PAGE LAST UPDATED  December 18th 2010 

 

 

 For Akehurst Stud the year of the GREAT move to Wales.

 

 

 

It'S OVER

 

 We have all arrived safe and sound, as from the end of April.

 

 

 

 Croeso (welcome)

 to Gwern Y Mynach from Norman and Amy

 

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HAPPY CHRISTMAS FROM ALL OF US AT AKEHURST STUD

 

   

  

                                                           

                    

 

 

 

 

 

December 18th 

 

Well, not much news because, like just about everyone else, we are snowbound, for the second time this month. When the first snow came in November we had quite a covering, but it was the cold that caused the problems, -14 on a number of occasions, no water to any outside sheds, frozen buckets, etc, just like a lot of people. The ponies were quite happy and I wanted to turn out the foals and Cyril to enjoy a prance and play in the snow. I knew if I left Primrose in, she would be very stressed about her

'children' going off without her, but was worried if she slipped over she might not be able to get up again, however I decided to take the risk, so out they all went. Prim marches off down the field and gets down for a roll! which she throughly enjoyed, then has a problem getting up, foals notice, and cry out "gran's in trouble" and rush over to help. Prim seems quite happy sitting in the snow being poked by the foals, so waited to see what would happen next. Prim has another roll and then  has another try at rising, foals once again offer assistance, this time knocking her over!!  Third try, I get between helpful babies and Prim and she makes it unassisted. Think, she might give rolling a miss from now on!

 

 

 

 

We had a foot of snow last night, so this time getting about is much more difficult as it is over welly height! Still Prim and youngsters enjoyed going out for a play ( Prim decided against rolling this time ) thank goodness. Six of the ponies are still living out but seem happy enough but if they start looking miserable I have room to bring them in in pairs and get them dried off and rugged. The ATV is prooving a must have, it ploughs through the deep snow doing the ' meals on wheels ' run two or three times a day. I did find myself going sideways down a hill when everything turn to ice last time, which was a bit scarey!!  

 

 

 

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November 25th

 

For once some rather unhappy news

 

I usually enjoy coming on here and updating this page and from the feed back I receive, you all seem to enjoy reading about my Dales in Wales! However, this time it is with a very heavy heart I am sitting here writing this and it has taken me a while to bring myself to do it.  Earlier this month, my lovely Rainbow was put down. She had colic and she did not respond to the treatment given to her by the vet here, so we took her on a two hour trip to an equine clinic  near Shrewsbury, where she underwent surgery, although she did come round after the op, she had a relapse in the early hours of the morning and it was decided it was kinder to let her go. Such a shock, she was so fit and well for her age and never had a hint of colic before.

 

Rainbow was a very aloof pony, she was something special and she knew it! She was nicknamed ' the spoilt brat' as she could throw a wonderful tantram if she didn't get her own way, she would stamp her feet and toss her head, most of the time we just laughed at her, though it could be annoying at times. Having said that, she would always give of her best and just loved showing off, she looked powerful but was an easy ride if you just sat and relaxed. Her trot was out of this world.

 

Rainbow was a wonderful mum to her four foals, although she preferred them not to mix with the other mare's foals and would go and intervene should they show interest in making friends, this in turn made her children think they were a cut above the rest, but they were soon put in their place by the other mums and babies.

 

Every one just loved riding her, she just made you feel great, so she had many loyal fans. Becky was always keen to have some fun on her. Heather showed her for me one season, got her jumping again, won many prizes and ended up qualifing her for the NPS Spring Festival in 2006. We had a great time at the show and it was soon after this we discovered that her pregnancy scan had been wrong, she was in foal and due in a few weeks! Being a true showgirl, she popped out Secret Beau just in time to take him to the South of England Show and win the in hand Dales class!   

 

 

 

 

 

I think Rainbow has enjoyed her time in Wales, she struggled a bit with the hills at first but once fit, she had no trouble keeping up with her new friend Keiser, when we went riding with my neighbour Tina. We also used to go off exploring on our own and the last time I rode her, we set off to find a new route, and what I thought would be an hour or so, turned into a good two. Next day I could hardly walk, however, Rainbow was keen to go again!

