guess what? snowed some more!

but it's a lot better than i am told it has been.

Molly is now in Charlie's old rug - the one he first had when he was 3 (some years ago, that was) - as the thick one i had for her got soaked and also Gaynor thought this might fit her, which it does.

if it carries on thawing a bit (currently hovering just over 0 every day) then we may be able to go into not quite so heavy rugs.

no prospect of doing any work with them though .. and no point taking them out for the very small mouthfuls of grass that have appeared under the trees.

we are hoping that any thaw is slow, as a rapid thaw in the pennines up Weardale may result in a flood... gaynor and i both had the same thought on that one a couple of weeks ago...

have got some pics of kitten to put up...

and for caroline:

http://clairesholidayblog.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2009-12-20T00%3A20%3A00-08%3A00&max-results=7

explains all...

hello again!

had a good run back, got off the boat about 9 or thereabouts, and was home by 16.45, having gone via a farm outside Doncaster to pick up a new kitten, 9 weeks old (photo when she's settled enough to sit still when a camera is pointed at her!). All black.

Given we were in good time, I went down to see Molly - had thought it would only be possible to talk on the phone, but turned out I could go down.

Gaynor is REALLY pleased I'm back - and whilst she is pleased it is thawing out, she's a bit annoyed it didn't hang around long enough for me to see just how bad it was, LOL.

went in to see molly who was still discussing her tea and not that bothered to see me in consequence.

Gaynor's had them out most days, the only horses on the estate that have been able to go out regularly due to it being no distance from stable to field ...

BUT she says they're both bored rigid due to there being too much snow and no other animals of any sort to be seen (one email whilst i was away, she said Charlie had taken to chasing the pheasants for something to do)

dratted royal mail were meant to have all my post on hold... and still tried to deliver a special delivery item on the 5th; it'll have been sent back to sender by now, drat!

snowy busy day...

we were both up at 5 EEK couldn't sleep .. so hopefully we get some kip before setting off at an early hour tomorrow! work, bank, letter hand delivered to court, rescued gaynor from her carless state - here's a nightmare, yesterday Gaynor's car died, starter motor, just when she was going to pick her sons up from school/granny (one 5, one 1); so that's bad enough. today, her OH's car died terminally - drive shaft broke! and he was at the other end of the county...

so i collected her from work, her mother & children up, took her home, we did evening stables and i showed her the feed/feet things, then she had to borrow my car to go shopping whilst i did child minding...

molly i think will be pleased to be out tomorrow (despite the lack of grass) and her front feet are looking a lot better already with teh stuff i was given to put on it - a hardener and germ killer that you brush on to the affected area.

right that's this for a bit; gaynor's in charge! see y'all on the holiday blog!

snow and thrush

i think i mentioned the thrush 6 weeks ago when her feet last got trimmed. since then, been religiously scrubbing and spraying and it hasn't improved (which was why changed the bedding last weekend!) and is now into the hoofwall.

so she stays in again tomorrow (in today because trimmer was coming! yesterday because of the weather) and we have some new hoof hardener stuff to brush on to the toe area where it all is every other day... and poor Gaynor has to deal with all that whilst I'm away on my Christmas jollies (burglars reading be aware it's all locked up and the neighbours are keeping an eye out).

I will be blogging tomorrow night (not that there'll be a lot to say!) but don't know when thereafter, although i will have internet access... over on the holiday blog...and i'll let you all know where i am when i get there ....

more rain again!

kept them in this morning to save the grass a bit.. not that it'll do a huge amount of good, but still...they went out for an hour this afternoon...

on molly's quantity of eating. it occurs to me, last year when she was in for 6 weeks whilst her legs recovered from whatever it was that caused the hair to fall out, she wasn't pigging out like this..... there was always something left... and i'm sure i wasn't feeding more haylage than i am this year!

why i keep thinking i might ride in an afternoon i don't know.. clearly isn't going to happen this week, anyway!

december

so i don't know why i complain, i should expect this weather.. but i suppose because there's nothing on their paddock

had them both in by 2.30 today; molly had a 20 lb net - gaynor rang at 6.20 to ask if i'd left a net for overnight! so she had to make a new net up for her...

this is ridiculous.

oh, and i meant to say - following up from mary lou's post about rugging - left her with her aerborn thermatex under a thin stable rug (the outdoor had leaked) and gaynor had to change her rug to her thicker indoor...

doh.

bad me missed a day...

yesterday's post...

the plans for teh day went a shade pearshaped.

we had thought - get them in about 1, then go over to the arena to ride whilst everyone at work.

it rained ... and it rained... and then it rained some more... so got them in about 2.30 for the night and they were well pleased!

back to normal

Molly is.. we'll just have to keep a close watch on her seasons

in the meantime, there's practically nothing left for them to pick at and their field is gonna be trashed (albeit it's the only one that is poo picked religiously!)because it has been so wet this year it isn't surviving. so we're going to keep them in more; I'll turn them out in the morning, and they'll come in around 1 ...

