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28th December 2002

Time for an update on what Tim and I have been up to with the ponies and also other things that happen from time to time.

7th December

8th December

There was also a Dressage demonstration, a Western Riding demonstration, and on the Sunday only the Highland Pony Society had put forward a demonstration. Trossachs Hiker and Fyfedene put on a half-quadrille demonstration, Audrey Barron and a four year old pony gave a very good driving display with cones, Hamish Cameron rode Acorn O'Kinnoull to dressage with music, and Catriona Lackie gave a demonstration with Fergie of Achindrean in his "working clothes" which he wears to carry red deer off the hill although he is also used to extract timber from forestry. This pony is extra-special as he succumbed to grass sickness on 3rd october 2001 but with the intensive nursing care at EBVC, Fergie was allowed home after three weeks to continue his recovery there. This remarkable pony gives us all hope who have either experienced Grass Sickness or who fear that their ponies may succumb to it.

11th December:

At the very beginning all three of us were quite adamant that we were only there to help with the ponies but somehow we found ourselves involved in the play as "budding actors"!! Ellie and I were both narrators and Tim ended up being one of the Shepherds and on top of that volunteered to carry the lamb which was presented to Baby Jesus!! I think by the end of the week he was beginning to regret his offer as the lamb seemed to become heavier and heavier!!

However the rehearsal went very well and we were all set for the rest of the week. It was amazing how many people came to see the play -- we even saw Susie Robertson - our very own Secretary of the Highland Pony Society!! I think Charlotte-de-Klee who organises the event said that they had sold over 2000 tickets and from part of the proceeds of the play they donated £5000 to charity.

16th December:

28th December:

Here we are almost at the end of another quick year ( a sign of growing older "they" say). We had a very enjoyable Christmas starting with ourselves and our good friends and neighbours, Ken and Rosemarie Swan and their son, Andrew attending the Watchnight Sevice at St. Leonard's-in-the-Fields & Trinity in Perth and afterwards we had some very nice mulled wine and mince-meat pies. Tim and I had asked Ellie over for Christmas Dinner and a very enjoyable time was had by all. I think Santa was kind to all of us!

We just now look forward to a Happy New Year and already I am thinking ahead about Stallions, Colts and foals. Plans for the near future are to spean our foal Ericht - that will happen within the next two weeks giving Corrie time to recover before foaling again around May. I think we intend to keep Rannoch entire and probably have him inspected then licensed. I would like to try him with some of our mares then sell him on. We intend riding Tarka, Fhuaran and Rowan so that will be quite a challenge after Clover. It will be very difficult to replace her I'm afraid. I think that is all I have to say except both Tim and I wish all who read our web site a Very Peaceful, Healthy and Happy New Year and we hope to see you all in 2003 somewhere!!

4th December 2002

On 1st December we were at Tayside Foal Show with Rannoch and once again his field companion, Bratach, was with him. They had both been in overnight as it was very wet on the Saturday and at this time of year it is difficult keeping them clean and dry. In the morning both boys boxed easy enough and off we set --- in the rain! Tim wondered why on earth we were going!

There seemed to be a good entry and when we arrived Charlie MacQuattie ( who runs the show along with Catherine Marshall) informed everyone that due to the very wet weather the show would be inside. Hoorah we thought!! Rannoch's class had 8 entries including himself all fillies apart from him and 1 gelding. At first he was placed 5th but after running out for the Judge (John Dykes) he was placed 2nd. Tim and I were delighted with that. Once again he behaved apart from nickering to all the ladies! - Boys will be boys!!

Champion was Willie Simpson's yearling filly Chapelhill Trudy (S: Chapelhill Hamish D: Chapelhill Lady). Reserve Champion was Kate Lawson & Willie Sinclair's foal Lochlands Magic Flute (S: Highfield Glenaffric D: Flute of Whitefield). Two worthy winners I thought - so did Tim. We had a good day and were well pleased. Rannoch can now relax for a time and just enjoy playing with Brat.

28th November 2002

At last I have got down to updating our Diary.

First of all both Tim and I would like to thank everyone who has e-mailed us regarding Clover. Life without her is quite empty even although we have 14 others!! It is a great comfort to think that friends care and because most of our friends have ponies of their own they know exactly how we are feeling

So what have we been doing? All the ponies have been wormed - quite a task - especially when there are a few who don't like to have a syringe near them! However we managed eventually. On 8th November Tim and I once again headed south to Pennistone in Yorkshire to stay with Alison Payne for a couple of nights. The HPEC had their AGM held at Swinford, Leicestershire and as there was also a Dog Show not far from Pennistone it seemed like a good idea to combine the two. Tiffany's (Schnauzer) breeder was judging the Standard Schnauzers and I thought she would like to see Tiff as she hadn't seen her since she was 10 weeks old. The AGM was a very social event and we spoke to lots of people including Cath McVicar whom we don't see much of these days since she moved south. There were lots of awards to hand out starting with the HPS Performance Awards then we had a break for lunch which was prepared by some volunteers. There was a huge spread of main course and pudding. Everyone tucked in and shared stories and photographs then afterwards came Alison's awards for her Competitions. It was a good day and finished around 4.00pm then it was off back to Pennistone to relax for the rest of the evening.

Below are some photos I took at the AGM. What they are of is shown below them. Tim

The following morning we left for our Dog Show which was only for Schnauzers - the three sizes, Miniatures, Standards and Giants were all there. It was great to see all three varieties and Tiffany had the time of her life "speaking" to them all. Her breeder saw her once all her judging was complete and seemed genuinely pleased to see her and thought she was a nice little dog. I have since been to a show and Tiffany was 3rd out of 7 in a mixed class the first two being Standard Poodles then Tiff and another two Schnauzers and also two French Bull Dogs! As she was first Schnauzer she won a Trophy for Best Schnauzer!! Perhaps I should show at more dog shows than horse shows!! Tim thinks so as it lets him off the hook and he can stay at home and do some gardening!

