Achnacarry & Craigiebrig Highland Pony Stud
Thursday, 18th December 2003 until Sunday 21st December saw myself, Ellie Douglas, Fhuaran of Orangefield, Xanthe of Whitefield and Rowan of Achnacarry participating in the Annual Lochieheads Nativity Play.
The ponies had been over at the farm since the previous Saturday as we had several rehearsals to go through before the start of the play.
As usual they entered into the spirit of things and enjoyed talking to the audience and carrying the wise men.
Even Rowan, who was the new member didn't bat an eyelid when Melchior (played by Douglas Ogilvie) climbed on board complete with a long flowing cloak which covered Rowan's rump!
Xanthe who in the past has carried Archangel Michael, Caspar and Balthazer is an "old hat" at the game now and is a reliable ride for anyone who is a little nervous of climbing on board!
This was Fhuaran's 2nd year and this time she is in foal but she was more than happy to participate. Perhaps something to do with the carrots and food after each performance!!
As usual everything went well and Ellie and I were assisted by Joanne Keiller from Strathmiglo.
At the end of the last performance the ponies had lots of hay and carrots and we enjoyed the party which is thrown for all the Cast by the Show Producer, Charlotte de Klee.
No doubt we will all be there again next December .......if we are spared.
Wednesday 3rd December 2003
Just a little extra to report.
On Saturday 29th November we set off with Ericht and Ember to The Tayside Foal Show at Forfar. The previous evening was very wet and the morning wasn't much better!! All the exhibitors were asked whether they wanted the show to be outside where there was more room or inside where space was limited. I think most people were like us. We decided on outside if it was more or less dry.......otherwise we preferred to be inside As the weather deteriorated the decision was made for us.
The two year old class was first and that was won by Willie Allan's colt, Magnus of Millfield, by Eros of Achnacarry and out of Mandy of Millfield. Needless-to-say that pleased Tim and I. Kate Lawson and Willie Sinclair's 2 yr old filly was 2nd and ended up Reserve Highland Pony next to Magnus who was overall Champion.
Next came Ericht's class (1 yr old colt/filly/gelding) Ericht was pulled in 2nd to begin with then after he trotted up and down was placed 1st! Tim and I were very pleased.
Next class was Filly Foals and again as at the Winter Fair it was won by Lochlands Silver Flute by Birchcroft Jazzman and out of Flute of Whitefield. She went on to be Foal Champion. Then it was Ember's turn. He was pulled in 1st to begin with but ended up in 2nd place, the Baird's colt foal, Lancelot of Whitefield ending up in 1st place.
Again we were pleased, especially when Ericht won a new Trophy presented by Mr & Mrs C Forsyth in memory of their gelding, Callum of Prosen. We also came home with a salt lick, a bottle of sparkling wine and also £17 in prize money........Not bad for a wee show!! Many thanks to Marion and Brenda who helped us at the shows. It makes such a difference to have help.The two "boys" are now out in the field just enjoying life and that will be us now until the new season. Tomorrow the vet is coming to give Ember his 2nd tetanus jag and also insert his microchip.......so that could be fun!!!!??? Some of the brood mares are also due their tetanus jags also so it looks as if it will be a busy day for yours truly.
Until the next time............
Thursday 27th November 2003
More to report. Tiffany and I were at a dog show last Saturday 22nd November, which was held in Carnoustie.There were no classes for Standard Schnauzers so we were in a mixed class. Tiffany was 2nd to a Keeshond which looks like a Spitz ie; Husky type. We were also in a Stakes Class (you get money for them!) and she was 3rd, the first being an Old English Sheepdog.
However we did win our Trophy back for being the Best Schnauzer. (there were others there!)
The rest of the week-end and this week was occupied by training Ember to walk and trot for the forth-coming Winter Fair which was held on Wednesday 26th November. We also managed to box him without any bother. Of course it was made easier because Ericht ---his full brother just walked into the trailer so Ember followed suit!Yesterday we had an early rise and left for the show in lots of time only to find out that there were road works just before the motor-way which leads up to Perth!! We were delayed by at least 40 minutes and I must say we were all getting a bit stressed ----especially Tim!!!!
However we got there with time to spare!
Ember's class was before Ericht's and he was 3rd. He behaved reasonably well considering he had never ever been anywhere in his life other than in his field! We didn't manage to trot very well so we shall have to put in a bit more practise for the Tayside Foal Show.
Ericht was pulled in 3rd to begin with but ended up 2nd which pleased Tim and I very much. He also received a Special Prize presented by Joan & Ronnie Alexander for Reserve Yearling.
All in all a good day especially when Willie Allan from Freuchie won 2nd prize in a very large class of 2 year olds with a colt by Eros of Achnacarry out of Mandy of Millfield.
The Champion Highland Pony was the yearling Tower Tiger Lily by Ruariadh of Croila out of Tower Moonlight Serenade and bred by Jimmie Hendrie.
Reserve Champion was the 2 year old, Tower Fraoch by Ruariadh of Croila and out of Tower Amanda also bred by Jimmie Hendrie. Both very nice ponies.
Champion Foal was the filly foal bred by Kate Lawson and Willie Sinclair, Lochlands Silver Flute by Birchcroft Jazzman out of the Highland Show Champion, Flute of Whitefield.
So tomorrow will be more hard work with trotting out Ember then washing both him and Ericht (legs and tails only)for Charlie McQuattie's Tayside Foal Show on Saturday.
Wish us luck!!!!
Tuesday 18th November 2003
Time for an update on what we have been up to. On Friday 7th November Tim,Tiffany and I set off for Pennistone, Yorkshire to stay with Alison Payne for the week-end. Alsion kindly lets us stay with her when the AGM for the HPEC is on, and as it always coincides with The Northern Schnauzer Club Show, Tiffany and I also stay!!!The AGM went very well with Tiffany putting in her two-pence worth--when they wanted a proposer and seconder, when the proposer was noted, before the seconder was noted on one occasion----Tiffany barked!!! ---much to everyones' amusement!
Many of the Trophies came up to Scotland this year which made a nice change.
Marjorie Grant won lots of prizes. These were:
Senior Rider and Highland Pony of the Year with Morvern of Turin Hill. To win this she accumulated most points in the year. She also won the Dressage Competition and Mandy of Meggernie Competition and she won Best Mare with Morvern of Turin Hill.
She was 4th in the Ridden and 4th in the Jumping with Morvern was 2nd in the part bred with Night Rocket.
Congratulations to Marjorie.
Next there was Kirsten McMurray.
Kirsten was Runner Up Highland Pony of the Year with Trailtrow Taransay and she won Novice Ridden with Taransay and was 2nd in hand.
She won Best Stallion with Rummlegarie of Trailtrow. He also won the Club Newcomer Trophy.
Kirsten won Junion Rider and also won the Jumping Trophy with Rummlegarie. She was 4th in the dressage with Rummlegarie and 2nd in the Ridden with Taransay.
Congratulations to Kirsten.
Jennifer Herd won the Long Distance Trophy with Skye of Sunnyneuk who also won Best Veteran Trophy.
Jennifer was 4th with Birchcroft Glen in the Long Distance.
Roger Searle from Ballater won 1st in the Part-Bred with Forest Hunter and Morven Lawson was 2nd in the Long Distance Riding with Coppay of Dalbrack.
Senior Rider was : 1st: Marjorie Grant: 2nd: Jennifer Herd: 3rd: Roger Searle.
Congratulations to everyone.
On Sunday morning Tim, Tiffany and myself set off for our Dog Show. Tiffany was full of beans and although she showed fairly well, she was just a little bit too bouncy trying to catch the end of my culottes and also stopped when we were going back towards the Judge! That cost us a couple of places and we ended up 3rd. I was still pleased. In the Stakes Class (mixed Giant, Mini and Standard Schnauzers) she was 2nd so I was very pleased with that. We even won £4.00!!!
