31st May, 2011 For richer for poorer

I worked fifty hours last week but before anyone thinks, crikey, that makes you rich, you should be aware that I was only paid for 2/5th of that. Another 1/5th was spent travelling to and from clients, another the final 2/5th on voluntary work for the Fire Service, Kelly's demo and a further session with Nettles. I earn less as a full time RA than I did as a part-time lawyer but I am so much happier. Yesterday it was time to do our annual shop for essential clothes - top to bottom in four hours. From Marks to Matalan!!

28th May, 2011 A tin full of padlocks

At the end of a really varied week, we have been upping the security at the fields following the mass arrival of travellers at Stoney Cross. I am hoping these precautions are not necessary and I hate to tar people with the same brush, but better safe than sorry. I wish people would keep their thieving hands off other people's property.

I've worked with some really interesting horses this week once again including Albi, Teddy and Guilda. We have found a light little rider for Champ and tried her out today - she proved to be quiet and sensible and unperturned about riding without a saddle for the time being. I also worked with endurance friend Susi's darling new Arabian Tilly, teaching her to pick up rather than waft her hind legs. Noo-Noo, that I haven't seen since November, had her first long lining session and worked very well.

Last night it was off to the Kelly demo at Kingston Maurwood where I seemed to know at least half the audience. Great to catch up with them all.

26th May, 2011 Deer deer

I'm half expecting Peechay to grow up thinking he is a deer - boing!!

26th May, 2011 Cow lick

This kind steer washed my car for me today while I was checking the horses.

26th May, 2011 Hit the Road Jack

I'm trying to get a little stallion watching in every day as it's so good for the soul. High Jack has a group of foal-less mares with him. Although he is fairly robust when he rounds them up to join his harem, he is very gentle with them once they're there. They tend to ask him for attention rather than the other way round. Unlike the younger stallions, he seems pretty relaxed and is retaining his weight rather than running up light.

24th May, 2011 Rider-less

Today was Jenny's last day riding for me before she goes off to take her MRPCH exams in June. I couldn't have done without her over these last few months where she has got on all of our starters and done a fabulous and quiet job. All of the starters will now have a month off from being ridden before we begin again with them in July. Teddy and Guilda both got 11 out of 10 today - Teddy was ridden for only the second time and is already off the lead rein and Guilda had her first ride out on the Forest. Long gaps between training sessions seems to have no detrimental effect and indeed all of these ponies seem to be as far ahead as they would be if they were trained more often or on consecutive days.

23rd May, 2011 The answer is blowing in the wind

On really windy days like today, it's good to repeat old lessons rather than start on anything new...