Rain...Lots of Rain!!

Over a week and a half since I was catapulted off Heathers back! The ground was wet then. However, hard to imagine then just how much it was going to rain. We've had rain at night, in the morning, at lunchtime and sometimes at tea too! It has been heavy coming in showers, or persistent but lighter for hours! Overall it's been very, very wet... Consequently everything resembling a field has turned to sloppy mud..not a time to have leaky wellies! The river has come out of its banks and now receded, but left all manner of debris high and damp everywhere. The nights are slowly getting shorter..painfully and thinking of pain..my poor back is still hurting. Welcome to mid January!! He says listening to rain on the window...
Last Wednesday saw a visit to the yard of Andre Majewski, Equine Dentist no less. A very interesting chap with an almost unenviable job. He'd travelled from Harlech in North Wales, to see amongst others on his huge list, Heather! So sometime mid afternoon stood chatting in her stable with Andre, as he prepared to work. He used to be a farmer, but now changed careers. I'm used to this sort of chit chat from dentists, to calm the patient. Yes I was nervous as to how Heather would react to having some of the eighteen inch long rasps in her mouth. I was looking at Andre's fore-arms as he went in, searching for scars, but saw none...and he has all his fingers, so figured he must know a thing or two. So when H started to pull back and get agitated, was impressed by his soothing words in Welsh and gentle face massage, which transformed her behaviour!! He spent half and hour or so and was thorough to the end. A bonus of his visit was yet another estimate of her age. Sixteen. The vet thought fourteen, Carol twelve. When I took her on loan, I was told she was eight!! My estimate from pics on the web led me to eighteen. All really irrelevant, but interesting.
Despite my poorly back...well err...backside. I've ridden on every opportunity, except my group lesson last Thursday. There's a great difference in schooling and hacking at your own pace, to an hour of demanding orders in the school from my instructor, Ange. I'm also still finding canter very painfull and hoping things come good for tomorrows evening lesson. I believe I'm riding Zotto, who's probably the school top ned, whom I've not yet had the pleasure of yet. So fingers crossed..
Wayne, the farrier went on holiday!! This has meant that Heather and her dodgy big feet have gone unattended for two weeks, too long. I was quite concerned, with all the time and effort invested in her feet...especially with all the mud trying to help her shoes off. Well we made it through. She was first to be seen this morning and is now sporting natty new shoes. The worst foot, her near fore, with the crack doesn't seem to be getting any worse. In fact generally..as with the rest of her all round, things are looking up. She's generally a happy horse now and almost willing to work. Until I'm fully fit to ride hard...I'm working on trying to get her moving laterally. We've just about got turn about the forehand...now have to try..on the forehand. Oh and I've discovered a strange little soft spot on her. She had a cracked heel on her near hind last year. I was checking the area and scratting her heel, noticed she was wibbling her lip and crunching her teeth in pleasure....silly mare.

I Took My First Tumble...

Today, after almost three years of riding and plenty of nearlies, I fell off a horse...quite spectacularly!
Heather's been in most of the week with limited turnout, the weather's been awful and I've been worried she'll sink in the mud if she's out too long! So on my first day off today, looked forward to taking her out for a ride, before it rained again!
We went up to the A56 bridge on the North side of the river as usual. She ate a bit of grass as usual for a reward, then we turned for home. We'd already covered the ground and I knew it was good enough. So asked for canter on her stiff right side. Was taken aback when she gave it...fantastic, let's go! She was going so well, I let her have her head and kick on...pretty much full tilt!
Then without any warning or any obvious reason she threw the anchor out...buried her feet in the turf and dropped her right shoulder! For a fleeting moment I recall seeing her neck close-up, quickly followed by the sky, just before a sickening thud on my back! Before I realised fully what had happened, I'd rolled, sprung to my feet and was trying to get hold of her as she pranced about looking all shocked!! My lower back was hurting, but I was moving okay, so quickly got back on. Then realised I'd dropped my whip, so got off again to pick it up..Then remembered I had my camera, so took a couple of pics of our skid marks.
From the pics it's obvious to me what caused the big upset. She normally spooks at ducks and yellow flowers along this stretch. Right in our way and along the side are devilish "skeleton plants", which the wind blew in our path,as we were passing...dried stalks from the Summer!! I felt fine riding home and boasting on the yard about my first fall.
Went to the gym and swam a mile before sinking into the jaccuzzi for ages. But by the time I'd driven home my lower back had stiffened up. Bought a box of Ibuprofen, lots of chocolate and a bottle of champagne. Which I'm polishing off as I write...and I'm feeling just fine. In fact I'm quite looking forward to falling off again! Very exciting!! Quite rewarding...But pleased I was wearing my body protector...with the mud on the back.

