My Girl Grace

My Favourite View!!

2007-07-01T18:35:00.000+01:00

My girly is going fab! After a few hiccups with her feet we are finally starting to get into our work together and she is enjoying it all immensely!

I love my horses!!!

Poppy Update!

2007-06-20T11:03:00.000+01:00

Poppy is doing SO well in her new home. In the words of her new Mum she 'Rules the Roost'! Considering she is only 9hh high, she is the boss of 4 x 15hh+ horses!

She looks fabulous, like a little show pony!

And, Charlotte Churches new home is in the background, so Poppy has famous neighbours!

This Years Donnersohn Foals!

2007-06-06T10:34:00.000+01:00

Just taking a peek at the Morgan Equine Stud website and seeing the Donnersohn foals of this year! Too cute!

Donnersohn x Kings Athlete (Bay)

Donnersohn x Prussian Blue (Dark Brown Running)

Donnersohn x Private Eye (Chestnut, White Socks)

Donnersohn x Perdita (Black, white snip)

Misty Morning ...

2007-05-24T10:00:00.000+01:00

I got to the field this morning to find my two cuties like this! I love cuddles when they're lying down - awwwwwwwwwwwwww!!

Our New Pad!

2007-05-21T10:19:00.000+01:00

Awwwwwwww, we are happy in our new place! Grace has friends to talk to over the (fabulous post and rail) fences. A few acres of my own, lovely grazing, nice stable and good hacking - what more can I ask for!

Grace's Portrait!

2007-05-14T10:48:00.000+01:00

Isn't it just amazing!

My Horses are Home!!

2007-04-22T19:46:00.000+01:00

Yay!

Grace and Doughnut are back in thier field and is great to have them back!

YIPPPPPPPPPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

Happy Update on My Ned's

2007-04-17T10:30:00.000+01:00

All is well with my equine pals!

Poppy is really enjoying her new home. She has a best mate, 6 acres of organic pasture and a lovely new Mum who grooms her every day!

Grace is getting on really well at Sheila's. I visited her on Sunday and she seemed very content and relaxed.

Doughnut is still on hols with the Section A's and having a ball!

Back to reality for me this weekend when Grace and Doughnut come home, but the break has been nice while it lasted!

Poppy's New Home

2007-03-30T10:00:00.000+01:00

Poppy moved to her new loan home last night :)

The move went well. I had to travel in the trailer with her (shhhhhh - naughty I know!) as she was just too little, but it was only a ten minute drive so not too bad!

She is now living in luxury. She has six acres, two companions, a stable full of straw and a HUGE field shelter with a deep bed - oh and a loving and knowledgable foster Mum - she's a lucky girlie!

:)))

Grace Has Gone Back To School!

2007-03-29T10:30:00.000+01:00

Grace has gone back to Sheila's in Gilfach for a 'refresher course', can't wait till she comes back so we can go riding all Summer!

Poppy goes to her new loan home today too.

So its just me and Doughnut for the next few weeks. He's going to the field next door to stay with three sexy little fillies who will keep him happy - he won't want to come back!!

Grace's EP Hoof Pictures

2007-03-16T12:00:00.000Z

Looking pretty rubbish but hey ho - the only way is up!

Grace's New Trimmer

2007-03-12T15:06:00.000Z

After the sad retirement of our old trimmer, I had to find someone who would come out to the 'wilds' of Bridgend and trim Grace - its not as though its in the sticks but it was no mean feat!

So, I got in contact with Nick Vincent who is an Equine Podiatrist from Cardiff and he came out on Saturday. Grace got on with him fine! He was there for nearly two hours and he measured and inspected and photographed her hooves in great detail. The trim was nice and neat but Grace got really bored by the end of two hours and decided to show us how pretty she looks up on two legs!!

Good news is that my usually slow and steady mare is now zooming around the field, galloping to me for her tea and generally being a maniac - she must like her new feet!!!

Poppy Is Too Fat!!!!

2007-03-02T09:52:00.001Z

YAY!!!!!!!!

The Tooth Fairy Has Been!

2007-02-20T14:24:00.000Z

Doughnut is losing his teeth and I found a big one in his empty feed bucket last Friday. His bottom row of teeth are half out and he looks like a little boy with missing teeth!

Poppy is now fat as butter in her new paddock! I have never seen such a change so quickly in a pony! She looks so different and is very happy and alert. Her system is back up and running and she is now finishing two large feeds a day too.

Grace's abscess is healing nicely, just waiting for her to lose the back of her heel now!

So, nice news all round - and we are all waiting with baited breath for the Spring grass to come through :)

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

2007-02-08T09:40:00.000Z

Sunny Sunday Update!

