tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23884839303287042422023-11-16T14:47:01.676+00:00Mayfly Ginger :o)Super Irish Sport Horse Mare who has made "hoofprints" on my life.
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Our Progress and HistoryAnnabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03406539066109926211noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388483930328704242.post-16206708091312765972009-10-30T12:08:00.005+00:002009-10-30T12:38:48.341+00:00Hellooo Winter<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsRAnmECr3BjYO3txKwN_LuaglP3EkR1GOP7rmSqUNmXWFKa9-9Wtf7kNNPNd0mAy1DXRrkivV1VndNG3QxV1fZjLw3Nw0KM2Jm8V5T1hK-6Ynwxe4lNEl2JyzMsH6bwOh6DqNa0Ukwzb3/s1600-h/P1030754.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398364977684912706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsRAnmECr3BjYO3txKwN_LuaglP3EkR1GOP7rmSqUNmXWFKa9-9Wtf7kNNPNd0mAy1DXRrkivV1VndNG3QxV1fZjLw3Nw0KM2Jm8V5T1hK-6Ynwxe4lNEl2JyzMsH6bwOh6DqNa0Ukwzb3/s200/P1030754.JPG" /></a><br /><strong>The winter months are arriving, the days and short and the darkness had come.</strong> This means no more hacking after school :(<br /><br />Mayfly has had to say a much needed welcome to the <span style="color:#ff9900;">clippers</span>, this year she has just had a little bib clip in hope that it will keep her a little cooler and prevent too much sweat but not making her too cold either. As it is not like she is in full work but she needed something as after our charges around the countryside she is a ball of sweaty fluff! hahaa<br /><br />Good news is that the bridleway which gets ridiculously muddy in the winter has been re-surfaced :D:D so fingers crossed hacking will be a lot less mud filled this winter :)<br /><br />However, problems were caused when they were doing the work. Mayfly and I had to play <span style="color:#00cccc;">super spies</span> in order to sneak out on our hack across the 'shut' bridle way, past all the scary flappy orange tap, sign posts and much more...but we managed it.<br />Until one day...we made our way to the gate onto the bridleway and out of nowhere came a very <span style="color:#ff0000;">noisy tractory horse eating creature</span>, Mayfly went mad and we were off across the field running away from the monster. I was just holding my breath that she would manage to navigate around the coffin XC jump! ahaa<br /><br /><em>We have also had to acquaint ourselves to the new neighbours which come in the form of lamas and noisy turkeys, all very scary according to Mayfly! :')</em><br /><em></em><br />Ohhh and the deer are out and about again, we came across one the other day which was a BEAST, massive male with huge muscle and antlers...Mayfly clever took the option of running aways from it very very fast. wayyyheyyy :)<br />Someones not got any arthritis anymore ahaha.Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03406539066109926211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388483930328704242.post-41515446366876738942009-09-11T20:38:00.004+01:002009-10-30T12:08:02.052+00:00What a Madame!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjnxxzfjRFfc83kekckctHuMl1AQQIPiT1bb6UcWj6oOke2My_iEoQemEIYkbtoyrC8oJZlp1orucpseO9oqtsMVsShDlIQx8kRQa0enAMgCSzaOEV3hRNcQCHC3-hsH9Pabo9Zk0idrTG/s1600-h/P1020467.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380298711634423394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjnxxzfjRFfc83kekckctHuMl1AQQIPiT1bb6UcWj6oOke2My_iEoQemEIYkbtoyrC8oJZlp1orucpseO9oqtsMVsShDlIQx8kRQa0enAMgCSzaOEV3hRNcQCHC3-hsH9Pabo9Zk0idrTG/s200/P1020467.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Mayfly is still happily hacking around the countryside :)</div><br /><div>She had a lovely summer doing so, but now summer is coming to an end and she is getting somewhat fluffy! ahhh the good old winter coats.</div><br /><div>She has had a few canters on the stubble fields, and she even took off with me full pelt gallop across one. I had no control at all, but by the end of it she was unsurprisingly rather tired lol.</div><br /><div></div><div>On our hack the other day she decided to make a big scene out of, what I believe to be, nothing. to say I got angry with her is an understatement! haa</div><div>First of all she stopped, and wouldn't walk on. Then when I put on my leg she started to go backwards, then sideways and then she made a quick spin and attempted to take off with me. If that wasn't enough she then decided to play up and start going sideways past some logs and making some stressy snorting and heavy breathing!</div><div> </div><div></div><div>As for her thoughts on food, she can't stop eating. I think the summer grass is finally going so she now feels she needs to eat more..despite the fact that she is the size of a house! She spends every moment of everyday, when anyone appears into her sight, shouting for more feed. whataa fatty ay?! :D</div>Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03406539066109926211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388483930328704242.post-36877402174271790662009-08-08T20:45:00.008+01:002009-08-08T21:00:52.428+01:00PUB HACK!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1YMhx99W1aiOPD46fdA7kHSfMZS3pe0BAIGK0Bj-bTOzZwW5CFw1pGeKebWRLaep-2EXULToXZ5UfnrEMXiJvg_e7vuhHX5uNx9CY_-Rfj5oSQM3EIDu-DYYsjHsXA9jTWrBw31U_jYTf/s1600-h/IMAG0003.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367681668234566674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1YMhx99W1aiOPD46fdA7kHSfMZS3pe0BAIGK0Bj-bTOzZwW5CFw1pGeKebWRLaep-2EXULToXZ5UfnrEMXiJvg_e7vuhHX5uNx9CY_-Rfj5oSQM3EIDu-DYYsjHsXA9jTWrBw31U_jYTf/s200/IMAG0003.jpg" /></a><span style="color:#339999;">Doesn't she look so at home... :)</span><br /><div><span style="color:#ff6600;">She loved all the attention, she loved her <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">appletizer</span>, and she decided to attempt to try the potted plant in the bottom right corner of the picture. Luckily I grabbed her before she did!</span></div><div><br /></div><div>It was a lovely hack down, took 1hour 15minutes to get there and then 1hour to get home. With a nice 1hour break at the pub (with plenty of eyes on Mayfly) it was a brilliant day out.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>On the hack down we came upon some stubble which Fly insisted on zooming along. Although she tired herself out as she is so unfit at the moment bless the fat mare. She was really funny as well as she was <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">convinced</span> that I was lost and therefore obviously needed her to take us both home as quick as possible!