 

I have some lovely last memories of her this summer. At the Midlands Dales show not only did we meet up with her son Eric  and his owners, but the two of them hatched out a plan  and a few weeks later Eric, his Welsh cob friend Dusty and their owners all spent a lovely two weeks here. It was a fun show day with all the ponies doing well and Rainbow coming up trumps winning both her ridden classes and taking the ridden Championship. I think you could say she went out in a blaze of glory.   

 

 

Rainbow will be sadly missed but never forgotten. I hope she was a good ambassador for her breed, I know she attracted a lot of attention when out and about. At home, she was a pleasure to have around even with the 'attitude'. It gave her character. So now it's up to her children Eric (Crossbow ) James ( Strongbow) Beau ( Secret Beau ) and her only filly Dayzee ( Rainy Day) to go out and about and carry on their mum's name.

 

Akehurst Rainbow  May 1992-November 2010

 

 

 

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November 19th                                          Lovely Day

 

After the morning mist lifted , the sun came out and it has been lovely. So decided that foals could venture out for the first time since weaning with Uncle Cyril and Granny Prim to keep an eye on them. Only place not deep with mud after recent rain was a walkway to a field, so decided that would be the place. They loved it, they all went racing up and down the narrow strip, yes, all, including 31 yrs old Prim who should know better! and of course Cyril went for the high road at the top of the bank. Left them out a couple of hours and promised they can do it again weather permitting.  Even Rosie the cow enjoyed the sunshine.

 

My tack room is nearly finished and cleaning out the housed cattle is proving almost a pleasure with the new set up and little tractor. All stables are in use and ponies seem quite happy to share pens when really wet. So, two more pens to do and all ponies can be housed out of the rain. It always rains in Wales or so they say!  

 

 

Weaning all over with for another year

 

It all worked out very easily, Joseph and Mary spent a couple of hours trying out their new box and then going back with their mums, so when it actually came to the parting of the ways they hardly noticed and of course Granny Prim was right next door. The mums seem quite relieved to be free again and have settled in their field enjoying the nice sunny weather.

 

Poor Joseph has had a poorly foot, but he was a very brave soldier, not only being micro chipped for his registration but then having to have his foot attended to. All better now.

 

John and I made a mad dash to Sussex last week, and that took some organising I can tell you. My sister and husband came and farm sat, my neighbour Tina came to feed the ponies and next door neighbours were on standby in case of a cattle or sheep emergancy ( luckily not required) and my brother offered us B&B. Once we got the business out of the way, we just had time to visit our old neighbours, where we were able to catch up with all the news over coffee, see Heather and Queenie and then dash to Horam to see Linda, my girls Sally and Kizzie and their foals, who all looked very happy and well, back to my brother's for lunch and then hit the road back to Wales.

 

We got a huge welcome home from Norman and Amy, poor Norman, I think he thought we had gone for ever, my sister had a lovely supper ready and they had done sterling work minding the farm. A very tiring trip but it was lovely to catch up with old friends and a huge thanks to all who made it possible.

 

Heather Queenie and Blossom                  Sally, Kizzie and the boys

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 10th

 

The cows new quarters

 

A mad dash and at last the cows have their new pen, they seem very comfortable and it is very easy to manage. The little tractor can go in and clean out the front while the cows are at the back, only troube is they don't move out of the way. So now they are in for the Winter.

 

 

Peter leaves for his new home

 

John and I safely delivered Pete to his new home just over two weeks ago. He loaded perfectly and never heard or felt a peep out of him on the three hour journey. It was the first time he had travelled alone and his last journey was moving here from Sussex. There was a slight drama when we let him into the field, all was well until he made his way up the field, spotted his new chums heading towards him and legged it back to the gate! Failed to stop, crashed into the gate and ended up in a heap on the ground, he got up, looked a bit silly and then went to say hello to his new friends, who turned out to be quite nice really!  Poor John's thumb got in the way as Pete hit the gate, so I had to drive home but it is all better now. Anyway I hear he has settled down to his new life and is a great hit with all the other people on the yard. Peter always was a charmer and knows just how to get round humans! 

 

 

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October 17th          Where does the time go?

 

Well, with lots of hard work and once again masses of help from relations and friends, I now have stables! Just a few more to have their mats trimmed but over half are now usable. We have had lovely weather for some time now but once it turns wet a lot of the ponies will be in at night. At last, I can get foals in and handled, now I have somewhere safe for them to go. I have a nice feed area and we have been busy clearing another part of the barn for all the shavings, and a bale of hay and haylage, all close to stables, so when it's pouring with rain it is all under one roof, luxury!!

