tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49712581310085990892024-03-13T16:09:11.718+00:00ceffylauA blog about owning horses.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger170125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4971258131008599089.post-84641978285509535562017-09-22T14:09:00.000+01:002019-10-30T19:59:04.868+00:00Goodbye Dee<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Dear Readers, this blog still receives a surprising number of hits each month. Thank you for your interest.<br />
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I am sad to report that Dee died in May of this year. She would have been about 27 years old. It was quick and she did not suffer long. She went down in the field and could not get up. It was her heart. She became weaker and weaker over an hour or two and the vet decided that the best thing was to euthanise her. I was not with her, but she was surrounded by her carers who were so fond of her, and among the herd.<br />
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I find I have to remind myself that Dee is not out there somewhere quietly grazing on a Welsh hilltop. The top fields of Briwnant, where she lived for a number of years, are visible from our house, and on a clear day I could see the horses as little dots among the green. I still look, even though it is quite a while since the horses lived there. My looking is now even more in vain.<br />
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For this, the final post on this blog, I am posting a few of my favourite photos of Dee. She was an intelligent, good looking mare, and a pleasure to ride, with courage and a strong personality. Point her at a jump and you could be sure that she would sail over it. Goodbye Dee. I wish you a fortunate rebirth.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4971258131008599089.post-42343516543162563512016-11-01T15:43:00.002+00:002016-11-01T15:43:56.850+00:00News of Dee and Red<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Dee and Red had been living together happily at Briwnant Riding Centre. We stopped riding Dee about a year ago as she became increasingly unpredictable. I felt I was getting too old to be on the back of such an unpredictable mare who might suddenly bolt for home, rear, spin on the spot, or any number of odd things. We decided to retire her, and Briwnant were happy to have her there on that basis. We gave them Red, and drew a line under our lives as horse riders.<br />
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Sadly this summer, Briwnant lost the use of the land they were leasing. It happened quite suddenly and it was a distressing time for them. They had to quickly find good homes for most of their horses and ponies. Red was sold to a mature rider with a companion pony sharing his field. Due to a mix up of communication, I was not informed before he departed Briwnant, and so I did not have the opportunity to say goodbye to him. I still feel sad about this. I know that he was no longer mine, and that he has gone to a good home – but I would have liked one last hug . . .<br />
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The couple who ran Briwnant moved their horses to fields near Caerphilly mountain, and most kindly took Dee with them – as she is ‘part of their family’. We see her occasionally, and this weekend was one of our visits. She came to call as soon as she saw us. At 26 years old, she is still lead mare, but now of a herd of about 12 horses, rather than of over 30. She seemed pleased to see us and looks well. I know that she is as well cared for there, as ever she was at Briwnant.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4971258131008599089.post-23466444831986925852013-09-05T23:35:00.000+01:002013-09-05T23:35:35.781+01:00High Jinx<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Here as promised are a couple of short videos of Red jumping on the cross country part of the Briwnant fun ride, Bank Holiday Monday last. He needed pushing on a little!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4971258131008599089.post-53605112675284650232013-09-02T21:49:00.000+01:002013-09-02T21:49:18.651+01:00Fit, fat and fabulous<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We do not see so often now that she is retired, but we enjoyed visiting her on Bank Holiday Monday after helping out at the fun ride at Briwnant. Dee is looking fit, fat and fabulous. She is always happy to see us and comes to call for a treat, but she doesn’t hang around very long. At the moment she, and a few other non-working horses, are living in a little herd of their own at the top of the Wenallt. There is plenty of grass and the weather is still good – horse paradise I think.<br />
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Red—who now belongs to Briwnant—took part in the fun ride and I hope that I have a video of him jumping during the cross-country part of the event. I will post it if it is any good. He still looks out for me when I am around and I may well ride him occasionally with a group ride. I’ll see how I feel. At the moment life is so full of other things that it is just a relief to be free of horse responsibilities. To find out why life is so full please go and check out about the <a href="http://ngakma-nordzin.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/a-small-room-with-big-ideas.html">opening of Aro Ling</a> on my other blog.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4971258131008599089.post-81983045548368782892013-07-17T22:12:00.001+01:002013-07-17T22:12:36.431+01:00Summer coat<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Dee has her proper summer colour for the first time in three years. She is a dark bay in her winter coat, but much lighter—almost chestnut—in her summer coat. The summers in Wales for the last two years have been so wet and cool that she never really fully lost her winter colour. It is great to see her looking so sleek and chestnut.</div>
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She seems happy to see us – but not really interested. She will accept treats but soon returns to grazing – clearly a contented mare.</div>