</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>On the way back we went through a very overgrown bridleway with thorn bushes coming from every <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">direction</span>. I knew before I had gone through that it was going to end up nastily, and it was. I lent right across Mayfly's neck, which she took as an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">opportunity</span> to trot off and seeing as I had no control there was not much I could do about this. At the same time I had thorns attacking me all along my arms and over my back (seeing as I am so clever and it was a hot day I was only in a vest). Once I came to the end of this hell I was covered in blood and scratches...it was incredibly painful!</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Apart from that minor <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">slip up</span> the hack was very enjoyable and I will <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">definitely</span> being doing it again, however I will not be going down that bridle way!</div>Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03406539066109926211noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388483930328704242.post-8486308053493898422009-07-30T21:28:00.006+01:002009-07-30T21:42:12.144+01:00Happy Horse :D<strong>Mayfly is obviously feeling brilliant at the moment!</strong><br /><br />She is <span style="color:#ffcc00;">flying round hacks</span>, and happily breaks into canter when she feels the ground is good :)<br />It is so nice to see her enjoying herself again and being able waddle round the hertfordshire countryside.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364353652849791746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUVffST8WYRUdfjrzhlS9c98kifv3YoHNL9j5dJ92kKTtQoxvPlGvJqGtH4TuvzHR9bDrKvpa2GMk-4UMkfhRI1_IcCjVTOqcV96J93iY67SZwDwflzKFh-GN0-_3RJiwu73UxW_NjoqF/s200/P1010623.JPG" />I have been thinking that maybe she is going faster due to my amazing singing that she has to deal with on our hacks (I wouldn't be surprised!) with the thinking that the sooner she returns the sooner my singing will stop, haha. Today she broke into canter and was about to zoom off, the fastest she has gone in a long time but, I thought that it was probably best if I did hold her back a bit or she would be regretting in tomorrow!<br />We manage to beat the big black thunderstorm back though, I was worried about being stuck in it not only because of the scary thunder and lightning but also seeing as I was not wearing appropriate clothing for a heavy downpour!<br /><br />I thought as well that she has lost a bit of weight whilst I was away...hmm I am sure that was just my eyes playing tricks on me <span style="color:#3333ff;">;</span><span style="color:#ff6666;">)</span> She has gone the beautiful fox colour that she goes in the summer, she looks so pretty and I finally got round to pulling her mane :DAnnabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03406539066109926211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388483930328704242.post-85154395718774179552009-07-11T18:07:00.004+01:002009-07-11T18:20:07.370+01:00Fat Ponio is back in work :)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkSTI33RH6amldyV8MOVVZ1a6d7T4ZO24ZMFgty4PNGx8RqLxAHlaov0MzgcDd978Xn1u75deK-OjPHP95BjG0rZwFEGe9E6cRfFCz-VGGXNmhTZ4_qXlzUJjHGVTVp_wuzobhNCfWlAY/s1600-h/P1010600.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357253419538837554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkSTI33RH6amldyV8MOVVZ1a6d7T4ZO24ZMFgty4PNGx8RqLxAHlaov0MzgcDd978Xn1u75deK-OjPHP95BjG0rZwFEGe9E6cRfFCz-VGGXNmhTZ4_qXlzUJjHGVTVp_wuzobhNCfWlAY/s200/P1010600.JPG" /></a> <strong>I am so happy that Mayfly is back in work again :)</strong><br />we are back to doing our waddling hacks around the beautiful countryside causing mayhem and destruction to the greenery that she must eat!<br /><br />When walking out of the yard all tacked up she plays up, and drags her legs as if to say she is too lame to go out. But once we get going she is more than happy to be out.<br />I'm letting her pick the pace and occasionally she breaks into an extended trot, which is very pleasing (although only past turnings so she zooms down the track which leads to the home the quickest!) she is soo naughty!<br /><br />It is really nice to be riding her again, as it gives me a chance to go on a relaxing hack without having to be on my toes all the time. However, Mayfly still pops in a spook or some sort of cheekiness to liven up the hack. lol.<br /><br />Hopefully she will be able to keep up the light hacking for a long time still :)Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03406539066109926211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388483930328704242.post-48507303606891680272009-06-30T19:36:00.005+01:002009-06-30T20:18:27.040+01:00Bathing the BIG Marey :)<span style="color:#00cccc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#00cccc;">Bless Old Mayfly, living out in the field gradually growing fatter and fatter.</span><br /><br />The Grazing muzzle has been well and truly banned as she is such a stubborn madame she simply refuses to eat or move when it is on!<br />The field shelter has arrived now, however Mayfly also refuses to go into that unless the weather is thoroughly horrendous. At least it is there for her if she does ever give in, and wonder on in there, especially in this heat as the horse flies are out in fighting attack at the moment.<br /><br />So she was shouting her head off at me with anger that I have been apparently ignoring her recently so I decided to bring her in and give her a nice long bath as she is all greasy and dirty. I think she enjoyed it a lot, so much so that when I turned her out she went for a lovely roll...how kind of her! Grrrr. lol<br /><br />Her arthritis doesn't seem to be causing her any problems when tea is involved, the gate gets opened and she comes storming up to the yard on her own, goes straight through to the feed bins and shouts as if she wants to help make her tea as we humans are obviously too slow for her. She is soo funny :D<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJvN2gRKSZZzS8C5di3MNhwDkhM4eVTT7Wg4jXXOjhdRkXZR7UBo_UD7s-6nZocUxEAniY9ZMAh2lMbR0Thd-JPgPgOktCDlenUkSXp0sZF5dQxFKYfK5T4kHncdM90inAQQx24ywy1DPf/s1600-h/P1000880.