 

All the ponies are enjoying the Autumn sunshine, Cyril has put on a growth spurt so can't really call him Squirrel any more ( Squirt/Cyril = Squirrel) Mary and Joseph are also getting very grown up, so weaning time next month, to give their mums a break before Winter sets in. 

 

Lots of things have been going on over the past few weeks and not just building work.

 

The last mare I had here by Robin, Agatha, who came back to me some years ago, when her owner could no longer keep her, went off to her new loan home a few weeks ago. She now lives in the New Forest with her ex husband Roy and his owner Charlotte. She will re marry again, but as she is not in foal now, Charlotte has brought her back into work, she is being very good and ridden by the staff and Charlotte's mother. The plan is that she will be doing some winter shows and I am awaiting photos. 

 

Proud Peter, a 3yrs old gelding by Lowhouses Jet has been sold and we are taking him back to England next week-end, but not too far away, so hope to see him at the Midlands Dales show next year. He should meet up with some other Akehurst ponies, as there are several near where he is going. His new owner came to see Dayzee but Peter gave her the once over, decided this person was for him and charmed her with his " Hi, I'm Pete, just been longing to meet you" act! Poor Dayzee! but I have to say I was most impressed how well she behaved, being lunged in an open field and trotting up and down the drive. Her turn will come.

 

 

Veronica and Andrew our neighbours from Sussex arrived bright and early for a week end break ( not so much a break but non stop work !) The stables came on in leaps and bounds but we did find time to walk the dogs on the mountain. They also brought with them a tabby cat named Tilly, who has come to live with us, she has settled in and made this her home with no problems. Rainbow had Eric to stay, so now it was Norman and Amy's turn to have their 'doggy' friends too!

 

 

 

 Youngsters enjoying the sunshine.

 

 

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 September 23rd

 

STABLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

They have arrived and thanks once again to John and the two brothers in-law, are starting to take shape. They're going to look everso posh!!  I've never had a range of stables like these, so I do hope the ponies are going to appreciate their first class accomodation this Winter.  

 

It's been a hard day's graft, the workers take a well earned break

 

 

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September 13th

 

Rainbow still has her son Eric staying and on Sunday they spent some mother and son time together. Leaving Dusty in his field, we had a lovely relaxed hack out, just Dales. Eric, the dutiful son, helped his old mum with the gates, and led the way when she got a bit tired ( Rainbow says, she never gets tired, she was just enjoying the warm sunshine and stunning countryside!) The streams were quite fast flowing after all the recent rain, adding a bit of a challenge and Eric took the opportunity to have a good paddle, well he is on holiday!  

 

 

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September 9th                 Visitors

 

Since moving, we have had lots of friends and relations visiting, but it comes to something when the ponies start having their relatives to stay, but that's what Rainbow has done. Her son Eric and his friend Dusty ( the Welsh cob who had never been to Wales) are staying for a couple of weeks and of course owners come too, but have taken a holiday let close by. We have been for several lovely rides and John and I were  'forced' to take a day off and visit one of the local beauty spots. We think that we really must have a holiday in Wales next year!!

 

Just hoping that the rest of the ponies don't start inviting all their children and relatives or could just get a bit over crowded! 

 

 

                                               Riding on the hills                                

A day out in the Elan Valley

 

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September 5th  already! It can't be!

 

The weeks are flying by, the evenings are drawing in and we are not nearly ready for Winter. But loads has been going on and we are getting there. After weeks of rain, a dry spell has made it possible to make some more silage and we still have one more field growing on.

 

My neighbour's horse threw a shoe and Rainbow  had a loose one, so June and Jenny stepped in and got ridden, first time since the Midlands Dales Show for Jenny but once again she was a little star and never put a hoof wrong, she even helped June with some of the many gates. We rode them up to my neighbour's arena, which was very good for the both of them.

 

The local shows have started in earnest, great litttle shows, classes for everything from ponies, sheep sometimes cattle, as well as home and farm  produce. Most of them also have harness racing, which seems big in Wales so should make for a good day out.

 

Hope to get to a couple with the ponies, in the next few weeks.

 

All sorts of exciting things about to happen and will update as soon as they have !?