These boots were made for riding..

I only started riding in April 2005. By June that year I reached a point of no return. Buying my first riding boots was a statement of intent. Unbelievably now, I picked a great pair of Mountain Horse, Mountain Rider II boots, half price from Robinsons!! Wish I could find such a bargain again. They've been fantastic for me! Not only have they seen me through all my riding lessons and first tentative hacks. They've been on my feet for the best part of two years diy livery. Anyone involved with horses knows the rigours that involves, for any footwear. Sadly during the wet Summer they started to split at the sides from the sole. I did buy a new pair then, but have hardly worn them as the old ones are so comfy...like slippers. This Winter has finally put a practical end to them, it's so wet and muddy. They are now leaking too much. I'm just not sure I can let them go...but what use are a pair of boots I can't wear?

New Year in Snowdonia

They say a change is as good as a rest. I wasn't sure this was going to apply. Having spent far too long faffing around looking for and packing things I probably wouldn't need. I now found myself driving through the heaviest of squalls along the A55 to North Wales. My brother Jim, last year found a great place to stay, right in the heart of Snowdonia. I missed out... So I jumped at the chance to join in this time around.

I was to join the others at the cottage later. So my choice of destination along the way, was a visit to the Great Orme. I've always been drawn to this amazing lump of limestone, which looks completely out of place. Not surprisingly, Viking invaders approaching in their longboats many years ago, mistook this for a sea monster. The only monsters now are the goats which perilously skip across the sheer cliffs. In Springtime, these are home to thousands of chattering seabirds, vociferously arguing for nesting sites. I parked at Llandudno West Shore, looking to walk around Marine Drive. I wasn't quite prepared for the strength of the South Westerly wind blowing full force off the sea. Barely made it out of the car, could hardly see as my eyes were constantly streaming. Seriously thought of giving up within a few yards. The sea was wild...everything grey and it felt dark before it should have been. By the time I'd walked all the way round, the wind had eased, but my face had that tingling weather beaten feeling.

Not surprisingly I felt quite drowsy and was happy to meet up with the others at the cottage. We ate and drank well, whilst catching up and chatting about our days exploits. With a fair forecast for the next day, a scramble up Tryfan's North ridge and Bristly Ridge was suggested.

Tryfan is an exciting mountain. Unlike most hills nearby, it has almost no greenery...just rock! So even the easiest routes to its curious summit of Adam and Eve, involve some basic rock climbing or scrambling. We picked a tricky route, which meant it was ours exclusively! Though after the short lived difficulty, we joined in with a steadily increasing throng of climbers, all converging towards the summit. All getting equally wet and cold, as the days fair weather never came. Instead it rained. Which turned the descent into a slow scrape over slippery boulders, eroding time and daylight. Not to mention enthusiasm! So Bristly Ridge was left to lurk in the greyness for another visit.

Not to be outdone by the weather. We charged ourselves with a strong coffee and raced across Anglesey to see the sunset over the Irish Sea. Which we missed by minutes...but that wasn't really the point! South Stack lighthouse was standing strong and we were welcomed to Ireland by text on our mobiles!!

New Years Eve, Jim and I drove down the Lleyn Peninsula to escape more drizzle in the mountains. We visited a favourite beach, Porth Neigwl and walked over the headland at Cilan. On our return to the beach, the tide was dropping. Walking along the strand line is always interesting. We found two Triggerfish within yards of each other washed up. Another sign of the much talked about global warming? Certainly these fish are not regulars here. Someone was liting a beach bonfire. Now that would be a good way to meet the New Year....!

We welcomed in the New Year at the Tyn y Coed Hotel. Memorable for me, because I won a game of Pool! We were then treated to a fantastic fireworks display and more drink. A nice night without that weighty expectation of a New Year celebration in the city.

Next day I got up thinking of going straight home...whilst dressing for a mountain walk!! So it was that Jim and I raced up Snowdon from all the way down at the Pen y Gwryd. Yes it was misty and grey, without a view, but we moved quickly. Perhaps on a nicer day when there's a view it's more appropriate to slow down.

I returned to see Heather Horse, expecting excitment and welcoming. Instead got a look of death with ears flat back. "Where have you been??"

Our Christmas Ride...

This time of year always seems so busy. Christmas is knocking on the door and I'm forever unprepared for it. I've never been able to get myself organised in advance, that'd be cheating and to me, diluting that festive feeling. However the mad rush and crush, that comes anywhere near something resembling a shop at this time of year, has me quickly beating a retreat! Consequently I'm not very good with presents and cards. Which doesn't mean that I don't like this time of year. I just wish it was less of a frenzy and competition.