Fhuaran our Orangefield pony has been my next project and I have been trying to ride as often as I can. Yesterday I had quite a long trot (for her!) and I think she is at last begining to enjoy herself. She and Rowan will be our riding ponies next year - that is once Rowan is broken! As she is only just three we will take her slowly and hopefully Lisa our friend at Glenfarg will find time to have her over with her in the spring or summer. Lisa was over last week and she saddled up Tarka and took him up to our neighbour's outdoor school and worked him for a bit. I also had a ride on him and although still very green is responsive enough and both Tim and I hope that perhaps he will be our next ridden pony - or Rowan! Watch this space!!!

On 20th Nowember we took Rannoch to the Winter Fair along with Ellie's colt Bratach who is his field companion. Rannoch was 5th in his class and behaved very well even although the other exhibits were all fillies. I was very pleased with his behaviour and both boys travelled very well. We are taking them out again this coming Sunday to Tayside Foal Show so hopefully Rannoch will behave again even although the weather forecast is not very good. I think it will be a wellie and raincoat day. Well apart from the HPS dance (which we both thoroughly enjoyed) I think that is the diary more or less up to date. Tim and Ellie and I are busy helping with the local farm which puts on the Nativity Play where our ponies are featuring - so that should keep us out of mischief. Photos will follow in due course.

1st November 2002

Yesterday was one of the worst days of my life. The vet from the Royal Dick phoned in the morning to say that Clover seemed quite depressed and wondered if I had decided whether I wanted to visit her. I had already made up mind to go through and see her before she was put to sleep - I wouldn't have felt right if I hadn't seen her. Poor Tim and Lorna were devastated and couldn't face going to say Goodbye.

Like the good friend that she is Ellie decided that she would take time off work and go with me for company and support. When we arrived at the Hospital Clover had lots of visitors in her stable as her condition was so rare. Apparently as the Vet, Jenny Swane told us - Clover's Immune System was very low and her White Cells had a count of 70 whereas in most ponies they would be around 6. Every time they were produced they were diseased and as they divided they produced more diseased white cells so she really didn't have a chance. Jenny told us that she had never before come across a pony with Clover's illness and there were only two vets in the Hospital who had each seen 1 case.

Ellie and I took her out for a walk and she was so happy as she has never liked inside. We let her graze for quite a while and when the Vet came to see us I agreed that it was only fair to let her go but that I would stay with her until the end. As I said previously it was one of the worst days of my life but I was extremely impressed with the Vets in attendance and the professional way in which they dealt with Clover. I agreed that she should have a Postmortem examination done - especially if it helps them to treat horses and ponies in the future should they suffer from the same illness as Clover had.

Now we will just have to pick up the pieces. Life seems so unfair sometimes when it plucks someone - be it human or animal- away just when they are in their prime. We shall miss you Clover - rushing about under saddle or just nickering softly when you saw us or one of your equine friends.

30th October 2002

Further to Jean's report yesterday we heard again from the Royal Dick Vet today with Clover's blood test results. Regrettably she has leukaemia and nothing can be done for her. Jean will go to see her tomorrow. I cannot face it. It would happen to the best ridden Highland we have had and we had great hopes for her next year. She is only 8.

29th October 2002

Since writing the last time we have had some good news and some very bad news. The good news is that we have sold Mannie of Millfield. A fews weeks ago a friend and I were out riding Clover and Mannie when we met a couple from Auchtermuchty that I have got to know as they have a young Highland gelding called "Donny" (Coralknowe Dominic) who is by Tully of Sma Glen and out of Yda of Whitefield. Nikki and her husband, Willie, also have a Thoroughbred mare called Farina but when they saw Mannie they fell in love with him and thought he would be a nice pony to ride while waiting for Donny to grow up. Mannie is literally a few fields away and because the mare has to be in at night he and Donny also go inside to keep her company. He went away on Sunday 27th October and Tim and I walked over to see his new abode! Mannie will think he has died and gone to Heaven! He has a very spacious stable, lots of good food, company and lots of attention!! I couldn't wish for a better home for him and wish Nikki and Willie lots of luck and fun with him.

Unfortunately we have now some bad news to relate. Poor Clover is in the Royal Dick Veterinary Hospital. In early July this year on returning from the Royal Highland Show her eyelids - top and bottom - were very swollen and her eyes were watering. We thought she was allergic to the flys or perhaps a plant in her field. However, even with wearing a fly mask for a bit she didn't get any better. We called out the vet and he couldn't think what was causing her eyelids to be swollen but gave me some steroid pills to crush up and place in with a small feed. After two weeks her condition hadn't really changed and we avoided a couple of shows. However we decided to call the vet out again and this time asked for someone else - to have a second opinion. However the second vet backed up his colleague but this time gave her a steroid injection and also a weeks supply of antibiotics. This seemed to help and although her eyes didn't go back to normal they were a lot better. We started taking her out again to shows and riding her at home and she seemed in good spirits - so much so that we entered her for the CSHPC One Day Event, see below. She raced round that in her usual manner and had done very well in the ridden class at the CSHPC show which is reported earlier.

However on the Sunday when Nikki and Willie (Mannie's new owners) came to see him we all noticed that Clover's eyes were once again very swollen and looked hot and sore. Once they had taken Mannie away for a walk I brought Clover out of the field. I thought the best idea was to keep her inside for a couple of days to see if it would help incase there was something in the field which she was allergic to. Needless-to-say, Clover didn't think this was such a good idea being away from her friends and just fretted so on Tuesday morning I let her out and decided to phone the vet. It was the same vet who had seen her in July and was very surprised that her eyes were swollen again and wanted to go back to the surgery to discuss her condition with his colleagues. However on Wednesday I had her in again with Mhairi and Fhuaran as the farrier was coming to re-shoe them and when she was tethered I noticed she was drooling a lot and after the farrier had gone (I had had Clover's shoes removed) I gave all three ponies a few pony nuts and couldn't help noticing that Clover spilt her nuts and was taking a long time to eat the remainder. I telephone the vet thinking it may be her teeth that was troubling her and somehow affecting her eyes. I had a horse physiotherapist coming out to check Mannie and as he is also a horse dentist I thought he could perhaps examine Clover's teeth at the same time. However the vet decided that he would rather look at her himself and made a provisional date to do that.

On Thursday morning I went out to see Clover and got quite a shock as her right eye was partially covered with her third eyelid and she didn't look too happy. I brought her straight in and called the vet. It was different vet who came out this time and immediately referred her to the Veterinary Hospital.