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353201172585752850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJvN2gRKSZZzS8C5di3MNhwDkhM4eVTT7Wg4jXXOjhdRkXZR7UBo_UD7s-6nZocUxEAniY9ZMAh2lMbR0Thd-JPgPgOktCDlenUkSXp0sZF5dQxFKYfK5T4kHncdM90inAQQx24ywy1DPf/s200/P1000880.JPG" /></a><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJvN2gRKSZZzS8C5di3MNhwDkhM4eVTT7Wg4jXXOjhdRkXZR7UBo_UD7s-6nZocUxEAniY9ZMAh2lMbR0Thd-JPgPgOktCDlenUkSXp0sZF5dQxFKYfK5T4kHncdM90inAQQx24ywy1DPf/s1600-h/P1000880.JPG"></a></p><br /><br /><br /><br />Sleeepy wet marey..... hahaaAnnabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03406539066109926211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388483930328704242.post-81322887133710693452009-06-13T18:28:00.003+01:002009-06-13T18:56:20.743+01:00Pure Anger from the FAT One!<strong></strong><br /><strong>This sums up Mayfly's reaction to the one and only dreaded <span style="color:#ff9900;">MUZZLE</span>!</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawgCvLdkDeQcmShBAsCrI-iCZTUkaRYpv4aKE5kgSdM9XbT4qaWVVX77pCp5_M2Bn2M0UKnZAjJf9OHDvk5ae6eozvlvJfp8k0AvvMBOlYgd9Ct51Qv7FeiaebB54LGWvyHimLT2RK6Tr/s1600-h/P1010637.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346869031116261106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawgCvLdkDeQcmShBAsCrI-iCZTUkaRYpv4aKE5kgSdM9XbT4qaWVVX77pCp5_M2Bn2M0UKnZAjJf9OHDvk5ae6eozvlvJfp8k0AvvMBOlYgd9Ct51Qv7FeiaebB54LGWvyHimLT2RK6Tr/s200/P1010637.JPG" /></a><br /><p>The conclusion was that if she was aloud to continue stuffing herself full of grass she would actually lead herself to death! There is barely any grass out there at the moment so just imagine what size she will be once the grass properly starts to come through.</p><p>So the muzzle was the only option. We had been contemplating it for a while, but we knew all too well what her reaction would be. Pure anger and hate. We guessed right. I turned her out with it on and she spun round and stood staring at me as if to say "funny joke, now get it off!" When she realised that wasn't happening she went for the approach of trying to get me to feel sorry for her. She stood at the gate for hours refusing to eat and generally sulking! oh and how can I forget her snorting and puffing as if she couldn't breathe, I am not falling for as I know that the ponies cope perfectly fine with it so for once the spoilt madame is not going to be getting things her way!</p><p>Although I do think that give it a few more days and I reckon she'll of got it off, and I'll find it in pieces smashed up around the field! hahaa.</p><p> </p>Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03406539066109926211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388483930328704242.post-12075067092745872682009-05-28T17:17:00.010+01:002009-05-31T19:19:50.444+01:00Cheeky Spooky Fat HorseyApparently things have randomly become somewhat scary at the moment...<br /><br />Mayfly feels the need to spook or have a huffy fit over nearly everything, whether it has moved position, is making a funny noise or is just generally not how she wants things to be.<br />She's shot off along the track because of pigeons flying out the trees, zoomed backwards along the road because of a cement mixer, huffed and puffed over I don't know what and spooked at the broken filler that had been put next to the fence, which, I will add a 4 year old and 3 year old managed to walk past without blinking an eyelid and as Mayfly is 17 you would think she was past that stage, but obviously not!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYvjaUbaCPVx0r9M084rxoLZdMrZ4zD1eeulsMn2ob5tqVPi10wCo4_D4ad75Qhp-67pv2DoiWTxIcH82ZFTPRCZeGcB3GBXUmDBq_TkB4yzO8Y_AP6o3y-FCJeUa05HHgBLDYB8G2uFe/s1600-h/P1000901.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340912416124423458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYvjaUbaCPVx0r9M084rxoLZdMrZ4zD1eeulsMn2ob5tqVPi10wCo4_D4ad75Qhp-67pv2DoiWTxIcH82ZFTPRCZeGcB3GBXUmDBq_TkB4yzO8Y_AP6o3y-FCJeUa05HHgBLDYB8G2uFe/s200/P1000901.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Ahh she likes to keep the hacks interesting that's for sure, silly marey! :)</strong><br /><p></p><p></p><br />Also she is still managing to be faaatt even though he feeds are tiny and there is not actually much grass in her field. She never fails to live on air.<br />Although she does insist on pointing out to me that due to her not being able to eat enough she has become too tired to work properly out on hacks. hmm, like I am falling for that one because when she feels like a charge she can definitely manage it then...hahaaAnnabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03406539066109926211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388483930328704242.post-44499872647104214112009-05-18T20:08:00.002+01:002009-05-18T20:19:56.435+01:00Ride and Lead, Ride and Lead.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJQWFPu5950DTLUbhlyjZUY_M4VBSkFV66x872tAhTyobienc2sStE8YHkemBLbmYwbr7848DUP2TEuPpXq-Nd5OyuFvou1pTNUbc_EKVRyVDIln7NEN9ll8v1abyT2FNreelEF1jVfIR/s1600-h/P1010368.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337245634061956258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJQWFPu5950DTLUbhlyjZUY_M4VBSkFV66x872tAhTyobienc2sStE8YHkemBLbmYwbr7848DUP2TEuPpXq-Nd5OyuFvou1pTNUbc_EKVRyVDIln7NEN9ll8v1abyT2FNreelEF1jVfIR/s200/P1010368.JPG" /></a><br /><div>The ponies are sooo FAT!</div><br /><div>Having to constantly ride and lead so they don't explode.</div><br /><div></div><div>Of course this is leading to some sort of cow parsley massacre, it is getting a little silly now I can't wait for it to all die off! lol. I may have to resort to putting the flash back on, but I can see her just stretching it and carrying on munching anyway.</div><div> </div><div>It hasn't been going too badly apart from the odd occasion when my arm nearly comes out of it's socket due to a naughty pony slamming of the brakes. I may come out of the saddle one of these days! that is if I don't break my arm before that...</div><div>Mayfly has been a little cheeky about it too, racing and pulling angry faces. It is amazing how fast she can march when she wants to. :)</div><br /><div></div><div>Her majesty does still get a nice hack by herself, which she is thoroughly enjoying now the ground has soften up a bit. Just a shame that the stomach still seems to be growing.