Achnacarry & Craigiebrig Highland Pony Stud
2004 NEWS
Sunday 26th December 2004
Hurrah,it's good to be back.
Tim has been busy trying to put our web site back together again and most
of it is back but unfortunately we may have lost our earlier photographs.Tim appologises for this and hopes that he can find these photographs
one day!!We wish all our readers a Very Happy Christmas and all the best for the
New Year.We, like most people have been watching the news today about the terrible
tragedy in Indonesia.Our hearts go out to all the relatives and friends in these countries.
For ourselves we have had a restful Christmas full of good cheer and good
food! Even the ponies had their Christmas goodies in the shape of lots of carrots, apples and hay. I think they were as full up as Tim and I.!!We even have had a White Christmas! The only problem about that is that
Tim, Ellie and I had decided we would ride today, but as our road is too icy that idea was soon squashed!!We have had news of the two Tarka boys we sold this year. They have both
settled in well and their new owners are delighted with them. Ericht's owners now have Skye (Tim's mare) on loan. We have tried and tried to get her in foal, but she just wouldn't play so we decided that she may as well be ridden again. She is too wide for Tim to ride and was always a bit fizzy so I never enjoyed riding her. However she has been behaving herself down near Manchester with the Thorburn family and even loosing some weight!!I think Ericht is very pleased to have a kindred spirit for company.
Skye and Ericht near Manchester
We had a delightful photo from Ember's owner. He was wearing his party
hat in the shape of a Father Christmas hat with Reindeer Antlers!! He was chewing a lump of hay and looking completely at ease. No stress there!!Rannoch, on the other hand, is still here! He was supposed to be going
to his new home in Germany in November but his new owner has had a few problems. Her poor husband has been in hospital and as she works full time and has 5 children as well as ponies and dogs to look after, she obviously has her hands full.Our foals from this year are thriving very well and looking good.
Ruadh, Midge's foal,will be going to his new home soon. We haven't actually weaned them yet as both them and their dams are looking well. However it is a job to be done shortly. Tinker, Mhairi's foal is catching up with the rest and Fionnalaigh, Fhuaran's is his companion and the two should be easy to wean. Our youngest foal,Euan (Corrie's foal) is still a little shy and will miss Ruadh as they run together. However he is becoming much better and I hope to do more work with him over the next few weeks. ...Weather permitting!! I think I want to keep him for a bit (much to Tim's disgust!)..he doesn't like "boys"!!Rowan and Xanthe have been very busy ponies, along with Ellie's pony,
Rosie. The three of them were "acting" in our local Nativity Play which is in it's 9th year. They carried the three Wise Men safely for 7 evenings and performed twice most evenings. They soon won the hearts of the cast and the audience. I have helped for 4 years and Ellie was roped in too! Tim usually manages to find an excuse not to go!However we both managed to escape for a few days to London to attend Olympia
and also to visit Tim's son. He is very handy as he runs a Pub very close to Olympia so we just hop on a bus and tube. We thoroughly enjoyed Olympia and thought Gillian's McMurray's Trailtrow Taransay gave a very good account of herself, ably ridden by Gillian's daughter, Kirsten. One of my favourites was the little Shetland mare, Lady Eleanor, who gave a super performance and was full of bounce and cheer! I was delighted when she was awarded 3rd place. I did like the winner, Castle Comet, a 10 year old Connemara Stallion who gave a faultless show. All in all the first six didn't let their Breed down. We were disappointed that the Highland didn't win but there again she is a young pony and will no doubt qualify again.We had a great time meeting old friends and doing a litle shopping.
