tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10318313025456821182011-07-31T20:47:08.910+12:00*Sharon*noreply@blogger.comBlogger711100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-10576206825565286192010-05-01T12:35:00.000+12:002010-05-01T12:35:09.288+12:00

This time of year is always tough. I am still working 7 days a week, I am tired, the days are getting shorter and I don't get to see my horses. Just when I really need a horse hug, I don't have time to visit them. This is what I get to see. So much for the glamour of the wine industry, eh? Mind you, there is a pretty good view just out past these tanks - But that isn't really much

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-5856743444163456042010-04-09T11:04:00.000+12:002010-04-09T11:04:39.444+12:00

This is Max. My "other horse". He is one of the reasons that Possum's blog has been so neglected apart from her being off with her girls. And my job is complete madness at the moment. He is a project horse, a green youngster that came off a farm and I hope he will be my next all-rounder. It is incredibly hard to juggle two horses when you are also working full time, trying to do some volunteer

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-15438637349308065562010-03-09T09:05:00.001+13:002010-03-09T09:06:39.122+13:00

Just going through some old photos, and found this one of possibly our first ever show hunter round. Pukahu Show 2007. (By the look on my face, I was seriously freaking out, but Miss P is cool with it!)

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-55673073519066003922010-03-05T16:28:00.000+13:002010-03-05T16:28:53.583+13:00

Just in case anyone was wondering where I have gone, I am still here but will put this on hold for a while. I am finding it hard to write anything with work being crazy, and also with P being with her new girls.  I still have stories to tell, and photos to put up. But the young horse is my main focus at the moment, and work is only going to get more busy until we finish harvesting in April.

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-7670604264977807732010-01-24T10:23:00.001+13:002010-01-25T10:01:28.752+13:00

I found some time yesterday to type up all of Penny's massage and stretching exercises for the girls. Its only been a month since she's gone to them, so that's not too bad for me. Things take a while for us to do in this family - we call it "getting a round tuit" as that's what Dad would always say. So I dropped in to see her at her new place. The weather has been very untypical for Hawkes Bay -

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-61075986622856355882010-01-08T21:00:00.000+13:002010-01-08T21:00:30.186+13:00

Sorry to have been so remiss in posting, but my Dad died the other day and it's proving hard to get everything done. Plus Possum is off with her new girls. I miss her dreadfully, especially now as I could do with a horse-hug. I do have some photos of her with her champion and reserve champ ribbons from a visit at New Years. I will try to get these up once I have delivered this eulogy.

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-1917209655328595552009-12-25T21:29:00.000+13:002009-12-25T21:29:50.616+13:00

Our last show, the riding club ribbon day. More about this later. Maybe. It is Christmas here in NZ. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all. We are having a quiet day with only half the family at my parents' place on (the other coast from where I live). Lots of food, wine and laughter. Cheers!

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-34038689587501080582009-12-23T08:57:00.001+13:002009-12-24T07:59:55.280+13:00

"Hi Sharon Just a quick note to let you know that Penny has settled in really well.  We have got her where she can get into the shade of the she oaks and she spent the middle of the day dozing in the shade.  The girls rode her tonight - just walking and trotting and she was great.  Even B. trotted her which was great to see!! Thanks once again S, B and K" Isn't that nice? It certainly

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-20001290069506867002009-12-22T12:56:00.000+13:002009-12-22T12:56:45.895+13:00

It was a brief email from the riding club. Just asking if anyone had a sensible horse for a couple of young girls who needed their confidence building. It got me thinking. If Possum is not happy doing what I would like her to do, is it selfish to keep her to myself? Maybe there is someone else out there who could give her a job to do, look after her well and cherish her too? So I replied to the

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-8808160565749311232009-12-18T14:21:00.000+13:002009-12-18T14:21:30.324+13:00

We had a thunderstorm and heavy downpour of rain. I got to the paddock to find this: Thanks! Good old Possum, never one to turn down the opportunity to have a wallow in a mud bath. She must have overheard my intention to clip her this weekend and thought this might foil those plans. Now she will get a bath as well! Actually it doesn't look as bad in the photos but you do get an idea,

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-21604786124870067432009-12-16T11:06:00.000+13:002009-12-16T11:06:46.902+13:00

