, ditto, too icey, we'll slip if he plays up, ...these things are screaming at me now, and yet there is this nagging feeling that I HAVE to do it, just get on and do it, and unlike you Sarah, I have no one there to crease up and make it fun, I'll be like the 'singing (hysterical) rider' of Chianti....maybe all I need are a few words from you guys!


Subject : re:- Wakey Wakey 5!
From : Hazel

Date : 26.01.05 6:16:00 AM

Sara, I think it is wonderful the way you are starting to enjoy your young man, he sounds delightful. Keep replaying all those fun moments, and the enjoyment through your head to reinforce how good you feel about him and it will become the norm.

Nikki it is easy for someone to knock your confidence with a couple of little words if you are only just peeping up over the edge of the trench of fear. I bet your OH wouldn't have meant that at all, and probably even thought you would want him to give you safety first, careful, careful kind of comments because he doesn't realise that you are starting to be more confident and not need a let out clause to not do more taxing things. If you feel ready to take on a little hack on your own with Orioni, then do it. Remember you don't even need to ride all the way, you could lead him out and just ride back, and you also don't need to go very far, 20 minutes or half and hour is a good start. If Orioni is a little awkward to staart with it isn't just you, he has to learn to go out and about on his own, just as all horses do, and plenty of us will have to jump off and walk, or sit out the 'I don't want to go that way' stops. That is not your failure, just Orioni's education. Try and get a good song 'on the brain' before you go out and then you'll have trouble stopping singing, that should keep you going!LOL

I have a young friend who has bought her first horse and I think I told you she was having problems because he had bolted and she has lost her confidence. She has been long lining him and taking him out and about like that to boost his confidence and things are starting to go well. Unfortunately he is recovering from a nasty kick in the field, so whe can't work him just now. Well on Sunday all the other horses at the yard went out for a hack and he got a bit stressed in the field. So Deb went in to be with him, he immediately joined up with her, and they went walkies round the field, played a few games, and then Deb pretended to eat the grass so he started to graze, then she lay down and he lay down next to her! She was over the moon, and they are starting to build a real partnership which will hopefully give her the confidence to sort out his other problems.


Subject : re:- Wakey Wakey 5!
From : Sara B

Date : 26.01.05 8:18:00 AM

Hiya all, just a quick one for now as I am going to ride Ted in a min

Nikki try not to be disheartened, men are the pain in the a**e LOL !! they try to be helpfull but seem to get it wrong, I would take it that your OH was (as Hazel says) trying to protect you and is probably worried that if things get a bit hairy scarey he is not there to 'rescue' his fair maiden... although said fair maiden sounds like she was getting along great and rescuing herself a couple of weekends ago My Oh said he didn't want me going out on the roads cause it was to dangerous... not because of Ted but because of the loony car drivers that seem to 'go faster' when they see a horse, I now am worried about going out on the road and haven't been out by myself since this comment, the problem is to get to the plain I need to go up the road !!

I am lucky that someone is around to make it fun... but sadly she is off to start her own yard on 1st of Feb so that will be the test of my confidence !!

Hazel I agree I keep chuckling to myself about my 'schooling' session yesterday... it was very reminiscent (?sp)of pony club, all ideas of being gracefull and 'dressage' like were blown out the water by Ted, but hey who cares he loved it and is happier than I've seen him in a long time and I loved so thats all that matters I guess ! but rather amusing to say the least !

Oh well best be off will come and let you know how I got on later

Speak soon X


Subject : re:- Wakey Wakey 5!
From : Sara B

Date : 26.01.05 8:23:00 AM

Of forgot to say Nikki there is nothing wrong with bieng a 'self preservation' rider... I think we are normally classed as the 'nervous' rider but I think this is a bit derogatory, hence my new classification LOL... I too would not go out if it is howling with wind and blizzards and stuff, as you get older and wiser you see all the dangers and why put yourself and your lad through it just to say you have ridden today... its not worth it for you or him, cause I doubt very much you would enjoy it... I hope the weather is kinder today and maybe you can just hop on and hack off for a few mins X


Subject : re:- Wakey Wakey 5!
From : susan - greece

Date : 26.01.05 9:00:00 AM

Hi nikki, have just replied to your fao to me and thought i'd put a note in here in case you miss it...i know you're usually here early. and i've been reading bits and bobs here about Lona and your riding Orioni. i haven't read it all as no time but i like the advice about setting a short time limit for a hack. and i know exactly what you mean about being swayed by others silly little comments and then finding any little excuse not to ride. i have found that if i get over the impulse to get straight off after mounting then i usually settle soon after. anyway.. good luck with Lona and riding out on your new friend. have you got any pics of him about?


