Happy Birthday pics

Happy Birthday

Due to being busy on the 24th (Barry's birthday) I figured I'd give Bella attention on the 23rd.

I caught her (not difficult) and led her up the race. The other horses stayed in the paddock - Bella happily trundled up the race with me. She only stopped and didn't want to move when I wanted to lead her through the pen - fair call, it is rough underfoot and the other horses like to avoid the pen as well. I led her through the gate into the paddock and then into the yard.

She stood quietly when tied up - I flitted around gathering grooming gear and more importantly, the camera!

The neighbours were doing what probably was tree stump grinding but more realistically sounded like they were putting corrugated iron through a shredder. Bella couldn't have cared less, she was with her human. She is such a delight to work with.

I groomed her thoroughly which she loved then took some pics.

Afterwards mum measured her - approx 13.2hh so is on track to mature at least 15hh - yay!!

I remember!

I haven't done much with Bella lately - however she is checked and bug-sprayed daily.

This morning I decided I needed to give her some attention. She has been a bit free and easy with her teeth lately but I only have myself to blame as I have been giving her some mints recently.

I caught her (which is never difficult!) and led her into the race - with the others hot on her heels. All mine love attention lol

I took her rug off - shame I didn't have my camera as it has been a while since I've taken pics of her. She is in super condition, but I wouldn't want any more weight on her.

I led her up and down the race as if on show - no trot yet but standing up square and attentive. What a superstar! I also did some lateral work with her - in preparation of asking her to 'move over' when loaded on the truck.

Guy Fawkes

5 November is Guy Fawkes Day – a day of fireworks and bonfires, but how many people letting off their fireworks know the origin of the celebration? Once children chanted the rhyme:

Remember, remember the fifth of November
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot..

On 5th November 1605 Guy Fawkes was caught in the cellars of the Houses of Parliament with several dozen barrels of gunpowder. He was part of a plot to blow up the building when the King and the Members of Parliament were there.

Guy Fawkes was subsequently tried as a traitor with his co-conspirators for plotting against the government. He was sentenced to death by the most horrible form of execution. He was to be hung ,drawn and quartered - which showed the serious nature of the crime of treason.

When the news of the plot and the threat to the king became public, bonfires were lit all through the country to celebrate the king’s safety. This was continued on the anniversary to emphasise the seriousness of the crime of treason. Another tradition was for children to stuff clothing with straw to look like a man (Guy Fawkes).

The "celebrations" are fun for many, but usually not for those with animals. We've (touch wood) been lucky with our horses being sensible but it has been a while since we've had a young 'un. It was drizzly yesterday which I think helped take the edge off things.

Eden and Splash were in the house dam paddock and as those letting off fireworks were on the other side of the road, they were quite sheltered from the lights. There wasn't much in the way of huge booms (it was noisier during duck shooting season). When the fireworks started I checked on Layla and Bella - they were in the front paddock. They were happy to come in to the yard as I had haynets set up for them. Layla couldn't have cared less about the fireworks and Bella was a little alert, but not panicked.

Unfortunately, it is a beautiful day today so I'm guessing there will be more fireworks :-/ Mum and I moved Layla and Bella to a paddock further away from the road. I reckon they'll be fine there, but I will check on them.

*Sproink*

Eden came home today - she was at Sarah's for weaning purposes. Sadly Tubs and Eden got along too well and for safety sake, it was decided Eden would come home before anyone was injured.

Bella and Layla have been getting along well, while Splash was left sadly gazing at them as she was in with the sheep - with the idea of Eden going in with her once she returns home.

Layla was beyond herself with excitement seeing a truck pulling into the driveway. Rather than have her rark everyone else up, I put her in the pen, and put Eden in the annex. Eden wasn't too fussed about coming home (even though Layla was twirling and shrieking from the pen) so I caught and held Bella while mum led Eden through the yard into the paddock (I do more work with Bella so mum was more comfortable leading Eden).