Alison, Tim and I had a very relaxed evening after we viewed Alsion's ponies before going home.
Hopefully Tim will be adding a few photographs of the weekend which includes the ponies.
Most of the ponies have Carrick bloodlines and are all very much a type and it is good that Alison has decided to breed and keep them. We also saw one of my favourite stallions, Alison's father and step-mother's Langsett Tearlach (Teddy)
We arrived back home rather tired on the Monday only to be off again the following Saturday to West-Kilbride to the Seamill Hydro to the Highland Pony Annual Dinner Dance.
Our good friends, Jimmy and his daughter Brenda Reekie looked after our animals as usual.
The dance was extremely well attended and was very good and gave us a chance to catch up on all the news.
Tim and I had to miss the Stud Visit to Carlung Stud on the Saturday afternoon because we had to take Breac, our elderly Jack Russell to the vet. However Susan and Hugh very kindly invited us to go along on the Sunday morning to see their ponies.
We thoroughly enjoyed seeing the ponies especially the youngstock and the Stallions.
There were one or two I could have put in my "pocket" and brought home!!!
This week is fairly busy with trimming a few dogs and also preparing Tiffany for yet another Dog Show in Carmoustie this Saturday!
Today with a little help from a friend I managed to spein (wean) my colt foal, Ember. It all went smoothly although there was a little whinnying. He is in the barn at the moment with his brother, Ericht, and they seem to be quite happy-----more or less.
I think Corrie is quite relieved she hasn't got a foal suckling again and as she is in foal again it was time.
This week, hopefully, I will be practising with Ember trying to get him to walk and trot and BOX!! in preparation for the Winter Fair and the Tayside Foal Show next week ----so I will be busy as usual!!! Ha! Ha!
I shall sign off for now and hopefully Tim will add a few photographs and I will look for some special photos of Teenie.
Until the next time.
I shall do some photos in the fullness of time, how full the time will be depends! I have a meeting tomorrow and am curling in Friday!
Wednesday 5th November 2003
Not so good news this evening I'm afraid. On Monday, 3rd November we had to put Teenie (Julie of Lundie) to sleep. She was 24 years of age. I noticed on Friday that she was hanging back from the rest when I went down to their field. She has had what Tim and I call "her gammy leg" for at least 8 years since she foaled Mischief. We still don't know whether she hurt it while foaling or whether someone kicked her but since then she has always been lame on her hind leg.However she has never been up nor down with it and even as she became older she still kept up with all the other ponies.
On Saturday she still didn't look too good and we decided to move her and the others nearer the house and put Rannoch and his mares in Teenie's field. We had to move them in pairs and when it came to moving Teenie, Feolin and their companion "Stookie" (pet sheep!) Teenie wasn't at all keen to walk and it took us a very long time to get her from one field to another. On Sunday she wasn't any better and although still eating she found it very hard to get up once she was lying down and I made the decision then to telephone the vet in the morning. Ponies are naturally herd animals and when they find they can't run with the herd or get away from any sounds they might hear then I believe that the time has come to let them go.
Tim and I were very sad but knew that we had done the right thing because unlike Clover who was put down last year about this time, Teenie had had a good and long life and never required a vet apart from when they came to see her foals and one other time when she had a foot abcess.
It is the end of an era as far as I'm concerned as she was one of my foundation mares when I started breeding Highland Ponies. She only had 5 foals not because she had problems getting in foal but because at that time I was limited in the number of foals I could breed and keep. Perhaps that wasn't a bad thing as they are easily accumulated!!
She won many prizes in her long life, many of them Championships. Her best win was as a 3 year old when she was Reserve Female Champion at the Royal Highland Show.
Later on --- I think perhaps the next year or two, she and Kyle of Gowrie (property of Bruce Haliburton) won the coveted St Johns Wells Trophy.
All her offspring, sons, daughters, grand-sons and grand-daughters have all done well in the show ring and at least we have 3 of her daughters at home, two of whom are in foal for 2005 so at least they will carry on her blood-lines.
Her old pal and constant companion Feolin of Orangefield (26 years years) is looking a bit lost but hopefully her daughter, Fhuaran of Orangefield or Meg (Teenie's daughter) will keep her company.
I shall miss her in lots of ways but I think I see her personality coming through in Rowan, her grand-daughter, so that will be a comfort.
Tim and I are off on our travels again. This time down south to Pennistone in Yorkshire to stay with Alison Payne, another Highland Pony enthusiast. Tim is Treasurer of the HPEC and it is their AGM on Saturday, 8th November so we are going to that, then on the Sunday----Guess what? Tiffany and I have a Dog Show!!!
When we come back Tim will hopefully add some photographs of Teenie.
Saturday 18th October 2003
Time for a short update on what we have been up to. Not a lot!! Now that the summer shows are all finished I have mainly been riding Rowan and Xanthe. Tim still hasn't sat on a horse since he has been attending the Chiropractor although both decided that the treatment wasn't actually doing any good. The next step is either Acipuncture or Physiotherapy.Rowan and I have been putting in quite a bit of riding miles however, going out with a friend who has a very nice, sensible cob mare called Molly. Nothing upsets her so she is an ideal companion for Rowan. We have been out for quite a few hours at a time exploring different rides.
I have also been riding Xanthe and I must say she has improved no end. She has put on some weight and I have even started riding her in the western again-----she and I much prefer it.
We had the Farrier a few weeks ago and had new shoes on Rowan and Xanthe had her feet cut back and had bar shoes put back on again to support her frogs. We also had everyone elses' feet pared including Ember (this year's foal) Other than rearing once and trying to pull away he decided perhaps he should stand still after a few minutes. I had Ellie helping me that day so we managed to get all the ponies done in good time
We have put in our entries for the Winter Fair on 26th November and also for the Tayside Foal Show which is to be held on the Saturday 29th November this year due to the Clydesdale Fraternity pinching our slot!!
Today Tiffany (Schanuzer) and I were at the Scottish Utility Breeds Show which was held at Bo'Ness. (One of these days Tiffany will get her own page)
I was very pleased with her as she won the Limit Class (mixed dogs and bitches) and then went on to win the Open Class (Bitches only). She was Best Bitch but the Open dog won Best of Breed (Tiffany won B.O.B. in May at same show) and Tiffany won Best Opposite Sex ---so we were well pleased. We had also entered the Stakes Class which is a mixed breed class where one is awarded CASH if their dog is placed! We were 2nd in that so we came home with 2 x Red Rosettes and 1 x Best Opposite Sex Rosette and also a lovely Trophy and also a Blue Rosette and £7 !!------Not bad for a day's work!!!
Tomorrow, Tim and I and all three dogs are going away for a week's holiday, first of all to stay with Tim's sister and brother-in-law who have a cottage on the west coast near Lochaline. We will stay with them until Wednesday then we are catching the ferry across to Mull where we are staying for two days then off again on the ferry across to Ardnamurchan for another two days which includes our Anniversary! We are very much looking forward to it, and Jimmy and Brenda, our good friends are staying in the house to look after Sheeba and Casper, the cats. They will also keep an eye on the ponies and perhaps Brenda will manage to exercise Rowan and Xanthe.
On our return myself and the ponies will be busy rehearsing for this year's Nativity Play which will be held at Lochieheads Farm as usual. I think Tim has decided not to participate this year!
Until the next time-------.