today, I tacked up and went over to the arena... should have gone this morning! the riding club were doing pony club games for adults ...

so went and lunged in the field! she did some nice canter, a few bucks, we had a bit of a walk up the field and back down, and then I let her pick some grass before we went back in (i mean the big field outside theirs...)

not os bad...

in that molly was turned out today and they had 2 hours or so of just chilling before she started spraying, so i go her in again rather than wind charlie up more...

we think it'll all be fine again by monday - hope so! - and we'll investigate that agnus castus stuff....

unfortunately, even though the weather came out not too bad, didn't have time to do anything at all except bottom her bed ... but will have time tomorrow, and the weather is supposed to be ok! at least the fog should lift.

hand in front of face

was very hard to see in the thick fog we had today, horrid! full fog lights on when i went out, truly awful.

so the plan to have one horse out half the day and the other the other half worked reasonably well . and my friend mucked out for me as well, which i hadn't expected!

here's a couple of pics partner took at saltwell park tonight; the dancers are not people, they are silhouettes - there were lighting installations based on the song "12 days of Christmas". the green lines are lights along the tops of hedges making up a maze, and the thing sticking up from that is a "pear tree"

agnus castus

has been recommended for both - am consulting with friend, but in the meantime they are going to have to be separated - one out half the day, the other out the other half.

oops.

on a lighter note, someone sent me this video. hope it works.

we have a problem...

charlie and molly like each other a bit too much....

oops.

we're all upset as we thought charlie had grown out of this ...(he's not a rig we know that)

oh dear.


had i been able to stick to the first though (which was go down earlier and ride, plan interrupted by work) this wouldn't have happened (well, not today, and not so they got caught)

but it's as well that we know...

any words of wisdom out there?

a safer christmas

an acquaintance was sent this, and it's brilliantly funny so have to share. word of warning ot jean, though - you might need to not read this until after you've healed, laughing might not help you at the moment!

The Rocking Song
Little Jesus, sweetly sleep, do not stir;
We will lend a coat of fur,
We will rock you, rock you, rock you,
We will rock you, rock you, rock you:

Fur is no longer appropriate wear for small infants, both due to risk of allergy to animal fur, and for ethical reasons. Therefore faux fur, a nice cellular blanket or perhaps micro-fleece material should be considered a suitable alternative.

Please note, only persons who have been subject to a Criminal Records Bureau check and have enhanced clearance will be permitted to rock baby Jesus. Persons must carry their CRB disclosure with them at all times and be prepared to provide three forms of identification before rocking commences.


Jingle Bells
Dashing through the snow
In a one horse open sleigh
O'er the fields we go
Laughing all the way

A risk assessment must be submitted before an open sleigh is considered safe for members of the public to travel on. The risk assessment must also consider whether it is appropriate to use only one horse for such a venture, particularly if passengers are of larger proportions. Please note, permission must be gained from landowners before entering their fields. To avoid offending those not participating in celebrations, we would request that laughter is moderate only and not loud enough to be considered a noise nuisance.


While Shepherds Watched
While shepherds watched
Their flocks by night
All seated on the ground
The angel of the Lord came down
And glory shone around

The union of Shepherd's has complained that it breaches health and safety regulations to insist that shepherds watch their flocks without appropriate seating arrangements being provided, therefore benches, stools and orthopaedic chairs are now available. Shepherds have also requested that due to the inclement weather conditions at this time of year that they should watch their flocks via cctv cameras from centrally heated shepherd observation huts.
Please note, the angel of the lord is reminded that before shining his / her glory all around she / he must ascertain that all shepherds have been issued with glasses capable of filtering out the harmful effects of UVA, UVB and Glory.


Little Donkey
Little donkey, little donkey on the dusty road
Got to keep on plodding onwards with your precious load

The RSPCA have issued strict guidelines with regard to how heavy a load that a donkey of small stature is permitted to carry, also included in the guidelines is guidance regarding how often to feed the donkey and how many rest breaks are required over a four hour plodding period. Please note that due to the increased risk of pollution from the dusty road, Mary and Joseph are required to wear face masks to prevent inhalation of any airborne particles. The donkey has expressed his discomfort at being labelled 'little' and would prefer just to be simply referred to as Mr. Donkey. To comment upon his height or lack thereof may be considered an infringement of his equine rights.


We Three Kings
We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain, moor and mountain
Following yonder star

Whilst the gift of gold is still considered acceptable - as it may be redeemed at a later date through such organisations as 'cash for gold' etc, gifts of frankincense and myrrh are not appropriate due to the potential risk of oils and fragrances causing allergic reactions. A suggested gift alternative would be to make a donation to a worthy cause in the recipients name or perhaps give a gift voucher.
We would not advise that the traversing kings rely on navigation by stars in order to reach their destinations and suggest the use of RAC routefinder or satellite navigation, which will provide the quickest route and advice regarding fuel consumption. Please note as per the guidelines from the RSPCA for Mr Donkey, the camels carrying the three kings of Orient will require regular food and rest breaks. Facemasks for the three kings are also advisable due to the likelihood of dust from the camels hooves.