We had some lovely meals out and went down to Trafalgar Square to see the lights and Chrismas Tree. We even had some time for a bit of culture and visited The National Gallery!As usual Jimmy and Brenda held the Fort back here. If it wasn't for
them we wouldn't be able to go anywhere. Much appreciated.Well, that is me more or less up to date. Jobs to do are, wean the foals,
practise with Euan and teach him to lead etc. as hopefully I intend to show him at the Stallion Show in March. Tarka also needs some attention as I am hoping to take him into the Stallion Parade. He will probably be the hairiest Stallion there as he runs out all the time.Can I just say to all our friends who may read our diary, can you please
e-mail us as we have lost all your addresses!!Thursday 16 December 2004
At last we are back again! The computer was deader than we thought. Thought
it was just a dodgey hard drive but once that was replaced it was found that the 'mother board' was dead too!! When that was replaced it was impossible to read any data so we lost everything and have had to almost start again! Should we have had any of our readers e-mail addresses please would you send them to us again. I think we may have lost all our photos, sorry if we have will investigate. I've found them I think they are back now.Short of time still so cannot give you a proper update at the moment. Still
have accounts incl HPEC to reinstate. Are off on London on Sat to stay with my son and go to Olympia to Monday. Maybe see some of you there? Have been to Winter Fair and Tayside Foal show with Tinker and Fiona.Should we not update before Christmas we wish you all a Very Happy
Christmas and our very Best Wishes for 2005.Wednesday 3rd November 2004p
Sorry to all our visitors for not updating for a bit, but our computer is on a go slow!
We have had a busy spell lately. As Tim has noted on the web site, Ember is now sold to a very
good home not too far away from us. He was gelded on Monday 18th October and everything went well. His new owner tells me however, that he is still rather coltish!! No doubt that will soon diminish.He has gone from being all alone, to having three new friends in the shapes of a minature
Shetland Pony, a standard Shetland Pony and a Highland Pony. I am told by his new owner that the little Shetland mare is definitley his best friend, so he'll be a very happy pony.On 23rd and 24th October we had our friends, Wendy Rowe and Peter Knapp from the States to stay.
Tim and I stayed with them 4 years ago this month and enjoyed seeing their ponies, one of which was Quartz of Croila,a stallion affectionally named "Hamish". On the Sunday we took Wendy and Peter to see Joan and Ronnie Alexander of Fourmerk Stud and also Scott McGregor at Ballinton Farm. When we went round Joan and Ronnie's ponies the rain couldn't have come down any heavier and we were all rather wet! However we saw lots of good ponies and foals as well as their three Stallions. Then it was time for lunch at the Lion and Unicorn at Thornhill where we met Scott. It was our 12th wedding Anniversary and we all celebrated with some wine. What was supposed to be a bar lunch turned out to be a dining room sit down meal and it lasted for about two and a half hours!!However once we got outside again the weather had taken a slight turn for the better,
so everyone felt that it had been a good idea to stay inside! From Thornhill Scott took us out to Rednock first to see his mares and foals and what a sight they were. They were running in a very large area with lots of rough grazing and lots of shelter and soon everyone forgot how wet they had been. All Scott's foals were very friendly and one of his filly foals even wanted to try out his small cigar!From there we went back to Ballinton and saw a few more youngsters as well as several Dartmoors!
Rory of Balinoe was the first Stallion that we saw and he was in good form allowing us all to have a good look at him. Next was Fyfedene who was quite relaxed in his stable, oblivious to us all admiring him. He has such a wonderful temperament, nothing bothers him. I think Wendy and Peter liked him a lot. We also saw a young colt that had been sold but hadn't gone on to his new owners. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit, and as usual the time had passed too quickly and it was about 7.15pm before we arrived home. We eventually ate our supper at 10.00 pm !!I also took Peter and Wendy to see Willie Allan's Millfield Stud where once again we saw lots of
ponies and foals. From there we saw Ellie Douglas' ponies, Peter and Wendy were brimming over with Highland Ponies but I am sure they enjoyed themselves immensley.On Monday morning I delivered Wendy and Peter to The Highland Pony Society where I left them in
the safe hands of Susie, our Secretary while I did some shopping. Soon it was time to say goodbye for the second time but we all agreed that we would try and see each other a little bit sooner. We even discussed a farm exchange! Tim and I think that would be a good idea to exchange our wet weather for sunny California!!!The following Wednesday evening I had been persuaded by Ember's new owner to give a talk on preparing
ponies for the show ring and giving any tips! I wasn't sure about it, but I survived and judging by the amount of questions I was asked afterwards, I must have generated some interest!!On Thursday, 28th October we had a very busy day.