Subject : re:- Wakey Wakey 5!
From : susan - greece

Date : 26.01.05 10:13:00 AM

Hi nikki, have just replied to your fao to me and thought i'd put a note in here in case you miss it...i know you're usually here early. and i've been reading bits and bobs here about Lona and your riding Orioni. i haven't read it all as no time but i like the advice about setting a short time limit for a hack. and i know exactly what you mean about being swayed by others silly little comments and then finding any little excuse not to ride. i have found that if i get over the impulse to get straight off after mounting then i usually settle soon after. anyway.. good luck with Lona and riding out on your new friend. have you got any pics of him about?


Subject : re:- Wakey Wakey 5!
From : Sara B

Date : 26.01.05 2:20:00 PM

well although I would like to give it a bit of whoop whoop and yeehaa again I think I will keep it slightly more toned down as there is nothing worse than someone wittering on about how great it all is when it doesn't seem that great to you (nikki I hope you feeling a little better since your last post !)

Latest report on Ted ... what a start, went out for hack with my other riding buddy this am and I am thrilled to bits with ma boy and here's why...

On reaching a small road works section with hazard signs etc, Riding Buddy's mare decided to fling herself all round road, tried to go up a couple of times and ended running sideways in to me and Ted, Ted didn't twitch a whisker and carried on mooching even though other horse is infront of us doing circus tricks !! Ted didn't even notice Signs, even when he near enough knocked one over as he was busily watching with amusement the other horse and we weren't watching where we were going !!

On to the plain and out of no were a huge helicopter flying low !! his ears were twitching and he was a wee bit anxious but just jogged as it flew overhead and then settled as it went. As it was so hard and ground was a bit slippery were it hadn't thawed properly, we decided to walk every were and did some hill work... which Ted did think would be easier if he was going faster, so tried to get a jog on, but I said no and he gave up and just puffed and panted his way up bless him

On return to stable I looked at him and suddenly realised that although I loved him to bits previously, there is something more to it now, I actually feel like we could be beginning to bond, or atleast I think thats what it is ? I am now looking forward to riding him more and more although I am not sure about hacking out alone just yet... any one have any ideas about when I should try this cause I dont want to trash all the confidence I am building in a short hack that frightens the life out of the pair of us... it wouldn't be so bad if I could get to the plain without having to go on the roads first and as there seems to be alot of building/road work activity at the mo I am not sure if its a great idea. He is traffic proof and is willing to go out by himself, sadly its me again... bless him having to put up with such a neurotic mother !! LOL

Oh well speak soon I might have to have a quick lie down this riding malarky is really taking it out of me LOL I go back to work again tomorrow through to Sun morning boo hiss I quite liked swanning around playing lady muck in my jod's all day !

Nikki did you manage to get out on your lad ? if so I hope it was good

I forgot to say Hazel that is so fab about your friend and her horse playing together that made me smile

X

[Admin]