I spent the next few hours across at the Hospital with her where she was thoroughly examined and also had an endoscopy done of her head area. They suspected a tumour of some sort as her glands were very swollen and knotted and there was a lot of swelling inside. They decided that they needed to take a biopsy the following day so I had to leave her behind. There is nothing worse as everyone knows to take a pony to the Vet Hospital and come away with an empty trailer and all their travelling gear.

She has been there since last Thursday and today (Tuesday) I have spoken to the vet in attendance who informed me that the tests are still not conclusive and they are going to X-Ray her head area and take some blood for tests. There is definitely an infection there which is not too good but at the moment they cannot say what is wrong. We know she is in the best place and getting the best care and can only trust the vets and hope they discover what is wrong with her.

I apologise for this sad entry but it does help to relate it. Once we know what is going on, no doubt we will get back to some sort of routine with the other ponies but in the meantime our thoughts are with Clover. We have split the other ponies up as we had to move them all about when we thought Clover was perhaps allergic to something in the field and spent last Tuesday in the torrential rain moving 16 ponies from field to field. Needless-to-say Tim was highly un-amused as he hadn't gone to work because of the weather!!! (I had stayed at home to keep dry not to get drowned moving ponies!!) I am going to try very hard this winter to slim down Mhairi, Skye, Midge and Fhuaran so they are all together and Teenie, Feolin,Xanthe and Rowan are together. Hopefully when Clover comes home she will also keep them company. (They are the ones who need a little extra!) Tarka is with Corrie and her foal and Meg and Kirsty and the two colts (Rannoch and Ellie's Brattach) are in the wee field in front of the house.

On a positive note Tim, Ellie and I were over at Lochieheads farm where in the past we have lent ponies to perform in their plays. Last night was fun (I am not too sure about that! I felt a complete idiot! Tim) with the producer giving us lots of stretching exercises to begin with as well as asking us to read parts from the play! Of course I said I would only be with the ponies and Tim and Ellie said something similar although much to their surprise or horror! (Undoubtedly horror, I have never acted in anything in my life and am probably too old to start now. Anyway I am not at all sure I will ever remenber my words!) they both have a part in the play!! I think other than that life here will be a bit fraught until we know the outcome of Clover and time will be used up giving Ericht the foal some more handling and also Rannoch and bringing Fhuaran on a bit. As Tarka has now been backed I would like to get on his back (as would Tim) and perhaps get a few lessons over the winter for us all. Meanwhile I shall sign off for now and just hope that my next report will be on a cheerier note.

27th September 2002

There was a good entry forward and because Tim and I had several classes to judge - Yes that't right even Tim was judging! - it seemed as if we had lots of ponies to judge. I judged the in hand classes - youngstock and mature stock as well as Nursery Novice Ridden Class, Novice Ridden, Under 14.00hh Ridden and over 14.00hh ridden and also the Veteran Ridden. After all that was finished I also had the Working Hunter to judge so I was kept busy! Tim was given Best Condition Young Stock and Mature Stock,Tack & Turnout,The Pairs and also the Driving Class so that kept him also very busy!

It was interesting to find out that all my Champions and Reserve Champions were Scottish Bred ponies even although I had no idea of the breeding of any of them. We spent the rest of the evening and the following morning viewing Alison's ponies all of which have Carrick breeding. They are all very traditional Highland Ponies and it was nice to see them in their natural environment. We also saw the Stallion Langsett Tearlach (Teddy) at Alison's parents home. He actually reminded me of Tarka being of the same stamp.

The following day we left after having morning coffee with the Paynes and had a very pleasant journey back home stopping en-route for lunch. On arriving home we found all the animals well having been very well looked after by Brenda and her father, Jimmy.

The only other news I have to report is that yesterday I went over to Glenfarg to see Tarka being ridden by Lisa and I must say that just after 1 week and a few days he is going very well. She walked trotted and cantered him then it was time for me to have a go. It felt good to climb aboard and ride him and he behaved impeccably giving me a canter - perhaps it could have been better- I was just thrilled to be riding him. The rest will come. Oh dear - another one to keep fit! I am keeping up the good work at this end too riding Mannie and Fhuaran as often as I can - all quite hard work but it will be worth it if I can eventually sell Mannie to a kind loving home. That's about all except on Monday next week I am visiting our friends who put on the Passion Play in June and Nativity Play in December and I think I will be auditioning the ponies once again to carry the Wise Men and perhaps an Angel!

Watch this space!

26th September 2002

Last weekend, 21st/22nd Sept we stayed with Alison Payne at Penistone Nr Sheffield to judge the HPEC Pennine Group Show at Aspinull Nr Wigan. To my horror on arriving with Alison I found that as well as Jean judging I had to judge too!! I was expecting an idle day observing, criticising and taking photos! It was a very good day and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Jean will be writing more, this is just to give a lead in for some photos of the day. Tim

18th September 2002

On Saturday 14th September the CSHPC had their One Day Event which was held at Auchlishie Farm near Kirriemuir. This event is usually an Inter Club event but we only had two teams this year, one from CSHPC the other from NESHPES. Unfortunately Border Highlands and South West couldn't provide teams due to lack of numbers.

We decided that it was time for Clover to make her debute at ODE since, apart from Scott's weekend last year and a quick jump round the cross country course at the CSHPC show two weeks ago that was her sum total of experience! She had never even done a dressage test before and again only attempted the beginners jumping at Scott's weekend. However we asked our friend Lisa Gourdie if she would like to ride Clover as she had ridden her in WHP class at our show and had thoroughly enjoyed herself.

Lisa came over on the Wednesday to practice her dressage test in our neighbour's outdoor school and together they did a very nice test. Now for the real thing!

We left fairly early on the Saturday morning and managed to find the event fairly easily - thanks to Jo Jack's map - I don't think we would have found it without a map! Although the day started out very misty it soon cleared and we had a very warm, pleasant day. There were 26 entries which enabled six teams to compete as well as two extra ponies in the shape of a Connemara and a Welsh.