 

 

        

Tina and Jenny                                       

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July 29th

 

Off to York to see Roy at the Dales performance show. As some of you will know poor Roy had a rather bad time of it last year, when his loan home didn't work out as I had hoped ( see 2009 news ) His luck turned when exactly one year ago he found his new owner Charlotte, who had great faith in him even when, he looked so poor and all his beautiful mane had gone. She has worked wonders, hours of work, and tender loving care and he is almost back to his old self and starting to go well under saddle, considering how green he was when he left me.

 

He looked amazing, his mane is already a good length and his kind and gentle nature shone through, but there is still that little warped sense of humour of his, when he might say " not to-day thank you" However, he has met his match in Charlotte, who just says " Yes, to-day " until he does!       

 

By next season he should be in top form and considering how well he has done round the shows this year, I hope to see great things.

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

July 20th

 

 

MIDLANDS DALES SHOW AND MORE

 

The intention of entering, was to support the show, give a couple of young ponies some experience, let Rainbow have some fun and just generally have a good day out and catch up with old friends and that's just about what we did, plus a lot more!!  

 

Kelly and Michelle arrived on Saturday afternoon by train ( and that was an adventure out of the Ark in it self ) I had washed and brushed up the ponies during the week, so a quick ride on Jenny who had not been ridden since she first arrived in April and a walk and trot about with Lucy was all we had time for. The ponies were kept in over night in the sheep pens, they could easily have got out but they helpfully stayed put. 

 

When we set off next morning we had no idea what to expect, taking two such green ponies. All travelled well and I can honestly say behaved perfectly all day. Jenny and Lucy both got 2nd's in their in-hand classes, Rainbow was 4th but she was not too happy on the very hard ground. Jenny spent quite a time being ridden round the showground and also went in the timed trotting, she was doing very well but spooked at a jump in the hedge, but as Rainbow also did that and we ended our trotting race at the walk, I think Jenny could be forgiven. 

 

I had also been keeping a little secret from Kelly and just before lunch her boyfriend, David, turned up all the way from Kent and asked her to marry him, luckily she said 'Yes' and so the day got even more exciting.

 

Then, Rainbow pulled out all the stops in the afternoon, winning both her ridden classes and taking the Ridden Championship, not bad for the oldest pony on the showground! When she last won that trophy she was 5years old and Primrose was Reserve to her at 18 years, same age as Rainbow is now.

 

We also caught up with past ponies and owners, Chloe, Prudence and best of all Eric, Rainbow's son, out at his first show with his owners and doing very well.

 

So after a really lovely day we made our way back to Wales, turned out the ponies, who were very tired after their big day and adjourned to the pub at the end of our drive, for a slap up meal to celebrate engagements, championships and just a good day all round.

 

   Rainbow and Eric

 

Lucy (Silver Bells)   and Jenny ( Proud Lady)

 

 

Kelly and Michelle stayed for a few days after the show. Although the weather wasn't great we still managed to get a lot done, Dayzee and Peter got lunged, it was Peter's fist time and considering the distraction of foals, Cyril and broodmares chasing around next to him, he did very well. We managed a hack up on the hills with Rainbow, June and Jenny, (Jenny's first proper hack and she was brilliant, if a bit puffed!). Joseph and Mary got handled and a big field was poo picked, the girls said it was much more fun with the ATV and poo picker, they put on their wet weather geer and disappeared for hours, cost me a fortune in petrol but a job very well done.

And while all this was going on, best of all, work started on renovating the building for the stables.

 

What a busy week but as they say, 'Many hands make light work' I don't think they are going to 'do me' for over working them on their 'working' holiday as they have offered to come again, as soon as they can.    

 

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July 7th 2010

 

 

It's here at last

 

John's new tractor has finally arrived. Oh! did I mention it's 'flat pack !' Good job there were two brothers in-law eagerly awaiting it's delivery, spanners at the ready, all three men got stuck in right away and with a lot of pouring over the manual and parts lists, it started to take shape.

 

My sister's husband was able to stay for several days and now John has his ' little red tractor' to share the duties of the much larger and older blue one.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After her funny turn a few weeks ago, Primrose is fine but seems to have realised that maybe she should hand over some of her nanny duties, so she has been training up a new nursery assistant. Cyril.