Subject : re:- Wakey Wakey 5!
From : Nikki - Italy

Date : 27.01.05 5:46:00 AM

Well, hi everyone, and no I didn't get on my lad yesterday, only because it was minus -6 degrees and windy and the wind-chill factor was waaaaaay below that!!! I hate, HATE having cold feet, (in both senses of the word!) and on Monday when I DID go out with a friend, my feet were freezing. Does anyone else suffer from this? I read somewhere that in the UK there are fabulous winter riding boots, and even some that you can plug-in overnight to heat up!!! If this is the case, I am DEFINATELY going to buy a pair for next winter. This cold snap won't last that much longer, (she says with hope in her voice!) so there's not much point in investing in a pair now. I took Orioni out of the field yesterday morning and tied him up on a tree, to groom him and have a chat. He is one of these chaps who can't be out of sight of his chums and 'needs' equine comfort for things like this. It was blowing bitterly cold and his coat was standing up on end, but I managed to do everything and have a little bonding time with him,,,,but he was fidgity and a little concerned, only because, I suppose, he was in an unusual place for grooming, however, I reckon if I'm not riding him I may as well groom him. Depending on how cold it is today I am going out with OH, or not, and maybe again in the afternoon with Chloe on Hercules. Does anyone else find it difficult to move on a horse bundled up like Michelin man?


Subject : re:- Wakey Wakey 5!
From : Aberlemno

Date : 27.01.05 7:12:00 AM

Since Christmas Nikki, I look like Michelin Man before I even put my high viz coat on!

I'll have to be quick, as I'm off to the Horse Sale at Llanybydder today, to have a look at the tack sale, and meet up with Tracy. I didn't feel like writing yesterday as I'd had a big falling out with G, then in consequence a big falling out with OH, because of how I'd handled the situation (e.g. yelling), so I was feeling a bit p'd off with everyone. Instead, I took my hirsuit OH (e.g. Fahly!) out for a cheer me up ride. We went up the long steep hill past Gerald's, and the views (as always) were just out of this world. It was a bit too misty to see the Brecon Beacons properly, but I could see they still had a dusting of snow. Himself was being quite sensible, and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, though I chickened out of a canter on Whacky Rob's fields in case Fahly became over-enthusiastic. Instead, we turned left instead of right at our normal junction, and rode back towards our house, and if only Jim's dad hadn't taken his big digger along the little lane and caused subsidence or something (this was 30 years or more ago and the lane was closed and never re-opened as a result), we could have had a wonderful loop back home. Fahly's ears were almost meeting at the tips, and he was looking at the lambs, and all the new bits of scenery and really striding out. I could feel his disappointment when I had to turn him round return the way we'd come because this lane leads out onto quite a busy road and I didn't fancy facing that. Can't wait for the weather to improve sufficiently for me to pop up to Brechfa with him in the trailer. Some proper OFF ROAD riding then - miles and miles of it.

Nikki - I'm glad you and Orioni have a budding partnership. We had a school meeting the other night about the Florence trip, and the teacher was telling them they were often able to sit out in the balmy sunshine in February. I hissed at Tamzin, take your warmest woollies, Nikki says it's minus 3! Now it's minus 6, so she'd better pack a thermal vest as well . . .

(P.S. I wouldn't ride in that either!)

I also get cold feet, but just have a pair of thermal socks to wear - the thick cotton loop kind. There are some Tyne boots, which are part welly, part neoprene riding boot, which sell for about £50, and are supposed to keep your feet toasty. Don't know about the kind that plug into the mains, but I guess you'd need a damn good extension lead!!!

Sara - I have loved reading about all your exploits with the Dolly Mixtures and Ted-all-alone - you really are coming on in leaps and bounds. I'm sorry that your winter picnic went a bit haywire, but no harm done except to your dented confidence. Now that has been mended, and you are really going great guns. This lack of confidence bouncing back between horse and rider is a dreadful thing, but it sounds like he's chilled again now that you are feeling happier and your confidence levels have risen. WELL DONE. With the cantering - I'm happy to canter Fahly in the school, and I'm happy to canter him where there's a lot of room to take off and pull up, it's when we have just a small field to canter across I don't always trust my brakes 100% at present, especially as he's been so on his toes. My friend Judith is going to loan me one of her Myler combinations to try on him and we'll see if that helps.

Hazel - it's amazing how strongly that bond can be built up isn't it? I bet Deb was in stitches at her lad laying down beside her. I went to an NH day with Tracy (who had her mare Nell there) and one of the lessons was to turn your horse loose in the school - where everyone else was stood with their horses, and they would drive your horse away and the idea was that he went back to you. (I personally thought this was a recipe for someone being booted). However, most of the horses trotted round a bit, then found their owners. One poor girl obviously hadn't bonded with her horse - she'd had him about 8 months I think - and he wandered round for about 10 minutes, with the girl going puce in the face trying to get him to come to her. At the end of the day, he had made the "you're mine" connection and she was much happier.