</div><div></div>Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03406539066109926211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388483930328704242.post-58758526683294073522009-05-11T20:15:00.003+01:002009-05-11T20:35:36.991+01:00Happy Birthday Mayfly!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTARf0Q8JnDKGbzhiuSDSL8wdFT611MFD_cscKeK50c2NylqDwgSMOtg2kHaDg1Se-CdvANhFARcfJ0bamSnCmSbrOGgcTnYz5mRHvfpBSaLPSHfywxaE6RFZImeAmkE9_XCDZ7L1DUV-X/s1600-h/Bluebells+Mayfly+and+I.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 146px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334652203258245826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTARf0Q8JnDKGbzhiuSDSL8wdFT611MFD_cscKeK50c2NylqDwgSMOtg2kHaDg1Se-CdvANhFARcfJ0bamSnCmSbrOGgcTnYz5mRHvfpBSaLPSHfywxaE6RFZImeAmkE9_XCDZ7L1DUV-X/s200/Bluebells+Mayfly+and+I.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26uDa67L2aQmgwcz2A2cIA6hjcnRzk5K2T0UP7Nc1HT9ssv84LPXeZbvDdyOEgDwRZX-E1HOqQi_7KmKrS0vHMUPAUx23JGXAE2pu2TyZDv3fq3fdTD3pL-Hc6K3Gv7uE5V2oc81t7GgV/s1600-h/P1000993.JPG"></a><strong>Sunday 10th May - Mayfly's 17th Birthday :o)</strong><br /><br /><div>She's an old girl now! Not so sure she has noticed though.</div><br /><div>We went for our birthday hack on Saturday as I was grooming on Sunday. Went for a lovely 2 hour, one that we have only been on once before and that was a long time ago now.</div><div>I think she could still remember it, which was lucky as I was a bit sticky on where to go... ahaa.</div><div>It was a beautiful day and a beautiful hack to go along with it :D</div><div>We came across a puddle which I put her into trot for as I know she likes a good splash on a hot day, bless her little heart she popped into canter for a proper good ol'charge through it.</div><br /><div>On her birthday she got a rest relaxing and sunbathing in the field as it was a day full of sun especially for her.</div><div>When I returned she was shouting at me as if to say, "I don't care where you have been, but I need my dinner!"</div><div>I wouldn't be surprised that if she went one day without her feed and herbs she would 'happen' to go lame the next day, fat fat mare cannot possibly cope if she doesn't get her feed!</div><div>I made up her feed, went down to the field opened the gate and gave her a little encouragement and off she trotted up to the barn on a rampage for her food. ahh she is a funny one :o)</div></div>Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03406539066109926211noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388483930328704242.post-25989939173057874882009-05-08T18:59:00.006+01:002009-05-08T19:41:41.888+01:00Cow Parsley Carnage<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7AkHvEzLD2OtZf7aLs1L8LmuPOCIkExp9zvbREU6dAxiaDe8KfHSjOg4ujb5Q4sKtcGvR_8pfw_4THJzVsCbmPkPv_bOQJp77-fqTisdCKIU1Irw-jKu-GoAB5fZzBr6fKV8KHQmbUd4W/s1600-h/P1000943.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333515537953090994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7AkHvEzLD2OtZf7aLs1L8LmuPOCIkExp9zvbREU6dAxiaDe8KfHSjOg4ujb5Q4sKtcGvR_8pfw_4THJzVsCbmPkPv_bOQJp77-fqTisdCKIU1Irw-jKu-GoAB5fZzBr6fKV8KHQmbUd4W/s200/P1000943.JPG" /></a> Naughty Fat little Mayfly has been attempting to eat her way through all of the Cow Parsley in the whole of Hertfordshire!<br /><br />We went for a hysterical hack with a friend on a bike at the weekend, during which I managed to get some lovely snapshots of me and the glorious Fly to add to my collection (just a shame it wasn't a bit sunnier for them!) Got one in the Rape field, bluebells and going through the stream bit :)<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 144px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333523579627413586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKpq-XhMQNtnkAWD7eso9H1XuyZpyCbRbqkHW1CVvClWzVXqrvm5WErTp4yKaBMfABteajnY4QYYUH1I6HIZ-n70izaLqw9Usj24dZA_0tID4kVkgxT1xK5xnkJsgf-jnuWRFm_0ojhs9-/s200/P1000949-1.JPG" /> Went for a hack today through the new gate a crossing that has been put in, meaning that we can now miss out a lot of the wet muddy part of the track. It is very pleasing, although Mayfly was not too sure about it to begin with and had to do a routine check in case it was going to eat her or something! ahaa.<br /><br />Once we managed to venture out of the land the scoffing began. Every dingle bit of cow parsley we passed had to make it's way into Mayfly's mouth somehow. Eventually I had to stretch down (at the same time as holding her back as of course she was not going to miss a chance to run) at attempt to take of her flash, it was far from easy but I managed it and she was very content that she could now fit more yummy stuff into her mouth!Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03406539066109926211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388483930328704242.post-71002464782736856082009-05-02T18:37:00.002+01:002009-05-02T19:41:50.604+01:00Eventful Hack!!!Today we went on a hack with Catherine and Ben.<br />Mayfly started quite slow and lazy, going for her daily waddle. Mind you as soon as we got close to the turnings which take us onto a long hack so picked up the pace in order to gallop past them so I couldn't turn her up them. I was having none of that! :O<br /><br />When we obviously got past the half way mark she began to do some serious marching, like nothing I have experienced before. Wasn't too comfy to sit either, and she grew about a hand too. Nice to see she can walk fast when she wants to that is!<br /><br />As we were on the home stretch Mayfly perked up again, I assumed it was just her being silly again but, I a few seconds later a fully tacked up horse with no rider came galloping towards us. We both quickly put ourselves up close to the hedge so we were out of the way. Once he had shot past I went off after the horse and Catherine went in search of the rider.<br />The horse was heading to a very thin and bendy road that is very busy, I went off in search of it but it had vanished completely.<br />Mayfly and I went right up to the road, as if a car had seen a loose horse they would have stopped and said something to me. There was no sign of it so I assumed it had ran off in a different direction. I turned to head back to find Catherine when I heard someone shouting at me. A motorcyclist who had found the horse.<br />Basically, the horse had ran back to it's home and the rider was not hurt apart from being winded, someone had walked with a dog to accompany the rider as the horse is known to be unsafe out of hacks.