2007-02-04T18:25:00.000Z

What a beautiful weekend! Wish I'd had my camera with me. Two glorious sunshiny days - Grace had her first naked days this year and took full advantage of rolling at every opportunity - great when I had to clean her off in the evenings!

Grace's abscess seems to be clearing up nicely. I am soaking her foot once a day in Milton solution and then strapping a nappy on with thick outdoor material tape - its working a treat!

I moved Poppy to a farm across the way yesterday. She was really starting to worry me with her weight loss and I was hoping that a touch of 'Dr Green' might fix her up! She is back in the field that her and Doughnut first arrived in and I swear she has put on a bit of weight already - grass is wonderful stuff! She will move next week to a paddock with more grass but I didn't want to put her there straight away and risk colic - would be all I needed!

Doughnut is my little superstar - no worries with him at all. He is doing his companion job very well and him and Grace are firm pals - even if they do look like an odd couple!

Poppy and the Dentist!

2007-02-02T11:37:00.000Z

Poppy saw the dentist last night and she was a very brave girlie!

I was hoping he'd find a sore tooth to explain her not gaining weight but he didn't. They were pretty sharp but nothing to stop her eating. He did say that she was not even two years of age yet though - more like 18 months old.

And, she was officially the smallest pony he had ever done and he had to twist the leather on the gag to make it fit! Bless!

Abscess!

2007-02-01T12:53:00.000Z

Grace has one - Gah!!!!!

Update on Poppy

2007-01-20T14:36:00.000Z

Well, the vet came today and found a lot of pain in Poppy's shoulder - he said it looks as though she has been kicked. Makes sense really. She is being bullied by the other two and she has been unhappy. No wonder she's so happy to be in the stable!

Might have to think of a plan B for Poppy.

Lil' Poppy

2007-01-19T14:26:00.000Z

Poppy came in lame on Tuesday morning, I think she had pulled it that night in the field. She had lots of heat but no swelling and her joints bent in all the right places. I called the vet to come at lunch time but when I went back up to see her she was better on it.

She has been stabled since then and she is like a different pony!

I have learnt that she loves to be stabled. She was starting to get very miserable and quiet and was losing ground in the last few weeks. I had started feeding her much more and also got her on a course of Naff Pink Powder as I was quite worried about her.

Well, I think Miss Poppy just didn't like living out in the Winter nights! And, she doesn't like hay! She has been in 27/7 until this morning and she is so bright and alert. She has been laying down sleeping in her straw bed when I've got there every morning and she's demolished nearly a bale of straw already. (She's getting Simple Systems food, Pink Powder and her vitamins so I know she's ok without the hay).

So, the little madam will now be staying in at nights! She went out for the first time today and she walked straight back into her open stable when I left! As long as she's happy!

The Ponies First Trim!

2007-01-13T17:49:00.000Z

And they were fab!!

All our practicing came in handy and they stood still and picked up thier feet like little pro's!

Grace's feet are getting better and better too!

All good!

Rain, Rain, Rain :(

2007-01-09T11:36:00.000Z

My horses are soaking

My field is boggy

My wellies are muddy

I have 12 wet hooves to pick out

ROLL ON SPRING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Enlightened Equitation Demo Day

2007-01-07T10:54:00.000Z

I went to the Heather Moffett EE demo yesterday at Devon - what an inspiration!

Had an amazing day watching gorgeous happy horses showing off and doing thier dressage - with no force, kind training and treeless saddles!

The groundwork demo was more of an eye opener for me - inspired me to do more clicker training with Grace (and maybe the pones) as you could see the horses reacting to the clicker and really trying hard to get the click - Loved it!!!

Feeling all inspired - wish it wasn't raining!!!

Some pics of the gorgeous horses ...

Note To Self

2007-01-05T09:45:00.001Z

DO NOT try the ''putting wormer in a honey sandwich'' trick again.

The neds don't eat it and you waste £22!!!

Bugger!

Happy New Year!!!

2007-01-01T12:56:00.000Z

Here's to a fabulous New Year!

My wish list for this year is;

* Healthy horses!

* Happy horses

* To ride Grace, get her started again and take her forward

* To help the Shetlands (especially Poppy) to realise that people can be nice and no one is going to hurt them again

* To get Grace's feet as rock crunching as possible

* To enjoy every moment with my neds

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Poppy's New Rug!

2006-12-23T17:35:00.000Z

Poppy was feeling the cold as she hasn't had a chance to grow a good coat this year. I have tried to feed her up with good food and vitamins but she was still cold. I've bought her a tiny 3ft 6 foal rug and she's now snug as a bug!!!