Hi to Susan in Greece - you can join us you know, we don't bite!

On the subject of OH's dealing out "good" put-you-downs - mine does it too (he's a Scorpio so really knows how to sting) and I could throttle him sometimes. It's not over my riding, but my handling of different situations, and somehow it always ends up being MY FAULT and he is - naturally - absolutely bl--dy perfect (NOT!) It has the same effect, and makes me very despondant.

Anyway, off to send my new "cousin" (about 15 times removed probably) an e-mail attachment, so that should tax the old grey matter at this time of day. Speak to you later.


Subject : re:- Wakey Wakey 5!
From : Sara B

Date : 27.01.05 8:59:00 AM

Hey whats wrong with scorpios we are lovely people just dont p**s us off LOL !!

I will come back and write later as I am going to help load my friends horses as she has decided to abscond to her new yard today boo hoo then I am going for a quick spin on Ted in the field by myself arghhh If I dont write back then you know it was too soon to take this step !!LOL and by the way I like chocs not grapes if you come to visit me in hospital !!LOL
X


Subject : re:- Wakey Wakey 5!
From :

Date : 27.01.05 10:10:00 AM

hi aberlemno ! thanks for the welcome! not worried about teeth but didn't want to barge in. its comforting to read of others seeming to feel like i do re confidence at the moment. Was determined to ride yesterday but it was so muddy that Gina was all caked up and then walking over the stoney bit they all stuck and she was about 2 inches taller! sort of put me off really. then the sleet started and i gave in.


Subject : re:- Wakey Wakey 5!
From : susan - greece

Date : 27.01.05 10:11:00 AM

sorry, above was from me


Subject : re:- Wakey Wakey 5!
From : Ann NF

Date : 27.01.05 11:00:00 PM

Hello Susan and Everyone,
It has been great to read of your rides out in the cold. Bobbin`s loaner - to - be has some of those wonderful warm boots but I don`t think they plug in!
Teddy, Fahly and Orioni are obviously going well and I`m sure Gina soon will once the mud and ice has gone away.
I am currently without a riding horse/ pony so just spend my time being the servant of my five young/ old/infirm ones. This box rest lark is getting beyond a joke. I have never known so much poo and wet shavings as Flaky can produce overnight!
The field boys are a bit cold and switched off in this weather. I must take Ginger out for walks again soon, but I have usually run out of light and energy by the time the day`s chores are done. I still have the cold/ sinus bug and feel as though I have lost my top gear!
Mum is getting thinner and weaker now, but she seems more contented at present and is being well cared for on a ward where most of the ladies are very old and bedbound. I`m going on alternate days now. I just can`t cope with it every day as well as doing the lions share of everything at home and keeping up with work.
Jennie - I think this situation with the Mums must be making us both a bit stressed out with the teenagers. Mine thinks he is walking on eggshells with me. If he just helped a bit then I might be a bit more tolerant and flexible ....!
I`m trying to keep positive and think of spring and summer days ahead. I`m looking forward to riding Ginger eventually, and to doing lots of long lining and groundwork when the fields get a bit drier. I would like to keep him at home for starting, with Sarah W`s help with the critical bits. I learned such a lot from Bobbin last year, so hopefully Ginger will have a more relaxed Mum . It`s a bit like the way you are with a second baby :0)
Enjoy your riding , when it`s not too cold!
Annx


Subject : re:- Wakey Wakey 5!
From : Hazel

Date : 27.01.05 11:16:00 PM

Hi Susan, andwelcome from another toothless wonder, nice to find another friendly soul to join us. It is really quite depressing though to find that you are having weather which sounds as equally vile as ours, we tend to think Greece and warm sunshine go together all the time.