<br /><br />All in all a very eventful hack and poor Benjamin got himself in a big state over it all, bless him.<br />I feel I did my good deed for the day that is for sure!Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03406539066109926211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388483930328704242.post-18638429316694929402009-04-25T18:11:00.003+01:002009-04-25T19:07:46.624+01:00Beautiful Day<div><strong>Today I had what was one of the nicest hacks I have had in a long time.</strong></div><br /><div></div><div>I am not too sure why, but it really was very enjoyable. We didn't go exceedingly fast, just stayed in walk and trot, although Mayfly was very keen bless her, jogging here and there and zooming off into a very powerful trot before I could grab up the reins properly!</div><div>She was very happy out today if you hadn't guessed :D</div><br /><div></div><div>We met 7 groups of young walkers with their big heavy rucksacks obviously doing their bronze Duke of Edinburgh. Ahh was funny to see them doing it after I had the joys of doing it last year.</div><div>I was hacking the exact same route as all of them were walking so I knew, whilst they were sitting there thinking they were lost, where they should be going. Aren't I mean? :)</div><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFdbUSqjYpVj2s1LJQadNv5ggilW4Fk65wJidvBMojuNqkb96TBom8s2aSK60hA1Kz7L_N_na9bY_OKGxHAmh9m-pbuJRPyClifUuHXEgDJAUQTyaWXl6ZG8maIzbnbgGvXkORB47wHr6/s1600-h/P1000918.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328691774686708818" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFdbUSqjYpVj2s1LJQadNv5ggilW4Fk65wJidvBMojuNqkb96TBom8s2aSK60hA1Kz7L_N_na9bY_OKGxHAmh9m-pbuJRPyClifUuHXEgDJAUQTyaWXl6ZG8maIzbnbgGvXkORB47wHr6/s200/P1000918.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>We got back and I gave her a good feed, which she was exceptionally eager to have of course, and then I turned her out for the night and we had a little "play" in the field.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03406539066109926211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388483930328704242.post-61778009370481225922009-04-22T19:27:00.003+01:002009-04-22T20:11:36.843+01:00Happy Hello'sI am back from my holiday, and seeing as I missed The Fly so incredibly I went down to see her today when my flight was through the night and i got all of 30minutes sleep on it. <div>Dedication??</div><br /><div></div><div>Anyway, it was a wonderful day today, the bluebells are out and everything has turned green with in the time that I have been gone!</div><br /><div>Mayfly gave me a lovely long hello when I went to get her in from the field, (as she is living out now, and very happy to be doing so, due to her being in the field with the most sweetest spring grass ahaa) she gave me kisses and looked pleased to see me...to start with anyway haha.</div><br /><div></div><div>We went for a hack in the sunshine, so of course Mayfly was all sweaty by the time we returned. I contemplated just showering her or actually giving her a first bath of the year... and seeing as she is all dusty and greasy I thought a bath it would be.</div><div>She was a little fidgety but, when I attempted her face she was about ready to kill me. She played tricks trying to get me away and the hose and water off her face; standing on the hose, shaking her head about, pulling backwards and giving me "the eye" ahaaa. I did eventually manage to give it a good massage and wash.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkEX6nPJGe-LjKnhIpVFKSWuZiKDje5qvmdUP1vwJmUCTTDa-JMC_4y5yfh7zHlNqvM4zJPo-GqE_U4iCxS2vUrV7ln4WPV3IZxTHG0pT2iOYdW2YFKx9WnGvWjUSMTwnkjWMwv_TjDt_B/s1600-h/P1000890.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327594442000000770" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkEX6nPJGe-LjKnhIpVFKSWuZiKDje5qvmdUP1vwJmUCTTDa-JMC_4y5yfh7zHlNqvM4zJPo-GqE_U4iCxS2vUrV7ln4WPV3IZxTHG0pT2iOYdW2YFKx9WnGvWjUSMTwnkjWMwv_TjDt_B/s200/P1000890.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>She looked like a drowned drip by the end of the whole session :D</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03406539066109926211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388483930328704242.post-22901590228736528052009-04-01T18:29:00.007+01:002009-04-01T19:56:37.801+01:00Living Out<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsq25bh63bSA5DtLvA8Nks61ZP302WB_TBtalqw1Vk2_LyIHTWAQgZtjOyWYNXn8tBt0eP2Z3mAeZHTLIzWM1fa-G3dp5lhu-BIIBH62bHdTKLXluqmvK_Jn52sNYMIwdsF20yf0XVedCL/s1600-h/P1000324.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319796446911158066" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsq25bh63bSA5DtLvA8Nks61ZP302WB_TBtalqw1Vk2_LyIHTWAQgZtjOyWYNXn8tBt0eP2Z3mAeZHTLIzWM1fa-G3dp5lhu-BIIBH62bHdTKLXluqmvK_Jn52sNYMIwdsF20yf0XVedCL/s200/P1000324.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Mayfly and Bonnie had their first night living out in the field yesterday...</div><div>Of course Mayfly spent a long time standing in the "bring me in, this is ridiculous" spot, shouting trying to catch my attention as she was sure I had made a mistake in turning her out.</div><div>Eventually she realised that she was going to be staying out there, with her lovely new rug on too <span style="color:#000099;">:</span><span style="color:#ff99ff;">o</span><span style="color:#ff6666;">)</span></div><br /><div></div><div>She had lovely new shoes put on today, there are a marvel. Amazes me what wonders they do for her as well.</div><div>We went for a lovely little canter today as the weather was so good and she was up for it too bless her!</div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Poor marey has some nasty mud fever down the front of her hind leg, it is very sore so is being coated in suda-cream in hope that is will heal quickly. Also now that the mud has gone that should be helpful too.</div><div></div><div></div><div>Her field was fertilised today, so soon the much wanted green grass will start to come through - especially with the amount of sun we are getting at the moment. So that will please Fly a lot more <span style="color:#000099;">:</span><span style="color:#ff6666;">D</span></div>Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03406539066109926211noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388483930328704242.post-77767803093812813882009-03-29T20:11:00.002+01:002009-03-29T20:24:41.896+01:00All is Good!