Back to Haynets

2006-12-19T16:15:00.000Z

Have decided to start using haynets again as my monkeys are wasting half of thier hay every day!

I know its supposed to be more natural for them to forage from the floor (or out of Tubtrucs!) but I can't afford to waste half of my hay!

Will find out of the littlies know how to use a haynet tonight!

Some Cute Pics Of My Herd From Today!!

2006-12-09T18:11:00.000Z

Lovely, Lovely Morning!

2006-12-02T12:39:00.000Z

Just spent a lovely morning with my 'horses'!

Meal times are easy as the ponies go into the stable together and Grace eats her food out side as usual.

This morning I put Doughnut's new headcollar on him without him batting an eyelid! He looks very smart in purple!!

Poo picked my field with the help of Doughnut, he was my little shadow!

I took Grace for a walk and then filed her feet, she was so calm and happy because the ponies were there - even when 3 horses and riders came clattering past (forgot how NOISY horseshoes are!!)

I couldn't be happier right now, Grace is content :)

Grace Meets Her New Friends!

2006-12-01T19:27:00.000Z

AT LAST!! No more living alone for my lovely girl!

The meeting went well, a 5 minute race around the field and then back to the important job of eating!

Grace adores her new pals already, they are even all eating from the same pile of hay, out of choice!!!

I'm very happy!!! :)

3RD FREE SWAB!!!!!!!!

2006-11-28T18:08:00.000Z

OH MY GOD!!!

The day has finally come - I finally received the phone call I have been waiting for - NO MORE STRANGLES!!!

YIPPPPPPPEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can't wait till the weekend to put the ponies in with Grace!

2nd Free Swab!!

2006-11-22T09:58:00.000Z

Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!

:)))))))))))))))))))))

3rd Swab tomorrow and then she will have her buddies forever!

Some more pics of the Mini's!

2006-11-18T17:19:00.000Z

Have Decided On ...

2006-11-17T12:01:00.000Z

Poppy! As she was bought on Poppy Day and she's red!

Mel came out today to trim Grace and didn't have to do any trim at all as I have been keeping her feet in shape myself - feel very proud!!!

Waiting till next Wednesday for the next swab result now.

Grace's New Buddies

2006-11-14T09:28:00.000Z

Meet Grace's two new partners in crime! They were living in a garden in Swansea and had been swapped for a quad bike, poor little things. Toni to the rescue and now they are mine!!! They will hopefully be Grace's new companions once she has the all clear.

Names still to be decided but the little Piebald gelding is officially 'Doughnut' and the little mare has no name at present - but I like 'Squirrel'!!

Good News! (kind Of!)

2006-11-14T09:16:00.000Z

Grace's first swab has finally come back as clear for Strangles but has grown a fungus!! That is why it was inconclusive for a while.

The vet has said the fungus could be 'environmental' (whatever that may mean) and we'll see if one grows in the next swab.

2nd swab this afternoon.

The Swabs Start Again

2006-11-06T08:06:00.000Z

Vet is coming today to start the new set of swabs.

Julian Midda (my Kineasiologist) left a message last night to say that there was no sign of Strangles at all in Grace's system now.

We shall wait and see! Once again, fingers and toes firmly crossed.

A Year To The Day ...

2006-10-23T13:59:00.000+01:00

Since I saw my gorgeous girlie for the first time!!!

Some pictures of her the first time I saw her.

She was a gift and has made my life complete!

No More Worms!

2006-10-12T08:12:00.000+01:00

Feeling very happy ...

Dear Toni,
here is the result of your worm count:

Grace -50 epg no eggs seen

The sign <>

Worm count result shows no worms! One good thing to come out of being excluded from society!

Donnersohn Stud Card

2006-10-11T12:09:00.000+01:00

More peeking on the net! Found this ..

One of Grace's Brothers!

2006-10-11T10:20:00.000+01:00

Looking on the net at Graces breeding and I came across this very sweet picture of Donnergotsch - a black colt by Donnersohn. The blurb says;
I expect him to make about 16hh, but huge expressive mover, very handsome and sweet. He is good enough to either keep entire or to go to the top in dressage.

Our new Winter home!

2006-10-08T20:12:00.000+01:00

I moved Grace this weekend to her new home in Colwinston. We left bright and early and walked the four miles through the lanes and up a HUGE hill! Poor Grace's eyes were on stalks as she had been field bound for so long!

Her new yard is lovely, we have a stable and a tack room and two acres of grazing.

I think we are going to be happy here for the Winter :)

I'm thinking of getting her a companion once the Strangles has cleared once and for all - Watch this Space!