I am hopelessly late in discovering this, but it made me laugh and so I'd like to share it with anyone who hasn't seen it. The Engineer's Guide to Cats. Thanks to Paul and TJ for this!  <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0cm; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-31215329149744253982009-12-14T15:59:00.000+13:002009-12-14T15:59:13.940+13:00

Actually, that doesn't work very well here as it is not an expression we use. But anyway, it means to pretend to be dead. Or, just failing to post because there isn't much happening with the horse, and work is taking over your private life and WHY DOES EVERYTHING HAVE TO BE DONE BY CHRISTMAS?????????? That actually feels better now. Thanks. Another weekend where I completely failed to sit

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-47103808308079106812009-12-10T11:51:00.000+13:002009-12-10T11:51:51.538+13:00

In the end, I didn't take Possum anywhere with the ute. My friend got a ride so took her off to the beach for the weekend. Am I jealous? No, not much!!!

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-40597987851966368072009-12-08T21:16:00.000+13:002009-12-08T21:16:07.706+13:00

July 2008 November 2009 (Please ignore the devil's eye. Must have been a cranky day) See any difference in her back? The second photo is after three months of massage, body work and correct saddle fitting. We know she has moved up a gullet size and if you draw an outline of her wither, she has definitely filled out. I am not sure she is less grumpy, and she still has days when she sidles

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-64884848754883159662009-12-04T15:23:00.000+13:002009-12-04T15:23:29.808+13:00

Finally, I have the use of a vehicle to go places with Possum! It has been a long wait, but we are now able to go off on our own and not be reliant on the kindness of others. So - where to go this weekend? Maybe the river? Although I've heard there are ticks along the trail there. To the beach? Reminder to self - check the tides. Down to the arena - nah, too boring. Unless it is raining again.

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-80716209401838854182009-12-03T14:46:00.000+13:002009-12-04T15:24:34.942+13:00

Just when we thought that our normal Hawkes Bay weather was resuming, it rains again. I went out this morning in a raincoat and with umbrella, after hearing rain on the roof all night. (Aside- don't you love the sound of rain on a corrugated iron roof when you are safe in bed and you don't have to go out in it?) Both my horses were wet through and even ol' tough-as-boots Possum was shivering!

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-77233031088897731732009-11-30T12:15:00.000+13:002009-11-30T12:28:15.502+13:00

Phew.Made it this year, one post everyday for November. Slightly less painful than having your boyfriend do Movember. Much easier than NaNoWriMo. Vaguely more fun than-Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, Transgender Awareness Month, American Diabetes Month, Lung Cancer Awareness Month, National Homeless Youth Awareness Month, Crohn's & Ulcerative Colitis

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-23360978888989176952009-11-29T21:23:00.000+13:002009-11-30T12:21:57.985+13:00

"Penny" 20-ish bay stationbred mare, 154 cm.Barefoot, easy-doer, tends to be cranky, snarls at other horses but hardly ever bites. Fantastic all rounder, has competed in Preliminary (Level 1) dressage, Pre-training eventing, show jumped to 1 m. Two years running was Games Day Champion and obstacle course winner. Participated in NZ Riding Clubs NITE 2009, team placed 4th overall, 1st in cross

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-60799176419519736302009-11-28T20:48:00.003+13:002009-11-30T16:03:29.780+13:00

Right, ODE tomorrow. Dressage test learned. Yes, I know, walk at X, halt at G. Dumbass got that wrong last time... Float hooked up, hay bags full, dressage whip at the ready (in case Miss P decides to be difficult) Gear in the ute - 2 x saddles, bridle with multiple nosebands, saddle cloths, jumping boots, my boots, jacket/stock/cc jumper, back protector, helmet, jumping armband. Do I get

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-73131369737643972532009-11-27T15:17:00.004+13:002009-11-28T08:48:58.788+13:00

My beloved Possum is really starting to show her age. My lesson last night was an effort to try to sort out the "wall of death" canter. Now that's all very entertaining, especially for onlookers, but not required in a dressage test.Coach had a look at her warming up, and said "Hmmmm".We trotted - another "Hmmmmm".Then onto canter - not too bad, I thought, reasonably quick transition, correct leg,

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-4014782109072464672009-11-26T21:04:00.001+13:002009-11-26T21:06:06.656+13:00

Sorry, it has been a bad day. Ending in tears.I am applying some Riesling to help salve, but I'm not sure it is working.More tomorrow.If I feel up to it.