Rudolph the red nosed reindeer
Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer
had a very shiny nose.
And if you ever saw him,
you would even say it glows.

You are advised that under the Equal Opportunities for All policy, it is inappropriate for persons to make comment with regard to the ruddiness of any part of Mr. R. Reindeer. Further to this, exclusion of Mr R Reindeer from the Reindeer Games will be considered discriminatory and disciplinary action will be taken against those found guilty of this offence. A full investigation will be implemented and sanctions - including suspension on full pay - will be considered whilst this investigation takes place.

but not today

i might have thought about going out to do something with molly after lunch if the weather had been relatively sensible, but it looked horrid .. and then i forgot the time again, as well, as I do...

she was pleased to come in, of course!

good lord i rode!

turned into a nice day eventually (but had been raining at the time booked for partner's lesson so that got cancelled again!) and i took molly over the bridge to the arena, just on spec but the person having the lesson & her pupil were quite happy for me to work round them (thank you them).

little bit of the usual chew getting on, and i think i manage to accidentally hit poor molly in the head with my whip as i tried not to fall backwards off the mounting block as she moved! ooops. but whatever in fact happened, she then stood stock still..

she was slightly unsettled, and i never got her standing long enough to put my nearside stirrup up the required hole (i have to have it a shade longer to get on, or i can't) so just did a lot of walk keeping changing the rein

can tell how long it is since we've done anything, i knew i was a bit tight everywhere! but considering she hasn't ever been ridden in that arena before (only lunged twice) and we could hear Charlie screaming for her from across the river i was quite pleased really..

going back, some d**k head decided to try and pass me despite the blind bend ahead, so i told him loudly he was an idiot and he told me loudly i was the same... but he didn't try and pass (but still as well no one came the other way, as he didn't drop back in behind me!)

think gaynor got stuck christmas shopping ...the perils of having family, i think! shame as it was anice afternoon, despite the fact that it did try to rain whilst i was in the arena.

in hand again.

if i'd not bothered going home for lunch, i would have had time to go over to the arena with some prospect of getting back before it got dark...

as it was, by the time i got the mud off (it was still slightly damp when i got her in!) etc, there wasn't going to be time to do that

so in hand along the lane again, via the puddle!

Actually, had a relatively good horsey day... after the hairdressers went for feed and stables on my way home, to went that way to drop feed off; G was there just finishing her mucking out, i did mine, during which time YO and YM turned up to look at, we think, proposed arrangements to move the field gate and water trough; then we took the horses through into the house lawn for some grass (given that it's too late in the year to mow, LOL, and they need some - very good at that lawnmowing they are!), then put feed away and went in for a cuppa before going home for lunch

Scott's dog mic

Jean's horses were shod and Scott's dog was very disappointed she wasn't out to play ball (I have his permission to post this pic) (and Danni, you should go say hello to her...)


and molly & I?

well, another day of work for me and another day in the field for her.. they're scratching round for smething to eat and getting everything by way of overnight hay/feed, but at least they're both moving about!

plans for any joint efforts tomorrow have ben scuppered - i'm getting hair done in the morning, and gaynor in the afternoon.. doh.

looks like sunday might be scuppered as well, the weather forecast is to teem down all day

good news from new jersey

Jean is out of surgery, doing ok and was well enough to receive a visitor last night! which is good.

Will keep you all posted here and by comments on her blog (when blogger lets me in there LOL)

in the meantime, hoping for good weather for the weekend, you never know i may be able to ride my horse and partner may be able to have her deferred lesson...

hurray!

blogger wouldn't load ... at one point it said i wasn't following anyone, and then kept timing out...

server instabilities? i note i'm not the only one having problems!

thinking of jean for tomorrow....good luck!

i don't understand

what seems to be wrong with blogger, and i think something is.

the blogs i follow have their own space at the bottom of my dashboard and i can see who's updated and go read and say hello etc.

so far as I was aware, Nicola, for example, hadn't posted in ages.... tonight, a load show up as being posted 25 minutes ago, and when i go read, i find others had commented on the day they were posted.

bizarre!

ditto for Marylou

all VERY strange!

anyway, change of subject - has anyone seen one of these?

http://www.furlongs.uk.com/products/haynet.html

and if so, in what way are they different from your bog standard small holed haynet?

my routine has changed so much that molly is now in a lot earlier than has ever been the case, and feeding by weight from my usual small holed haynet means that she has nothing for a long time. if i feed from the haybar, as i would prefer which is why i have it, she eats it quicker!