Positive Swab

2006-09-14T09:42:00.000+01:00
Second swab was positive. Strangles is still there. 14 weeks on.

Bits and Bobs!

2006-09-12T22:28:00.000+01:00
Grace's baddy hoof is getting better! The Dermacrescin that Diane gave me worked wonders - just have to try and get some from an agent now as no one sells it - not even on the net!

Had Mel out tonight to trim Graces hooves. They were in a state, all chipped after the infamous 'cow' incident. She made them look lovely in about 20 minutes though!

AND, we learnt to ground tie tonight! Thats why I love Mel, she is so full of knowledge and I pick up little lessons from her every time she visits - should pay more really!

Awaiting our 2nd swab result, have to wait until Thursday to call them. Gulp!

Grace in the wars - again!

2006-09-10T20:42:00.000+01:00
Got to to the field tonight to find Grace with a big wound to her near fore. She had somehow got wire wrapped around the coronet and pulled back - ouch.

She ok though, no swelling and no heat. Washed and cleaned it all up and covered it with would cream.

Poor girl - again!

Round 3 - Second Swab!

2006-09-08T07:25:00.000+01:00
Fingers crossed.

Thrush >:-<

2006-09-06T21:14:00.000+01:00
As if things could get any worse!!

Grace wouldn't let me pick out her feet for a week after the 'cow' incident as she needed them desperately to run away!

As a result, she now has mild Thrush in her front hooves!

I visited her tonight armed with gloves, new hoof brush & pick, Hibiscrub and Sudocream and gave her hooves a good scrubbing. She was good as gold - maybe due to the fact that I gave her a new lick to occupy her!

Good News All Round!!

2006-09-05T13:50:00.000+01:00
Grace moved to her new field last night and loves it! There are horses in the opposite field that are seperated by a river but she can see them and talk to them!

AND - 1 free Strangles swab today!!!

HORRAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!

FINALLY! Things are looking up!

2006-09-02T12:03:00.000+01:00
The last six weeks have been a nightmare.

Poor Grace has moved fields three times, once after leaping through barbed wire to escape from cows that a stupid farmer put in with her!

She also had a positive Strangles swab.

In the last week I have had to make a choice whether to;

a) put Grace through ten days of intensive treatment which involved putting permanent catheters up her nose to the back of her throat and stitching them to her nostrils, pumping water through the tubes a few times a day and also injecting her with high doses of penicillin

b) move her to West Wales to live with the lady who has done all her Kinesiology tests - at a cost of £85 per week

c) try desperately to find somewhere local that she can live where she can rid herself of the Strangles at her own pace whilst being isolated from other horses

It looks like someone is watching over me as I have now been offered a secluded field for Grace to live on her own for £5 per week! It is only five minutes from my house and is near the fabulous training stables where she will re-begin her training once she is better.

I feel so much happier now, hence the post as I have been too depressed to post on here about all the bad news!!

Yay!!!

The Swabs Start Again

2006-08-14T10:14:00.000+01:00
The vet is coming at 3pm today to sedate Grace and start her three swabs again.

Fingers, toes and ears crossed that she is Strangles free this time.

Another New menu

2006-08-05T12:47:00.000+01:00
Grace had another test from Tam and seems to be much much better.

Her menu has changed now from 5 meals to 2 per day (Thank Goodness!).

New menu as follows;

Morning
1/2 Scoop Meadowbix
1/2 Scoop Hi Fibre Cubes
35ml Corn Oil
15ml Seaweed
5ml Brewers Yeast
8ml NAF Electrosalts
12ml MSM
10ml Boneset
1/4 Scoop Rolled Barley
10ml Linseed Oil
10ml Rosehip Granules

Evening
1/2 Scoop Meadowbix
1/2 Scoop Hi Fibre Nuts
25ml Corn Oil
15ml Seaweed
8ml NAF Electrosalts
1/2 Scoop Rolled Barley
10ml Linseed Oil

A Week of Good Food!

2006-07-26T09:20:00.000+01:00
And Gracie seems to be feeling much much better!

There is no grass now due to the scorching weather (30 degree's most days!) so she is waiting at the gate for each feed!

I have everything crossed that she has beaten it this time and that she will continue to get better.

Come on Grace - You Can Do It!!!!

Grace's New Menu!

2006-07-19T10:45:00.000+01:00
Ok - onwards and upwards!

I sent a sample of Grace's hair to a kinesiologist recommended to me by her barefoot trimmer.