Since my last post, the weather has turned cold. Jack frost has been a regular visitor. The lake which formed in the bottom field shrank to a decent pond size. Now it has frozen solid and the kids are sliding on it! Horses and ponies fortunately seem to be giving it a wide berth!

This week has been the London Horse Show at Olympia. I managed to catch some of it on television. This is my original inspiration and interest in horses. Years ago, on Winter's nights like these. I remember sitting next to the Christmas tree in the huge living room in the family home. Log fire roaring, probably with homework to do. But for some reason I loved watching the show jumping. Perhaps it was fun to see the odd rider fall initially. Nothing like a few spills to get the interest up! But later I think I began to appreciate the horses movement. All that power, with grace. There is something so magical about a good horse and rider combination. So even now with my enhanced knowledge. When I watched the other night, I was not looking at details. I was looking through the eyes of a fourteen year old boy, innocently enjoying the show.

Back in those days I did dream of someday riding out along the river banks near home on cold frosty mornings. Recently I've realised these dreams. I still sometimes have to pinch myself. However, dreams are just that. In reality frost, ice and horses are not the best mixture. So I've been keeping a weather eye out for a chance to ride. Both the outdoor schools have been frozen solid. The indoor used almost exclusively for lessons. So when the forecast was for rain, then clearing, yesterday afternoon. I made sure I got on with my Christmas duties before.

Was grey, cold and wet. But the rain had melted the ice and frost as I tacked Heather up. She hadn't been ridden for six days, with very limited turnout. So was hoping she'd be nice and light. Dressed her up in her hi-vis rain sheet and off we went...

Down the lane from the yard, the ice in the puddles had melted. The top layer of mud was soft, but there were still frozen ruts beneath. So we just walked, giving her stiff legs a chance to loosen up. Nice to see some of the Winter visiting birds like Redwing taking advantage of all the ripe berries on offer. The wet Summer seems to have been good for something after all..

We followed the Banky Meadow route. Along the sandy track, which runs next to the Carrington Spur, a very busy A road. Heather got a little bit giddy and for a few moments had me slightly concerned. I'm not used to being on a flighty animal. Usually I'm having to try for every step. I think the noise of the traffic was the turning point for her. Suddenly started jogging with her head held high. When I put leg on she did a mini buck, bronced off her fore legs and gave a little squeel!! We had a bit of sideways and some more jogging and squeeling. Took quite a while before she settled. Fortunately we meet no cars on the road to the rugby club.

Went to visit the youngsters who are still in their unofficial paddock. They still look as good as could be expected for being out with no attention. The grass in there field looks poor now though. On the outside I let H graze for a while, while I took in the Winter scenery. The Sun starting to set below a clearing sky. Geese flew overhead and the Moon started to rise up from the opposite direction. Time to head home, where before long, the yard turned to ice. So we did well to get out as we did. I'm working through Christmas, so this was really our Christmas ride...another good one. No two rides are ever the same..just the way I like it.

Too Much Rain...

So far this month, the weather has really turned wet. The air temperature has ranged from Winter's worst freezing to a strangely Spring-like mildness. The wind has blown from every direction, from a breeze to a gale, sometimes all at once. Making for some very confused days! Above all it's been wet! The bottom turnout field has a lake forming and migrating ducks are looking to over Winter with us! So with a rare break in the rain, drove to the yard with one purpose. Get out and ride.

Rachel very kindly puts Heathers morning net in for me most mornings. This is such a help to me, especially when I'm working. I'd find it impossible to get away from the airport at such a busy time.

So on this morning, found Heather, happily tucking into a plump netfull. I knew there'd be trouble as soon as I put her tack on the stable door. She gave me a dirty glance, flicked her ears back, swished her tail and stamped a foot! Went on eating and gave a big sigh. Pretty obviously saying, "go away and don't bother me!" I can sympathise because I'd be pretty angry if someone put a big fat fry-up infront of me, let me nibble the bacon, only to then confiscate the lot. Plus then forcing me to go and run in the cold!

Still no excuse for the behaviour I got next. Took her rug off and started brushing her. At times like these it's good to be sharp witted. After only a few strokes of a soft body brush, got the first turn of her head and threat of a bite! Pushed her away and carried on. This went on. Now moved to her hind quarters, out of biting range. She's never kicked at me in the stable. Twitched a leg in warning yes, until today. Not once, but three times. I kept brushing and she got a jab of my knuckles in her flanks if she threatened to kick. Not to mention a good shouting at!! She eventually let out another big sigh, settled down and let me finish in peace.

I have noted that on occasions like this, she usually puts out a good performance when ridden. So happily we were soon setting off down a very wet lane. With almost as much water as mud, with very little ground so to speak. Quite a strong gusty wind blowing from somewhere in the North, making me wonder whether I shoud have put gloves on!