Thursday 2nd October 2003
I have got back to it again! Here are yet more pictures for you to look at. These are of the Stud Visit to Joan and Ronnie Alexander's Fourmerk Stud on 17th August and CSHPC Show on 7 September. Two of the Stud Visit pictures are of Scott McGregor and Tracey Elliot-Reep who is riding from Cape Wrath to Cornwall in aid of RDA. The ponies she is riding are Ballinton Kingsman and Callum of Gargunnock. The CSHPC Show photographs show the cup we presented for the Reserve Champion Ridden Highland in memory of Clover of Whitefield, the CSHPC Show Trophies and some of the Prize Winners. In the background are the Page and Scott families who were well amongst the prize winners with Alix Scott's Trowan Cultoon Moss who amongst other prizes was best performance pony. The photographs include Jo Jack CSHPC Chairman, she has the microphone. Sheila Brooks WHP Judge presenting the prizes and Susan Fox CSHPC Secretary.
Finally but the first photos you will see are of the NPS ride in Pitmedden Forest, our home forest, on 28th September. This ride was in aid of Brooke Hospital for Animals. The ride started and ended at Glentarkie with thanks to Walter Alexander and family. 27 assorted horses/ponies were out, including several Highlands. We became involved by default because we live here and could direct the participants on a circular route. We met the ride at the lunch break at the North of the forest overlooking the Tay towards Dundee. Again it was a magic day and the views were brilliant. Jean was on Rowan and I was in the Daihatsu with the dogs.
NPS Ride
Stud Visit
CSHPC Stud Visit and Annual Show, Trophies and some prize winners.
Saturday 27th September 2003
More pictures for you to look at. I am getting better and quicker with practice!
Rowan of Achnacarry 4 y.o. filly
Rowan was broken by Kat Moir in June(?). The pictures above show her being ridden by Kat at Doune and Dunblane Show to get her used to it. She was brilliant. She is then seen at Kirriemuir Show in hand where she was 3rd. The final pictures are of her under saddle ridden by Kat at NESHPES in the Novice class which she won. She had previously been ridden by Kat at Blair Atholl in the Nursery Novice Class where she was 3rd. Watch this space next year?!
Bruce Haliburton with Echo of Achnacarry at NESHPES Show where he was 1st Stallion and Best Male.
Ericht of Achnacarry Yearling Colt at Drymen Show where he was 1st. Also he was 3rd at Blair Atholl
Friday 26th September 2003
I think I have solved the problem pro tem anyway. Mixed up lower and uppercase and got the names wrong. More photos coming. Jean says they are too small but they take too long to load at the moment and take up too much disc space unless I make them as small as viable!
Thursday 25th September 2003
Sorry I have a problem with the pics will try again tomorrow.
Wednesday 24th September 2003
At last I am starting to get some photographs organised so stand by for a display! I hope they are visible enough.
Rannoch of Achnacarry at RHS
Macbeth of Millfield 1st Prize yearling colt at RHS by Eros of Achnacarry
Jennifer McNaught with Acorn of Kinnoull and Gillian Docherty with Hamish of Cockerstone in the Working Highland Ponies display at the RHS
There are lots more to come so watch this space. This is enough for tonight!
Friday 5th September 2003
Just had to update today!
We had wonderful news yesterday. Mhairi is IN FOAL!!!!!! To Rannoch of Achnacarry--- Yippee!!
We opened a bottle of Champagne---One I was given as a retiral present almost 3 years ago!
If only Skye would play ball and Kirsty (too fat!!) Tim would just love a foal from Skye. We shall just have to starve her over the winter (and Kirsty) and cover her in hand as she is not very nice to Rannoch.
We shall just keep all our fingers and toes crossed now as hopefully that will be 4 foals due for next year. Mhairi to Rannoch, Fhuaran to Echo and Corrie and Midge both to Tarka
We are beginning to wind down now as our last summer show is on Sunday (CSHPC) at Dabbs, Ladybank. I think Tim and I will be viewing only as Rowan still has a cough due to a cold virus (vet thinks) We shall just rest on our laurels. Mind you we did receive a catalogue for the Winter Fair this morning!!!!!!
Saturday 29th August 2003
At last!! I have managed to grab the computer for a wee while.On 9th August, Tim and I and 3 dogs set off for Banffshire on a glorious sunny day.
We had a great journey up to Buckie, the not so small fishing town where the Show Committee booked their Judges into The Marine Hotel for the night.
Our room was very comfortable and before dinner we had a long walk along the beach with the dogs.
On the morning of the show it was RAINING!!! It must be the only show that has had rain this year!
However it did not deter the Exhibitors and although not huge classes there were some good ponies forward. My In Hand Champion was Joan of Auchincrieve by Nelson of Caenlochan out of Mayfayre of Fyvie. She was shown by her delighted owner, Mrs E M McCombie who also rode her in the ridden class where she collected 3rd prize there.
My Reserve Champion was the yearling filly, Lindsay of Forglen also by Nelson of Caenlochan out of Bridie of Forglen.My Ridden Champion was Rob Roy of Tifty by Piper of Craignetherty and out of Brig O Lead Pheona.
On Saturday 16th August we went to Drymen Show which had been re-sheduled. We took Ericht of Achnacarry our yearling colt. We thought it would be good for HIS education - not so sure about ours! However, he behaved extremely well and was 1st in his class.
Champion in hand was Pat Gray's Pipers Black Bryony and Reserve was the gelding, Chieftain of Whitefield. The Ridden Champion was Heather Turnbull's grey mare,Glentrowan Heatherene. Heather also won the Milking Competition so she had a very good day!
Meanwhile, Rowan of Achnacarry was back up with Kat Moir for further schooling as she was to make her debut in the Nursery Novice Ridden Class at Blair Atholl. On Sunday 17th August we set off for Fourmerk Farm, the home of Ronnie and Joan Alexander. The Central Scotland Highland Pony Club had arranged a Stud Visit there. There were approximately 60 visitors there and we were all made most welcome by our Hosts.
The day started off with a welcome refreshment while Joan filled us in with how the Stud began. Ronnie showed us the 3 Stallions, Kestrel of Fourmerk, his son Rannoch of Fourmerk and their outcross, Tuskerbister Jarl Haakon. After seeing the Stallions, we were treated to a superb lunch fit for Kings and Queens!! I must admit after the desserts- I was glad we had a few fields to walk through to get my figure back to normal!
I am sure everyone there had a favourite that they would have liked to have taken home.----Me? I would have put Rannoch in my boot along with their Reserve Female Champion from the Highland Show, Elisedene and oh! one of their mouse dun filly foals!!!
On Saturday - just for a change, Tiffany and I went off to Ingliston to the S.K.C. dog show where she was 1st in the Junior Bitch Class. Next stop is Darlington Dog Show on Friday 12th September.
On 21st August Tim, Brenda, Ellie and I set off for Blair Atholl taking Ericht with us only, as Rowan was being taken by Kat. The classes were all huge with good quality ponies forward. The judge, Jimmie Hendrie, got through the classes quite quickly and his Champion was Charlie McQuattie's beautiful brood mare, Eilish of Strathmore (she is a particular favourite of mine) and Reserve was the Baird's good 3 year old filly,Islay of Whitefield. Tim and I were pleased with Ericht who was 3rd in his class and we were even more pleased with Rowan (and Kat) who were pulled in 2nd and finished up 3rd in the Nursery Novice Ridden. Considering that was Rowan's very first ridden class and also that she was only broken a few months ago we were over the moon!
Next we were off to Aberdeen on Sunday 24th August and as we had to take Rowan up she was the only pony we had up but there was another another Achnacarry pony there. Bruce Haliburton took Echo of Achnacarry and showed him in the Stallion Class which he won - much to Bruce's delight (and ours). He also won Best Male so Bruce went home with two Trophies.