Norma and Scott Thorburn, Ericht's owners had talked about perhaps getting a pony on loan until it was time for Ericht to be ridden. As Skye just blankly refuses to get herself in foal, and as she is a little bit too fizzy for me to ride and too wide for Tim to ride, we offered her to Scott and Norma for their daughter, Leonie. I had her shod and on Thursday off she went with the Thorburns, complete with a lovely lilac headcollar and matching leadrope! Norma phoned us later on to say she had travelled without any bother and had settled in her stable ok. As it would be dark when they arrived we all thought it would be better for Skye if she was stabled the first night. I have since heard from Norma that Leonie has ridden her out for several hours and on Monday this week, was being clipped out!!! We haven't heard how that went yet BUT no news is good news! Ericht thinks she is the greatest thing since sliced bread so that's nice.Also on that Thursday we had a visit from Swedish visitors, Anna & Ian Jamieson and their two
daughters. They also had been interested In Ember so it was nice that they saw him before he went off to his new home on the Friday. They enjoyed seeing our mares and foals and stallions. Hopefully there wil be some Highland Ponies going off to Sweden.What else have we been up to? We have had two parties, a 50th and a 60th Birthday party,
and this coming weekend another celebration. The following weekend we are off to the HPEC AGM on Saturday 13th November and on Sunday 14th, Tiffany, Tim and I are off to a Schnauzer Show for the three sizes. On the Monday on the way home we are calling in to the Thorburns to visit Ericht and Skye.Today I managed to halter my last foal who is the youngest and always that little bit shy.
He is called Euan and is a full brother to Ember and Ericht but yellow dun. I hope to show him somewhere once he has been handled a bit more. He is the last foal to be micro-chipped and tetanused. My job tomorrow and next week is to teach Tinker and Fionnalaigh to walk and trot in preparation for the forth-coming Foal Shows.......That could be fun!! I am happy to report that Xanthe has recovered from her short bout of laminitis and she and I had a lively ride yesterday albeit a trifle wet! At least Tim can ride her as she is a little lean and we can ride out together on her and Rowan.Well that is the diary up to date, I think...all that is left now is for Tim to add some new photos.
Until the next time...........
Monday 11th October 2004p
Sorry no news recently computer is being a pain!! Very,very slow almost going backwards! Have not yet discovered how to fix it!
Have temporarily updated Sales. Ember is now sold.
Sunday 26th September 2004
We were supposed to be at a Treasure Hunt at gartmore Dam Clackmannanshire unfortunately poor Xanthe has another bout of
lamanitis so as the garden is temporarily up to date I am updating our photos in news.
Our 'For Sale' page is updated too!!!!!
Xanthe and Jean in Western mode at WES Show
Tiffany in Wet Weather Gear!
Tarka and Family
Rannoch of Achnacarry
Fionnalaigh and Tinker of Achnacarry
Central Scotland Highland Pony Club ODE September 18th
Just a few photos and I have no idea who they are!
Tuesday 21st September 2004
Since last writing, Tim, Brenda,myself and Xanthe have been at a Western Show held at Devon
Leisure. There were 19 classes!! We were there for the 1st class which was showing in hand.Unlike showing in-hand Highland classes, the western class differs in that it is the exhibitor
that is being judged ..NOT.. the horse! The horse is just there as a prop!! In saying that, the horse must be groomed to perfection and wears a good in-hand halter WITHOUT a bit.It was interesting! I shall have to put in more practice!
To begin with the handler and the horse walks in a straight line up to and beyond the Judge
They both halt, then they have to back up to opposite the Judge. They then do a very smart turn towards the Judge, and trot up to him/her. When the Judge examines the horse, the handler has to make sure that they keep well out of the way so as the Judge sees the horse without the handler being in the way.My next class was the Walk, and Jog and Xanthe and I did that really rather well...or so we thought!
We were awarded a 6th Rosette and I must say we were very proud to go home with it!
Our next class was the Walk, Jog, Lope (Canter) and once again we did that well enough.
However, there were around 16 in that class so we didn't get a rosette.I did learn a lot.
I'm afraid we "chickened" out of the next class ....the Trail Class.. although on reflection
when I saw how the others faired, I think we could have given them a run for their money!This class consists of opening a gate from horseback then trotting over a few poles on the ground
then walking into a square and turning 360 degrees without touching a pole. Then the horse has to reverse between poles for a bit then walk over a wooden bridge. Xanthe can do most of these but we haven't yet cracked side-passing and that entails walking side ways over poles!!However we thoroughly enjoyed our day especially when we watched the Experts competing in the
reining classes.It is amazing who you meet at these events. When we went into the school at first...a gentleman
in a very large Stetson said "Hello Jean" and I did a double take and said "Do I know you?" !!!! It turned out to be Alec McKnight of Glencree Stud (he lives in Wigtownshire). Once he removed his stetson I recognised him instantly!!!On 16th September Tiffany, myself and my friend and her dog set off for Darlington.