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We looked around for him, but did not see Red this visit. Hopefully we will see him next time.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4971258131008599089.post-12187249561909125242013-05-28T20:43:00.000+01:002013-05-28T20:43:48.620+01:00Times a’changing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red enjoying the race to the hay pastures</td></tr>
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I am pleased that my previous post was all about Red, because it has turned out to be my last post as his owner. <br />
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I am about to start a new venture which will take up a lot of time and energy. Things are still at the formative stage at the moment, but hopefully I will be able to announce it fairly soon on my <a href="http://ngakma-nordzin.blogspot.com/">other blog</a>. With this in mind I have had to rearrange some of my commitments and this has meant re-thinking my responsibilities with regard to Dee and Red.<br />
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The solution we came up with has been to give Red to the Briwnant Riding Centre and to put Dee on retirement livery. Our primary concern has been the welfare of the horses. They are both settled and happy at Briwnant and we did not want to move either of them unless it was absolutely unavoidable. Dee has become increasingly relaxed over the last year and is loved for the way she has taken it upon herself to look after the weaker members of the herd. Briwnant seems as stable (no pun intended) as any situation can be in these times of recession, and we trust them completely with regard to the horses’ care. The new arrangement means that the horses will not have to be unsettled at all – in fact they will probably be totally unaware of any difference.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail of the above picture with Red in the centre</td></tr>
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We did not buy Red as an investment and so preferred to give him to Briwnant rather than sell him and possibly lose all contact with him. Red will continue to be used for lessons and enjoy regular hacks. I will still be able to see him when I want to and even ride him if I have time. <br />
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With regard to Dee, she will now get more attention more regularly from Briwnant staff so that I do not have to worry when I am busy and finding it difficult to get up to see her. <br />
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I do feel a little sadness that Red is no longer ours, but I think this solution is better than selling Red and not knowing about his future. Hopefully everything will work out for the best for everyone.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4971258131008599089.post-17578110867196208192013-05-06T23:18:00.000+01:002013-05-06T23:18:02.004+01:00Fun ride<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
While Dee was safely grazing in the hay pastures, Red had fun taking part in Briwnant’s fun ride.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4971258131008599089.post-70149472238797355162013-05-01T01:15:00.000+01:002013-05-01T22:58:10.481+01:00Head for the fields!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
On Sunday the herd was allowed to graze the hay pastures. The news soon got out. Shame it was raining.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Hi Mom!" "Hi Dee - where's Red?"</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9xCLrt40e7Y/UYBbYUl3aBI/AAAAAAAABek/PVgPw7BDlz8/s1600/2013-04-28_163130_img_0256_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9xCLrt40e7Y/UYBbYUl3aBI/AAAAAAAABek/PVgPw7BDlz8/s400/2013-04-28_163130_img_0256_small.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I may be a tiny, lame rescue pony, but I can keep up!"</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E8SIn0q2D0I/UYBbu-KTL1I/AAAAAAAABes/Wr1HUZ6iZ90/s1600/2013-04-28_163135_img_0266_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E8SIn0q2D0I/UYBbu-KTL1I/AAAAAAAABes/Wr1HUZ6iZ90/s400/2013-04-28_163135_img_0266_small.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Whoa! Scary people behind the gate!"</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rVJwzOD9uEw/UYBcbGokiSI/AAAAAAAABe8/n0yBJjkbCrQ/s1600/2013-04-28_163141_img_0278_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rVJwzOD9uEw/UYBcbGokiSI/AAAAAAAABe8/n0yBJjkbCrQ/s400/2013-04-28_163141_img_0278_small.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Don't be daft. They aren't going to hurt you."</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-krV8KU9Y69g/UYBcxPT2GjI/AAAAAAAABfE/ZplhMowv7Dw/s1600/2013-04-28_163143_img_0282_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-krV8KU9Y69g/UYBcxPT2GjI/AAAAAAAABfE/ZplhMowv7Dw/s400/2013-04-28_163143_img_0282_small.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Okay. If you're sure . . ."</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4971258131008599089.post-36438336293329750222013-03-15T00:11:00.000+00:002013-03-15T00:11:37.211+00:00Time and Patience<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eGPqdaQtKJk/TGbMtbZ5_vI/AAAAAAAAAgE/HcuLby5La1I/s1600/2010-08-14_dee_meeting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eGPqdaQtKJk/TGbMtbZ5_vI/AAAAAAAAAgE/HcuLby5La1I/s320/2010-08-14_dee_meeting.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
T and I rode out together recently – the first time I have ridden this year. Dee seemed quite keen to go out and we soon settled into a comfortable ride. One of the nice things about riding out with T is that she is an experienced rider and happy to ride Red, so I am able to ride Dee. Usually I am with less experienced riders and have to ride Red. I love him, but I do miss riding Dee.<br />
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All seemed well, when suddenly Dee panicked. I have no idea what scared her but she suddenly lost her confidence, whipped round and headed for home. I think I got a bit tense and forgot to release and then ask her to slow down, hanging on to the reins a bit too much instead. This did not help to calm her. After a couple of minutes I remembered and released and asked, released and asked – and then she calmed down and slowed down. T eventually realised that we were no longer plodding along behind her and Red, and came back down the trail to find us. We tried to go on again but Dee was not having it. There was something frightening down that trail and she wasn’t going to check it out. The slightest urging produced little rears and backing up – her usual napping reaction when I try to take her out on her own. I was very glad it was me on her back and not a less experienced friend.<br />