I took Rowan in the In Hand class where she was 2nd so I was well pleased. Kat then rode her in the Novice Class and Hurray! she was 1st. She gave a beautiful show and looked nice and balanced and Tim and I were very proud of her.
Rowan also won the David Sports Shops Trophy for Best Novice Ridden Pony.
Rowan is back home with us but will be going back up to visit Kat before our CSHPC Show which is on Sunday 7th September at Dabbs, Ladybank. That marks the end of the summer shows and all the ponies will be starting to grow in their winter coats --that is when Tim wants to move to warmer climes!!
The good news is that Xanthe is much improved. She has special shoes on to support her frog as she had laminitis caused by either stress, or the startings of Cushings Disease. At the moment the blood tests don't indicate Cushings although the Vets suspected it.
I ordered a special Herbal potion especially for ponies who are depressed and lethargic and need to put on weight. This appears to be helping her.
I have ridden her this week --only for a short while but she has cheered up immensely and is thoroughly enjoying being back in beside her companions.
Well I think that is all my news. It is now time to fill up Passport Forms for all the older ponies. That should keep me out of mischief for a bit, then next it will be time to play with this year's foal and get him to lead on his own in preparation for the forthcoming Foal Shows. There's one thing ---life is never dull in Glassart Glen. Tim has promised faithfully to put on some long awaited photographs --- so here's hoping!!----I must learn how to do it!!!
Until the next time.
Tuesday 29th July 2003
Time for another update.The Highland Pony Study day was very successful and most interesting.
First of all, Scott Mcgregor gave a talk on the art of showing and I'm sure everyone went home determined to remember all the "tips" that Scott gave us. He also showed how he haltered foals for the first time. It was all done quickly and the foals didn't have time to object. Unfortunately Scott didn't have time to actually demonstrate to us how he showed his ponies. Perhaps another time.
After Scott we had a very interesting talk on A I then to finish off the day, James Munro gave a very entertaining domonstration on the "Do's and Don't's" of showing under saddle.
The following week we were at Kirriemuir Show with Rowan of Achnacarry, our 4 year old.
The yeld mare class was very strong with at least 12 ponies entered. We were 3rd and I must say I was very pleased considering Rowan is only 4 yrs old and not as big as some.
Since then I have been riding her a bit and sometimes it is hard to believe she is only 4 yrs as she rides as if she has been broken much longer than a couple of months.
On Saturday 26th July I was judging Braco Show and had excellent classes. Both the yeld mare class and gelding class were very strong and all the ponies entered were of very good quality.
In fact all the ponies there were of high quality and I thoroughly enjoyed my day. My Champion was Glen Bruar June (yeld mare) and Reserve was Eilish of Strathmore. Best Opposite sex to the Champion was the 2 year old gelding, Chapelhill Winston and Best Foal was a colt foal out of Uist of Mendick. Chapelhill Tess won the cup for Best 2 or 3 year old. My Champion went on to win Champion of Champions which certainly pleased the Cessford Family.
This weekend is Perth Show and we are supposed to be going---probably with Rowan again as Midge and Fhuaran, although entered are rather fat!!
Tim and I are not too keen on showing there now-a-days as it really has outgrown the site and the livestock seem to be almost secondary and are squashed into a corner of the showfield.
Other than that life goes on as usual. Hopefully, Rowan is going back to Kat for more schooling and then go on and do a few Novice Classes at some shows. Tim and I are away the weekend of 9th August as I am judging the Highland Ponies at Keith Show on Sunday 10th August.
We have been booked into the Marine Hotel at Buckie so that should be good fun.
Saturday 5th July 2003
At last!! I have managed to get on this computer to update my diary! Tim says I have all day to do so ---but I always find something else to do during the day and when evening comes along ---Tim hogs it all night long.Since I last wrote we have been to the Royal Highland Show which is held in Edinburgh, have also been down to Wigtown to collect Xanthe and Skye and today we were at Doune and Dunblane Agricultural Show.
Beginning with the Royal HIghland Show -----although we had three ponies entered we only took Rannoch, our two year old colt. Midge (his mother) is rather plump and we decided against taking her although when we looked at some of the yeld mares there ----she could almost have been there!
Ericht, our yearling colt had also been entered but we decided against taking him because we thought he hadn't enough condition on him, but again when we saw the yearling colts and geldings he could have been there.
However I must say it was a very pleasant show for us as Rannoch had three attentive "grooms" who didn't really have too much work to do --apart from Tim who drew the short straw and had to show him!!!!
He was in beside 3 year stallions and although there were more entries only 4 turned up on the day and he was 3rd prize colt ---1st 2 year old. As he had had three mares to cover before the Show he was perhaps leaner than we would have liked but was respectable enough to take.
We were very pleased with him because --for a youngster-- he behaved very well within the stables even although he had two very good looking mares opposite him one of whom came into season before the end of the show. However as long as Rannoch had his meals delivered up to him they were almost more important to him and he became very laid back about most things in general.
Tim says he more or less behaved during the showing period and also in the parade -- he didn't like standing still too long during the parade but apart from that he was very good.
However he was very pleased to be back home on the Monday and went charging down the field to check out his mares!!
Before and after the Show we have spoken to a German lady who is living in Sweden at present who is very interested in Rannoch and would fit into our plans for him ---so ---- time will tell.
Unfortunately when we arrived back from the show on Monday there was a message from Tom Thorley (MacGregor's owner) to say that Xanthe wasn't too well and he thought we should perhaps collect her and bring her home. To cut a long story short she is back home along with Skye. As far as Tom knew, Xanthe had held to MacGregor but had symptoms similar to lamanitis or "Grass Sickness" and had lost the foal. We had the vet out the next day and he scanned both Xanthe and Skye and confirmed that neither was in foal------AGAIN!!!! However the main thing was to get to the bottom of Xanthe's problem. The vet took a blood test but to date we haven't had the results back . We think she has had a mild form of Azoturia (tied up). She is much improved and is wandering around the yard and hopefully once she is fully recovered and we have had the results of the blood test back we will put her in with Tarka.
Skye on the other hand is very well, but as usual proved not to be in foal! We have put her in with Rannoch and just hope for the best!!----
If no foal then perhaps she will have to be our driving pony!Since the "Highland" , Fhuaran of Orangefield is back home in foal to Echo of Achnacarry and Bruce has Shonaigh of Inverdarroch home in foal to Rannoch. Both Midge and Corrie are in foal to Tarka and we are just waiting to see if Mhairi and Kirsty are in foal to Rannoch. Hopefully next year we shall have some foals. This year's foal, Ember, seems a wee bit lonely on his own but there again I have had more time to spend with him and he doesn't mind the foal halter on and off. So ------practise perfect------for the forth-coming winter shows!!!!!
Today we took Rowan of Achnacarry to Doune and Dunblane Show to show in hand only and she was 4th in her class. We were actually quite pleased as she is only 4 years old and still looks a bit "babyish" amongst the more mature mares. As a rule I don't like showing 4 years olds but she is looking very well and we also wanted to ride her around the show to get her used to lorries, trailers, ponies, dogs, people etc, etc.
Both Tim and I are very much missing our beautiful Clover of Whitefield this year as she was such a special pony and last year gave us so much pleasure both in hand but mostly in saddle but as most of you know who read our site was put to sleep in October. Hopefully "wee" Rowan will follow in her footsteps and Kat Moir who schooled her is going to ride her for us in a few Nursery Novice Classes later on in the year.
Today she behaved very well and trotted around with hunters in the practice ring and didn't bat an eyelid.