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-29475700173205034952009-11-25T15:56:00.003+13:002009-11-25T16:26:51.007+13:00

I'm a scientist by training and inclination, so I'm not sure I believe in the supernatural. But there are some things that can't be explained by science, and so maybe there is more to the world. My current fav radio station does a section on Wednesday mornings where you can share your spooky stories. This would be my contribution-I had never met a stallion in person. They just aren't that common

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-41291864022201008262009-11-24T16:41:00.004+13:002009-11-24T21:11:11.470+13:00

Wow, just four weeks to the Big Day. I had better get organised and figure out presents, wine, etc etc.I haven't even thought about what I want to put on my suggestion list. But there were a few things in the latest catalogue:Roma padded jacket and saddle bag (already have the boot bag)IRH Pro Velvet helmetDublin Airflow Body ProtectorOf course, I do have other interests apart from horses. There

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-37551453926182425362009-11-23T15:53:00.004+13:002009-11-23T21:37:28.206+13:00

New saddle is a Wintec 500 dressage (red gullet).{Photos here}Hopefully this will give a better fit as it is a better size for my bum and has nice wide panels and channel. The problem is my little horse has a bit of a short back, so to get a saddle that fits me, often is too long for her. I like the Wintecs as you can adjust the gullet size as your horse changes shape, and they are so easy to

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-63669438734276358282009-11-22T21:03:00.004+13:002009-11-23T15:43:53.330+13:00

I know! Who woulda thunk?Today was our club ride around the vineyard at work. Sorry, no photos as I forgot to take my camera. It wasn't a great day, and was in fact raining as we saddled up. But as there is so much on at this stage of the season, it was today, or not at all, so everyone got told to toughen up. By the time our last straggler arrived and we set off, the drizzle had stopped and it

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-84662572051554266662009-11-21T09:33:00.004+13:002009-11-23T15:00:01.784+13:00

Cambodian horse/pony at Angkor Wat, 2005.I was fascinated by these ponies that I saw grazing on the lawns inside the temple walls. Tough, hardy types that look a lot like the Eastern European ones from the Russian Steppes. I guess they could have made their way right across into Asia? Did Ghengis Khan go that way or just west? I can imagine the Mongol hordes riding something just like

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-24649292325606216882009-11-20T21:44:00.001+13:002009-11-21T09:28:43.224+13:00

Here it is, 9.43 pm and I can hardly type.Long day, long week.Thursday- day off (someone was supposed to go to Book Club, but didn't know where that was, so went home to drink wine and watch Shortland Street instead.)Friday - day off (committee meeting/screaming arguments, with no wine and someone thinking I am on too many committees)Now the Cat is walking on my laptop and suggesting it is bed

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-40890170924984136202009-11-19T08:58:00.007+13:002009-11-19T09:36:46.684+13:00

We now have a bareback pad - second hand from my friends at the RDA. No excuses now for having to use the saddle when she's a bit sore. This is the Best Friends pad - I thoroughly recommend them.Log: Wed 18thRode in bareback pad + bridle.45 mins of slow, long and low walking around orchard.Started out spooky with high head carriage and rushing. Gradually calmed down, got some nice stretching

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-63796644719059621502009-11-18T21:05:00.009+13:002009-11-19T09:42:59.237+13:00

The theory is: slow feet, slow brain.In order to get my horse to concentrate, and not to spook and bugger off, I need to get her to walk s l o w l y... Here was me, thinking "well, it's fitness work, so if she marches out, it's all good" and we thunder around the 7 km block in record time. Turns out this was just making her spookier and more stupid. No wonder we experienced ghosts the other day!