He loves his new job, spends lots of time playing with the new babies, always under the watchful eye of Primrose who is never far away. 

 

 

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I have been working Jenny, Lucy and Enfys (Rainbow ) in readiness for Sunday's show. Don't want to completely let the side down with naughty ponies. Trouble is they all want to have a go! 

 

 

 

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July 2nd 2010 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well, we have had some glorious weather, almost too hot. We have made some lovely hay and a small amount of haylage. Still only one tractor at the moment, but our neighbours kindly lent us a tractor to run the wrapper so we were able to make haylage off the field we wanted. Still more to do.

 

We moved the cows onto the hayfields to clear up round the edge, but these fields have no water supply, we carted water to them but could not keep pace, so in the end, we were letting them out on the drive to drink water from the river. New experience, 10.30 on warm summers night, with the heady smell of honeysuckle, standing watching cows slurping vast quantities of river water. What did they do when we put them back in the field, headed for the troughs again! 

 

The foals are growing well and little Joseph is now one of the gang hanging round with Mary and Cyril.

 

Have entered three ponies for the Midlands Dales show, so busy trying to find some time to handle them, I'm sure as I have had so little time to school them, they will be very 'jolly' but it will be fun.

 

Rainbow, oops sorry, Enfys ( she is in a field next to some Welsh ponies and has discovered Enfys is Welsh for Rainbow ) has had a lovely time showing off her trot now the field is clear of hay, my neighbour remarked she had seen me lunging the ponies! 

 

  

 

June 17th 2010

 

Busy, busy, busy. Trying to organise builders and groundwork for riding arena is slow going, but think we are getting there.

 

In the meantime farm work has to go on. Liz had a lovely black colt foal, early on Sunday June 13th, slightly slow start as his breathing was a bit noisey, but he is fighting fit now and full of himself. I've named him Joseph ( goes with Mary, the filly!) not sure of his registered name yet.  

John has cut some grass, so just hoping the weather stays fine for next few days, and we make some good hay. Bit different hay making here, the views are stunning and the tractor had four Red Kites circling round and swooping down after any prey disturbed by the mower, makes a change from sea gulls!

 

The sheep girls had their annual hair cut to-day, professional shearers, all done and dusted in under an hour! They are now trying out a new little paddock we have fenced in front of the house,full of grass and they are sticking their heads through the fence! The grass is always greener on the other side!!

Primrose had a bit of a turn two weeks ago, when I found her after lunch lying in the field unable to get up. Her grand daughter Mary was very concerned and lay down beside her and Cyril, also worried kept poking her with his hoof. The vet could find nothing obviously wrong and we decided it was old age and pain, so filled her full of pain killers and hoped for the best. I have to say I did think it might be the end for her. Imagine my relief when next morning John looked out of the bedroom window and said "There's  a pony in a red rug walking round the field! " Since then, on two feeds a day, bute and her Extraflex, she has not looked back and is getting very demanding, waiting for her feeds if I'm a bit late! This evening I looked out the window and she was down again, I told myself, keep calm, and if she is still down in the morning then call it a day, the next time I looked out she was gone, and I could see her down the other end of the field. A huge relief !

 

Mary, the filly foal is growing fast, a strapping young lady and even Cyril has put on a spurt, he is so kind and gentle with foals and just loves having someone to chase about with, Prim might be a great Granny Nanny but she's not a lot of Fun.

 

 Mary nearly six weeks

                                                                         Joseph, one day

 

Big Boy Cyril

May 31st 2010

 

 

Well I have to say that the move went as smoothly as it could. The weather was wonderful, all animals travelled and arrived with no mis-haps, except the odd rubbed tail. Even June, who we were all so worried about after her accident, took it all in her stride. I've been here since April 12th but poor John was going back and forth until almost end of April.

 

So now it's time to turn this farm into our new home. We've already had a several visitors (all keen to help) and a number of bookings for later in the Summer. A big 'Thank you' to all our friends who gave us so much support and in fact still are. Our new neighbours have made us most welcome and helped us out when needed.

 

The views are just stunning, wherever you look it's hills and mountains. The riding is unbelieveable, just straight from the farm into forest and never ending hills, Rainbow and I are getting very fit and Rainbow has a new friend to ride with, my neighbour's TB gelding.

 

Yes, there is loads to do but we are begining to make start on buildings etc.