As usual, Clover was in a hurry to get started and since her dressage test was first she rushed round it thus loosing some points - good practice for the next time! Next, on to the Show Jumping and again she gave a good account of herself and I think Lisa enjoyed herself and even wanted to go round it again. Having walked round the Cross country course both Tim and I decided we were definitely not fit enough to ride the course and knew that our decision to ask Lisa to ride was the right one. Having said that when we walked round we all agreed that it was a very inviting course to ride with a nice choice of fences for the bold and not so bold.

There was a break after the dressage and show jumping before the Cross Country began. Everyone who was to be jump judge was briefed and duly despatched to their jump witha "doggy bag" of sweeties thoughtfully supplied by the Organisers. Tim and I, Ellie and Moira (Lisa's mum) were all close to each other and we all trooped off to find our jumps and set our chairs up at a respectable distance from the jump. We also had the dogs helping us - all three of them!! I must say we spent the next hour or so very pleasantly sitting in the sun watching others working! Our jump was a choice where the competitor could either jump a larger jump or take the easier way out and I must say we didn't have anyone who parted company from their pony nor did we have many who refused to jump either. I take my hat off to all who competed and Tim and I definitely made the right choice to have someone else to ride Clover. Both Lisa and she seemed to enjoy the course and more importantly got round without any injuries.

The winning team was Glen Clova which consisted of Seamus of Craigieloch ridden by Rosy Balharrell (apologies for any spelling errors!) Trowan Cultoon Moss ridden by Alex Scott Trossachs Hiker ridden by Jo Jack and Commander of Sunnyneuk ridden by Kay Paterson.I won't write all the other teams except to say that NESHPES were 3rd and Clover and Lisa were in the 5th team. I think that I speak for all who were there when I say that it was a super day out for all concerned whether competing or Jump Judging or helping in other ways or just there to have a good old blether with friends. We are already looking forward to next year!!

Since that was our last show for the summer we can now spend more time with the other ponies and concentrate on those who need some handling or in the case of Mannie and Fhuaran need ridden on a regular basis. Clover will be having a well desearved rest for a couple of months.

On Sunday and Monday I had Mannie out with Brenda riding Mhairi and I must say I was very pleased with him - he didn't put a foot wrong and we hacked for two and a half hours on the Sunday. Yesterday (Wednesday) I took Tarka over to Glenfarg to Lisa who is going to back him and ride him gently for a few weeks. I must admit I was a bit concerned that he wouldn't behave but needless to say my worries were unfounded as I heard from Moira today that Lisa had saddled and bridled Tarka and had walked him down to her schooling area. Watch this space for the next update in Tarka's education!

Well that's all my news for now. Tim and I are away for the weekend down to Pennistone in Yorkshire as I am judging a local HPEC show down there so that should be fun as I will see ponies that I don't normally see. As usual Brenda and her dad are holding the "fort" here. Till the next time!!

Below are some not very good photos of persons who were present. The titles are in order below the photos. In time I hope there will be a few more pictures of the ponies competing. Tim

1st September 2002

Today was our Central Scotland Highland Pony Club Show which was held at Dabbs Equestrian Centre near Ladybank in Fife. As it is nearly on our doorstep for once we didn't have to get up too early. Having washed both Clover and Rowan yesterday afternoon and then kept them inside they were nice and clean this morning.

Clover's in hand class was first but as she is now a very fit pony she looks too fit for the in-hand classes so she could only muster a 5th place! However in the over 14.00hh Ridden Class she excelled herself giving Tim the pleasure of receiving a red rosette. Aigas of Litigan the under 14.00hh class winner was a very worthy recipient of the Overall Ridden Champion with Clover Reserve to him. We were well pleased.

Rowan had an even better day! First of all she was 1st in her in hand class then she went on to win the overall In-Hand Championship. She went on to win the Supreme Championship of the show with Aigas of Litigan reserve to her. We returned home with 8 rosettes and a Champion Sash. Not bad for a "wee" stud!

30 August 2002

The last two weeks have been spent just going through my usual routine. I have clipped a few dogs and had a few long rides on the ponies as well as all the other household chores.

On Sunday 18th August I went with members of the Central Scotland Highland Pony Club to Mrs Compton's Turin Hill Stud, then had lunch, then on to Charlie McQuattie's Strathmore Stud.

At Mrs Compton's Stud we saw her very attractive filly foal by Viscount of Whitefield and out of Maggie May (I think).

There was a good selection of foals at Charlie's Stud, some by his own stallion, Strathmore Concord, and one by McNab of Denmill and another by Eros of Achnacarry.

Wednesday 21st August was fairly busy with washing Tarka for the Blair Atholl show on the following day. We had also entered our yearling colt, Rannoch, but unfortunately he was slightly lame and couldn't go. I think he and his field companion Brattach of Kirkcarrion had been capering and he probably pulled something. He appears to be fine now.

Thursday was a beautiful day, very hot and not a cloud in the sky. Willie Allan was the judge for the day and all the Highland Classes had good entries. Tarka was 4th in his class and behaved - passibly!!!! It was good for education as Blair was the largest show he has been to and he hadn't seen tents and ice-cream vans etc so all in all we were really quite pleased with his behaviour.

There isn't very much else to report except that on Monday my friend Kirsten was over from San Diego in USA with her husband. Kirsten used to help me years ago with the ponies and always jumps at the chance to ride when she comes home to visit. We three went for a picnic with Clover, Mhairi and Mannie, Kirsten was riding Clover Dave was on Mhairi and I was riding Mannie who was on his first picnic! It was a very hot day and we rode for an hour up to a lovely spot overlooking the Tay River and beyond were the Cairngorm mountain range. We decided to stop there for our lunch so off came the saddles and bridles and we let the ponies loose assuming rightly so that being Highland Ponies they would put their heads down and start munching! Right first time! We had mostly peace and quiet to eat except when each pony came in turn to inspect our lunch box to see if there was anything interesting in it. We carried on afterwards down the tracks and after 3 hours eventually arrived back home complete with rather hot but happy ponies.

Tomorrow (31st August) I shall be helping with the setting up of our various rings for our show on Sunday then shampooing two ponies. At first I was going to do a double run as we live so close to the showfield but as one of the ponies (Corrie who has a foal) isn't a very good boxer I decided to leave her where she is and only do one journey with Clover and Rowan. Till the next time.