<strong>Mayfly is doing so well at the moment :o)</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318692550351224274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeOzY1VggcoVwLDSsLbLSTwWBKevRhoLouNjLjjSIl84LlZRjrfc-UDNYA6c6ZomhDPCqIQRsh8e3pVgx-n0ZgU0s0XLcsxd4MbXd26EgMLBvhvXuIwT0PBnJNwVGGygr6B_mnJjW3hVZ4/s200/P1000114.JPG" border="0" />She is very happy to go out on her daily hack and she is storming along in trot with the odd break into canter when she chooses. ahaa.<br /><div>Her mud fever is also improving now the weather and ground is drying out, and the fields were harrowed and rolled the other day so they look very lovely now (not for long though obviously with the mad bunch that are in them)</div><div>She is even loosing some weight, at last! Although she did barge out of her stable today in search of some haylage "if your not going to give me any I'll go and get some myself!" ahaa.</div><div> </div><div>I do know what is dawning on me though...she is need of a tidy up, main pull, bridle path trim and tail trim. urggg I do leave it too long so it is harder to do when I finally get round to it.</div><br /><div></div><div>On a better note though, it is very good too see her so happy and loving life, and with summer on the way she is all set for another enjoyable fat year <span style="color:#000099;">:</span><span style="color:#ff6666;">D</span></div>Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03406539066109926211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388483930328704242.post-15986605168861209322009-03-22T21:23:00.000+00:002009-03-23T22:06:23.912+00:00From one Extreme to the Other...Went on an early hack this morning on <span style="color:#009900;">Madame Mayfly</span>. She started at her usual waddle pace so we had to keep trotting to keep up with Ben's long stride! She did speed up a bit though when we made it passed the half way point.<br /><br />Her leggies seems to be suffering from her mud fever again so I slapped on loads of suda-cream (nappy cream aha) and hopefully they won't fill too much more.<br />She is definitely loosing weight, thinking of measuring her belly to see if there is weight loss going on or I am just imagining it :D<br /><br />So in the afternoon I had my birthday surprise - a <strong>jumping lesson on a event horse</strong> (which is for sale) called Sol. He was a real sweetheart and helped me out when I had some sticky moments, ie forgetting the course at the end. ahaa. He was the complete opposite of Mayfly not only in size but he actually jumped up into the air and over the jump unlike Fly's constant attempt to save energy and just skim the top pole!<br />Now, seeing as I haven't jumped in 4 months I was a bit apprehensive on how things would go but, I was rather pleased with myself as I also had never ridden this horse before.<br />Although, I am sure my body will be feeling a bit sore from it soon as it hasn't done that much work in a long while!<br /><br />Anyway thanks to Catherine I got a some video footage of my lesson for all you to see and laugh at <span style="color:#000099;">:</span><span style="color:#ff99ff;">o</span><span style="color:#ff6666;">)</span><br /><p><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxBRsQigrG2g_8WzS2Di557naCU3fTV9e0ZblSz29IexRkTe0ipJuM4BFqrM2RBEzEXcWT_GslwYNIiDl1L4g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Sorry that the quality was ruined!</span></p>Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03406539066109926211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388483930328704242.post-51625113946141368732009-03-20T20:16:00.005+00:002009-03-20T20:39:28.933+00:00Hyper Mayfly :D<div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315370407185353298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Vzg1ElBfkIpxMNwqDdrWLPG7tqDoG6jZziz4WEMvtAOSs_hu0td1iekAn7cQVh6Hg320Dmm2HPC5uzjflzkazcYzx8MIQsYWPq0_hwRsQOHvoE4Y7tzd9r-Ozi_jrGst8s-LYYWkHCNX/s200/P1000121.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>Wow, the weather has been beautiful this week<span style="color:#000066;"> :</span><span style="color:#ffccff;">o</span><span style="color:#ff6666;">)</span></div><div><div><div>I have seen the first bumble bee of the year and all the blossom and daffodils are officially out, bright and pretty.</div><br /><div>Mayfly has started the spring in season, and well this causes mixed behaviour.</div><div>She is very loving but, at the same time moody over more things. The thing that is standing out most is her want and need to go fast at the moment.<br /></div><div>Before we had even left for today's hack the other horses were being fed so of course this lead to a tantrum. Luckily I think she quickly forgot and we had a lovely hack, with actually some purpose not just a daily waddle. aha.</div><div>She kept breaking into canter so I decided to let her have a little one across the field - just a few strides. She seems to be feeling really good at the moment and doing wonderfully, which is great :D <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9cFB7EDGKs4Emsg7CAqzHyejz49fPoK8qoyzYD1mDSulE8HnBjkqLxpfzrXbz_Hrp6Q1wthpjCfvjBoS7sZ0hMplj-1X9S20Ss-emwcpRd0-xN25ctX5vihnrHrIT1k8fbKGOgEoJDfhV/s1600-h/P1000122.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315371493864685106" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9cFB7EDGKs4Emsg7CAqzHyejz49fPoK8qoyzYD1mDSulE8HnBjkqLxpfzrXbz_Hrp6Q1wthpjCfvjBoS7sZ0hMplj-1X9S20Ss-emwcpRd0-xN25ctX5vihnrHrIT1k8fbKGOgEoJDfhV/s200/P1000122.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div> </div><div>Got some lovely shots with my new camera today too. Nice and artistic :)</div><br /><br /><div><strong>LOVE THE FLY!</strong></div></div></div>Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03406539066109926211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388483930328704242.post-1000932013802884382009-03-17T20:06:00.002+00:002009-03-17T20:41:02.579+00:00Bouncy but Angry Fly<strong>Mayfly is being a little madame at the moment!</strong><br />I think that is is due to dieting...it makes her angry. One little trick that she is obsessed with using against me at the moment is not opening her mouth for the bit, no matter what I try she just doesn't budge and it is so frustrating.<br />But, she is loosing some fat so it must be working. ahaha.