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There was nothing we could do but head back to the yard. When we arrived back at the beginning of the Wenallt trail, we took them both a few metres up the pedestrian trail that we are not supposed to ride – just so that we could end on Dee moving forward as asked rather than going straight home.<br />
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She is quite edgy at the moment and she has lost some tone in her hind quarters because she is less active in the winter. Hopefully in a few weeks when the weather gets warmer and there is spring grass she will feel more confident – though spring grass can seem to create a spooky horse. We’ll try taking her out again soon and hopefully get along better. I am not ready to retire Dee yet as I am sure she will still be up for a few more years of trail riding if I can build up her confidence again.<br />
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The photograph is one of my favourites of Dee, taken in 2008. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4971258131008599089.post-76716516959239908192013-02-26T20:42:00.000+00:002013-02-26T20:42:00.430+00:00Wonderful Red<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HzizFAE9Yq8/USp680s50cI/AAAAAAAABaY/KcDJZiHc5Sc/s1600/2009-11-13_202356_horse_red_briwnant_2009-08-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HzizFAE9Yq8/USp680s50cI/AAAAAAAABaY/KcDJZiHc5Sc/s320/2009-11-13_202356_horse_red_briwnant_2009-08-15.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
I received a lovely message a little while ago:<br />
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“<i>Hello, I ride up at Briwnant, and found your blog – well actually I
decided to try Briwnant out based on your blog. Red is such a lovely
boy, they started me on him back in August after a 15 year break from
riding. I had a fall in December from Major which has knocked my
confidence a lot as well as hurting my body too! Yesterday I plucked up
the courage to phone Briwnant up and booked a short lesson and arrived
to find Red tacked up ready for my first ride back from my fall. I just
wanted to tell you how wonderful he was yesterday – he was perfect for
me, very responsive and looked after me really well and I can't wait to
get riding again now. Thanks for reading! J W</i>”<br />
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It is so good to receive such nice news of Red. I wish I was able to ride him more often myself, but I am delighted that other people are able to enjoy him. He seems to be a great favourite at Briwnant. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4971258131008599089.post-90543303843327371852013-02-24T20:26:00.000+00:002013-02-24T20:29:13.255+00:00Winter feeds<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JsxOubLPe3Y/USp0ZTelKHI/AAAAAAAABaI/2qPslzmWrk4/s1600/DSC_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JsxOubLPe3Y/USp0ZTelKHI/AAAAAAAABaI/2qPslzmWrk4/s320/DSC_0001.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
It is at this time of year that I have to keep a close eye on Dee because she can start to lose condition quite quickly. Often the weather can seem to be moving into spring but then suddenly it becomes very cold. Last year it also became very wet. At the moment it is perhaps the coldest it has been this winter. Dee needs her extra feed to help her keep warm and in condition before the spring grass starts to grow. It is mercifully dry at least and it feels quite strange to see the track to Briwnant looking quite dusty rather than muddy.<br />
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We got Dee in yesterday and gave her a good check over and groom. She is fine – still a good weight and with a nice shine in her coat. Her mane is particularly shiny and silky at the moment. Today we made a quick visit and dropped her feed over the fence onto her haylage. She is now quite used to and happy with this arrangement for the days I do not get her in.<br />
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It looks like it is going to take some time to get Dee used to going out again. Last week I rode with T out onto the Wenallt horse trail. We had not got far into the woodland however when Dee freaked and turned for home. She did not exactly bolt but she was quite definite about heading for home. I do not know what frightened her, but I was glad it was me on her back and not a less-experienced friend. She would not respond to gentle encouragement to carry on with the ride and started to back up and jump up her front legs. I know from experience that this quickly turns in to full rears if I push her, so we had to abandon our ride that day. We went a little way up the top trail (the one we are not supposed to use) just to finish on her going forward, and then turned and went home.<br />
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Dee had been edgy and wound up even in the barn when I was tacking her up, though she was happy to accept her tack and seemed keen to go out. Never mind . . . I’m sure we’ll do better over the next few weeks.<br />
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As we left Briwnant Red was about to go out on a ride. He accepted a few treats and cuddles. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4971258131008599089.post-31989629578572489792013-01-26T18:05:00.000+00:002013-01-26T18:05:24.022+00:00Visiting horses in the snow<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KSIiXhs76Vk/UQQaD_Y9ogI/AAAAAAAABX4/OJ9emDFukTE/s1600/2013-01-19_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KSIiXhs76Vk/UQQaD_Y9ogI/AAAAAAAABX4/OJ9emDFukTE/s320/2013-01-19_03.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