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-55718965947771984532009-11-17T10:43:00.007+13:002009-11-19T09:36:06.485+13:00

I have struck a dark patch of depression about my riding. The last couple of times that I have ridden, I have ended up feeling hopeless, useless and tearful. I don't feel like I have improved over the past few years and wonder why I bother? My horse is clearly unhappy - doesn't want to be caught, sidles away from the saddle and just isn't moving straight. I can't sort my trot diagonals out and it

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-15524056947009902272009-11-16T08:42:00.002+13:002009-11-17T08:53:57.496+13:00

My horse is dark bayShe stands quiet in the sunshineHalf asleep and shines.

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-41227965637151865322009-11-15T10:06:00.004+13:002009-11-17T15:53:13.841+13:00

Right, I have two weeks to get organised for the ODE.First, I have to decide which class to enter. Pre-training (85 cm max) or Intro (65 cm)?I have twice previously competed at Pre-Training at this course, last time doing a double clear round jumping. So I will probably get lots of hassle from everyone if I turn up to do Intro. But my confidence is shaky after some refusals and falls this

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-72964748121913851252009-11-14T09:13:00.003+13:002009-11-15T10:06:43.888+13:00

"Where have you been, and why have I been so neglected???"

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-12473338419081336212009-11-13T07:37:00.002+13:002009-11-13T07:39:28.805+13:00

Bloody work.I know I need it to give me the money to have a horse. But I don't like it when it keeps me away from my horse. I am used to seeing her twice a day and to be away sucks.I want to go home tonight.

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-77272846993481157802009-11-12T08:04:00.003+13:002009-11-15T10:08:50.749+13:00

As I am away from home for work, I am a bit short of posting time. So instead:

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-18875007512127309002009-11-11T19:21:00.003+13:002009-11-12T08:03:25.934+13:00

Our wonderful La Presidenta of the riding club has organised some twilight rallies for us. Darned good of her, considering she's gestating and so is forbidden to ride herself.We had a chance to train last night over some of the Park's cross country fences with coaching from one of our local eventers. I just wish there was a competition where you could just do the cross country! I know, the

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-83329126813198278312009-11-10T12:06:00.005+13:002009-11-10T12:20:38.984+13:00

Sigh...I am trapped at my desk, trying to fit a week's work into the rest of today so I can be in meetings for the rest of the week. Yay! And the sun is shining, the sky is clear blue and Possum is standing in the paddock.I hate it when work keeps you away from doing what you want to do. Damn the money.And I will be away till the weekend, so not much chance of riding 4 times this week. Man, I am

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-22764672375296783672009-11-09T12:30:00.006+13:002009-11-10T12:04:26.043+13:00

Miss P and her companion, the Dratted Pony, are on the Jenny P Plan.This is a lifestyle plan, rather than a diet, and is based on the Wild Horse model which also applies to hoof care. See Jaime Jackson (www.barefoothorse.com) for more info. Our local NZ expert is Jenny Patterson (www.horsemanshipnz.com) who travels the country talking about how to keep your horse happy and healthy.Briefly, the

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-6715763021879839082009-11-08T09:50:00.001+13:002009-11-10T12:05:13.744+13:00

Goals:Get P fit and sound for eventing at Pre-Training levelAchieve a dressage score of 65% in competitionGet her hooves in correct shape and maintain thatJump a course at 1mNovember goals:Ride at least 4 days a weekGet Lynne or Anna to help with trimmingLessons fortnightly on PCompete at Flaxmere ODE - Intro level

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-31663154793250259402009-11-07T21:28:00.000+13:002009-11-07T21:28:31.520+13:00

Show Name: Pennyroyal(From the herb which grew in the first paddock I kept her in. It meant I didn't need to change her name (bad juju) and sounds fancy enough for a show name).Paddock Names: Possum, Miss P, Fluffy, Flossie, You Old Bat!!!Breeding: NZ StationbredSire: UnknownDam: UnknownColour: Dark BayMarkings: Station brand on near shoulder of a rounded diamond, some white hairs on forehead,

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-69355252523750848722009-11-06T12:35:00.001+13:002009-11-06T15:00:18.117+13:00

We made it through last night with no major injuries. Just R and me pretty tired as we were out till eleven calming a couple of ponies.Possum was fine, and as she is far enough away from town it doesn't get very noisy at her paddock. She is still revoltingly in season so I left her next to the boys for some entertainment. Well, I think it is entertaining even if they don't. They can sniff and