Grace is feeling quite poorly at the moment and needs the following menu to hopefully get her right. This is her menu for the next two weeks, starting from today!!;

Early Morning Breakfast

Liquorice – 110ml
Boneset – 110ml
3 x Carrots
3 x Green Apples
MSM – 10ml
Meadowbix - ¼ Scoop
Lucibix – ¾ Scoop
Hi Fi Cubes – 1 Scoop
Rolled Oats – ¼ Scoop
Corn Oil – 50 ml
Sunflower Oil – 40 ml
Seaweed – 110ml
Brewers Yeast – 40ml
Seasalt – 5ml

Morning

Meadowbix - ¼ Scoop
Lucibix – ¾ Scoop
Hi Fi Cubes – 1 Scoop
Corn Oil – 50 ml
Sunflower Oil – 40 ml
Seasalt – 5ml
3 x Carrots
MSM – 5ml

Lunch

Meadowbix - ¼ Scoop
Lucibix – ¾ Scoop
Hi Fi Cubes – 1 Scoop
Corn Oil – 50 ml
Sunflower Oil – 40 ml
Seasalt – 5ml
3 x Carrots
3 x Apples
MSM – 10ml
Brewers Yeast – 5ml

Tea

Meadowbix - ¼ Scoop
Lucibix – ¾ Scoop
Hi Fi Cubes – 1 Scoop
Corn Oil – 50 ml
Sunflower Oil – 40 ml
Seasalt – 5ml
3 x Carrots
MSM – 5ml
Brewers Yeast – 5ml

Supper

Meadowbix - ¼ Scoop
Lucibix – ¾ Scoop
Hi Fi Cubes – 1 Scoop
Corn Oil – 50 ml
Sunflower Oil – 40 ml
Seasalt – 5ml
MSM – 10ml
3 x Apples

Bad News

2006-07-04T14:32:00.000+01:00
Graces third Strangles swab has come back positive.

More isolation.

More swabs.

Very bad news.

All My Girls!!!

2006-07-02T17:45:00.001+01:00

This is a post to celebrate all the wonderful mares that have been in my life.

My very first pony Splash was a little 11hh chestnut mare with a white blaze in the shape of a monkey wrench! She was a complete sod and would buck, kick and bite as soon as look at you .. but I loved her!

Valentine was my second mare. She was a 13.2hh dark bay Arab x mare. She had the sweetest temperament and didn't ever put a foot wrong!

Holly was my first 'horse'! She was 14.1hh Strawberry Roan mare and had issues! If I know then what I know now she wouldn't have had such issues with her confidence as I could have helped her through it. She is at Rainbow Bridge now. I miss her.

Fingers Crossed ...

2006-06-28T21:10:00.000+01:00
Grace had her third and final Strangles swab yesterday. If its a third clear then we can breathe a sigh of relief!

Its about a 96% chance then that she didn't have Strangles but some other form of respiratory virus.

I really hope its negative. I don't want to put Grace through any more swabs, she hated them :(

Happy Birthday Grace!!!

2006-06-22T10:12:00.000+01:00

My girl is 5 today!!!

She has had new G2 boots and a big bag of carrots!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRACIE!!!

Feeling Better!

2006-06-17T13:30:00.000+01:00

Feeling very happy today! :)

I found a lovely isolated field for Grace to live in for the next month or two (thanks to my bosses sister!)

We took her down there last night, poor girl, first time out of her stable in nearly two weeks and she goes straight onto a trailer!!! It was only a ten minute journey though.

Grace was chuffed to bits to have her freedom. She didn't know whether to eat grass, roll, run or buck - so she did all four in very quick succession!!!

Yay!!!

One Week Later

2006-06-12T17:15:00.000+01:00
Well, Gracie is feeling much better. He temperature is back to normal and she is eating well.

But the poor thing has stood in her stable since last Tuesday. She is dealing with it very well but I just want her to be able to go out and play again.

I am trying my best to find her an isolated place to go and live until the Strangles is gone and she has three free swabs - but its not easy. The farm are being so good but my option of putting Grace in the back field, although generous, is just too risky to the other horses.

Hopefully this will all sort itself out soon and Grace can go back out in the sunshine.

Poorly Girl

2006-06-07T14:43:00.000+01:00
Grace was diagnosed with Strangles last night.

She is not a well girl but better today than last night.

It looks like she will have to live in an isolated field for a few months now.

Poor thing, I'm really upset.

One Week On ..

2006-06-05T14:46:00.000+01:00
And I think we are doing Ok!!

I have been working with Grace nearly every day;

Monday - Rode Bareback
Tuesday - Long Reining
Wednesday - Day Off!
Thursday - Rode Bareback
Friday - Day Off
Saturday - Long Reining
Sunday - Bareback

She is going very well. I've noticed a real change in her attitude in the stable. She is so confident and relaxed - a far cry from the nervy and flighty mare that went away!