It is not possible for us to drive up to visit the horses when there is snow on the ground. It takes a 4 x 4 to get up Wenallt Hill and into the lane, and our van is only an ordinary front-wheel-drive vehicle. So we get as far as we can and walk the rest. If time is not tight, this is actually most enjoyable. It is always possible to wrap up against the cold.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ChKk3mtXmOQ/UQQZ71ArRII/AAAAAAAABXo/krLCq6YpXRM/s1600/2013-01-19_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ChKk3mtXmOQ/UQQZ71ArRII/AAAAAAAABXo/krLCq6YpXRM/s320/2013-01-19_01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The horses are doing fine in the snow. I am lucky in that Dee will come to the gate on the lane when I call her, even if she is out of sight in the second field. She knows I will have a feed with me, so why would she not come if she can hear me!<br />
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She is certainly more tolerant of certain horses being near her when she is feeding. Last time it was a piebald that she was content to have also standing at the gate while she consumed her feed.<br />
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The snow has mostly gone over the last couple of days and we have had rain rather than snow, so hopefully we will be able to drive into Briwnant again.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4971258131008599089.post-71319046024943038242013-01-18T22:14:00.000+00:002013-01-18T22:18:40.735+00:00Dee makes a friend<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Dee has made a friend – or perhaps more accurately: she has befriended a little horse. His name is Goliath and he is two years old. Dee will let him share her pile of haylage and be right up close to her. I fed her at the gate the other day and she was quite happy for him to be by her while she fed.<br />
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Red, as usual, was not too far away from her but she would not let him any closer. He only had to come within a few yards and she would whip her head round to stare at him, ears laid flat. I was able to scrabble down to the fence a little way along from the gate though and called him over for a few treats, so he was not completely left out. He always looks so forlorn but it is just a big act.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4971258131008599089.post-85152552747608488832012-11-28T17:58:00.000+00:002012-11-28T17:58:09.936+00:00When to rug<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LCFuGfoZHwY/ULZPnUde7lI/AAAAAAAABVQ/SXoLfKFHgs0/s1600/briwnant_2012-11-28_view_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LCFuGfoZHwY/ULZPnUde7lI/AAAAAAAABVQ/SXoLfKFHgs0/s320/briwnant_2012-11-28_view_01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I always find it difficult to decide when to rug Dee for the winter. She is a cob so she gets a good thick winter coat, but she is also a senior horse so she needs a bit of comfort. I do not like to rug her too early, else she doesn’t get a full winter coat – and they are in rugs for so long. However rugging her too late can mean she loses condition unnecessarily. I did eventually rug her last week but not in a full winter-weight rug - just a padded cotton under-rug and a waterproof sheet. I’ve also started feeding her conditioning cubes instead of cool mix.<br />
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The rain over last weekend was extreme and the wind really strong, so I felt to happy to think of her tucked up in her rugs. I think she has got to know the van because today she was walking up to the gate by the time I had parked and got into my overall and wellies.<br />
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I forgot to take pictures of Dee today, but thought you might enjoy seeing these little ponies. They are rescue ponies and one has a gammy leg. The are not much bigger than a large dog and just as friendly. They do not mix with the main herd and so did not realise it is not a good idea to try and pinch a bit of Dee’s feed! Red was in so he also enjoyed fuss and treats today.<br />
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The sun was shining beautifully in the distance while I was at Briwnant – I don’t think the photos quite capture how beautiful the light was illuminating the green of the fields.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4971258131008599089.post-45073863871786174052012-10-25T14:33:00.000+01:002012-10-25T14:34:11.434+01:00Briwnant is home<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BooRvetC_XE/UIk-Hu5RH8I/AAAAAAAABT4/mt4cLZEkm80/s1600/8111721135_fbaca2c095_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BooRvetC_XE/UIk-Hu5RH8I/AAAAAAAABT4/mt4cLZEkm80/s320/8111721135_fbaca2c095_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dee accepting a carrot after being turned out.</td></tr>
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We had been thinking of moving house. I fancied a place, not too far from Cardiff, with a bit of land. It has been a wish for a long time to live somewhere that the horses could live with us. For various reasons we think that this particular dream will not come to pass – and that is fine. We are happily staying where we are.<br />
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When I thought about moving the horses I realised that this would not be their preference. They like living at <a href="http://www.briwnantridingcenter.com/">Briwnant Riding Centre</a>. They like being part of a large herd and have friends in the herd. I think they would have not been so happy as a herd of two. Dee has established her place in the herd and is now relaxed and no longer aggressive. She is not challenged, so she does not need to do more than put her ears back and the other horses give her space. All is peaceful in the herd.<br />
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I still occasionally meet people who tell me that they knew Dee at Pontcanna. Usually they find it hard to believe that she is the same horse – living in a large herd, and getting along well with the other horses. One such lady I met at the weekend, has just moved her fine cob/Irish draught cross to Briwnant. She told me that this blog was a major factor in her decision to move her horse to Briwnant. I am so happy that the blog has been useful to someone.<br />