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-20596409429200632042009-11-05T09:06:00.011+13:002009-11-05T15:46:04.286+13:00

I HATE Guy Fawkes.I used to love it as a kid, all very exciting, looking forward to staying up late for fireworks. We had lots of fun with the sparklers and my brother spent days blowing things up with Double Happies. Typical boy.But now, it is just days of stressed horses, late nights out in the paddock with them, trying to syringe them with sedative and a cranky me. Where I live there are 7

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-40214214255781122852009-11-04T08:43:00.006+13:002009-11-09T12:29:42.639+13:00

The old baggage is definitely in season. She was in the paddock with slightly longer grass yesterday afternoon, which is next to all four of the boys. When I went to bring her in she was covered in what looked suspiciously like goober marks. Sure enough, she had been flirting with the boys (all geldings) and even let Albie groom her for a while. Hence the goobers.She is ususally a cranky mare and

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-89788191564118934782009-11-03T15:47:00.007+13:002009-11-05T15:49:17.834+13:00

Such a weird thing. This whole country is waiting for a horse race at 5 o'clock.We have a young German woman working with us on her working holiday. I was trying to explain to her this morning why we were all so interested in a race in Australia.Hard to say really. But lots of "our" horses have won the Cup over the years. Even if they were only bred here, and now have foreign owners/trainers/

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-79335762312528359762009-11-02T10:25:00.002+13:002009-11-05T15:49:57.770+13:00

I am trying to get both of us fitter, so thought I would ride tonight, even though Monday is usually rest day. Miss P was standing half-asleep in the paddock so wasn't too hard to catch. I thought a bareback ride would achieve three things: a rest for her back, still get some riding done and help improve my balance. So I just brushed her off, put the bitless bridle on her and got on.Off we went,

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-86526020817323486762009-11-01T09:46:00.000+13:002009-11-02T15:42:34.247+13:00

So, I've been on holiday. I had great intentions of blogging lots and doing all sorts of exciting stuff but then my internet has been - well, pardon me for saying - crap. Thanks Vodafone.I think my computer is a bit overladen with stuff as well, but the trip to get that sorted is a story for another day.I am trying to achieve my first NaBloPoMo and I'm already a day late, but that's okay because

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-56966997082417533142009-10-26T09:20:00.005+13:002009-11-03T16:10:15.298+13:00

Possum had a visit from her holistic vet on Saturday. Dr D. offers a range of unconventional treatments including acupuncture, homeopathy and Chinese herbs. Coming from the US, she says this is normal for vets there, but is quite unusual for NZ at the moment. While I am a scientist by training, some of these therapies are a bit borderline, but I am prepared to give anything a try to make my

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-62605734704885756672009-10-20T08:54:00.004+13:002009-10-20T09:12:19.603+13:00

We were entered for the Havelock North Pony Club ODE on Sunday. This has a great little cross country course, complete with a little gully so you aren't just on the flat. This is a bit of a problem in Hawkes Bay, we are a bit short of hills. It is great fun, even if the Pony Club kids sometimes need a smack. There is quite a group of us older ladies who compete at this level and we all cheer each

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-30654674642100783802009-10-16T15:38:00.003+13:002009-11-02T15:06:40.951+13:00

Yay! Two whole weeks when I don't have to go to work, or turn my work phone on, or think about the place!Just me and lots of time to do what I want.

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-86868587490813209582009-10-14T15:39:00.008+13:002009-10-14T16:00:05.388+13:00

Bit stuck for inspiration, so thought I could do a meme.1 Four places you have ridden a horseWaimarama beach, Hawkes BayTasmaniaFijiFitzroy beach, New Plymouth2 Four favourite horse books/filmsBlack BeautySummer PonyPhar LapTug of War3 Four horses you would like to ownCharismaAlerichTheodore O'ConnorMr Ed4 Four can't-live- without thingshorseschocolatecoffeewineSending this out to four of my

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-24881306004837173352009-10-13T12:05:00.004+13:002009-10-13T14:16:08.152+13:00

Her majesty seemed to be fine last night, all the swelling has gone and she has no other symptoms.So weird. I am hoping this is just an abberation, a little hormonal blip and nothing more will come of it. But then it might explain why she suddenly stopped wanting to jump. If there is something going on, it would be best to know and figure out where to go from here. The prognosis is not very good,