Her new saddle is due tomorrow and I'm also awaiting her new Old Mac boots.

My next challenge is to 'Make Grace Brave'! I am going to do some spook busting with a tarpaulin sheet on the floor and some flags and bags on some jump wings. I really want her to be confident in herself and also in me.

Watch this space!

The Bareback Experiment!

2006-05-29T14:27:00.000+01:00
Sitting here with a big smile on my face!

I went down to Grace this morning, put her bridle on, jumped on bareback and rode out for about three miles (in walk) with another horse and rider for company!

We passed push bikes, barking dogs, lots of cars, screaming children and even someone strimming thier garden - and Grace didn't bat an eyelid!

Bloody saddle! Its going back tomorrow!

So I'm really happy that yesterdays hiccup didn't affect Graces confidence, she was great!

Pride Before A Fall

2006-05-28T18:52:00.000+01:00
Felt proud as punch this morning, going for my first ride on Grace!

Collected her from her field. Gave her a groom and tacked her up in all her spanking new tack.

I thought I would lead her out with two other horses from the yard and then jump on and ride home. I thought this would give her confidence.

The walking out was great. Grace led all the way and seemed in a really happy mood. I found a style to mount her from and got on. Instantly that I got on she started arching her back and being ticklish and when I asked her to walk forward she gave a little buck. The more I asked,the more she bucked and eventually gave a big buck and I fell off!

A little background. Grace had her saddle fitted professionally by a local saddler. When she went to Shelia she said it didn't fit and wouldn't ise it to back Grace. She used a Wintec which Grace got on fine with. As soon as Grace came home I got the saddler back out to look at the saddle and he said it fitted fine. Catch 22 from my position! I've never been any good at arguing!

So - basically this has proved that Grace doesn't like the saddle.

My barefoot trimmer came out today (fab woman!) and she does Kineaseology. She basically asked Grace about the saddle and Grace 'told' her that the saddle hurts her shoulders. She realised that Grace is also really tight in her shoulders as a result of her having slight twists in her hooves that we are rectifying.

So, saddle is going back (Grace also 'said' she wanted a Wintec!!!!!). I will ride bareback and do lots of shoulder massage on Grace till this is all sorted.

So its all OK, and apart from a big bruise on the bum and a slight crush to my spirits - tomorrow is another day!

Grace's Homecoming!

2006-05-27T14:12:00.000+01:00

Horrayyyyyy!

Grace came home about 7pm last night and travelled like a dream all the way!

I think she was pleased to be back and she settled back in straight away! She wasted no time in causing choas in her field and making all the geldings lose thier heads!

Roll on Summer (when it ever arrives!)

Mission Accomplished - My First Ride!

2006-05-22T22:32:00.000+01:00

I visited Grace at Brecon for the last time today - she is coming home to me on Friday.

I had my first ride on her around the school in her full tack and she was an excellent pony!!

Roll on Friday!

Email Diary - Graces Progress at Gilfach!

2006-05-18T13:55:00.000+01:00
An email diary of Graces progress from Sheila at Gilfach Farm;

29.04.06
Hi Toni

I am glad you would like to come up and meet us with a view to sending your mare up to us (and I am chuffed that you have been given recommendations too!).

I am here all of the time, more or less, but weekend are beginning to get pretty manic now, so if you could come during the week, that would be great. If this is going to be awkward for you, then Sundays after about 4pm are usually ok. At the moment, I would be able to take your horse from April 22nd, as I will then be able to devote more time to her.

Let me know when you'd be able to come up for a visit, and we can go from there

........................................................................................
20.04.06
Hi Toni

Just thought I'd drop you a line to make sure all is ok for Saturday. You must be very anxious about sending your "girl" away! Don't be - all the horses that pass through the Gilfach gates are very happy here, and leave as contented, educated and motivated geegees!

Could you let me know how to get to you, and what time you would like me to arrive on Saturday? I was thinking that it might be nice for you to spend some time with her on the Sunday - if you are free, so that I can see where she's at with you, and for her to settle in to her new environment with her "mummy". The choice is yours though.

Look forward to hearing from you soon.

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03.05.06
Hi Toni

No probs with the vaccinations. The vet is coming on May 9th to do them.

Grace is well and truely in season at the moment - and proving a little challenging! Have you witnessed her in season before? She's a wee bit fidgety on the yard (especially when the stallions around!), but to work with, she's the same quiet, calm Grace that I know and love!

Speak to you soon.

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09.05.06
Hi Toni

Grace was good as gold for the first of her three flu/tetnus jabs.

