For reasons known only to Blogger

Getting pics up as I want them to appear along with the appropriate text seems to create a major mess. So rather than muck about, here is a teaser pic of Bridgie, with Maria the visiting Dutch vet student up, plus a link to the rest of the pics my picasa web album

Because we are all just a little nutty, Maria and Bridgie are off to the National Pleasure Horse Show next w/e.

Finally I have some pics :)

Here she is, all 13hh of her.

Yesterday was not one of her 'best' days. Maintaining a halt was not at the top of her list of priorities. All because Bridgie was still in the yards and honking out her displeasure at the situation.

Funny ponies, they do not mind not having a horsey friend but they do dislike being left on their own. Once Maria had finished the clean up and came out to groom and saddle up Bridgie, quietness and sanity once more prevailed.

I really DO need to get some pics of Isla

She looks one spunky pony with the gear on, I tell you.

Today we were out and about on the long reins. First day in the harness saddle (complete with crupper). Took her into the arena to trot her around a bit in case she was a bit antsy about the crupper but no problems.

Thought she may have been a little toey because she was hollering fit to bust when all the other horses left the complex. I decided to leave her tied up until she got over it. Funny little pony she wants company, not necessarily that of other horses. She stopped calling out (she has a hideous voice that could easily be mis-interpreted as being a 'tanty' voice - as I amongst others thought that it was to start with) so I went out to do something with her. Only to find that she had shut up because she had 'company' in the form of two students who were busy washing down the yards with the high pressure hoses. Now that would make most horses want to leave........

I forgot to mention that today was the first day on the long reins. Isla was going so well that we left the arena and I proceeded to drive her down the race and back up, then up the race the other way, through the complex and out to the carpark, round the carpark several times (Dover was a bit of a distraction there, through the hayshed a couple of times, round some logs, trees and the caravan which is parked up by the hayshed. The only time she stuck me up in anyway was when she was giving Dover the trampy glad eye the first time round, but she got the message quick enough with no hassles and didn't even look at him the second time.


So all good so far.

Still no pics of Isla

But I have to report that Isla has now graduated to a bridle and lunging roller.

She is also OK about her hind feet and I can clean out the lot with her just tied up ans she doens't miss a beat. All good :)

Had a rush of blood to the head yesterday and attacked Bridgie's feet. I got two done before my foo foo started to blow so conned one of the visiting Dutch vet students to do the other two. Not the tidiest job in the world, but much better than not being done at all.

Amazing what having a set of high quality nippers to use, can achieve.

I have a new pony :)

Or the original one recycled...
Seriously though I have been working with Isla for just four sessions and she is now confident with her forefeet and getting there with the hinds. Believe me that is a great progress for me with my wonky balance when I bend over.

Today she was tied up while there was mare teasing going on, horses being moved about etc, while I groomed her and cleaned out her front feet.

Went into the arena where I worked quietly with her for her to lift her hind feet. All the panicky reactions were defused by not letting her move her front feet, putting her back to position when she moved without permission. A bit like doing dog 'stays'.

I am really beginning to 'like' this pony. She has a really good brain on her, enough spunk that she will not be stodgy; pity she is so small. (I think I would break her if I hopped on).


mmm promised some pics, didn't I?

Must put that on the 'to do' list.

BIG THANKS to Liz who is supervising me, I could not have done this without her.
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