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Briwnant is not perfect – but it is close to perfect for us. Dee and Red are happy and healthy, and prefer living out at grass rather than spending hours a day couped up in a stable. Red so hated that.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4971258131008599089.post-57336163937439293942012-03-11T00:51:00.000+00:002012-10-25T14:49:07.521+01:00Assertion and accession<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We had friends staying for a few days and they were interested in seeing the horses and riding. I usually tack up Dee at such times because she is the more cooperative horse with unfamiliar riders. She came to call as always but was clearly expecting to only be fed and groomed. She was not too pleased that she was going to be asked to work. To be fair, I have ridden her very little this winter so it is reasonable that she would assume that today was no different, but she is usually happy to be ridden.<br />
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I put her saddle on first and she kept almost nipping me as I did up her girth. This is more characteristic of Red rather than Dee. I had not intended to ride but decided that I better ride her first in case she was going to be really difficult. Then I asked her to take her bridle. Now I always ask her rather than just put it on her, and she responds by putting her nose into the noseband. But not this day. She kept dipping her head and then putting it up in the air looking away from me. She did this again and again.<br />
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Hmmm... What to do next...? I decided when I bought Dee that I would not force her in the way I had seen her forced to have a bridle on at Pontcanna riding stables – not cruelly, but against her wish and through dominating her rather than engaging with her to receive her cooperation. But I also did not want her to get away with calling all the shots. I have to be the head mare of her herd because she is a dominant mare with a strong personality. I cannot let her walk over me – or she may in fact walk over me. I led her into the arena and we walked around for a while and she was fine with this. Then I unclipped her and sent her away by waving my arms about, shooing her and slapping my leg with the lead rein. She trotted around me and I looked her in the eye. When she stopped I turned away from her and she joined up with me. We walked around the arena together for a few minutes and then I asked her to put her bridle on – still no go. So I sent her away again and pushed her on for a few minutes by swinging the lead rope and slapping it against my leg again. Then I let her stop, turned away and waited for her to join up with me. This time she joined up with her head down and licking her lips. I offered her her bridle and she immediately put her head in the noseband and accepted it. I stroked her and told her she was a good girl and led her around with the bridle on for a few minutes.<br />
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I felt this was quite an important success for her to accede in this way and I was happy to leave it at that for that session. So I led her out and gave her her feed. We can build on this. She will remember it and hopefully the spring energy she is feeling will be something we can share rather than a source of conflict. <br />
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<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4971258131008599089.post-8412386898310581052012-02-06T23:09:00.003+00:002012-02-06T23:09:54.330+00:00Surviving the Winter<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I9YTwEel8TA/TzBdBxfCyRI/AAAAAAAABDA/I79UScrUOm0/s1600/6821921665_66286da3e7_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I9YTwEel8TA/TzBdBxfCyRI/AAAAAAAABDA/I79UScrUOm0/s320/6821921665_66286da3e7_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A ride returning in the snow.</td></tr>
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This winter has been remarkably mild and we had not really even had an overnight frost until January. Consequently the horses are still finding some forage, and this, supplemented by good hay, is keeping them all looking round and well. Dee is doing particularly well and has a beautifully glossy coat and has kept a good weight. Her mane in particular is looking thicker and glossier than I have ever seen.<br />
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On Saturday the weather suddenly turned seasonal and we dashed up to Briwnant in case it would prove difficult to get there again for a few days. Dee was in a stable having a feed of haylage, but was happy to accept a feed from us as well . . . of course. We added an under-rug to her winter turn-out rug as it was so cold.<br />
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Red was also there and happy to be given treats. <br />
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Then surprisingly, the snow turned to rain later in the day and was all gone by the following morning. Perhaps that is the sum total of our winter weather this year . . . or perhaps there is more to come.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4971258131008599089.post-65887421151166950172011-11-11T16:10:00.001+00:002011-11-11T16:23:25.284+00:00Cuddles, carrots and country walking<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hHWtyITPXZg/Tr1LOxiGgtI/AAAAAAAAAw8/YSFJnIEqahc/s1600/6319342136_eceb4fa2bb_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hHWtyITPXZg/Tr1LOxiGgtI/AAAAAAAAAw8/YSFJnIEqahc/s320/6319342136_eceb4fa2bb_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I took Dee's rug off for a couple weeks because it went so mild but it's back on her again now. It is still pretty mild but goes suddenly cold some nights and has been very wet. She is looking really well.<br />
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As I travelled down the track to the yard today I could see that the horses were in the far fields near the motorway. They are not usually allowed in these fields as they are kept for hay, but at this time of year they let the herd into them. The grass there is still quite lush. I knew it was unlikely that Dee would want to come in from there. With so much good grass to eat she is not interested in any feed I bring her. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ozbj8_vDXlA/Tr1LQUN1hfI/AAAAAAAAAxE/fAGDG8KgdqY/s1600/6319411104_89ced69108_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ozbj8_vDXlA/Tr1LQUN1hfI/AAAAAAAAAxE/fAGDG8KgdqY/s320/6319411104_89ced69108_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