She's been a little bit temperamental recently. Still seriously in season! We are making progress, a bit slower than I thought at the beginning. Lots of work with the false legs, lots of mounting, dismounting.

Had my first proper ride on her today. Just up and down the yard, being led, but using the rider aids at the same time. She was fine - rather reluctant to go forward, but I prefer it that way!

My feeling is that her previous owner may have started her backing, but gave up at a bad point, so we don't have a totally blank canvass to work with here, but its doable. (We've had a couple of rearing up episodes and a few total freaks - for no apparent reason - other than memory).

But, don't worry. Grace seems very happy, and has made lots of friends, and she's looking great!

Speak to you later,

Sheila

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10.05.06
Hi Toni

Don't worry!

Its nothing I can't work through with Grace, but it is important that you know how she has behaved - for the future. I like all of the horses I work with to be totally happy with the intensity and progress - which Grace has been, its just every now and again, she seems to say "I've been here before, and I didin't like it last time" - so hopefully, if we do it right this time, she will change her opinion!

We made good progress today. A ride and lead hack (with legs), then a good walk up and down the yard with me on her, giving her the rider aids. She was much more willing today, and seems to be happy with what we are asking of her. I am going to start the hacking out with her (me on her) this weekend, so it shouldn't be too long before she's back with you and you can continue the progress with her yourself!

She sends her love!

Speak to you soon.

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11.05.06
hi Toni

Really good news!

After long reining grace down the lane past a few cars, barking dog, loose sheep, etc - to which she didn't bat an eyelid), I did my usual mounting and dismounting routine (again, good as gold), and asked her to walk up and down the yard. My groom gave her a bit of support initially, but she soon gained confidence and understanding. We then went for a walk around the farm yard and into the outdoor school. She was great! So I'm well pleased that she has decided to go with us rather than against.

I'm giving her a day off tomorrow, then will try a hack out on Sat. If all is well, maybe you would like to come out (either on one of my horses, or on Grace) when you come up on Sunday.

Speak to you soon.

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18.05.06
Hi Toni

Friday morning is fine by me for you to come up and see Grace - see you at 9ish!

I can bring her home on Fri 26th and could get to you at around 6pm (latest,as Hugh comes home on a Friday evening!).

I haven't been billed for Grace yet for her flu and tet jabs. You have left me a blank cheque (!!!), so I can let you know how much it is at the end of the month when I get the bill. I can ask the vet to give me a vacc certificate for grace's first jabs, but it would be better put on her passport when you get it. I will ask the vet what is best.

Did some basic schooling in walk with Grace today. She was excellent!

See you Fri!

Simmi & baby Jewel!

2006-05-16T20:47:00.000+01:00

Whilst visiting on Sunday I was lucky enough to see Simmi, the brood mare who lives at Sheilas, and her brand new foal Jewel.

Simmi is an Arab x Lusitano mare and Jewels sire is the stunning black Lusitano stallion, Borba, that also lives at Gilfach Farm

Training Update

2006-05-16T20:34:00.000+01:00

I visited Gracie on Sunday. What a visit!

There was a slight drama last week when Grace decided that she'd rather not start work after all! Shelia contacted me and said that Grace had started to have a few rearing episodes and 'freak outs' which she thought were caused by a previous attempt to back her which was finished on a bad note.

So, she went back a few steps and tried to show Grace that there was nothing to worry about.

And it worked! As Sheila put it so well 'Grace decided to go with us and not against us!'

My visit in Sunday was a total success. After a tiny bit of lunging to blow out any cobwebs (!) I got on Sheilas horse Fly, she got on Grace and we went for a hack! How cool is that!! Grace was excellent and was thinking really hard - but she didn't put a foot wrong!

She is going really well in her bitless bridle and I hope she won't ever really have to use a bit in her mouth at all.

Grace will be back with me by next Friday - Horray!!!

Grace's Training Begins

2006-05-05T12:51:00.000+01:00

After months of trying to find a horse trainer that practices 'Natural Horsemanship' I was finally steered in the direction of Sheila at Gilfach Farm, Brecon Beacons (www.breconbeaconsriding.co.uk).

Grace went to stay with Sheila and her gang on Saturday 22nd April.

I visited her on 1st May and she had come so for already. After watching her being long reined (and haveing a quite disasterous go myself!) I actually got to sit on my girl for the very first time. It was magical!

All the reports from Grace have been excellent. Grace is taking to her new skills like a duck to water!

Grace's Background and Breeding

2006-05-04T15:34:00.000+01:00

Grace was born on 22nd June 2001. Her registered name is Donner Stute, meaning Thunder's Mare.