12 August 2002

Time for an update! I have had a very busy two weeks starting with our Swedish Visitor, Linnea Ornstein arriving on Thursday 25th July. Linnea has three chestnut Shetland Ponies and one black foal but also has an interest in Highland Ponies and wanted to come over to Scotland to experience them first hand. We were more than happy to have her stay with us and I must say I thoroughly enjoyed visiting all the Shetland Studs.

On Saturday 27th July, Tim Linnea and I went off to Braco Show with Clover and Rowan and came back with some rosettes - one of them a RED one! Clover was first in her ridden class but unfortunately Tim and she didn't manage to win the Championship!

On Sunday I took Linnea over to Willie Allan's Stud in Freuchie where we saw some nice foals by Eros of Achnacarry as well all the other mares and fillies and his new colt. Eros is now in Wales with Linda Reid.

On Monday 29th July we left for the Marshall's Shetland Pony Stud (Struie) where we spent enjoyable hours looking at all their ponies, then on to pay a visit to our friends The Gourdie family who had Mannie for two months. The following day, after a brief run to Perth we drove back to Glenfarg in the hope that we would find Isobel Henderson at home with her Shetland Ponies. Luckily, Isobel who is at present travelling back and forth from Kinfauns to Glenfarg each day was there at her new house. She very kindly agreed to let us see all her ponies which consisted of both Miniature and Standard Shetlands. We had a very interesting and enjoyable afternoon viewing all her ponies (approximately 50!) We also saw Highfield Zeus (black) and a miniature chestnut Stallion, both of which were on loan for Stud duties.

Wednesday saw us off to visit Martin Taylor's Stud of Highland Ponies and also Neil Brown and his father who have the Shetland Stud of Kinness. Again a very enjoyable day viewing Martin's Stallion, Concorde of Whitefield and foals by him as well as their dams. We then had a mystery tour visiting several fields where Neil and his father grazed their various ponies and Stallion. Again a very enjoyable day ending with Linnea and I walking on the beach at St Andrews looking for shells!

On Thursday 1st August, Tim, Linnea and myself (and the dogs) left Pitmenzie early to make our way to the Black Isle Show and arrived in good time to see all the judging apart from the Stallion Class which had just been judged. Gillian McMurray was the Judge and had some very good well filled classes before her but found a worthy Champion in the Yeld Mare class ,Kerrera of Gersa and Reserve was the stallion, Callum of Forglen. The Working Highland Pony was Oscar of Mendick and the Ridden Champion was Oprah of Croila and Reserve was Harrisdene. On the way home we went via Loch Ness to see if we could spot "Nessie" but she was obviously otherwise engaged as we had no sightings of her!! We continued onto Spean Bridge where we had our tea then down home via Laggan and back onto the A9. We were very weary people when we arrived home - both humans and dogs!!

After a rest we were off on our travels again on the Monday - this time to visit Mrs Poett at Aberdona House and the Harviestoun Stud of Shetland Ponies. Again quality ponies making our visit most enjoyable and I must say as a breeder of Highland Ponies I was impressed by the bone which these small ponies had especially the Stallions. The following day we visited Dougal Dick's Transy Stud where his daughter,Carolyn and his grandchildren, Charlotte and Matthew took us round most of the ponies which included their Champion Mare, Ceres of Transy. After viewing all the mares and filles - some with foals we saw some geldings and then it was time to go back to the house for a very welcome cool drink as it was actually a very warm day (for a change!) Next we were taken to see the Stallions. I asked what I thought was a perfectly normal question " How many Stallions did they have?" Imagine my surprise when Carolyn replied "Oh about 22!!" I must say was very impressed by the Stallions who were all running in a very large natural area - perfect for them. Hopefully our photographs when developed will show them off well. Back to Devonshaw for a light lunch then our last port of call was to see another Stallion (sorry I cannot remember his name - perhaps Linnea will enlighten me!) and a mare who had been covered by him. We left feeling very happy to have seen all the Transy ponies.

Next day (gluttons for punishment) off we set again - this time to visit Joan Alexander and then after lunch to Ballinton. Again a very enjoyable tome was spent viewing Joan and Ronnie's mares and foals as well as some of the "Golden Oldies" and also the young Stallions Rannoch of Fourmerk and Tuskerbister Yarl Haakon who was feeling full of the joys and cantered straight up to me in the field and stopped dead about two feet away from me and viewed my pink blouse with great suspicion. He then galloped off showing us all his paces! After a very delicious lunch cooked by Joan we left for Ballinton where we were met by one of Scott's grooms, Jane who very ably showed us round the ponies. Scott was down at Malvern but was more than happy for Jane to show us round. After three hours we had seen most of his ponies! We saw some very nice foals by Fyfedene and Rory of Balinoe as well as the rest and hopefully again once the photographs have been developed we shall put some on the Web. Unfortunately I forgot the Digital Camera. That concluded our Stud visits apart from visiting Tarka's father Arran of Orangefield and his companion, Farquhar of Orangefield. Linnea and my friend Brenda and myself groomed both of them as well as taking the mandatory photographs. A delighted Bert and Suzanne Macrae welcomed us when we dropped in to see them and shared our stories with them.

We were booked for Kinross Show on the Saturday 10th August but as we were going to a wedding on the Friday (Heather Turnbull's younger daughter, Rosemary was being married) and as I also had the Blacksmith coming on the Friday morning I must say I was very relieved that Linnea was staying with us as she was able to wash the ponies for the show as well as looking after the last of the three ponies who was to be shod. ( Yours truly and Hubby were by that time getting on our "Glad Rags" for the Big Day!)

We thoroughly enjoyed the wedding and meeting up with some old friends and the following day was reasonably successfull with Clover and Mhairi getting second and third in the In-Hand class respectively. Linnea returned back home to Sweden on Sunday 11th August and I must say the house seems emptier without her. Tim and I both enjoyed having her to stay and hoped she also enjoyed herself. Today (12th August) I spent most of the day dusting and hoovering two weeks dust!!!! I did however have a very nice ride on Mhairi after supper to make up for it.