 

Biscuit, the cow who only just made it here due to lack of passport, has had her calf and Rosie had a filly foal, just waiting for Liz.  

 

Our farm from the hill, the black dots are Dales ponies, our buildings are behind trees on left.  Cassie and June can't believe the views and neither can Rainbow who was rooted to the spot!

 

Youngsters grazing  with farmhouse in back ground. Laddie and Rambo share this hill field, not at the same time I hasten to add.

Lucy also taken aback by the views, I keep finding ponies staring into space!!

 

   

Primrose is still watching over Cyril but has a new granddaughter to keep an eye on too. Rosie and her filly Rose-Mary.

 Biscuit and her calf safe and sound in Wales

 

 

Oh dear! The ATV has conked out, never mind, it looks as if Cyril and Mary will soon have it sorted (one way or another!) I'll just take Rainbow out for a hack.

 Rainbow, June, Susie and Aggie in front field.

 

 

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Rosie and Berry pleased to see some familiar faces.

 

 

April 10th 

 

First of the Akehurst Dales have arrived in Wales!

 

 

A huge sigh of relief, the transporting of Primrose who will be 31 on the 19th, Liz, Rosie and little Cyril went without a hitch. Heather and I left with a laden horsebox last Wednesday and I have to say I was more than a little worried how my old lady would cope with such a long journey.

 

I had arranged to break the journey and stay with a friend near Gloucester. It was great of Lois to offer to put up four ponies, two humans and a cat ( the cat escaped before we set off !!) over night, but it did mean that Primrose, Rosie, heavy in foal, Liz, in foal and with weak hock and little Cyril didn't have to do the twisty part of the journey when tired from travelling for several hours.

 

Arriving late afternoon, the ponies unloaded and apart from being rather hot (Sunny day and thick coats) were calm and happy. They were turned out and nibbled at the grass, apart from Cyril who legged it round the field glad to be free, he discovered a little hillock in the middle of the field and this kept him amused playing 'king of the castle' while the older ponies relaxed. I think Lois's mare Lakin was rather amused by the sudden influx of Dales relatives to her quiet and peaceful home.

 

Lois made us most welcome but next morning saw us ready to hit the road again. We did warn Lois that she might have to keep little Cyril if he wouldn't load! but he was up the ramp without hesitation, next was Liz a little slower, and Rosie had a bit of an effort to climb up, Primrose true to her motto'go go go' was in like a flash and ready for the off!

 

Just about three hours later saw us pulling into the new farm, we unloaded straight away and once again ponies were a little warm but otherwise relaxed and happy. Into their new field and they wandered off to explore, except Cyril who trotted about with excitement and it wasn't long before he found a little mound to stand on but not as grand as Lois's but it would have to do.

 

I went off to see my cows, who seemed quite happy eating their silage and then Heather and I made a nice cuppa and relaxed watching the ponies happily exploring their new surroundings.

 

The water supply caused a bit of interest, they are used to streams but the Sussex ones are quiet and muddy bottomed, this one was rather noisy as it babbled over the rocks, but Prim and Rosie said it tasted very good!

 

Later that evening John arrived with another trailer load of possessions, we had a lovely meal in the pub at the end of the drive only problem was when we came out it was pitch dark and we had to negotiate the walk home by the light of mobile phones, the cattle grid was a bit of a challange!!

 

Friday morning saw us getting ready for the arrival of the rest of the ponies, the remaining cows, sheep and chickens, not to mention all the furniture next week. We turned the Jersey cows out into a little paddock to make room for one of the cows who looked as if she might not be far off calving, sat in the warm sunshine having our lunch and then with George (ex-owner) promising to keep an eye on the animals, we set off on the long journey to Sussex.

 

Fingers crossed the other animals all travel as well as my 'special people' and by the 16th we should all be in Wales.

 

I'm not sure when the next update will be as I shall loose access to the internet while we move but once we are settled I will be back with an update.

 

 

     

Making themselves at home during the overnight stop, Cyril enjoys King of the castle under Prim's supervision and helps Heather with the field cleaning before setting off for Wales.

 

 

Enjoying the new field in Wales and trying out all the facilities.

 

 

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Queenie and Heather having fun

April 2nd

 

Another busy week! The cattle are settled at the new farm, plenty of silage to eat so very happy. John has had two trips down with the trailer, so loads more stuff down there, as well as some new sheep purchased from Linda. Poor sheep, turned them out on the hill and it started to snow! Well they're Welsh sheep now.