She was pleased to see me and happy to come over for treats and cuddles, but I was correct that she was not interested in following me back to the yard. That was fine by me. I checked that she and her rugs (under-rug and waterproof sheet) were all okay and left her to it. I'm quite happy not to be riding much at the moment. I always enjoy just visiting the horses and it is a pleasant walk in the countryside. I had to wade through two streams today and was pleased to discover that my wellington boots do not have any holes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lB0_5rJ6WWM/Tr1LMw93W0I/AAAAAAAAAw0/ewi_-depMtQ/s1600/6318803173_970d2c87c5_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lB0_5rJ6WWM/Tr1LMw93W0I/AAAAAAAAAw0/ewi_-depMtQ/s320/6318803173_970d2c87c5_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Briwnant</td></tr>
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I still sometimes marvel at the recovery of my knees as I stride out with confidence across the uneven ground. There is still the occasional twinge but mostly both knees are fine now.<br />
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Back at the yard I found Red who had just come in from an hour's ride and was enjoying some hay. He was also happy to receive carrots and cuddles. An enjoyable visit to Briwnant and good exercise as well.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4971258131008599089.post-60750379472680629912011-10-17T21:58:00.000+01:002011-10-17T21:58:15.882+01:00Rug time<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m5NjQXKkmZg/TpyWjP5NV7I/AAAAAAAAAvM/i4AhbjSarTg/s1600/horse_shadow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m5NjQXKkmZg/TpyWjP5NV7I/AAAAAAAAAvM/i4AhbjSarTg/s320/horse_shadow.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
I decided to rug Dee today. The weather forecast was for colder and wet weather starting this evening. I don't know whether it is really a little early to start rugging, but I felt I left it a bit too late last year and didn't want to risk that mistake again. Horses expend such a lot of their energy just on keeping warm and dry in the winter, and Dee is a senior citizen.<br />
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It does not seem to be so very cold this evening, but it is blowing a gale outside and the rain is hammering down, so I do not regret my decision. It is nice to think of Dee tucked up in a waterproof rug and protected from the bite of the wind. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4971258131008599089.post-54663883550218029562011-10-04T13:55:00.000+01:002011-10-04T13:55:58.781+01:00Riding in three seasons<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The last two weekends we have had to work and so have been unable to ride together. So yesterday 'ö-Dzin took a day off work and we went on a lovely ride together.<br />
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We decided to do the same ride as I had <a href="http://ceffylau.blogspot.com/2011/09/golf-course-bridleway.html">ridden with my friend TK</a> a couple of weeks ago, as 'ö-Dzin had never been on the golf course bridleway. This time we were going to do this circular route in the opposite direction however.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-330WLZr1A8Q/TosAm6dsc3I/AAAAAAAAAu0/4csD0LkJNDc/s1600/2011-10-03_ganol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-330WLZr1A8Q/TosAm6dsc3I/AAAAAAAAAu0/4csD0LkJNDc/s320/2011-10-03_ganol.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ganol</td></tr>
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We set out in glorious sunshine. The weather has been extraordinary in Wales for about a week – hotter than it has been at any time during the summer. It was really too hot for riding but it seemed silly to waste this little glimpse of what summer could have been. Unfortunately Red had already been out for an hour so he was a little reluctant. As it was so hot and Red had already done some work, we decided to make this a slow ride.<br />
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The horses had a long drink when we crossed the stream in the Wenallt. When we arrived at the Ganol quite a strong breeze had blown up. All around us leaves were falling and it felt much more autumnal. We had heard that the weather was due to break and had hoped that we would be lucky and it would hold out for the Monday. We did not canter the horses at all on this ride. We had a few trots. We were content to plod and simply enjoy being out together.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LLzHbZaZfFk/TosAlMO5CBI/AAAAAAAAAuw/c34QWYbLIkM/s1600/2011-10-03_golfcourse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LLzHbZaZfFk/TosAlMO5CBI/AAAAAAAAAuw/c34QWYbLIkM/s320/2011-10-03_golfcourse.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ridgeway golf course</td></tr>
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At the end of the lane leading to Ridgeway livery, where the horses used to live, there are two gates to negotiate. Red is not very good at gates. He doesn't seem to understand what he needs to do – either that or I fail to ask him properly. Dee is wonderfully intelligent with gates and so we usually ask her to take the lead and show Red what to do. It turned out that the gates were easier to deal with in this direction as it was just a matter of pushing them open. We succeeded in getting through them both without needing to dismount.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sZOn70jQpX8/TosAonqdTkI/AAAAAAAAAu4/RmhXmCVlvzg/s1600/2011-10-03_dee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sZOn70jQpX8/TosAonqdTkI/AAAAAAAAAu4/RmhXmCVlvzg/s320/2011-10-03_dee.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this photo of Dee</td></tr>