I think that is me almost up to date. Our next show is Kirriemuir but before that we have "volunteered" to take a yearling (Ericht) to the Highland Pony Society Study Day next Sunday so-------------see some of you there. Other than that I shall be grooming a few dogs (including Tiffany), riding Rowan and just generally looking after "the gang".
As usual Tim will be adding a few new photographs-----one of these days I may even manage to do that too!!!!!!!!!!!
Before I sign off Hearty Congratulations MUST go to Scott McGregor and Fyfedene on their Championships at the Royal Highland Show. He was both Champion In Hand and Ridden. This achievement has not been done since 1969 when Glen Rannoch won both.
Our Congratulations also go to Susan and Hugh Wardrope who won the Reserve Overall with their three year old home-bred filly, Fallon of Carlung, a half-sister to Susan's Emma of Carlung, the 2002 female champion. Scott and Fyfe also went on to win the Cuddy Supreme and also the NPS silver rosette. Susan and Hugh also added to their in hand Championship and won the coveted St Johns Wells Trophy with Fallon and Grace of Carlung.
I have to add that myself and Bruce Haliburton won this same cup more years ago than I care to mention with Kyle of Gowrie and Julie of Lundie.
As a footnote Congratulations also to Joan and Ronnie Alexander who won the Reserve Female Championship with Elisedene which I have also won with Julie of Lundie as a three year old --- many moons ago!!!
Until the next time!
Tuesday 10th June 2003
I am under orders to add some more photos to the news! So here goes, some Jean said I would add are already on, Rannoch and Ember! I am adding some more of Ember, Echo's head Ellie Douglas' Ribihnn, Rabhan and Rowena the two former a yearling and foal by our Tarka. Also Ellie's Rosie as John Wesley's mount in Perth and a replica John Wesley with the Provost of Perth.
Echo of Achnacarry
Kirkcarrion Ribihnn in Winter and Summer Clothes
Ember of Achnacarry
Rosie as Wesley's Mount and John Wesley Mark 2 with the Provost of Perth
Rowena and Family,Tarka's Daughters and Kirkcarrion Ravann
Saturday 6th June 2003
What have we been up to since last time?Well--on Sunday 25th May, Brenda, myself and Ellie took Rosie (Primrose of Tower) up to Perth for her performance as John Wesley's horse.
My friend Beryl Cowling and her husband David had a Highland Pony called Dougal who shared a field with our ponies, Ella of Whitefield, Mollaig of Achnacarry and Julie of Lundie in the early days. Unfortunately Dougal was put to sleep a few months ago and so they were looking for a pony to help them out. As I said previously we were (for once) stuck!! However Rosie came to the rescue and I must say she behaved impeccably throughout---although when the crowd showed their appreciation by clapping she was not too pleased! We tactfully asked if the clapping could be reduced and this did the trick and Rosie carried out and finished her part in the re-enactment without any problem.
Although most of the crowd probably didn't know she was a Highland Pony she was certainly much admired and even had her photograph in the Perth Advertiser. I am sure Ellie was very proud of her and I know Beryl and David were.
On Sunday 1st June I judged the In-Hand Highlands at the North of Scotland Native Pony Enthusiasts Club which was held at Borlum Farm, Drumnadrochit.
The adult classes were very well filled and I found my Champion in Haris Dene who was by Falcon Frost of Sauchrie and out of Blossom of Carmont. He was my kind of Highland Pony, a big strong chap with lots of bone and feather, a very nice top line and a small, attractive head with a deep jowl. He actually went on to be Reserve Ridden pony also --- so I couldn't have been far out!!
My Reserve Champion was the yeld mare shown by Feona Laing. She was called Breagh of Balvonie, by Cock O'the North, and out of Zelia of Whitefield, and again she was very chunky with lots of bone and feather and a good mover.
She also went on to win the small Ridden Class for Feona.
The show was very lucky with the weather as it was very warm and dry all day. The surroundings couldn't have been nicer and both Tim and I thoroughly enjoyed our day there.
This week has been fairly busy, checking mares, walking dogs and I also had my first ride on Rowan of Achnacarry since she came home from KAT Moir.
Tim and I took her out on Thursday evening, me riding and Tim walking. We actually don't have anything else to ride at the moment - strange that that may seem! Rowan didn't put a foot/hoof wrong! She walked out well and we had a few trots and nothing seemed to bother her even although she was out on her own and was somewhere she had never been before. We were both very pleased with her and will try and keep her fit and interested and hopefully do a few nursery novice classes later on in the year.
The other excitement was --- yesterday I received a phone call from Ellie to say that Rowena had just foaled and she was pretty sure that it was another Tarka filly!!
Needless-to-say I just HAD to dash over to see the new baby! She is very beautiful, yellow dun, a big chunky foal with a pretty head and almost a replica of last year's! Some people have all the luck!!! HOWEVER I have instructed Tarka to make sure of filly foals for next year from Corrie and Midge.-----OR ELSE!!!!!
That is us more or less up to date --just got to get Tim to put up a few more photos of our new foal, Ember, our two year old colt,Rannoch, and of course the new filly foal belonging to Ellie.
This coming week is pretty busy trimming several dogs amongst other things and getting organized for the Highland Show.
See you there.
Saturday 24th May 2003
Time for some more news.As Tim said, Tiffany and I had a very good day at our Dog Show winning two strong classes and coming second in the third. As I am very new to all this dog showing, I didn't realise that one normally only enters 1 class at a Championship Show. The reason for doing this is because if the dog is first in its class it then entitles it to go forward to Best Bitch/Dog and then on to Best of Breed. Only unbeaten dogs are eligible so although Tiffany won two classes she was second in the third so we lost out in trying for a Challenge Certificate (C.C.) A dog has to win three of these C.C.'s to become a Champion. You live and learn!! Certainly different from showing ponies.
We didn't show at Fife Show this year because of the Dog Show!! However I have been kept busy since with the ponies. We gave Rannoch his first mare (Kirsty) and since she was right in season she was very kind to him and didn't beat him up! We have also a couple of visiting mares in so they are occupying my time as well as looking after our own.
Corrie's foal is thriving and is very bold -- playing with Tiffany and following me around as well as trying to play with Tarka, although he is only allowed to do that for a bit then Corrie rushes down and trots off with him!
Tim and I visited Rowan on 11th May to see how she had progressed under Kat Moir's instruction and I must say we were very pleased with the way she went for Kat. She walked and trotted round the school very nicely then cantered round starting off on the correct leg each time. I also had a ride on her and she felt very comfortable and just floated along. She has now been with Kat for 5 weeks and I am going to fetch her home this Monday. She will be home for a rest and to be hacked out and just generally enjoying herself and getting used to being ridden in the forest and perhaps going to a show and being ridden around it for experience. Hopefully she will go back to Kat later on and be ridden at some Novice classes at a few shows.----- That's the plan!!!
On Thursday 22nd May we went along to Balcormo to the home of the Low-Mitchells. We were with other members of the CSHPC and we all enjoyed a very imformative talk and demonstrations about A I in horses. Both Jackie and Dougal answered all our questions about breeding problems then took great pleasure in showing off their stallions which included the grand old boy "Secundas" who is now 28 years old. They all enjoyed rolling about in the sand school before trotting and cantering around. It was very good evening.
I think that is most of our news. Tomorrow I am borrowing Primrose of Tower (Rosie) from Ellie to assist friends who require a pony for John Wesley! There is an re-enactment of his life tomorrow in Perth and as he spent a lot of his time on horse-back a horse was essential! As all of ours are either getting pregnant, too old, too young, performing stud duties or , in Rowan's case, just finished being schooled --- we turned to Ellie for Rosie.