With all the recent rain the river was very high. The weir under the green bridge was washed out. With a big standing wave just downstream of the new kayak egress steps. A point of interest, should I ever decide to paddle on rivers again.

As we crossed the bridge I was on the look-out for any of the bits of tree and logs floating down. Ever wary of her fears of anything croccodile shaped! I think she was told tall stories when only a foal. Because unless she lived in a zoo previously, she wouldn't know a croc from a lion. Perhaps there's the trouble. Must bring her some pictures...

To keep things fresh, we went left on the opposite side. The track goes up through a nice little wood, then over a stile. Opening out to a field, bordered by the river below and paths running round and across. Soggy and slippery in places but good enough for a careful canter elsewhere. We had it to ourselves and enjoyed every minute. She got quite strong any time we vaguely pointed in the direction of home. So I was careful and aware to slow her gently on the greasy turf.

Next, took her up towards Kickety Brook, along the swollen river. We had a difference of opinion along the way. Which ended with her flicking her heels up, then trying to walk down the bank towards the water!! I think she realised she'd made a bad mistake. Thankfully I convinced her my way would be easier in the long run.

We went well together from then on. Had some nice trot and a short canter. Before finding the track flooded infront. This section often has water on it, which is not deep. I also know the ground underneath is good and not muddy. So after carefully checking it at walk, turned round and cantered fast, through..making a splendid splash. Fantastic fun!! She's very brave.. Reluctantly headed for home, knowing the lower banks this way would be flooded. She was tired..though I think she was putting it on, when we returned. The wind had really picked up and getting quite cold. So she got her haynet back.

Good to Catch

I've been looking after Heather for eighteen months now. We've both been learning together and there have been plenty of testing moments along the way. She had been turned away for a few months before I started loaning her. During this time she pretty much established herself at the top of the herd. So not surprisingly she was very difficult to catch. I didn't know her then, but it apparently took a few days of patience and bravery to finally bring her in.

In those early days I was warned she may still be difficult to catch. Indeed the first time I tried, she'd let me get so close....only to trot off as soon as I got too close. This lasted half an hour or so. I just kept following her round. I did cheat, having a bucket of feed. Which made me very nervous, as all the others soon spotted it and I became some sort of pied piper. Every horse and pony in the field wanting to be my friend, except the one I wanted! However after this first test, she became more willing to be caught. I stopped bringing a bucket with feed, a more discrete carrot stashed in a pocket worked just as well. So through the first Winter, things were all going well.

In early April we found ourselves temporarily homeless when her stable block was demolished! With no spare place for her, she went back to living out. Not a worry for a horse who'd spent so long out without much attention previously. I did wonder, though, if she'd get used to her freedom too much and become difficult again. I needn't have worried and a few times she came to greet me as I brought her a haynet. In fact this is probably when I first started to call her over and magically she came. I was so pleased and proud to have her seem to acknowledge me like this.

That was until she went into a field with fresh, lush grass in June. Went to catch her one morning, having left her out the previous night. I got the shock of my life when she snatched the carrot out of my hand...pinned her ears back, bared her teeth and span round showing me both feet!! Then proceeded to chase me out of the field.. Scary stuff! Managed to catch her in full flow on a pic. Took lots of bravery and cunning to catch her, two days later. Used one of the willing girls from the pony barn!

Since then there has been no repetition of that silliness. Things have got so good that I can reliably call her from the gate and most times she comes. Which was always my aim. Sometimes I don't get to the yard till after dark. So knowing I don't have to go searching a dark muddy field gives me the confidence to turn her out more..good for both of us!

Two consecutive nights last week gave two extremes though. On the Thursday I went to call her in. I hit the metal gate with the clip on her lead rope and call her name. I got a distant whinny. With all the recent rain, ducks have taken to roosting in the field. Next thing I heard was panicking duck sounds and some serious splashing! Out of the dark loomed the distinctly unbalanced Heather cantering straight at the gate. Stop!! Thought she was going to jump it. Skidded to a halt infront of me and greeted me like a long lost friend. What fantastic feeling to have her seem so keen.

Next night. Called from the gate. Silence. Waited, called again...waited ten minutes..nothing, no horse! Strange. Went looking. It was cloudy and I could make out all the others in the field, all ponies. Went round the whole field looking at the fences and surrounding ditches. Certainly no sight nor sound of H. I was getting quite worried as she'd been out all afternoon, most unlike her not to be around. With out any doubt she was not in the field. Started to go round again, when suddenly she appeared by my side! Very relieved..also a little angry. Where had she been? She was not interested in her haynet..mmmh! Wherever she went, she ate well!