 

All the farm equipment went down on a lowloader,

that was fun, while it was being loaded, the council were showing prospective new tenants round. The fact that the cattle sheds had been cleaned out the day before and it had poured with rain, just added to the chaos!!  

 

Great fun last Sunday, Linda organised a 'leaving party' on behalf of Area 7, thanks to all of you who came, the picture of Rainbow is lovely and will go in pride of place in my new farmhouse. 

 

We played games in the indoor school and sat in the sun, yes sun!! eating a scrummy lunch.  Rainbow was not too keen on the games involving collecting things from the top of a pole but excelled in the 'corner game' lots of dashing about great fun. Queenie got quite excited playing games, maybe she's a budding gymkhana pony! We had planned to take June but she's still not sure about the horsebox after her accident, so Susie stepped in at the last moment and was an absolute star considering she's only just rising 4years and hadn't been ridden since before Christmas.

 

The first of the ponies go down next week, I'm taking those, Primrose, Liz, Rosie and little Cyril, Heather's coming too, I hope she likes my new place. The others travel down the week after with a professional transporter.

 

So at the moment everything falling into place, long may it last.

 

     Rainbow not doing the potatoe race!!

                                                                      Susie and Cassie 

 

 

 

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All ready for the youngsters

March 25th

 

What a hectic week!

 

Kelly (owner of brood mare Liz) and I stayed  a few days at the new farm, we spent the time making sure the fields were ready for the ponies when they arrive after Easter.  We put up electric fencing, walked the bridleway,which leads into the adjoining forest, ( can't wait to go exploring on Rainbow ) started getting the veggy plot ready for planting and generally got a feel of the place.

 

The static caravan was useful for us to stay in, so we did not hinder the old owners who are going as manic as John and I, moving into their new farm a few miles up the road, not quite as far as 275 miles!! Anyway a fun time and starting to feel more like home each time we go.

 

I dropped Kelly off on the way home and when I got back, I found Cassie and Heather in the barn with Jenny. Cassie was riding her round on the lunge all calm and peaceful, first time on board. The council were having a viewing morning for potential tenants, so there were strange bods walking all over the place but Jenny was taking it all in her stride.

 

Later when I checked my e-mails I found Charlotte who now has Kilroy had sent me some lovely photos of him under saddle, It's just so lovely to see him enjoying himself.

 

To-day we had the best news ever. Biscuit, the cow without a passport, has been granted a special licence and can travel with the rest of the herd to the new farm. As they leave first thing tomorrow morning, the news came just in the nick of time. I would be cracking open a bottle but as John is on his way to Wales to be there when the cows arrive, I will have to wait to celebrate. It's taken weeks of negotiations and they said 'no' at the begining of the week, but our little cow has been the topic of some high level talks and thank goodness commonsense prevailed and her death sentence has been lifted.

 

So a very busy and hectic few days, but it's all coming together and at last some good news, long may it last!!

 

 

 Cassie and Jenny                                             Charlotte and Roy

 

 

March 15th

 

Peggy and Alfie leave for their new homes

 

Well March 15th  proved a hectic day, both ponies were due to go to their new homes and of course the transport for each one arrived at the same time! An enormous horse box to take Peggy to Germany and a trailer for Alfie, the box was so big the driver would not come down the lane in case of tree damage, so little Pegs had to walk the mile up our lane. She was an angel and walked along as if she had been doing it all her life, it was in fact the first time she had ventured so far. The box was waiting at the top and she walked straight in. Bless her.

 

I then got a lift back home with Alfie's new owners and it was his turn to load up and set off on his adventure. He had never been in a trailer before but he walked straight in, a little panic when the doors were shut, but he travelled well and has settled into his new life.

 

Peggy arrived at her new home two days later, she had been no problem at all and there was much praise from her driver and groom, which her new owner was pleased to hear.

 

So two ponies happily settled into their new homes, we wish ponies and their owners lots of fun together.

Peggy's great adventure. The start of her journey, relaxing after hours of travelling and meeting her new German friend, same colour as Alfie but talks a strange language!! 