20 July 2002 My turn. Seeing that is a stinking wet and windy day, more like October than July, goodness knows if we will ever get our hay, I am taking the opportunity to add some photos at last. If you read through the recent news you will find some new pictures. Tim

18 July 2002 This is especially for Mrs Porter who enjoys reading our news as well as other Web Sites! On Saturday 13th July I was up in Echt judging the Annual Show there. Tim and I travelled up the evening before so were bright eyed and bushy tailed the following morning! It was a glorious day - brilliant blue sky and very warm. I had a lot of quality ponies forward and found my In-Hand Champion in Bridie of Forglen and Reserve Champion Megan of Craigiecat. Our ridden Champion was Dockenwells Highlander by Balmoral Moss out of Rose Briar of Strathmore. My In-Hand Champion went on to win Champion of Champions in the horse section and our Ridden Highland was Reserve in the ridden overall Championship. We had a very enjoyable day at Echt and were very pleased with the quality of all the ponies.

When we eventually arrived homeit was back to work! I checked on both Clover and Rowan as they were both entered for the Breed Show and although I had washed them the day before I felt I had to wash certain bits again such as tails and legs. The Breed Show the following day was a resounding success as far as the weather went. It certainly wasn't too difficult to beat the previous record. It was dry and most of the time very pleasant and although it wasn't our best showing day both Tim and I enjoyed being there as it gave us the opportunity to catch up with old friends as well as watching some of the judging. We were all very weary that evening and again the following day.

Last night Tim and I went over to Glenfarg to collect Mannie who has been with the Gourdie family for at least two months. I must say he was looking much trimmer and very well groomed all down to Lisa Gourdie who schooled him.

Now that he is home we shall continue with his schooling and hopefully sell him to the right person when they come along.

Today my friends Hannah and Ellie and I went for a picnic with the ponies and although we had some rain to begin with , it soon cleared up and off we went. I was again on Fhuaran who had just been backed for the first time last week. Today she was more confident as was I and we ended up trotting after Ellie on Rosie and Hannah on Mhairi. We had a lovely picnic with the ponies participating as usual!! Our black Labrador, Hope, was also with us and helped us eat up our scraps although Fhuaran decided she liked oranges and helped me eat mine! Afterwards we sauntered home at a leisurely speed and I must say I was more than pleased with Fhuaran - it says a lot about her and her temperament.

Well folks - apart from Tiffany and I attending a puppy class near Perth that is all I have to report on at the moment.

8 July 2002 On Saturday 6th July we were at Doune & Dunblane Show and after a wet start the weather stayed dry long enough for us to show Clover - the only pony we took! We had a successful day Clover being 2nd In Hand and 3rd out of 11 entries in the over 14.00hh ridden class. Tim and I were very pleased with her.

On the following day Tim had a lesson with Hamish Cameron on the art of jumping!! Neither Clover nor Tim has jumped since Scott's weekend last year so it was quite a challenge. The reason for the lesson was because I had entered them for the Working Hunter Novice Class at the forthcoming Breed Show! I have to say they both did very well managing to jump a few poles in the shape of cross poles and spreads! We'll see what next weekend brings! - I chickened out! I decided Clover was too inexperienced and I may be too old?!

Today I decided, would be a "doing" day! Originally I decided I would spend some time with Ericht - this year's foal haltering him etc;

3 July 2002 Here I am again at last! Several pieces of news to update on. First of all we were delighted to hear from Ellie Douglas that her mare Rowena had had a beautiful filly foal to Tarka on 14 June.

Needless-to-say I rushed over to see her even although it was pouring down (what's new?!!) As Ellie at the moment hasn't got anywhere under cover to put a mare and foal we brought both mother and daughter over to Pitmenzie and they spent the first day inside a nice cosy stable - much to their relief.

Tarka appears to be throwing mouse duns and yellow duns although I acknowledge the dam has an input too. Ellie's filly is a very nice yellow dun, chunky and pretty with lots of personality!

It was very nice to be back at The RHSS and enabled us to catch up with old friends from South of the Border as well as North of the Border. As usual we had our caravan there which housed myself and Tim and our friend Brenda Reekie as well as our dogs Hope, Breac and our new Schnauzer puppy, Tiffany who thought it was all great fun, making lots of friends especially the ladies in the toilets after midnight!! Her favourite occupation being, chasing the mops used to wash the floors!!

We always travel through on the Tuesday to give the ponies and ourselves time to settle down, then on the Wednesday we wash the ponies. We actually washed our yearling colt, Rannoch of Achnacarry, the day before we left as we weren't sure if he would settle. In actual fact he behaved fairly well apart from the usual coltish pranks. As he is a big boy I decided that Tim should show him MUCH to his annoyance as he much prefers "girls" to show! However he did concede that he was stronger and taller than me and I think he was actually very pleased especially when Rannoch was first in his class.

The following day was the ridden classes and as we were in the over 14.00hh class life was more relaxed as we didn't have such an early start. Again the class was very large and the standard very high so Tim and I were delighted when Clover was pulled in 10th in the final line up just missing a rosette. She went very well for both Tim and Bruce Haliburton who was the Judge.

Unfortunately I have to record a sad event. Robin and Karen Stewart's lovely mare, Westlodge Acma who was first in her in hand class and then second in her ridden class was found to have Grass Sickness and was rushed off to the Royal Dick Veterinary College where she still is. The good news is that she is still eating grass and passing dung and our thoughts are with Robin and Karen and we sincerely hope that the outcome is good. As we lost Archie of Litigan to Grass Sickness we know what it is like to have a pony diagnosed with this awful disease.

Since we returned home from the Show, life has been as hectic as ever with us dashing off again last weekend down to Wigtown to collect Xanthe and Skye who have been with MacGregor of Achnacarry for the past 9 weeks. We stopped off to stay with our good friends, Colin and Carol Mason and spent a very enjoyable weekend with them.

Hopefully we will have two foals next year as well as some from Tarka! Anyone want to buy a pony?!!!! This week has been very peaceful doing the usual routine things ie: walking dogs, doing a LITTLE housework,looking at ponies, exercising Clover and Mhairi and playing with foals!! Not a bad life!