Bella didn't like my paddocking decision (Splash and Eden together, Bella in her paddock, and Layla in the pen) so promptly hopped over the fence. Bugger - not the look I was going for!

I caught her and put her in the pen while the parentals and I re-jigged where she jumped. She is now in the paddock with Layla, while Eden and Splash are together. Eden couldn't care less about Bella. Bella doesn't seem too fussed about having Eden back on the property. Splash would like to eat the baby (some things just don't change) and Layla is her usual excited self.

Weaned

I have been slack, and put the official weaning in the Too Hard Basket. Not that it is particularly difficult, but I've been busy studying, and it has been so wet lately that mum's paddock management has been up the wazoo.

I did attempt weaning a while ago and nothing untoward happened. Bella is quite confident and is happy in the company of any of the other horses. I hardly ever see her with Eden. The only time I've ever seen her upset is if all the horses move away from where she is and she can't figure out how to get to them (ie they're in the paddock, and she's in the race). Having said that, she doesn't panic.

Anyway, I felt today was as good as any other day, so caught Eden (hardly difficult) and lead her to another paddock.

Eden couldn't have cared less (was probably waiting for this day to happen! lol) but Bella had a few things to say. Bella and Layla whizzed around the paddock for a bit - if anything Layla put more effort into the 'tantrum'. Bella whinnied a bit but she wasn't frantic.

By the time I had walked back up the race, everyone had settled down.

Attention

Sadly I haven’t had the time to dedicate to working with Bella on a regular basis – just too busy studying. Having said that, it isn’t like she is neglected – access to stables if the weather is shite (seeing as it is spring, it is shite), checked daily to ensure her rug is on and she has no injuries, and regularly hayfed.

Because of being busy studying, when she does get attention, it tends to be full on, as per last Saturday – tied up, groomed, have her hooves trimmed then wormed and led to the back paddock. Poor Bella, it must seem when it rains, it pours!

She is good about being tied up, albeit a bit fidgety which is more her dislike of not being able to come over to me whenever she wants.

She is very good about having her hooves trimmed – I am glad I spent the time when she was younger picking up her legs. There isn’t much I can’t do to her – whenever I do have time, I reiterate lessons she has already learnt, and add more to her education, such as moving her hind quarters over, and backing up. She is very obedient to voice commands which is good as I talk a lot! Lol

I led Bella while mum led Eden and Layla to the back paddock. Bella skittered coming out of the stables so I ended up in the lead with mum, Eden and Layla following. Bella was very good and led all the way down the back. She did have a wee brain fart in the back paddock but it wasn’t anything ghastly – I think it was more Bella saying she’d had enough. Tough, she still had another paddock to navigate. She just leapt a bit at the end of the leadrope then stood when I told her too. I reassured her, and we continued on our journey.

Her next lesson will involve trucking – I will have a professional in to do that.

RIP Grandma (Tami)

Tami was put down on Saturday, 19 September 2009. She wasn't right on Friday, so the decision was made. Tami spent the night in the race (her choice) while the others (Bella, Layla, Eden) left her to be in the paddock (our horses often have a paddock and the race).

Tami was PTS and buried in the back paddock. Bella, Layla and Eden were in back right paddock so would have seen what happened.

I know there are several schools of thought on the situation - one being that the horses are separated and don't know what happens; the horses are in the vicinity and can see/watch; and the horses are let into the same paddock to say their farewells.

I'm not sure which is the best option and I think there would be a different 'best option' for different horses/scenarios.

I have definitely noticed a difference in Bella - she used to be quite 'chatty', would always whinny when she saw me. She has been very quiet, I've only heard her whinny once since Tami went. She is fine in all other respects - is eating, drinking and doing all horsy things, but is quiet.

Mini me

Pic is of Splash and Bella grazing 6 September - they're not related (the only breed they have in common is TB - Splash 1/2 and Bella 1/4), they just spookily look alike. Both are way purdier than they look in this pic.

Bella approx 12.3hh, Splash 16.2ish.