Next week-end Tim and I will be up in Inverness as I am judging the in-hand classes at the Highland and Native Pony Enthusiasts Club which is to be held at Borlum farm, Drumnadrochit. We are staying with one of my friends so it should be a good week-end for catching up on all the "blethers"!!
Until the next time!!
Friday 23rd May 2003
Having been bullied for ages to get some more pictures into the diary I have been having a blitz. A lot of pictures follow not in any particular order!Jean has been showing Tiffany a little, not accompanied by me as I find dog shows the most boring of events. However betweem them they have done rather well. These prizes were won at Boness Scottish Utility Club Show. Since then she had a good day at the Scottish Kennel Club Show getting two first prizes and a second. She has also apparently qualified for Crufts!! I have now got to find an excuse not to go!TIFFANY
Tiffany with her prizes: Then, no connection, Tiffany & Mhairi last year: Tiffany & Ember
This is out idiot cat Casper
Casper on a bale on the Front Loader
We had our annual ride on 10th May. Again we were very lucky with the weather dry and warmish, just right. We had 23 ponies out and raised £200 for Grass Sickness
Pitmenzie Ride 10 May 2003
Corrie had her foal Ember on 1 May. Here are a couple of photos
Corrie & Ember: Ember
Tarka has been having lessons from Hamish Cameron I had to go to a funeral the last time so Jean was on board. Here are two photos also one of Echo of Achnacarry who is with Bruce Haliburton. Fhuren is currently visiting Echo.
Tarka in the School with Jean
Echo of Achnacarry
RANNOCH OF ACHNACARRY
Tuesday 6th May 2003
At last I have been able to get on the Computer for a change! If I don't get to it before Tim I never am allowed on it until after 11.30pm and by that time I have usually given up!Tim argues I have all day long to update ---but I am always busy doing other things during the day, so you could say it is my own fault that the diary doesn't get done.
The main event that has happened since I last updated is the birth of Corrie's foal. HE was born on 1st May around 10.30pm - 11.00pm. I looked at her at 9.00pm and --no foal-- but as she had been running milk all day after having waxed and unwaxed I knew that the birth was imminent and went out around 11.30pm and there he was --just born. I came into the house to announce to Tim that we had a foal, waited for half-an-hour and went back out and he was sitting up looking like he wanted to get up. I put out my torch (Corrie foaled where she usually does --away at the top end of the field) and waited quietly with Tarka and Midge who were standing by. As always there is a nurse maid and it was Kirsty's turn to guard Corrie during foaling and also until the foal was up and sucking.
After about 15 minutes I heard the familiar sounds of a foal sucking and when I switched on the torch --there he was at "the milk bar". He is a beautiful smokey grey colour with dark points at the moment, although he will turn grey as he grows older. He is a good size and chunky with no white markings so all in all we are pleased with him - although Corrie and Tarka obviously didn't listen to me as I instructed them quite clearly last year that I wanted a filly foal!!
We deliberated over a name but I think we have decided to call him "Ember" although Tim says embers are red but as I told him when they cool they turn to smokey grey!!
Rowan has been with Kat Moir now for two weeks and I have an update on her progress and apart from rebelling a little to begin with she now is going very nicely for Kat and Tim and I are visiting her this coming Sunday to watch her being put through her paces. She moves very well so should turn out a very good riding pony -----we hope!!
On 21st April, Tim and Tarka had a lesson booked with Hamish Cameron but one of Tim's favourite customers had died and he wanted to attend his funeral. I had to ride Tarka instead and wasn't looking forward to it --not because Hamish scared me!! but I hate being schooled! However both Tarka and I got on very well and Hamish was very impressed with Tarka. He said he had improved a lot since he had last seen him and was working a lot better.
As for me? I was exhausted after 3/4 hour's hard work -- I was very hot and tired and was gasping for a cup of tea when I arrived home!!! However I soon recovered and thanked Hamish for his excellent schooling.
Tarka will now be left until August and will get on with covering his mares. We hope to ride him in Novice Classes at the Central Scotland Highland Pony Club show. As Rowan will also be in some ridden Novice classes --- we could be busy!!
The other thing we did was to take Skye down to MacGregor of Achnacarry as she was due a free return and "fingers crossed" we may get a foal next year. As the journey down takes around 5 hours towing a trailer we took Xanthe down to him also and at least they had company all the way down.
As usual MacGregor came galloping over to see them when they arrived and soon herded them away over the field. He is looking very well and is very fit for his 17 years. They will stay down there for at least 6 weeks but possibly 9 weeks ---just to make sure they have settled.
Now that Rannoch is licensed we shall put Mhairi and Kirsty to him this year --they should both be kind to him and get him started.
The next event for us is this Saturday when we have our annual Ride-Out in Aid of Grass Sickness. So far we have 17 people and ponies and 1 person and his bike!! We have a few Honorary Highlands coming but as long as they donate to Grass Sickness we are happy to have them come along. We have always been lucky with the weather and are hopeful that it doesn't let us down this year.
There is one difference this year --- Tim will not be riding as he has done his back a mischief and doesn't think he would enjoy riding. No doubt he will be giving out his orders to everyone though and will do some filming and take photographs.
He may even have to serve up his own Damson Gin at the picnic (this has become a speciality of the ride and would, I suspect, be greatly missed by all who takes part!)
I think that is about all my news ---I hope Tim will add some photographs. All the other ponies are all well and as the grass is beginning to grow rather fast I think we will have to put up a few electric fences to keep their figures intact!
Tiffany (Schnauzer) and I are off to the Scottish Kennel Club Championship show at Ingliston next Friday ----so----wish us luck!!!!
Thursday 17th April 2003
Time for a quick update. We seem to have been so busy over the last few weeks with ponies, visitors, dogs and gardens!The ponies are all well and Corrie has just begun to "bag up" so we should be having a foal arriving on time around the first week in May although if this glorious weather continues she may well be early. Kirsty, on the other hand has yet again kidded us on and is not in foal. Disappointing but we shall just try again!
Tim and Tarka had a lesson from Hamish and both of us have been riding him in the forest and he is going forward and behaving very well. However on Saturday when I was at a dog show with Tiffany (Schnauzer), Tim parted company with Tarka!! He was trying to mount up and Tarka moved at the wrong moment and Tim went over the other side!! He did hurt himself but undeterred he still took him out round the forest and said he didn't put another foot (or hoof) wrong!
Tiffany and I on the other hand had a very good day -- gaining three Firsts and Best of Breed! (Photo to follow) I was very excited I must say -----perhaps I should change to showing dogs!!Today Rannoch's Stallion License came through so we can now go ahead and breed with him. My intention is to use him this year and perhaps use him at the beginning of next year and then hopefully sell him as a breeding Stallion. With that in mind we had some visitors from the United States yesterday who absolutely fell in love with him and have noted interest in him.---- Time will tell.
The other news is , Rowan our 4 year old is off to Boarding School for a few weeks where she will be in the capable hands of Kat Moir who lives near Bankfoot, Perth. It is time that Rowan worked for a living and as she is still immature we decided that she should be a ridden pony for a while before being a brood mare. I will keep a diary of her progress and also add some photos.
I think that is about all I have to report at the moment. I have a few things up my sleeve ----but I shall save that for another time!!
Friday 28th March 2003
Since the Stallion Show we seem to have been as busy as ever with Tim gardening and me clipping a few dogs as well as all the other chores. Like every one else I am sure, we have been enjoying the very pleasant weather although we could probably do with a little rain to make the grass grow. Tomorrow our fields are being fertilized and after some thought we have decided to go ahead and make hay once more. Hopefully the weather won't be as wet as last year and we will get some good hay.