Jennie your Fahly sounds gorgeous, and so much like our Lanca with his general idea that life is one big Whoopee! Our old boy today was on fine form, as the YPs son had a digger in his garden adjacent to their field, so Lanca and Silk were both fiery steeds today. I had 2 1/2 hours of lessons back to back and had been stuck in the school, and the yard jobs were being done by a girl who does a one day a week work experience from the college. Well bless her she had left the personnel gate that gives access to the muck heap open and on his second trip jumping up the muck heap Lanca spotted this and decided that he could escpae the digger and come and find mum. He shot through onto the yard and came trotting, yes Jennie - that trot, around to the manege, sow me at the top so foated round up the path and started showing off in the car park. I thought I'd better get a rope and went to fetch one as I came back round the corner he was passaging towards me, all this accompanied by steam train snorting. The novices in the lesson, were yelling "careful", as he "came straight for me" then stopped with his head over my shoulder, and passaged along next to me to his box. Silk then decided she would come in too, and went up the muck heap bouncing up the steps like a Badminton horse, but fortunately not coming off the top. I tool a rope to bring her down the sensible way which she did in the least sensible way possible, by bouncing the steps again, and then promptly spun round and reared up doing a kind of Capriolle leap on her back legs to go back up. I finally convinced her to stay down and come quietly, well apart from the deafening snorts of course! Silly thing is that although Lanca is not good with heavy traffic and could be a bit worried by the digger, Silk is practically traffic proof, and will pass anything on the road, so what her game was I have no idea. Bl**dy part bred arabs!! You can only begin to imagine what all this has done to my previously neat tidy muck heap with vertical sides and neatly formed steps, it now resembles a squashed lump of flapjack, and will take a lot of rebuilding.

Don't talk to me about Scorpios, my two eldest daughters are both Scorpios, and if you make 'em mad, duck, that's all I'll say. So how was your ride Sara, you are here I trust! Was the star Ted as wonderful today?


Subject : re:- Wakey Wakey 5!
From : Sara B

Date : 28.01.05 5:25:00 AM

Morning all... a little bleary eyed after having two weeks annual leave and now back on the postnatal ward surrounded by many screeching babies and several poorly mums !!only another two nights to go but I am on delivery tonight and tommorrow which seems to be very busy again

I am afraid I didn't get to ride yesterday partly cause it was miserable and drizly, although i have no excuse seeing as I have a hackamac now !! but I just felt to tired and had loads to do and... any more excuses I wonder !!LOL Ted is alot more settled since he has been working but he will probably be greatfull of the three days off and then the plan is to do lots from sun to thurs.. although I have lost my fitness so rapidly I dont know whether I will make it to thurs LOL !!

Hazel sounds like you got your hands full with those naughty ponies !! and I thought youngsters were hard work !! and you regale the tale so calmly, me I would be ... well its probably not worth going there LOL... but suffice to say I think I would take up stick insects instead !!

Hiya Susan... and welcolme they may not bite but I do around 5.00/6.00 oclock in the morning LOL only kidding I am actually quite nice despite being a SCORPIO ROFL !!

Ann I am sorry about your Mum you must really be feeling the strain now, its good that you can come and talk on here as you will be able to work through some stuff and hopefully it will be a weight of your shoulders big hugs and thinking of you

Jennie I know the its your fault I think they call it 'damned if you do and damned if you dont !!'Did you buy anything at the tack sale ? I do hope so, as no respectable woman should ever go out shopping and come back empty handed LOL !!

Nikki yes I get ice block feet too, infact I hate that feeling that you get when you dismount and your feet are frozen ouch... I have got my terminator boots (well thats what every one calls them) they are mountain horse ones called oh bugger cant remember but there were some other ones by mountain horse that I was thinking of investing in I think they are the 'rim frost' rider ones, same material that Jennie was talking about protects your feet from really nasty freezing temps

Oh well ought to get on with my drugs (for my ladies not me LOL !!) will speak later take care X

Ps I haven't checked the spelling so its probably awfull sorry ... but hey I know what I mean !!