All tied up

I haven't done much with Bella lately, other than hay her daily, give her a cuddle and a scratch, and make sure all four legs are attached and not damaged. She is still my little ray of sunshine - always happy to see me (or is it the hay?) and loves a cuddle and scratch/groom.

We had some spring sun recently so I took all their rugs off. Bella is hilarious when I do that - she always turns both ways and looks at both sides of herself with an astonished look on her face: "oooh, I have a body". She is learning about horse behaviour and is always keen to groom another horse. Splash and Layla aren't so welcoming to that - Splash would dearly love to eat her while Layla considers herself to be a VIP (Very Important Porse) and doesn't appreciate Bella stepping into what she perceives as her spotlight.

Anyways, I worked Splash the other day and realised I haven't done anything with Bella for a while (I think the last time she had some attention was having her hoovies filed in August) so thought I'd introduce her to being tied up. I finished with Splash so tied her in the yard with a slice of hay. I went and caught Bella (always difficult - not) and led her up to the yard (leading is something I haven't done with her for a while either, lol). She wasn't keen on going through the pen due to it being muddy so I led her through the race, into the paddock and into the yard.

I tied her (quick release as always) to some twine (as a side rave, it grinds my gears when people bring a broken halter or lead back to mum's shop, complain its broken and want it replaced. Newsflash - it is called horse power for a reason! Half a ton of horse (or thereabouts) that pulls back is going to result in a broken halter, lead or neck - pick your poison).

I took her rug off and groomed her then faffed about changing rugs on the others. Granted, she had a slice of hay and could see all the other horses but I wasn't there holding her hoof all the time. She did move around a little, not to pull back but more to check the 'boundaries'. She stepped back, but it was very measured. I simply told her to get up and she stepped forward. Good baby!!

She is such a super girl - tends to learn something after one lesson. Having said that, I don't consider that one lesson has taught her to be tied up, and will reiterate that lesson some more.

Her next lessons will be better leading (I hope to do some inhand shows with her this season) and loading on the truck...

Cuteness

I stumbled across this pic recently:

late April 2009

Winter sux

Need I say more...?

Whose ya daddy?

I have been asked why I chose to breed Bella, and particularly, the choice of bloodlines/breeding.

I ride for fun and if I win some ribbons in the process, that is a bonus. I rate temperament very highly - I don't see the point in having a horse that is super talented, but that I can't ride or handle; I'm often by myself when working with my horses, whether handling them, riding or travelling/competing.

Eden is by Gibraltar II (Swedish Warmblood) out of Shipside Sally (TB - by Wharf). I liked Gibraltar II from the moment he was advertised in New Zealand, which must be easily 15 years ago. I used to see him regularly as the ladies who owned him had lessons with Edgar Lichtwark, who I also had lessons with. I saw an advertisement in the Horse & Pony listing horses for sale from the stud Gibraltar II stood at. Years later, bored at work and trawling the internet, I stumbled across an advertisement for Eden, who happened to be the one I liked in the advertisement (fate?) and, as she was local to me, I rang to ask if she was still available for sale - the rest is history.

Eden is never going to go to the Olympics but that is ok, neither am I. Eden competed in her youth (predominantly eventing and dressage) and has the sweetest temperament. She moves well and while her conformation isn't perfect - she has 'mare ears' and is slightly pigeon toed - I felt Glenvar Meteor compliments her faults.

Glenvar Meteor is by Kilvington Scoundrel (ERP), out of Greenlee Prudence (Welsh). I don't follow the British Showing scene closely, but I have read enough to know of Kilvington Scoundrel and his super progeny while Greenlee Prudence has thrown some exceptional show ponies.

I feel Bella has the best from each breed:

• TB - proportion and speed (one day I might be brave enough to event again. If not, I'll just hunt). I love TBs and one of my most favouritest horses ever is a chestnut TB mare.
• Warmblood - movement
• ERP - conformation and presence
• Welsh - sane brain (I'm yet to meet a loopy Welsh)

To date, Bella has been a delight - she is bold but sensible, has presence, is very intelligent and loves attention.