We are beginning to look forward to Corrie's foal being born even although it is a wee while away yet. She is due around 5th - 10th May and is looking quite large now so needless-to-say I shall be out and in every so often checking her nearer the time. We are beginning to think that Kirsty of Orangefield is in foal so we had the Vet out to take a blood test and will be keeping our fingers crossed until we receive the results! Ellie Douglas's mare, Rowena is also in foal to Tarka and after last year's beautiful filly foal we are all looking forward to seeing what she produces this time!
Rannoch will soon be getting inspected by the Vet to see if he is OK to be kept entire and all things being equal we will put Meg and Kirsty to him. Although he is for sale I would like to take some foals from him then sell him as a Stallion. His little half brother, Ericht is also for sale but I shall probably show him around some of the local shows this year. Since the Stallion Show he is much friendlier and as he boxes so well he will be a good pony for someone when the time is right.
I was riding Tarka on Monday and we had a very pleasant morning exploring parts of the forest that Tarka hadn't yet been in. He was quite excited but behaved very well and we arrived home in one piece!! Tim did bully me in to taking along my mobile phone ----just in case! He and Tarka are having another lesson from Hamish in April --so we are getting there. The other pony we are hoping to bring on this year is wee Rowan as she is 4 years old and I don't want to put her in foal until next year to give her a chance to grow a little bit more. Anyway I think she is still a bit young (in her head) as she still rushes around everywhere --- she is a very busy little person. I think she will be a very gay ride.
Not much else to report I'm afraid and if I have repeated myself somewhere else it must be something about getting older! Our entries are away for the Royal Highland Show and soon all the other show schedules will be piling in, so no doubt they will keep us busy and now that the clocks are about to go forward we will have more time in the evenings to do all the things we can't seem to get done during the day. The ponies are all beginning to cast their winter coats so I think that will be my job for a week or two -- lots of grooming. -----Until the next time------
Thursday 13th March 2003
Here are the photos, sorry a bit late.
Spring is here, some snowdrops to prove it!
Snowdrops, Tarka x 2
11th March 2003
At last! Time for an update - I don't know where the time goes but life seems so busy.
With the Stallion Show looming up it was time to practise loading Ericht into the trailer as well as reminding him how to walk and trot up and down in a straight line. Hannah, our young friend and helper who lives not far from us, and I began persuading Ericht into the trailer. We were in no hurry and luckily we both had lots of patience (a quality that Tim doesn't really have!).
It took us quite a while and lots of carrots and food to entice him into the trailer. However once he got the idea there was no stopping him! He wasn't keen on the idea of walking through the box and down the front unload but there again it is important a horse or pony will reverse out of the box - just in case the front unload cannot be used.
Once he had loaded a few times we decided to call a halt and did a few walks and trots in the yard. So far -- so good!! Later on in the week I tried him again and he walked straight into the trailer and reversed when asked. He did this several times on his own, then we brought Tarka out and loaded him then put Ericht in as well. They were both quite happy together so we decided to leave the actual travelling until the Saturday - sometimes we have done a Dummy Run the day before if we have a pony who hasn't been in a trailer before but his time we thought we would take a chance.
We washed manes, tails and legs only then kept them both inside.
The following day went very well - both boys travelled fine together and behaved extremely well. Ericht's class had 10 entries but only six turned up on the day. The Judge was Scott McGregor and Ericht walked and trotted up and down very well with no mishaps! I was very pleased with him and on top of that he was 2nd in his class.
Tarka wasn't entered in the showing class as I decided that he was much too hairy and would look out of place with Stallions who had been kept inside all winter. However he was entered for the Parade of Stallions to let the general public see him as we think he is very traditional and certainly looks as if he could spend a few months out in the hills if need be. Unfortunately there were only five Stallions there - a bit disappointing for the onlookers. Tarka was full of himself but both of us survived the ordeal round the ring which was rather slippy. We returned home feeling that we had had a good day and Ericht had quite an education and had experienced the Farriers hammering continually and also watched different horses and ponies passing his pen for most of the morning.
What else have we done? Well Rannoch was brought out and groomed and had his photograph taken in preparation for him to be licensed. It involves completing various forms then attaching the photograph and returning them to the Highland Pony Society. They will then contact the Vet whom we have nominated and they in turn will contact us to arrange a suitable time to come and check Rannoch. We hope to put a couple of mares to him this year - all being well.
On Saturday I put the western saddle and bridle on Fhuaran and took her out with Brenda on Mhairi and Ellie on Rosie. She didn't seem to mind it at all - even although to begin with I had my reins the wrong way round!! This Sunday, Tim and Tarka are having a lesson from Hamish Cameron so that will be interesting! I shall report later! We are looking forward to Corrie foaling in May - she is beginning to look quite big and although I have put an order in for a FILLY I suppose we shall just have to wait and see and take what we get. Kirsty of Orangefield also is beginning to look quite large so hopefully she may also be in foal. The rest of the ponies seem to be well enough and some of the "fatties" are actually loosing a little weight. I think that is all I have to report - hopefully Tim will add a few photographs. Sorry, not tonight, too late. Will try tomorrow. Tim Failed!!
16th February 2003
Tim briefly to add some photos of Rannoch and Ellie's Brat (The Boys) taken on a very cold frosty Monday morning. Obviously lying in their excess hay is the warmest place!
'The Boys' on a Frosty Morning
10th February 2003
I have been instructed that it is my turn to write up the diary! Makes a change I suppose. Yesterday was lovely, sunny and springlike but a sharp breeze. Today has been foul very wet and almost snowing, I gave up work at 1200hrs. So much for the weather forecast it was not supposed to rain here until late p.m. and clear by the morning so what tomorrow has in store now I do not know.
What has been happening? Firstly Xanthe has developed an abscess so is now in the barn, however it is draining, thankfully. We have just got Tarka over one! Must be all the mud! But as yesterday was nice Jean inveigled me to ride and actuall to ride Tarka. I have been horrid about all our riding ponies since we lost Clover but I have to say that Tarka was almost acceptable, with some schooling he could be quite acceptable! He was narrow enough for me, although he does not look it, and very forward going. I was on him, Hanna a young helper from up the Glen was on Mhairi and Jean and Hope walked. At first we put Mhairi in front, a mistake, Tarka thought he was a Lippizana! However when he was in front he was very good. After a bit we sent Hanna off on her own and Tarka continued to be good. Very laid back, he trotted nicely and cantered after a bit of persuasion. I once turned him back towards Jean and the direction from which Mhairi would be appearing and he decided to take off. Very rapid acceleration and the brakes had to be applied quickly and sharply! He stopped. Anyway I enjoyed riding him and he seemed quite happy. Perhaps he might come out on our ride, in front of course.
Tim on Tarka
On getting home we had a late snack lunch then it was time to feed once again. Hanna did some practice leading Ericht, picture below, who is supposed to be going to the stallion show. As he has had very little schooling and has never been into a trailer I am doubtful! However he is going with his father with whom he is running so maybe he will follow him. Meanwhile I was getting haylage in. Will someone please tell me why so many bales have mould in patches only a little, they are not punctured, and if it is harmful.
Ericht and Hannah
7th February 2003
The snow has gone! We are pleased in some ways but in other ways we are back to soft ground and the inevitable MUD!! The last few weeks seem to have consisted of --getting up--feeding ponies----walking dogs----doing something useful in between for a few hours and then back to -----feeding ponies once more!!