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-19263952730467644112009-10-12T16:20:00.005+13:002009-10-12T16:39:53.144+13:00

I had quite a day yesterday. First the youngster barged through the gate, knocking me flying and catching himself in the stifle. Then when I got Possum out to do her feet, I noticed her udder was really swollen.Additionally, she was sweaty all up the back of and between her thighs. Her udder was hot and very firm to the touch, although it didn't seem to be hurting at all. Now, she has been in

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-2190281899274698982009-10-06T14:40:00.010+13:002009-10-08T16:19:13.054+13:00

Nice feet, eh? Not actually Possum's as I am too embarrassed to post hers at the moment. A small case of long toes and high heels that I am well aware of. Now that it has stopped raining, I might get a chance to trim them.Actually, now I have another look, they don't look so great. Is that a big hole at the toe? Don't remember seeing that at the time. And the heels look contracted and squished.

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-85343493652658116122009-10-05T06:32:00.010+13:002009-10-06T15:32:27.371+13:00

Gotta love spring in NZ!Saturday was fine, a bit windy and we had to move inside to avoid sunburn.Sunday it rained. And rained. And rained.Monday it was cold and rainy. Cold. It was snowing on the ranges.Today the rain has stopped and we can see the snow on the hills. There is a piercing cold wind that goes straight through you and feels like it comes directly from Antartica. So the horses are

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-60503212640225948752009-10-02T21:17:00.007+13:002009-10-06T10:46:35.475+13:00

Another visit today from the wonderful Sarah.I am as slack about doing Miss P's massage as I am about my own physio exercises. Well, maybe not that slack. But work has kept me away for several days last week and meant a disgustingly early start today. I have been struggling with the change to daylight savings time and my neck was out, giving me a three day headache.I know - excuses, excuses.

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-87853291611150845422009-10-01T12:31:00.002+13:002009-10-02T21:16:38.432+13:00

This Saturday I will be attending a course on barefoot trimming.I have been trimming Possum for about a year, but still don't know much. I have had some training and have a great trimmer who I see occasionally. But most of it is up to me.Interestingly, there is an interest growing here in barefoot. People have been asking me for help - Yikes! I would hate to put anyone wrong and don't think I

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-52563342345852449652009-10-01T06:42:00.003+13:002009-10-08T16:25:12.347+13:00

Our first red ribbon ! Naturally, we won the Hairy Horse Class. No competition!July 2007Can't remember what this was for, but same day. Miss P. doesn't look too impressed(showing is not her thing - too dull by far).

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-55333940065153166672009-10-01T06:34:00.007+13:002009-10-01T12:29:36.939+13:00

I didn't grow up here. Where I come from, the beaches have black iron sand and crashing waves from the constant onshore winds. I remember visiting here when I was a kid and being amazed by the pale "sand"-coloured sand. That colour had never made much sense till then! Sadly I don't have any photos of us riding on the beach in the 'Naki - it was before the days of digital cameras.The beaches north

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-14798143684129050892009-09-29T14:49:00.005+13:002009-10-01T12:07:42.685+13:00

This past weekend I went to watch some of my friends ride at one of the local sports. This is a small local show open to all, usually run by the local Pony Club, Hunt and residents. They typically have flat/show classes, show jumping, show hunter and games for the kids. It's a great way to introduce yourself or horse to show atmosphere and they have a very friendly, low-key feeling.They also

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-80154397636557768262009-09-25T15:57:00.003+12:002009-09-29T15:07:37.272+13:00

Now that we are not out competing all the time, it leaves the weekends wide open. I am not at all used to this and I need to set some goals or I will just waste the time. I could of course, go along as someone's groom. It would be hard though, to be at the events I was planning on doing but be without Possum and only watching from the sidelines. Not at all the same.So, what to do?We could go out

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-3151650458928736912009-09-24T16:04:00.001+12:002009-09-25T16:12:20.297+12:00

One of the things that fascinates me about blogs is how they give you an insight into someone else's life. And photos of their world are great, so I thought I would add some of my world. Some photos from my on line albums for you...Not my paddock, but one of my horses lives here. Kereru, Hawkes BayThis was a cold day in June (winter)Possum in her paddock with one chook and the sheepSee how flat