Oh, what a night

Eden choked last night.

Sarah came over to my place so I could dye her hair – how does this relate to Bella? Read on.

Sarah and I loaded up the trailer on the quad bike with feed buckets and hay only to discover the bike wouldn’t go – that saved Eden’s life. Muttering about having to lug feed and hay to the horses through the Muddy race (yes, an initial capital is needed – it is Muddy here), I decided that they didn’t need hay – they had just moved into a new paddock. Sarah and I trundled down the race and distributed feed buckets. As the bike wouldn’t go and I’m lazy (hey, at least I’m honest!) I wanted to wait for them to finish their feeds so I could take their feed buckets then and there, rather than make another trip down the Muddy race to collect them later.

All my horses like their feed and I’ve always said if one isn’t eating, it is a definitely a sign to call the vet. All were happily eating when Eden stopped eating and looked blank. She stood still for a little bit then moved away from her feed – definitely out of character for her. When she started drooling I knew something was wrong – I figured it was choke; something I have read enough about to identify, but not read enough to know what to do.

I called the vet then Sarah and I moved Eden and Bella into the race. I found a lump in her throat and massaged that in between pulling out as much food out of her mouth as possible. Sarah distracted Bella by giving her cuddles. It was quite scary – while you can help a person who is choking, there isn’t much you can do for a choking horse. Eden coughed up food and goo came out of her nose – it was rather gross. Occasionally she gave huge straight-legged whole body shudders – that is what scared me the most; it reminded me of the horse I saw that had a heart attack at a competition. I can deal with life (including blood and gore) and I can deal with death, but I struggle with the process of death.

Mum came down with the vet so once the vet had done her thing (checked her stats and gave her a couple of jabs), Sarah and I led Eden and Bella up the race to the yard so I could keep an eye on her during the night. By this stage, it was dark and Eden was feeling better so was stepping out. Bella wasn’t too sure about following the strange lady (Sarah) in the dark and dithered. Eden didn’t call to Bella – I’m guessing due to having a sore throat (is that, a hoarse/horse throat??) – so pulled back and away. I called to Bella and she came straight up to me. I’m very impressed with that. Unfortunately, just as I was about to grab her leadrope, Layla whinnied and Bella took off. She came back again though and I reunited her with Eden in the yard. While Bella was upset, she didn’t panic so I am very pleased about that – I particularly like how she came to me when I called her.

I have been weaning Eden and Bella but decided that Eden had had enough stress for one night and I would rather disrupt the weaning process than upset her any further by separating her completely from Bella. I did separate them in the yard though – Eden wasn’t to have any food and Bella needs to eat so I put Eden in the yard and Bella inside. I checked on Eden a couple of times during the night. Bella isn’t bothered by my nocturnal wanderings with the flashlight – as far as she is concerned, the flashlight means people and possible carrot handouts. She loves being inside so I think travelling away with her for future competitions will be a breeze. Eden is ‘bright eyed and bushy tailed’ today and happy to be back in the paddock where she is making up for lost eating :)

Enjoying the sunshine

Six months

Bella has had a busy time of late – 24 June was her six month birthday, woot!! To celebrate, I introduced her to carrots. It took a while, only because Layla and Eden would swoop out of nowhere and steal the carrots I was offering. How rude! Anyways, Bella now has the gist of carrots, including how to eat them – for a while she nibbled on them rabbit style. While she loves carrots (and can locate which pocket has the carrots in it), she is gentle about endeavouring to acquire them.

I’ve been reiterating her lead lessons. Every now and then Bella stands and looks at me as if to say “I don’t really understand what is wanted” but never makes a fuss about it – no pulling back or any carry on – just looks at me then walks forward as requested.

I did work with Bella ages ago re picking up her hooves. I’ve been slack lately (picking up muddy legs really doesn’t appeal…) so I was a little anxious about her first hoof trim. Mike (our farrier) is great with the horses and how he handles them. I held Bella next to the wall so she could balance easier. She moved back a little but never tried to get away – it was more to correct her balance. She did wobble a little occasionally but was calm about the whole ‘ordeal’. By the time Mike did her hind legs, she was happily resting her head on my shoulder – so cute!!