<br /><br />Today she was determined for me to make sure she was the first in form the fields not the others, spoilt yes!<br />Her legs were looking a lot better which is very good news and well she was definitely feeling very good too :o)<br /><br />Whilst we were heading out on our hack she was doing a very bouncy walk, which felt amazing I must say! Then it turned into a jog, which is not so comfy or enjoyable so I soon brought her back to walk...or a march in Mayfly's case.<br />She even had a few random spazzy moments over..nothing. So her usual action to conserve energy were definitely not in use today. We had a lovely medium trot too, although I am not sure that is too good on her legs, but she would not go any slower :DAnnabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03406539066109926211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388483930328704242.post-77549774800428096372009-03-15T19:46:00.003+00:002009-03-15T20:17:00.724+00:00Itchy Legs...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgviHzl15ggxKhl2aTddloKRMo1kNseFuxbH0CY4EGpS80DRCZr8aoK55bcHVwwRc-XeIVnJXB7H5e4j39QDg_mCUdotPVxdgwRji8iGYA_NN96WryWcLlAFHPUeUOP9UdxkY9PXAVl5NVu/s1600-h/IMAGE_270.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313510980075670834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgviHzl15ggxKhl2aTddloKRMo1kNseFuxbH0CY4EGpS80DRCZr8aoK55bcHVwwRc-XeIVnJXB7H5e4j39QDg_mCUdotPVxdgwRji8iGYA_NN96WryWcLlAFHPUeUOP9UdxkY9PXAVl5NVu/s200/IMAGE_270.jpg" border="0" /></a> Poor Miss. Fly had a bit of a filled back leg this morning when I took off her bandages. <div><br /><div>We trotted her up and she seemed ok so decided that she needed to walk out as standing on it all day doesn't do her any favours.</div><div>The only thing I could think that had caused it was her mud fever as I was picking at it quite a lot yesterday, and I had cleaned her legs.</div><div> </div><div>So once out on our hack with Ben and Catherine Mayfly soon settled down and was enjoying herself. That was until she began to get itchy legs from her mud fever - she started to swoosh her tail, then jumping into trot so we had a nice trot in hope that would bang out the itchiness...unfortunately not she began kicking out (which she never does) so I took this as my cue to get off her and rub down her legs. Spoilt mare!</div><div>While I was off I took of her boots and checked her leg, which happily had become a lot less swollen.</div><div>Once I got back on she gave one more swoosh of the tail and was fine for the rest of the hack<span style="color:#000099;"> :</span><span style="color:#ffccff;">o</span><span style="color:#ff6666;">)</span></div><br /><div>It was such a lovely day today, and our 2 hour hack was much enjoyed by all. Even Ben was nice a chilled out for once. Mayfly did lots of poos so hopefully she lost some weight too and we even produce some sweat today! And all the buds are coming out on the trees - finally some signs of much wanted spring.</div><br /><div>She will have the day off tomorrow to rest and then she should be all back to normal for a little hack on Tuesday.</div></div>Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03406539066109926211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388483930328704242.post-857903147136229052009-03-11T20:03:00.002+00:002009-03-11T21:11:25.475+00:00The First CanterWell, not literally my first canter. But, my first canter on Mayfly since she she got her osteoarthritis.<br /><br />She was very happy to be doing something a bit more exciting again, but was well behaved and didn't shoot off but she seemed comfortable doing it :o)<br /><span style="color:#993399;">I was so happy to be cantering again</span>, didn't realise how much I've missed a proper ride with a canter...even if it was only about 10 strides. hehe.<br />The canter will not be too often though, and only on perfect ground as little Miss Mayfly can't be doing her normal charge about anymore, and I sure know what she can be like! She will just have to learn to chill out a bit...<br /><br />She was a funny mare when I went to feed her today. I think she felt she had been waiting far too long, and as I was opening the bolt on the door she gave my hand a big nudge telling me to hurry up as I was obviously going for too slow, and Mayfly's dinner waits for no-one. aha.Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03406539066109926211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388483930328704242.post-35577304995437851212009-03-10T21:01:00.007+00:002009-03-10T21:24:49.816+00:00FAT FAT FAT MARE!<strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBS4ijsB_ubDNevYo3hNEwSWz1lHXzvSdlO-uwnOc10Y4hEvrC4LZF2xixyjlUHWbZmDxoz1swLUNrjqhxuW2bg7YIMyfGiqJDgm0EmUn2c-NcY9oUJUH3wtwM_AHUf0Ij5tvyKDxcEsFI/s1600-h/Roly+Poly.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311670187373603554" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 142px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBS4ijsB_ubDNevYo3hNEwSWz1lHXzvSdlO-uwnOc10Y4hEvrC4LZF2xixyjlUHWbZmDxoz1swLUNrjqhxuW2bg7YIMyfGiqJDgm0EmUn2c-NcY9oUJUH3wtwM_AHUf0Ij5tvyKDxcEsFI/s200/Roly+Poly.jpg" border="0" /></a>Mayfly hasn't been this large in a long time.</strong><br />I don't know what has got into her but she is getting through so much haylage, she is now being "drip fed" it. lol.<br />She even had some little hives on her belly due to the excessive amount of haylage she has been eating and at the astonishing pace she eats it at!<br /><br />When it comes to the riding on the other hand, she is doing really well. She seems very happy out on hacks, even if she does get a little bored at times. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Zd0av70us4CM18cdK2wHuU_XYY5dglwsC5CyBxooOP9AaSfiXwSjMwaeZTsIaF-GqvgcMgVDaiIkqw9Qi41LbTDOmLqdL8HD0QAvvMgAH2LkUTpobHcoNzf94nr5HXuq8m5H28lEoq0I/s1600-h/IMAGE_2744.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311671693215253138" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 184px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 132px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Zd0av70us4CM18cdK2wHuU_XYY5dglwsC5CyBxooOP9AaSfiXwSjMwaeZTsIaF-GqvgcMgVDaiIkqw9Qi41LbTDOmLqdL8HD0QAvvMgAH2LkUTpobHcoNzf94nr5HXuq8m5H28lEoq0I/s200/IMAGE_2744.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Sunday was very windy so she was a little cheeky out on our hack, she was determined not to have to walk into the wind, ah dear!<br />However, we had a lovely reasonably long hack with a nice forward going trot (my arms were in pain by the end!)