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-78187228632825034732009-09-21T15:53:00.002+12:002009-10-05T16:01:35.100+13:00

We are very fortunate to have a wonderful saddle fitter who travels here about once a month. She is also a therapist who does a variety of things to make the horses' lives better.At our first appointment, I got her to check out both my saddles. I have a half-share in a young horse, and I was hoping I could use the same saddles for both of them. Unfortunately, the dressage saddle is too small for

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-32947618678475527782009-09-18T06:33:00.013+12:002009-09-18T08:22:50.647+12:00

I want to post some hoof photos, mostly to document where we are at the moment.Although the shots I have are a couple of months old, so I will have to get some more this weekend.Front feet in July 09Near foreNote the lower point at the toe where I have tried to get to the seedy toe there.Off foreNear hindOff hindNote the asymmetry of hoof and frog - I need to trim this more on the inside to

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-87441644886642582572009-09-17T14:59:00.007+12:002009-09-17T15:52:34.819+12:00

I started a post a couple of weeks ago after we had a disasterous day at the Top Score jumping. I couldn't finish it, so it's still in the drafts folder.Suffice to say, my fears that my girl is getting past it are becoming real. We got eliminated in three of the four sections, and she is not a happy horse. So far we have had the chiro/physio and saddle fitter out, upped her supplements and

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-45556808612485281842009-08-28T15:29:00.004+12:002009-09-17T15:47:09.353+12:00

At the Steed Health/Eventing Nthn Hawkes Bay Showjumping Series, August 2009Brave? Or just open minded?We were only jumping a max of 85 cm, so it wasn't that scarey. But it certainly caused some comments around the rings. I like to shake things up a bit, so there we were, barefoot and bitless, and having a ball! I often have people ask how I get on with a barefoot horse. While we are only

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-75989400480489142372009-08-26T09:14:00.007+12:002009-08-28T14:53:55.532+12:00

Ahem.I am back, if anyone is watching. Just got a bit distracted with work, and horse and well, stuff. I don't know how people manage to live such interesting, exciting lives and blog as well. Maybe they don't need to sleep?Anyhoo, the competition season is starting to get interesting. So far we have done a couple of days of dressage, part of a show jumping series and schooled across country. And

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-416861252995285682009-05-14T16:54:00.003+12:002009-09-17T15:53:15.513+12:00

Yikes.Why do I do this? I know I hate doing dressage tests and I always get nervous and I tend to end up just depressed at the end of the day.I am trying to learn 2 tests that are horribly similar to each other. At least I will have some support people around this weekend, so I guess I can grab a caller if it all goes pear-shaped. But I have to get used to not having that luxury, because I want

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-31011688273562598452009-05-11T06:05:00.005+12:002009-05-11T06:33:44.132+12:00

Our first ever dressage test, May 07Oops, so much for blogging every day.The "best laid plans of mice and (wo)men" as the Bard would say.Still, here I am again, starting afresh on a Monday morning when it is so early that its still dark outside.Big weekend with the horse - I rode both days and had a lesson yesterday. Miss P is still quite stiff in her hindquarters, especially to the left. She

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-21156040028892034102009-05-08T13:30:00.000+12:002009-05-14T16:54:36.750+12:00

My Possum is a dark bay mare about 18 years old. One of the dentists said some of her teeth look as if she were 20 and since I don't know much about her, that could be true.She is what we call here in New Zealand a "stationbred" horse, which means a horse of no particular breeding, bred on a large farm or station as a working horse. There are several well regarded lines from around the country,

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-72488401049597064272009-05-01T09:33:00.004+12:002009-10-06T15:57:45.767+13:00

Miss Possum - late April 09In her full, glorious winter coat. I don't know her breeding, but I would bet there's some pony in there. Once she's clipped, the thoroughbred head shows more.

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031831302545682118.post-55179543258880517542009-05-01T06:44:00.000+12:002009-05-01T08:47:29.720+12:00

To begin at the beginning,Well, there's no other way, is there?Photos to follow...

*Sharon*noreply@blogger.com0