A storm is due – again – so while Bella am stabled at night, I felt it appropriate to rug her for when she is outside. She couldn’t have cared less about having a rug put on, and stood quietly while mum (Yvonne) and I faffed about with belly straps and hind leg straps. The rug is 3’6” but needs darts in the shoulder to fit correctly – Bella didn’t even flinch when I hauled the rug back into position when it slipped. I'll have some darts put in the shoulder so it fits her better.

I noticed today that Bella spent the whole day with the other ‘girls’ (Tami, Layla and Splash) at the far end of the race, while Eden grazed at the top end of the race – weaning time perhaps? I’ve read a lot about weaning methods and prefer the gradual/with friends method. I know some people employ the cold turkey method but I feel that works better with a herd of foals due to their similar ages. As I only have the one foal, I prefer the gradual weaning process – I gradually introduced an ‘aunty’ (Layla) and just recently put all the horses together as a herd: Eden, Bella, Layla, Splash and Tami. So, tonight Layla and Bella are inside while Eden, Splash and Tami are outside. Bella and Eden can see each other and in the 5 hrs they’ve been separated (albeit in sight of each other), I’ve not heard a peep out of them.

Bella is such a delight – so easy and trainable which bodes well for the future

Early July '09

Follow the leader, leader, leader, follow the leader *

I'll be six months old on 24 June and while I'm happy to do all that mum (Kyrie) asks of me, I don't lead. I'm pretty good at following, but structured leading with halter and lead is a foreign concept to me.

The herd was scheduled to be moved to the back half of the back paddock so Barry and Kyrie thought it a good idea to incorporate moving us with teaching me to lead.

I wasn't too sure what was wanted of me so protested. The protests were very half hearted though - I simply didn't know what I was supposed to do. Leading was quite easy though so I gave in quickly. The reward was an almost dry paddock (it has rained lots lately) with lots of lovely grass and shelter.

* Kyrie lived in Bermuda for 2 years where the dominant music genre is soca - thems be lyrics them be.

We are family

Us, enjoying sunshine and hay.

L-R Moi, Eden/Mum, Layla and Tami. Splash is lying down

Are you my mom...?

With the current four-seasons-in-one-day-weather, Kyrie thought mum (Eden) would appreciate a rug - she has been without a rug since my inception and I'm now 4 months old.

The weather varies from 6C overnight to 20C during the day with cycles of sunshine, wind gusts and squally rain.

Mum is now sporting a blue Landa lite with the back straps removed. Kyrie also removed my halter - there is no point in risking any mishaps!

Mum looks like mum but smells like another horse - apparently the rug had been on Tami, one of Kyrie's mares. Mum looks much happier and sproinked around the paddock with me and Aunty Lala. I'm still not convinced it is mum though, so I'm hanging out with Aunty Lala for now.

4 months!

For my 4th month birthday I was given ...hay. It is quite fun - you can play with it AND eat it - two hooves up I say!

Aunty Layla has moved in with us. Eden wasn't so sure about it to start with but Kyrie introduced her over the fence for a while and then supervised when Layla was put in the paddock with us. Layla pulls faces and threatens to bite me but she loves me really. Who wouldn't?

The grass is always greener on the other side

Apparently. I'm not a believer.

I was bored with the sogginess of my current paddock so checked out the neighbouring paddock. Kyrie wasn't too impressed and had visions of gory injuries but I proved her wrong - not a scratch on me, no damage to the fence and so what about being separated from mum?

It was exciting though, so mum and I had a wee lie down - can you see me hiding behind her?

Third month, third paddock

Mum and I moved into one of the paddocks that had hay cut from it - Mum set to the important task of eating, while I played :-D

Stepping out (in time no less!) with my mum



Flitting about

Still flitting...

Err, rocking horse??

Weeeeeeeeeeeee!