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The track across the golf course was much more obvious in this direction. Red was a bit unsure of a golfer on a green near the track. There were two fluttering red flags and the golfer had a big bag lying on the green. Red became very alert. Then there was a large skip full of rubbish which he was not too keen on either and stepped sideways to give it a wide berth. Then as we rounded the edge of the house there were two red mattresses and Red started on seeing them – but that was it: the totality of Red's concern. He is such a steady lad. Dee is always calm and reassured when she is with him and will follow him past anything.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zgSCQSHq2C8/TosAqLlGYHI/AAAAAAAAAu8/WNDp_TmDLII/s1600/2011-10-03_red.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zgSCQSHq2C8/TosAqLlGYHI/AAAAAAAAAu8/WNDp_TmDLII/s320/2011-10-03_red.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Are there any more treats?</td></tr>
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Red was completely relaxed again by the time we reached the road at the end of the bridleway. Neither of them were bothered by facing the traffic. It seemed more sensible to continue on the footpath to Wenallt Road facing the traffic rather than having to cross the road twice. It is only a short distance. <br />
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Beginning the walk down Wenallt Road we could see cloud rolling in across the hills. The top of the transmitter tower was lost in mist. It became really cold and damp – winter seemed to have arrived! We crossed the fields for the last part of the ride to avoid the very narrow part of Wenallt Road and soon we were home. Dee and Red, Nor'dzin and 'ö-Dzin had all had a splendid time together.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4971258131008599089.post-89122345369952902012011-09-19T21:38:00.000+01:002011-09-19T21:38:46.185+01:00Golf course bridleway<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m6J4v-nj0FY/TnelQA1Kn6I/AAAAAAAAAuU/oUIsC2DP98E/s1600/briwnant_trail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m6J4v-nj0FY/TnelQA1Kn6I/AAAAAAAAAuU/oUIsC2DP98E/s320/briwnant_trail.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trail from Briwnant yard</td></tr>
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We've had a few lovely rides recently. The weather is pretty changeable and we did get soaked on one ride, but then the sun came out and we were all dry again by the time we got back to the yard.<br />
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Last Thursday TK came over from Bristol again and we started on our mission to try out new rides. This time we were aiming to find the bridleway that crosses the <a href="http://www.ridgewaygolfclub.com/">Ridgeway golf course</a>. I already knew how to access it from the Rhiwbina Hill side but did not know the way to it from Caerphilly Road – so that was the task of the ride.<br />
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I was also trying out Red with a saddlebag with water bottles for the first time and he was fine. It didn't bother him at all.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-heS4WNY4B7A/TnelSpd7tMI/AAAAAAAAAuY/uAbiMUEDYW4/s1600/wenallt_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-heS4WNY4B7A/TnelSpd7tMI/AAAAAAAAAuY/uAbiMUEDYW4/s320/wenallt_01.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Across the stream from the Wenallt</td></tr>
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We took the horses up the road to the end of Wenallt Road because we felt the trail that goes up there straight off the yard would be rather too muddy with all the rain we have had. Red was so funny. I was surprised at how well he was stepping out at the beginning of the ride, but when we got to the top I found out why. He expected to turn into the track back down to the yard. He was quite put out to be asked to carry on further.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MZDUf66bEkw/TnelUK_uTqI/AAAAAAAAAuc/LLQ1ilhI3aY/s1600/wenallt_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MZDUf66bEkw/TnelUK_uTqI/AAAAAAAAAuc/LLQ1ilhI3aY/s320/wenallt_02.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wenallt trail</td></tr>
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Arriving at Caerphilly Road by The Travellers Rest we then walked the horses along the pavement by this busy road. Fortunately there were no buses or noisy motorbikes. In fact the entrance to the bridleway was clearly obvious. We did miss one of the trail markers and went a little off course (well actually on course – the golf course, oops!!) but eventually arrived at the gate by the stream that marks the end of the golf course. TK kindly dismounted and remounted to negotiate this gate and the second one near Ridgeway livery – Nell's place. We think the horses remembered it as they used to live there. Then it was back through the Ganol and a good canter, and home along the Wenallt trail.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4971258131008599089.post-43994607755724140112011-09-13T22:50:00.001+01:002011-09-13T22:51:00.786+01:00Horse trail vandals<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A2tBORE-lLc/Tm_Pd5cBWpI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/ppT04a2he80/s1600/marked_tree_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A2tBORE-lLc/Tm_Pd5cBWpI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/ppT04a2he80/s320/marked_tree_02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I was interested to read on <a href="http://transylvanianhorseman.typepad.com/whitehorsepilgrim/">White Horse Pilgrim</a> recently about his displeasure at endurance riders marking the bridleway, because similar markings have appeared on the Wenallt trail. I do not know whether this is from a fun ride or an endurance ride. It definitely was NOT from the Briwnant fun ride. The markers occur all along the horse trail so I am pretty sure they are related to horseriders.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-El0YFb5pUFk/Tm_Pcg87QyI/AAAAAAAAAuM/enoFSvjhu-Y/s1600/marked_tree_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-El0YFb5pUFk/Tm_Pcg87QyI/AAAAAAAAAuM/enoFSvjhu-Y/s320/marked_tree_01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
These markers are sprayed on with bright orange fluorescent paint. They are ugly and deface the trail. This is horse trail vandalism. These marks will not wash away and may be there for years. They are not even necessary as the trail is pretty clearly marked anyway.<br />