Subject : re:- Wakey Wakey 5!
From : Aberlemno

Date : 28.01.05 7:16:00 AM

I'll have to come back later on - time to go and cook breakfast, but to hell with it! I did treat myself yesterday - or rather Fahly - to a 2nd hand good condition English leather show bridle, complete with eggbutt snaffle, black/red/silver show browband and laced leather reins. I had to go to £36 for it, but hell's teeth, the reins alone would have cost me that much. It was the last-but-two lot, and my feet had turned to lumps of ice LONG before it came up, despite the pair of fleecy blue bedsocks I went and bought from one of the market stalls. Tracy got a little rug for Pearl for £44 (brand new - on the web they are advertised at £107, so a bargain). Unfortunately it's still a bit big around the chest, so I reckon Pearl is going to need a set of falsies to pad it out a bit!

I was very good, didn't buy the chestnut Arab-type 15hh unbroken 8 year old gelding who went through the ring for about £375. . . It was the thought of that Scorpio dressing down I would have got . . . Tracy and I did feel so sorry for the little Section A reject with the deformed face though - there's a stud which seems to turn them out regularly and we saw two there last year too. The bottom of her face was like an umbrella handle - I joke not, sadly. One nostril about 3" higher than the other, and going round a bend and teeth like a roller coaster. But don't worry, she's bound to have gone for breeding . . . .

Speak to you all later. J


Subject : re:- Wakey Wakey 5!
From : Nikki - Italy

Date : 28.01.05 7:23:00 AM

Well 'morning everyone too! Hi Sara, back at work eh? Your boots, and Jennies sound exactly what I need....the plug-in ones sound too good to be true, but apparently, according to my Scottish friend, you plug 'em in at night, and the next day they're toasty warm, you un-plug 'em and put them on and you're away..FOR THE WHOLE DAY can you believe!! Well worth looking into. Yesterday I didn't chicken out of going out by myself, OH insisted on coming too, which was lovely as well and we had the nicest hack out together that we have had for a long time!!
Just come back in from doing the horses and it's SNOWING really hard and beautiful out there. Not as cold as it has been, a mere minus -4!! The girls got off to school as the bus was still running, but I'll have to monitor the situation and phone their schools if they think I'll have to go in early to collect them.
Jennie, when does your daughter actually go to Florence on her school trip? I'll give you a weather report just before as she's packing!! Must go as I have to get more wood in...brrrrrr!

[Admin]

Subject : re:- Wakey Wakey 5!
From : Ann NF

Date : 28.01.05 10:41:00 PM

Oh Jennie - that little wry nosed one must have been hard to resist...Hasn`t EMW got one of those? Probably from the same stud. Your bridle sounds a real bargain.
Sara- thank you. It does help to come on here and read all about your normal ( but never boring) days - and nights of course. I think that all these animals and practical jobs actually keep me sane ( or as sane as I`ll ever be!). I do have spells when I can`t help dwelling on the sad things, but there is always another job to do so it can`t last too long...
I hope you have a good night tonight. Not too quiet - that is deadly isn`t it? I was never good at being up all night, but I remember being happiest when work ticked over steadily.
Today I gave Flaky a lovely groom (until she said "That`s enough thank you") outside and then I had a really good go at the stable. She has a deep shavings bed which is like open cast mining. Very satisfying eventually - although the pristine new shavings don`t stay that way for long.
This afternoon I made a start on a loan agreement for Bobbin. I`m using the BHS model but there are several things that need to be different.
Susan - I remember my first trip to Greece many years ago, which was in the early winter. We stayed in Athens and it was bitterly cold. We could not go on the planned trip to Delphi as the mountain roads were snowed up. In a later visit one summer, I could imagine how wild and desolate it must be up there when the snows come, although it must be very beautiful.
Are you on the mainland or on one of the islands?
18 year old son has gone into Bournemouth tonight in a friend`s car, to watch a film. They are both sensible but I`m still getting used to these new drivers going out on the wet roads at night...
Hope you all have a good day tomorrow.
Annx


Subject : re:- Wakey Wakey 5!
From : Ann NF

Date : 28.01.05 11:09:00 PM

PS Who`s going to start Wakey Wakey 6?! This one is getting a bit long again.........

[carolwilts]

this is an old wakey wakey.. we were on 21!
(and this is a test post to see if it works)

carol