 

 

 

 

 

March 10th

 

 

Rainbow  goes western

 

Rather unfair, I'm stuck with packing up the kitchen and trying to save the life of one of our cows, Biscuit, while Heather and Cassie go off for a hack. Not just any hack, Rainbow was allowed to wear Queenie's new saddle, and she loved to pose in it. Hope Primrose doesn't find out as she had one years ago and I sold it! 

 

Poor Biscuit, she's not very old, very kind and due to calve in a couple of months, due to her passport application getting lost in the post, she is not allowed to leave this farm alive! Didn't matter until we were forced to move out due to the new road.

We have had her from a few days old, she came from the farm next door and has correct ear tags, but that makes no difference, no passport, can't be moved. There is a chance we could get a special licence but we are just being pushed from one department to another, no one willing to grant it.

 

Who in their right minds would force a perfectly healthy ( just passed her pre movement TB test) highly pregnant cow to be slaughtered, rather than let her move with us. Thinking of going to the TV people if I don't get the licence.  

 

 

Chocolate Biscuit

 

 

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 March 7th

 

BUSY    BUSY    BUSY

 

Our move is getting ever closer, several more trips to Wales under our belt, so starting to look quite bare here.  Cows have passed their 'pre movement' TB test and all cows pronounced pregnant, only hope they hang on till they reach Wales towards end of March.

 

Of course we might be moving but farm work has to carry on as well. Lambs are arriving, ponies and cows still need attention. It has managed to stop raining for a few days and the floods have receded a little, making life much more pleasant.

 

New helper, Cassie, has proved very useful, the Dales have won her over and she has been working on Jenny when time permits.To-day she brought a friend up, so June and Rainbow went out hacking on a lovely sunny morning. Little Fred went off to his new home, he's going to be a 'New Forest' pony and will be living with his Great Uncle Roy, helping him promote the breed.

 

Fred all de-mudded and awaiting transport to his new home

 

Cassie and Jo off on a hack

 

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  February 20th

                SNOW    SNOW   AND   MORE   SNOW

 

The ponies may enjoy it but the novelty is starting to wear off!!

 

With under two months to go to our move to Wales, we are definately getting behind with transporting our stuff, if it's not snowing here, Wales gets it. John has already been stuck in snow, and it was sheer luck he got pulled free or he would have been there all night and we are not risking that again!

 

However one really good thing happened to-day.

 

JUNE HAS BEEN IN THE MOVING HORSEBOX  

 

OK, just a few feet,but she's done it and no panic, earlier in the week we put her on, shut her behind the partition and loaded Rainbow, we then left them to munch on their nets for a while, all was calm. So to-day we loaded again, put up the ramp and started the box, still fine, I drove a few feet forward, stopped, reversed back, I was shaking with nerves I can tell you. Heather and Becky gave me the all clear so I repeated the exercise and all was well. What a relief after the drama of her accident.

 

Next stage is a drive up our lane and round the block, but our lane is very rough at the moment, so will leave it for a week or so. If that goes well then she will be off to our Dales area 'pony party' at the end of March and then it will be the biggy to Wales. So fingers crossed for June please. 

 

It's been all change here, over the past week. Tina has left to go to a new job, so as we really need loads of help over the next two months, we have a new helper, Cassie, she has fitted in well and I think the Dales have worked their charm on her and we have a new convert to the breed! 

 

 

  

 February 6th 2010

 

 

June invites you to ' Spot the difference'

 

June's accident was 13th september.

 

 

This picture taken in November 

                         and this is it now.

 

We're getting there! 

 

 

 

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 January 26th

 

Like everyone else we have had snow, rare for Bexhill, we usually just get rain. The ponies seem to have enjoyed it, but we have been cut off by anything but 4X4's, no post etc, luckily I was well stocked with feed.

 

Good news on the June story. Her wound has nearly closed over, leaving only a minor scar and slight bump. Amazing after the horrendous wound she did have. She has been back in the horsebox and was quite happy to stand there, next step shut her back with a friend and then if that goes well a short trip.

 

Some very sad news is that during the worst of the winter snow Annie was taken ill, what seemed like a mild colic would not respond to treatment and we managed to get her to a local vet clinic, we had to use John's 4X4 and trailer as horsebox would have struggled on the icy roads. Even there she went down hill and I decided it was kinder to let her go. So sad to loose such a kind and gentle young pony who had her whole life ahead of her.