<br /><br />Tonight, when I arrived she had not food left so my greeting was an angry call for more - and of course the lip was wiggling.<br />We just went for a little hack up the track and in the set aside, lovely evening :o)<br />Unfortunately, just as I had hopes for the ground beginning to dry out it rained last night and today so yet again we are left with soggy ground.<br />On the other hand the daffodils are on their way, which means spring if finally coming!! :DAnnabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03406539066109926211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388483930328704242.post-337829604329524792009-03-06T19:04:00.002+00:002009-03-06T19:22:44.387+00:00Ewww, Sickening Hack!Mayfly was absolutely filthy when I arrived today as she had been out without a rug on.<br />She is in desperate need of a bath as her coat is so dusty and yuk...just need the weather to warm up a bit first.<br /><br />So eventually after a long hard groom we made it out on our hack.<br /><br />We went down to the woods behind the field and wondered round them, then as we were turning a corner Mayfly pricked up her ears and her put her head high in the air - I was a bit cautious at what she was looking at cause I find those woods scary enough! lol. But standing there was a deer, it tried to run away but it was hobbling, then I noticed it had a nasty wound on it's shoulder and one of it's front legs was hanging of the, swinging around when her tried to hop away. I felt sorry for the poor thing, but at the same time it was disgusting!!<br /><br />Once this trauma was over we managed to have a rather nice hack, Fly was a bit full of herself and I really had to hold her back in trot naughty marey is desperate to go for a canter - she doesn't seem to understand why she can't!Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03406539066109926211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388483930328704242.post-61080241481766085862009-03-04T22:07:00.005+00:002009-03-04T22:28:10.166+00:00Sweet Little Mayfly :o)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSfpCE0nrx-SmvV_Ib8U8apjiipu4WS1GFXeGYq2pAcCZkL7__WL8WWeanDFD9INSBpz69IttE5xkElVpMEVlVL1rcOa0eQD8S808LrxbKgfSeOHjpYVLBi0qMtVIZO_Y9QWJ9BFfWo9n/s1600-h/IMAGE_255.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309459642361612626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSfpCE0nrx-SmvV_Ib8U8apjiipu4WS1GFXeGYq2pAcCZkL7__WL8WWeanDFD9INSBpz69IttE5xkElVpMEVlVL1rcOa0eQD8S808LrxbKgfSeOHjpYVLBi0qMtVIZO_Y9QWJ9BFfWo9n/s200/IMAGE_255.jpg" border="0" /></a> Mayfly seemed to be overly kind and loving today.<br />I hadn't been up to see her for the past two days as I have been unfortunately ill, so it was very nice to receive such a warm welcome from the Mare.<br /><br />She was giving me kisses, and resting her wobbling lip on me so in return I blew raspberries on her nose. Hehe, don't I sound like a mad women!? And I found a real itchy spot on her hindquarters so she got a good'ol scratch and massage with the rubber curry comb, which she absolutely loves :D<br /><br />Oh, forgot to update on Saturday...we went for our longest hack yet - 1 3/4 hours with quite a substantial amount of trot. Fly really enjoyed herself but got a little tired and was a bit sore when evening came but that is to be expected. The hack was good fun though, it was one of the new ones which we had only done once before, so enjoyed by all.<br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hUv_oA_mhZK7TmNM_-AGqdegG7ZdDxlu330W_KM9cil4n5_VviXvAuvkrqWh2qJmNKHHVBFGOT9kgQzi0LqU4kN0Fk2hAzYTEX_YiGhszf6okhuFRBugK6hQGu8zgH36a0OzjcwpmMgv/s1600-h/IMAGE_249.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309460613109402946" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 155px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hUv_oA_mhZK7TmNM_-AGqdegG7ZdDxlu330W_KM9cil4n5_VviXvAuvkrqWh2qJmNKHHVBFGOT9kgQzi0LqU4kN0Fk2hAzYTEX_YiGhszf6okhuFRBugK6hQGu8zgH36a0OzjcwpmMgv/s200/IMAGE_249.jpg" border="0" /></a>Anyway, it was a lovely evening tonight. We went for a hack and I could resist getting off and getting some pictures so I planted my phone on a tree and did so :o) Although they aren't the best of photos - I really am in need of a new camera as my old one broke. </p><p>Also for once in a long time, there was no deer around today (but I guess I shouldn't speak too soon).</p>Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03406539066109926211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388483930328704242.post-64207256097036315442009-02-28T21:50:00.005+00:002009-02-28T22:00:34.779+00:00New Shoes equals a New Horse<strong>Mayfly had new shoes done, with a new slightly different shape to them. Thanks to this she is now better than ever <span style="color:#000099;">:</span><span style="color:#ff6666;">D</span></strong><br /><br />The shoes are very nice, handmade beautifully I must say!<br /><br />They help Mayfly with how she places her hind legs so not to cause twisting or anything on her hocks, and well they seem to be doing wonders.<br />Fly is so happy and really going for it at the moment. Takes a lot of effort to hold her back when we trot bless her - she is off wanting to canter already!! She'll have to wait for that though.<br />It is very nice to be able to go on proper hacks and not be gone for absolutely years. lol.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb_b5Ud3yXHuqJN2B6-PJUvB-KUplJmMxRop73-S9pnaCM6emekJFtIESs1cdKlOnEPAnRFZpqJitfEjsvTZYHW-dsF89tRDrrFzH5w-nRT7ONuKZ4M2WcWgwAR0HoAZ6_mxVDZFWQ2gMF/s1600-h/Mayfly's+Tongue.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307971036698608402" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 143px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb_b5Ud3yXHuqJN2B6-PJUvB-KUplJmMxRop73-S9pnaCM6emekJFtIESs1cdKlOnEPAnRFZpqJitfEjsvTZYHW-dsF89tRDrrFzH5w-nRT7ONuKZ4M2WcWgwAR0HoAZ6_mxVDZFWQ2gMF/s200/Mayfly's+Tongue.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Lovely Fly went out without a rug on for the first time today, and what did she go and do?!?<br />Find the muddiest spot in the field and roll of course. "I'm gonna roll here!"<br /><span style="color:#000000;">:@</span> took me ages to brush all the thick mud that she was coated in, and I didn't even manage to get all of it off...ahh horses huh?Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03406539066109926211noreply@blogger.com2