The only remaining thing to report on is Mannie. He is still with the Gourdie family over in Glenfarg and doing very well as far as I hear. He is being ridden fairly regularly by Lisa Gourdie and also by her friends - one of them being a 10 year old!! That says it all! Mind you he is not really a novice ride I am told, but he obviously has the proper temperament. He has been galloping, jumping and also visiting the school children down in the village of Glenfarg. Unfortunately he is for sale as we have to sell something!! Along with Rannoch and probably Ericht, this year's foal, Mannie will be going on the Sales List but they will all only be available to approved homes. Well, that concludes my diary for the time being.

Tomorrow? Clover and I will be riding in Pitmedden Forest and Friday will be used up with washing ponies for Doune & Dunblane Show providing it goes ahead as we have had torrential rain today and I only hope that the showground will be suitable on Saturday for showing. I will give you an update after that. (Photos will follow!!)

10 June 2002 Another short update to the diary.

Yesterday saw the last day of the Passion Play and although it poured with rain everyone still seemed to enjoy it. Over the few days it was on I had been riding Mhairi along with Rupert De Klee on Ellie's pony, Rosie and each time we had to gallop up quite a long stretch of field and I have to say that Rosie was always way in front of Mhairi. However yesterday we caught up a little so perhaps Mhairi and I were becoming fitter! Once everyone had changed from their wet costumes to dry clothes we were treated to a super lunch by the De Klees. Everyone was in good heart and thinking about the "Next Time" which no doubt will be the Nativity Play. We will hopefully put a few photographs up on the Web Site once we get organized. Meanwhile this week will be busy with training yearling colts to walk by my side quietly! Also washing Clover and Rowan who are going to Alyth Show this coming Saturday and also cleaning out the caravan in preparation for the Royal Highland Show.

5 June 2002 Retirement? What's that?! I seem to be so busy these days I can't even find time to update my diary - that is until tonight! Since my last update I have been over to Glenfarg to visit Mannie our gelding who is over at the Gourdie familys' farm. Lisa Gourdie has been riding him for us and I was invited over to see him in action. I must say I was very impressed as she had him nice and collected trotting and cantering and even jumping over little jumps. I rode him for a bit and was delighted with him - he felt very comfortable and very forward going. At the end of it all I rode him back to the farm from the schooling area and he was very laid back walking confidently through the Glenfarg Treatment Centre which is a little 'spooky' and past a few houses and ponies without turning a hair. He will remain with the Gourdies until after the Royal Highland Show.

We WERE entered for Fife Show and also Drymen but on the Friday before Fife it was so cold I took the decision not to wash ponies especially when one of them was pure white. The following week saw us deciding not to go to Drymen much for the same reason although the temperature had risen but it was so wet I really didn't see much point in washing ponies in the rain as well as showing them in it too! Starting from Saturday 1st June I have been involved with the ponies in a Passion Play which a local farm puts on - the same people who ran the Nativity Play which Xanthe and Mhairi performed in in December. This time Mhairi is participating but as Xanthe is otherwise engaged (with a Stallion!) Ellie Douglas kindly offered to lend Primrose of Tower (Rosie to her friends)so on Saturday Ellie and I duly delivered the ponies to the farm. When we arrived there I found out that not only were the ponies participating in the play I was also to ride one as the person who was to ride had broken his wrist in a riding accident in Morroco!! Rosie has Pilate on top and I am his attendant on Mhairi. Saturday and Monday were the animal rehearsals and they went very well with us cantering up a hill to our allotted positions. Today (Wednesday) the BBC came and filmed the ponies, donkey, sheep and actors and hopefully we shall watch some of the play on Reporting Scotland on Friday this week. Well that is most of the news apart from the fact we have our new Schnauzer puppy who is called Tiffany (correct name Odivane Sultry Sally) and who is keeping us occupied with her mischievous ways. She has settled in very well apart from terrorising the cats and older dogs - the ponies she is more wary of which is no bad thing!

17 May 2002 Here I am again adding some more to our Diary. I seem to be so busy these days even although I am retired!! On Sunday 5th May I took Mannie over to our friends Moira, George and Lisa Gourdie at Glenfarg. Lisa had kindly offered to bring him on for me as now-a-days I don't think I would bounce so well if I parted company with him! To date he is progressing very well and I am told he was out on a long two hour hack yesterday and went very well even not bothering about a very large Eric Gillies lorry passing him. Lisa tells me he is very forward going and very eager to learn more. Tim and I are very pleased with him and hope eventually he will be sold to someone who will give him a good home. On the 11th May we had our annual ride with 18 ponies and their riders present. Once again the weather was brilliant and the riders were rewarded with glorious views over the Tay looking towards Dundee and Perthshire. Even Schiehallion was visible . We had our usual picnic in the forest fortified with Tim's Damson Gin which was as popular as ever! I then took the people whose ponies were young or tired back down to Pitmenzie via the forest tracks while Tim rode on and down towards the village of Auchtermuchty to the local pub for refreshments! Afterwards once all the ponies had been brushed down and watered we riders had a light snack and the chance to have yet another blether! A collection was made for Grass Sickness the total being £135.00

Ride leaving Pitmenzie:

Lunch Time:

Part of Ride at Cycle Tavern:

On 12th May Tim and I left for our long journey South to collect our new Schnauzer puppy. Tim drove 469 miles to Bournmouth as we were staying with his son David in his flat. We stayed there on Sunday and Monday. On the Monday we visited some friends who live in the New Forest and then set off to do "our own thing". The weather was torrential while we were driving but luckily each time we stopped to look at the ponies the rain stopped long enough to allow us to see them. We saw several newly born foals running with their mothers as well as last year's foals now yearlings trailing behind them. Most of the ponies either had foals at foot or were still due to foal.

New Forest Mares & Foals:

Some were in better condition than others and some were wearing collars. We found it all very interesting and I must admit I think we chose the best time of year to visit the New Forest as the roads were still quiet and the trees were all fresh and of course it was nice to see the newly born foals.

Woolpack:

Craigiebrig Isla:

We saw Lorraine's other ponies and youngstock and finished off with a cup of tea and a chat. Again we had a very enjoyable dinner at our hotel and set off the following morning to collect our puppy. We bought her from the same breeder that I had bought Mac from all these years ago and as soon as we set eyes on her we knew that the long journey was well worth the effort. She is adorable and very smart. As she was answering to Tiffany we have decided to keep the name although her Kennel name is Odivane Sultry Sally! We drove home again and I must say Tiffany was no bother travelling in the car and slept most of the way.

