Panda Power

Back home after a fab horsey adventure. Emma and I talked non-stop. I’m so glad I decided to be spontaneous and go with her to the Champs this weekend.

We thought we were lucky when we arrived yesterday to be parked right next to the stables. Not so lucky when we had a horse calling and crashing during the night. Neither of us got the best night. At one point, I was debating getting up to check it wasn’t cast or collicking.

Bit of an early start to do the Arena Walk. As Emma and Panda were the first in their class, there wasn’t much point going back to the lorry.

It was so windy today. But really warm. It would have been a glorious day if the wind had dropped.

Everyone had the same issue though. And everyone did really well in rather challenging circumstances.

It was lovely watching people. One of my observations was how diverse the horses and riders were. From leggy warmbloods to hench highlands, and everything in between. The riders were all shapes, sizes and ages too.

Wonderful to see people enjoying being away with their horses. I enjoyed it too. I was very well fed and watered. Came home feeling inspired to get Buddy to another Championships.

Star

Buddy had a pony play date today. With a rather large pony. Becca and Star came to visit. Star is a lot bigger than Buddy, kinda makes him look like a pony. We were out for nearly 2 hours working our way round the roads and tracks. We hardly saw a soul. Sheer bliss.

We were meant to go over to see them, but the Buddymobile is in the sickbay. Again. So they came to us. I love being able to share our hacking with people.

Buddy clearly guessed we were going out for a long one as he tried to take snacks with him. He was a bit miffed I wouldn’t let him take a huge mouthful of hay out. Star was a bit surprised by our hills. Yes we have hills in Norfolk.

It was so funny cause Star clearly knew his way round. He strode off so confidently, you’d think he’d been there before. Buddy on the other hand acted like he’d never been down the routes we took. Talk about role reversal.

All in all two perfectly behaved ponies. The riders had a laugh too.

Infrared

Today Buddy was infrared scanned. Nothing to worry about, just a precaution and out of curiosity.

I had to plait his mane out of the way. I gave him a little top knot for his forelock. He was so funny as when I tried to take it out, he was having none of it. He obviously wants to be a fashion icon of the yard. Got it out eventually.

The sweetest thing was Big Buddy finally got to meet Little Buddy. Little Buddy is a Shetland pony who belongs to my friend. There was a definite bromance started today.

It was the most adorable thing. I’ve not heard my Buddy ‘chat’ to another horse like that. They were grooming each other. It made my heart burst seeing them together.

If Buddy ever needs a Buddy, I think he’s just found one. In Shetland form.

Pony clubber

Today I was at the Pony Club Regional Champs being held at Blackwater Farm. Yes I know I’m a bit old for Pony Club. I was there to help the organisers. It mostly involved running around a lot, looking after people and anything else anyone needed. It was a long day, but a lot of fun.

I never had the opportunity to be part of the Pony Club. I didn’t get my first horse till I was in my 20s. It was great seeing so many riders, horses and ponies in action. It was also lovely seeing the camaraderie.

I was only meant to be there today. But I managed to leave my bag behind. So I’ve now got to go back tomorrow for pick it up.

Little and large

Buddy and I headed down to meet up with a friend and her new pony Mick. He’s super cute! But tiny compared to Buddy.

They were both hoof-perfect. And firm friends by the end of the hack. We didn’t stop talking the whole way round either.

Given I felt quite down when I woke up this morning. This was the perfect tonic.

Pony play date

Today Buddy and I headed over to High Ash to meet up with Sam and Halo for a pony play date. We lucked out with the weather as it was glorious sunshine. Mind you a rather fresh wind so I was glad of my layers.

We covered over 5 miles round the tracks. It’s such a fantastic place to go. We didn’t stop chatting the whole way round. After a few tough weeks, it was the perfect tonic.

All creatures great and small

After my malaise yesterday, I woke up feeling more level again. Nothing’s changed but my attitude. It was good for me to acknowledge how I was feeling.

Had to take my car to the garage as a warning light has come on. One perk is I get to see the calves. And this time there were ponies too. I sat in the car watching them play. I’d like to know more about horse behaviour and psychology. They seemed very content. It was still fascinating watching the interaction between the herd.