Graces Sire is Donnersohn (pictured bottom) and her grandsire is the great Donnerhall (pictured top)

A Bit about her sire;

One of the best bred dressage stallions in the UK.
Donnersohn is by Donnerhall and his dam is not only a successful Prix St George mare but a full sister to the International Grand Prix stallion Longdean Westminster. She is by the top state stud stallion in Germany, Weltmeyer, from the line producing some of the most exciting young Grand Prix horses in the world today including Wansuela Suerte, Weltall VA, Wie Weltmeyer, Wahajama Unicef, Warum Nicht & What A Feeling.

Donnersohn has proved himself under saddle. He was reserve National Champion 4 year old dressage horse at the National Dressage Championships, Champion 5 year old Badminton Dressage Horse & Reserve Supreme Champion. He was rated in the UK top 10 at Elementary level & has competed at medium level.

Donnersohn’s progeny are exceptional. Donnergott was National Loose Jumping Champion as a 3 year old, achieved 1st & 3rd places at the Scottish Winter Dressage Championships and has qualified for the 05 National Dressage Championships at Novice & Elementary level as a 5 year old. Double Take was a top priced Equilibra Auction foal purchased by Lesley Bishop & now in training with Andrew Gould. This years black colt foal, Delovely, has been sold as a top stallion prospect to Scotland.

And about her Grandsire;

Donnerhall is the most successful dressage horse in the world and looks back on an exemplary career. He managed like no other sire of his generation to combine success in breeding and in sport alike. It is nearly impossible to provide a complete survey of Donnerhall’s breeding record here, as it would necessitate the writing of a separate book. In Germany alone he has produced over 50 approved stallion sonsand more than 35 State Premium Mares.
When a colt by Donnerwetter out of Ninette by Markus-Carnot was born at Otto Gärtner's stud farm in Wenstein, Holstein on the 30th of May 1981, no-one could have imagined that the dark chestnut who was later christened Donnerhall, would one day stage a triumphant march through the equestrian world like no stallion before him. What's more, no other stallion has ever come close to achieving what the chocolate coloured chestnut Donnerhall managed in such a convincing manner, namely, the symbiosis of the dual qualities of being a successful competition sports horse and on the other hand being a top grade breeding horse. It was undoubtedly an encounter determined by destiny, that Donnerhall grew up on the memorable Otto Schulte-Frohlinde's Grönwoldhof studfarm.
At the 1998 World Championships in Rome, Karin Rehbein and the meanwhile 17-year old stallion were once more part of the German gold medal team and gained an excellent fourth place in the individual rating. His sporting successes, substantiated by his life winnings of around DM 640,000 are no less significant than his importance as a hereditary transmitter. His breeding tally includes 77 approved sons, while of the more than 450 registered mares, 84 were awarded the state premium, including the champion mares Primavera and Hallo. In excess of 300 progeny have moreover been registered as sports horses. Donnerhall's last public appearance under his rider Karin Rehbein at the gala evening of the 1998 Oldenburg approval, where children with lanterns formed a narrow passage through which Donnerhall strode magnificently, remains a warm and unforgettable memory. From that time onwards, he only fulfilled his duties as a sire at the Grönwohldhof, where his remarkable career had begun. On the 14Th of January 2002, Donnerhall perished from acute intestinal toxicopathy. Donnerhall, who was already a legend during his own lifetime has passed away but his memory lingers on....

Deciding to go 'Barefoot'

2006-05-04T15:16:00.000+01:00

As Grace is only four, she has never had shoes on her feet.

After a bad experience with an impatient farrier (is there any other kind?) and a long chat with my friend who is a barefoot convert, I decided that I would take this route with Grace.

This means Grace will never have metal shoes on her feet.

As she is young and has never worn shoes, the transistion should be a smooth one (fingers crossed!)

We have found an excellent barefoot trimmer and I am getting Grace some G2 Old Mac boots to put on her front hooves if she ever shows signs of getting foot sore.

Gracies Winter

2006-05-04T15:12:00.000+01:00

Grace spent the Winter at Ty La Farm. She decided that she wanted to live out 24/7 rather than come in at nighttime so thats what I allowed her to do.

She had a nice big Masta full neck rug, a big bucket of feed a day and plenty of hay to eat and she was a very happy girl all Winter.

Grace Arrives!

2006-05-04T14:50:00.000+01:00

Grace officially came into my life on Sunday 13th November 2005.

She travelled in a lorry from Ceredigion in West Wales to Ty La Farm in Bridgend and arrived without batting an eyelid - this was my first hint that she was going to be a sweetheart.

This is her very first picture.