Tiffany with Casper:

We returned to find all our ponies and dogs all well looked after as always by our friends Jimmy and his daughter Brenda. Today was very cold at Pitmenzie unlike last weekend and Tim and I decided that because Tiffany has not had all her injections yet and also because we thought it was too cold to wash Clover all over that we would not go to the Fife Show tomorrow. That must be a first! No doubt we will catch up with the results and discover who won our cup for Reserve Champion which we donated last year.

6 May 2002 Latest arrival, born 2300hrs approx on 3 May 2002 Ericht of Achnacarry out of Corrie by Tarka These photos were taken at approx 1030hrs 4 May. Jean will be adding lots more news tomorrow. Tim 0015hrs 7 May 18th.

Ericht:

Ericht:

20th April 2002 Today we set off for Kinnoull Hill in Perth with Clover and Mhairi to ride with BHS Members in aid of the Mark Davies Injured Jockeys' Fund. There were approximately 15 riders and horses and ponies, five Highland Ponies an Eriskay and others. There was a three mile ride and also a ten mile ride which we elected to go on. The roads in the forest were very good and the scenery was breath-taking as it looked out on to the Tay and across to North East Fife. We could actually pick out where we have OUR Ride Out in our forest! The ride continued through the forest then we had a little road work and then down a farm track through a large Farm and on to good grass tracks where everyone had a lovely canter. We thought we had caught up with the first lot who left just before we did ie: Morven Campbell, Jane McNaught and Anna from Strathallan Estate. However they had been where we were still to go and had met us on their way back!! Again we had some good grass tracks - a little road work in between and then a VERY steep climb up the top of a hill where we re-joined the forest. The ponies took it all in their stride and even although they were warm seemed to be none the worse for the steep climb and even wanted to trot a bit again. We continued on the forest tracks until another field came into view which we had to ride through coming out onto a single track road at the opposite side of where we started our ride. We arrived back at our trailers having ridden for around 2 1/4 hours tired a bit stiff but happy. Everyone had brought a picnic lunch and after eating that - helped down by some nice white wine supplied by Sally Coutts we all took our leave. The ride was very organised and safe and we had a very enjoyable time thanks to the BHS and all its helpers on the day. We even were presented with a rosette each to add to our collection!!

17th April 2002 At the beginning of the week I decided it was time to groom a few ponies each day and try to take out their winter coats, the result being the ground at the gate is completely covered in white hairs and no grass to be seen! However the ponies seemed to enjoy it as I am sure they must get very itchy at this time of year. I have been trying to work away with Mannie also but progress has been a little bit slow as poor Tim is usually tired when he arrives home after a hard day's work! However today I met Ellie with her gelding and we rode up the road and although both ponies were a little hesitant we managed well. Mannie and I followed Ellie back down the road so far then turned for home and I was very pleased with him as he didn't mind leaving Ellie's pony and walked back up the hill with me on board. Things are improving albeit a little slowly!!The other exciting news is that Corrie's udder is beginning to expand although the foal is around three weeks away yet. She is very round and looks as if she is going to expload!!

14th April 2002 We were up bright and breezy this morning as we were going to a local show held at Dabbs Equestrian Centre. We had washed manes tails and legs and sponged the ponies' bodies the previous day and they were all spick and span. It was Mhairi and Rowan's turn to go to their first show of the season and they boxed easily. Although we had a long wait before their class we had a good day where Mhairi was Supreme Champion in the Highland Pony Classes both ridden and in hand and Rowan was Reserve Champion in hand. Both won trophies which was nice for us!!

12th April 2002 Our blacksmith came today to re-shoe Mhairi and Clover and I also had Mannie's two hind shoes put on. He was again very well behaved and didn't mind a bit and put up with the smoke from the hot shoeing. He is much better now that he has all four shoes on.

7th April 2002 Today Tim, Ellie and I had a two and a half hour ride on Clover Rosie and Mhairi and I must say we were a little bit stiff when we returned home but it was worth it! On Thursday 4th April I decided to try out my Western Saddle on Clover as I had not used it since Xanthe retired for a rest this year. I am pleased to say that Clover took to it like a duck to water and I had a very enjoyable ride

Clover in Western Kit:

6th April 2002 Today I was at Devon Leisure at the NPS Spring Show judging the Highland Ponies in hand. There were not a lot of ponies forward but I found my Champion in Robin Stewart's mare West Lodge Acma a 7 yeard old yeld mare and my reserve Champion was Ruaridh of Mendick an 8 year old Stallion both yellow dun and good representatives of the breed. I thoroughly enjoyed my day as did Tim who accompanied me.

2nd April 2002 Again we decided to ride Mannie out with Mhairi and Ellie's mare, Rosie. This we did successfully and we were out for an hour and a half and although Mannie didn't always do what I wanted he did not do anything wrong which I thought was very good for a pony who just had someone on his back for the first time on Saturday. Today with Tim riding Mhairi we rode into the forest but for some reason Mannie kept stopping and whenever someone walked beside him he walked forward. I think he is still a baby and feels very insecure unless there is someone at his head. We have therefore decided to have one person walk with him whilst the other person rides him, Hopefully after a week or two he will be OK riding out on his own or in the company of other ponies.

Mannie:

31st March 2002 We decided that Mannie had to be ridden each day if possible even although it is only for half an hour or so. Today was even better than yesterday and again with all our helpers we rode a bit further up into the forest and even managed a trot! However as he only has front shoes on at the moment he doesn't like the small stones on the road so until we get his back shoes on we shall try and keep to the soft paths through the forest. Afterwards Ellie Brenda and I went out for a two hour hack through the forest and completed a circle from our house and back via Ellie's field having a very nice canter through the forest.

30th March 2002 Today after a long break I climbed on board Mannie's back with Tim holding him and Ellie walking at his other side. My other friend Brenda was riding Mhairi who is very well behaved and a perfect companion for Mannie while he is learning to be a ridden pony. He was actually very good and only had a few little jumps and that was mainly caused by him catching sight of the other ponies in the field. Once we had both settled down and relaxed we got on very well. We even plucked up courage to ride up the road towards the forest and although he thought it was hard work we achieved that goal.

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