Midge after the Snow
However on a positive note Brenda, my friend, and I haltered Ericht and started leading him up and down in preparation for the forth-coming Stallion Show in Perth. To begin with he wanted to go his own way -- preferably directly in front of me and then he managed to get away from us once! Time for the "Be Nice" halter!! Once he had that on he was very well behaved and walked up and down no bother. After a few times we decided to call it a day and finish on a positive note with every good intention to carry on each day. What happened? We had lots and lots of snow making the ground too slippy to practice. However now that the snow has gone (almost) I hope to continue his education this weekend and after that I have my next task -- to load him!! Corrie Bheag, his mum, has never been a good loader so we tend not to show her or any of her foals so as not to teach them the same bad habits. Perhaps we should invite Richard Maxwell or Monty Roberts over!! Anyway I still have to teach him to load without fear before March 1st. Tarka is also going as he will be parading with the other Stallions so hopefully Ericht and he will travel together Ok.
The only other worthwhile thing I have done recently is to take Tiffany (our Schnauzer) to another dog show. It was held at Ingliston so I was quite keen to go and see if the Showground looked any different. I was disappointed to see that it looked much the same down by the Highland Pony Lines. However I think things will be much improved by the time of the Royal Highland Show if our President, Sheila Brooks has anything to do with it!! We had a long wait until Tiffany's class (dog shows are not like horse shows) but eventually it was our turn. The Judge was very nice and said the main thing was that Tiffany should enjoy herself and duly pointed her and I in the direction he wanted us to go -- usually a triangle then up and down -- somewhat different from showing ponies!! (I've a lot to learn!!) However we were 3rd in one class and 2nd in another and I felt that both of us had learned something from the experience.
26th January 2003
Here we are again. Life isn't too kind to Tim and I at the moment. On Sunday 19th January our beautiful Burmese Blue cat, Cody, was killed by someone speeding up our road. I had been my usual morning walk with the dogs and Cody had tagged along as usual. On returning home I went in for breakfast and about 30 mins - 40 mins later a knock came to the door. It was a gentleman who had been up to collect his dog from the kennels above us. When he had driven past our house he had seen Cody on the road but thought she was just rolling about but on his return journey he realised she was seriously injured. He parked his car with his headlamps on and came to let us know. Tim and I rushed out with him and I took a blanket to wrap her up in.Unfortunately by the time Tim had contacted our vet she had died in my arms. She was so sweet and was only 2 1/2 years old and I reckon that she was certainly hit by someone who was driving far too fast. We are still missing her and Casper (her brother) is very restless looking for her.
Cody, Casper and Sheba
On Tuesday 21st January I decided to do something positive so Brenda, our friend, and I took Tarka out - one walking and one riding. We thought since he hadn't been out for a bit and since he had really only just been broken it might be safer! He was very good - striding out well and trotting round the soft part of the forest. We even passed two strange mares and he didn't bat an eyelid! So far - so good!!
HOWEVER on the return journey as we came to the bottom of our hill, Mhairi spotted him and came careering down the field to see him, closely followed by her three companions!
Brenda on Tarka
On the other side the two colts, Ellie's Bratach and Rannoch, also galloped down to say hello then just as fast galloped off!! All this was too much for Tarka who began prancing up and down like a Lippizanner all the way up the hill!! I thought I was going to come off several times but managed to sit on him until we arrived at the top of the hill. Once he got there and saw his friends he reverted back to the laid back Stallion that he had been!!
I think we will have to work a bit at walking up and down the hill until he doesn't mind ponies trotting up and down on either side of him! Apart from that he was just great!!
Unfortunately Tim noticed him lame yesterday and we think he has an abcess. I have poulticed his foot and if no better will call the blacksmith. No doubt he has managed to pierce his foot as he doesn't have shoes on.
Today (26th January) a friend and I rode Mhairi and Fhuaran. It was such a beautiful mild day - almost Spring-like. Our snowdrops are out - very early for up here so is this a good sign I ask myself?!!,/p>
We had a good long ride in the forest and climbed up to see Perth and the River Tay. The mountains beyond had not a drop of snow on them but looked beautiful - they had a blue colour to them and the whole scene looked so peaceful.
The ponies were very good and although Fhuaran has much to learn she has improved a lot since the summer last year. Hope, our black Labrador was also with us and enjoyed her usual swims in every available pond or burn she could find!
That is about all I have to report except the intention is still there to handle Ericht, last year's foal, in time to take him to the Stallion Show in March! Hopefully by the time I update the Diary I will have achieved this.
14th January 2003
Time for another update. After all the festivities life is more or less back to normal.After two weeks of lovely frosty and snowy weather when it actually was a pleasure feeding the ponies, we are now back to milder weather and softer ground. It made a nice change not sinking into mud and made life much easier for us and the ponies. They all looked beautiful and fluffy in their winter coats and I took one or two photographs and hopefully once he downloads them, Tim will put them on the web site. (I must learn how to do that!)
Mhairi and Fhuaran - The First Snow 2003
However because we were so icy up here we didn't get out riding and now it is too wet! We had a bit of a fright on Saturday when we had to call out the vet to Corrie. We had weaned Ericht on the Monday and everything went very well but on the Friday I noticed Corrie's udder was still very swollen and seemed to have some honey-like droplets oozing out of the back of her udder. I phoned the vet and he said to bathe her udder with vinegar if it seemed hot but advised me that the wax-like droplets did sometimes occur. He also suggested that we put Corrie further away from the foal as sometimes the mares would go on producing milk if they could still see their foal. I have had mares with heavy udders before but this time Corrie didn't have her usual appetite and on the Saturday she wasn't too happy. I called the vet again and when he came and took her temperature it was 103 degrees and her heart rate was up to 65 (normal is 35).
As we had one foal aborted last year and another re-absorbed we didn't want to take any chances with Corrie. Luckily we had called the vet out in time because he said if her temperature had gone up to 105 degrees there would have been a good chance she would have aborted. I am pleased to say she is much better now although she still is a little swollen in front of her udder but she has regained her appetite and is much brighter - neighing to us when we go into the barn and saying "please" for food! (She picks up her front leg when we give her a tip-bit!)Ericht is fine without his mother and enjoys the company of Tarka and the other two mares. Hopefully I will handle him a bit more now and with a bit of luck take him out to the Stallion Show in March.
On Sunday 12th January Tim and I were up in Memus in Angus. Along with other "old" friends of Elizabeth Compton we attended a lunch in her honour to celebrate her 80th Birthday. It doesn't seem all that long ago when Mrs C judged me and my Highland Gelding - Jock of Drumloist in the 60's - but of course it WAS some time ago! There were approximately 70 guests there and everyone anjoyed themselves and I am sure Mr & Mrs Compton also enjoyed catching up with some old friends who had travelled up from England especially for her party.
I think that is about all I have to report. Life for the time being will consist of feeding ponies and hopefully riding when we can as well as handling the two youngsters. We look forward to the showing season and like everyone else are already making plans on which ponies to take out.
Until the next time...........
6th January 2003
At last I have sorted out the photographs of both the Passion Play reported on on 10 June 2002, and the Nativity Play reported on recently. The photos are shown below, first the Nativity. P.S. Father Christmas gave us a bread maker for Christmas. It makes the most superb bread a loaf is just cooked and the smell is gorgeous!
Nativity Play - Ponies and the 3 Wise Men
The photographs shown above are in order:-
Fhuaran of Orangefield and Jean, Mhairi Bhan of Achnacarry and Caitlyn (from New Zealand), Fhuaran, Jean & Ellie Douglas, Xanthe of Whitefield and Ellie, Fhuaran & Jean, Xanthe & Ellie, Fhuaran & Jean, the three ponies, handlers and 3 wise men, Xanthe & Ellie.
The next two photographs are of the Passion Play
Passion Play June 2002 - Herod and his Servant
The photographs shown above are in order:-
Rupert de Klee as Herod on Primrose of Tower, Jean as Herod's servant on Mhairi Bahn of Achnacarry
Site developed by A Douglas 2001
© T&J Connell 2001