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I hate this. If you are a local reader and know which organisation or group did this, please ask them to stop. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4971258131008599089.post-39084396907876131182011-09-06T09:00:00.000+01:002011-09-06T09:00:03.909+01:00Jumping on the cross country<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qdwxznFvfbw/Tlzmq4kf6cI/AAAAAAAAAt8/4IP6ePMSJik/s1600/red_fun_jumping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qdwxznFvfbw/Tlzmq4kf6cI/AAAAAAAAAt8/4IP6ePMSJik/s640/red_fun_jumping.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
Here are a few more photographs from the <a href="http://www.briwnantridingcenter.com/">Briwnant</a> fun ride on August bank holiday Monday. There are a lot of jumps on the cross country course and Red was a good lad and jumped a fair number of them without any fuss. He and his rider had a good time.<br />
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I rather wished I had taken Dee's saddle and bridle up with us. She would have enjoyed the cross country part of the ride. Never mind – the jumps will still be there and we can do them another time. Nicky who leads many of the rides at Briwnant and led the fun ride, often takes people over the cross country. She told me that sometimes Dee joins in and jumps some of the fences with them—without a rider or tack—just because she loves jumping.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4971258131008599089.post-15574655523401559252011-09-02T09:00:00.000+01:002011-09-02T09:00:03.397+01:00The most wonderful Dee<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9OqskGav0XM/TlzTtTX9X-I/AAAAAAAAAtU/J46qRI-4Hzk/s1600/briwnant_gathered_horses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9OqskGav0XM/TlzTtTX9X-I/AAAAAAAAAtU/J46qRI-4Hzk/s320/briwnant_gathered_horses.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
While the first part of the fun ride was taking place on August bank holiday, we were not needed as helpers at Briwnant. We took the opportunity to bring Dee in and groom her.<br />
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When we had first arrived the horses were all gathered by the lane. Inevitably with the excitement of the fun ride, the remaining horses of the Briwnant herd had gone up to the top field to watch the ride head out. They were all gathered under the trees, with Dee at the front.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1WK48Ggg_qw/TlzhlYWMY4I/AAAAAAAAAtw/hzeEuKvA-JU/s1600/dee_cleaning_eyes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1WK48Ggg_qw/TlzhlYWMY4I/AAAAAAAAAtw/hzeEuKvA-JU/s320/dee_cleaning_eyes.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cleaning around Dee's eyes</td></tr>
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She was happy to wander down to the yard with us and we gave her a small feed and groomed her. It struck me that day, that Dee's rehabilitation is complete. She is a perfectly content mare. When we first bought her she was head shy – she hated having her neck groomed and it was almost impossible to get near her head and face. She did not even like being stroked on her head and neck. Gradually this has improved. Now she looks soft and sleepy for any part of grooming and keeps still and quiet while I clean around her eyes.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YcuzOndLAG8/TlzhnZpXb-I/AAAAAAAAAt0/7L9iZof894o/s1600/dee_face.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YcuzOndLAG8/TlzhnZpXb-I/AAAAAAAAAt0/7L9iZof894o/s320/dee_face.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
When we liveried her at Wyndham she would yank away from you as you took her head collar off in the field and immediately move off to graze. I think this was an indication of the lack of grazing time at that yard. Now when we put her out in the field she likes to hang around with us for quite a while before calmly making her way back to the rest of the herd.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zeoI9hfCpzI/TlzhqpXalFI/AAAAAAAAAt4/0gSAhVcl9Z4/s1600/dee_kiss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zeoI9hfCpzI/TlzhqpXalFI/AAAAAAAAAt4/0gSAhVcl9Z4/s320/dee_kiss.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
On the day of the fun ride Dee was exceptionally relaxed and affectionate. When we put her back in the field she stayed with us for ages enjoying being stroked and petted. She continually allowed me to stroke her face and neck without pulling away at all – so lovely to experience. She even submitted to having her nose kissed! My heart is full!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4971258131008599089.post-30793938043326192362011-08-30T13:33:00.001+01:002011-08-30T13:33:11.484+01:00Briwnant fun ride<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t_m698GDR04/TlzTyEmzZFI/AAAAAAAAAtY/C4y9U7RJDak/s1600/red_fun_arena.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t_m698GDR04/TlzTyEmzZFI/AAAAAAAAAtY/C4y9U7RJDak/s320/red_fun_arena.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Yesterday was the August bank holiday fun ride at <a href="http://www.briwnantridingcenter.com/">Briwnant Riding Centre</a>. We decided not to ride but to go along as helpers again. Red was tacked up and ready to go when we arrived and we enjoyed making a fuss of him and meeting his rider.<br />
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The man riding Red has not been riding for long, but rode him competently and with confidence. Red—as usual—was over-excited because it was a fun ride, which is why we don't usually join in. We prefer our quiet rides out together, just the two of us. <br />
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We brought Dee in to groom while the ride completed the hacking part of the fun ride and then waited for the horses to return. We then went out to the fields to act as marshals for the cross country part of the fun ride. These tyres were the first jumps on the cross country course and most of the horses did not like them. Red was acting very frisky and skirted them, barely jumping.<br />
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'ö-Dzin has a new fancy camera and succeeded in capturing some good action shots. If any readers of this blog were riding on this fun ride, ask Briwnant later in the week whether there is a picture of you among the set we are giving to Briwnant. 'ö-Dzin took a photograph of most of the cross country riders.
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