Weeeeeeeeeeeee!

*sproink*

Happy (one month) birthday!

24 January meant I was one month old. This was celebrated by giving me my own feed bucket at meal times. Mum (Eden) was quite relieved as I used to pester her non-stop. She gets *reallly* tetchy when I try to climb in her feed bucket. Talk about no fun!! She now gets quiet time twice a day (breakfast, and dinner) and I get to play at being a 'big' horse with my own feed bucket.

Mum (Kyrie) hasn't taken many pictures of me lately as she was/is secretary for Waitemata A&P Show and therefore quite busy. However, that was a week ago now so I expect to be getting some more attention from her. She does however, still feed us twice a day and bug spray us regularly. Life isn't too bad...

Educating Bella

At three weeks of age, I'm happy to have all my hooves picked up, be bug sprayed and have my ears played with. Grandma (Yvonne) made me a break-away foal halter so that if I managed to get caught on anything, I would be freed easily. I've had my halter on a couple of times but really didn't want it on tonight. So I showed my displeasure. Sadly Kyrie had her cheap camera that struggled with the light at that time of day, and my speed...

I'm not sure where my near hind went in this pic!!

However, I did settle down and pose with my halter on:

Brat...?

Both mums now probably think that I should be named "Brat" and not 'Bella' as I am firmly convinced that the world revolves around me. Especially at meal time! One of my favourite games is to back into Eden's chest and buck until she moves away from the feed bucket. I'm quite confident, and am gaining better control of my legs...

It is awfully hard work being so cute though!

Merry Christmas

Christmas Day dawned bright and warm so my human mum (Kyrie) was happy enough to put mum (Eden) and I in the paddock while she went up north to join in the family Christmas bunfight. Mum wasn't too sure about the other horses in the paddocks (we were going down the race) and got a bit anxious, so I put on some moves to impress the other horses. I don't think either mum appreciated that...

My human family put their thinking caps on for names for me - a paddock name and a showname is required. "Bella" was decided on as a paddock name - it has a Christmas theme ("Bell") and starts with "B" - grandad (Barry) shares the same birthday as me. He is a *little* older than me though...

Kyrie came to visit us when she got home, and brought friends with her. They thought I was very cute, and exceptionally bold. Eden loves the visits, as Kyrie brings food - twice a day!

Aren't I just the most beautiful foal you've ever seen?

Introducing...

My human mum (Kyrie) arrived home from work on 23 December and promptly put warmer rugs on all her horses due to the cold, wet weather. My true mum (Eden) wasn't rugged due to being somewhat large with Yours Truly so Kyrie put Eden and her friend Layla in the stables. Due to Murphy and his "Laws", the sheep were in a stable due to having an appointment with the shearer the next day so Eden and Layla shared a stable and the Annex. Kyrie checked Eden and Layla about 11.30pm and again at 3am. The sight of Kyrie in her PJs at 3am probably tipped mum over the edge and I was discovered at 6.20am on Christmas Eve - a few days off Kyrie's estimation of 28 December.

My mum, "Eden Garnet", is Swedish Warmblood/TB - by Gibraltar II (RIP grandad) out of Shipside Sally. Eden apparently looks a lot like Gibraltar, but a little smaller, standing 15.2hh. She competed in dressage and eventing in her youth.

Eden - one of the few ridden pics mum has.

Gibraltar II

Dad, Glenvar Meteor, is by Kilvington Scoundrel, out of Greenlee Prudence. I'm the FIRST foal from Glenvar Meteor - how cool is that??

Kilvington Scoundrel (UK): http://www.whaltonstud.co.uk/kilvingtonscoundrel.html

I spent the day in the stable with mum but was allowed in the yard when Kyrie got home from work - it was fun exploring and stretching my legs. It was cold though, so Kyrie put us back in the stable for the night.

Kyrie was sure she was going to get a grey colt so didn't have any suitable names for me - I'm a gorgeous bay filly. Kyrie and her family decided they wanted me to have a name starting with "B" as I was born on Barry's birthday.