We showed the following day and Tiffany was 3rd place. We seem to have 3rd "y" itis at the moment! Anyway, we had a great time...plenty of gin!! and good food!This Saturday we are once again off to Perth Canine Dog Show which is held in the
Mart at Perth. On Sunday, Tim and I, Xanthe and Rowan are off on a treasure hunt which is run by Central Scotland Highland Pony Club. It is to be ridden around Gartmorn Dam (Resevoir) and sounds like great fun.On Saturday 18th September, Tim and I managed to get up to the CSHPC ODE to be Jump Judges.
The Club were once again pretty lucky with the weather and although it threatened several
times the rain really didn't come to much at all.The only thing that held things up a bit was that the local sheep insisted on leaving their
field for the ODE field!! There were one or two enterprising competitors on horseback who managed to herd them back to their own field!Results are as follows:
DRESSAGE:1. Pat McDonald on Achtriochtan Corrin:2.Alice Page on Ruairdhmor of Dalbrack: 3.Jennifer McNaught on Ghillie of Netherbrae: 4. Marjorie Grant on Morvern of Turin Hill: 5. Clare Valentine on Aigas of Litigan:6. Ali Nisbet on Dunedin Victor: SHOW JUMPING: 1.Clare Valentine on Aigas:2. Ali on Victor:3.Emma Cuthbert on Rollo of Baldovie: 5:Alison Cowan on James of Drumlean:6. Fiona Patten on Rosan of Shielhill: X COUNTRY: 1. Alison Cowan on James of D: 2.Clare on Aigas:3.Alix Scott on Trowna Cultoon Moss: 4. Jennifer on Ghillie:5.Olivia Streathfiels-James on Corrie of Glendoll:6.Ali on Victor: OVERALL: 1. Clare on Aigas:2. Alison on James:3.Alix Scott on Moss:4.Jennifer on Ghillie: 5.Ali on Victor:6.Olivia on Corrie.It was a great day.
Yesterday we brought Tarka, Midge, Corrie and their foals home and I must say I was
plesently surprised at how quickly everyone loaded. It is so nice to have them back on the doorstep.The only other news I have is that we are having a visit from Wendy Rowe and Peter Knapp
from Booneville, north of San Francisco. Tim and I visited Peter and Wendy almost 4 years ago now when I retired from the Bank of Scotland and saw their stallion, Quartz of Croila. They have at last managed to organise a visit to Scotland.Apart from beginning rehearsals sometime for the local outdoor Nativity Play (our ponies always perform)
there. .......our next horsey showing events are the NPS Foal Show, The Winter Fair and Tayside Foal Show.Untill then.....
p.s Tim will be putting some photos of our ponies on the web.......hopefully!!!!Tuesday 7th September 2004
At Last!!! I have managed to pinch the computer from Tim!
Since I last wrote, Tim and I have been to two funerals.
The first was that of our very good friend, Bert Macrae. There was a large
attendance and afterwards friends and relations met up at the Lovet Hotel where we had a chance to offer our condolences to Suzanne, Bert's wife.I am so thankful I have some of the Orangefield ponies and of course, our Stallion,
Tarka, who is 8 years old.I shall miss Bert very much as he was always there to offer advice and have a friendly
arguement with!However we did agree on one thing.......Achnacarry ponies X Orangefield ponies are producing
good ponies!I know he was so proud of Tarka's son, Rannoch who was 1st at the Royal Highland Show
as a yearling and 3rd as a 2 year old in a 2/3 yr old class.Also 1st prize winner at the Breed Show this year.
He and Suzanne were also thrilled when Fhuaran of Orangefield was Champion at Doune and Dunblane
Show earlier this year and her foal, Fionnalaigh was Reserve Foal.We then learnt of the death of Mrs Mary Baird, the wife of the Late George Baird.
This came as a great shock to us and also her family as her illness was very short.I have very affectionate memories of both George and Mary Baird and really it is the
end of an era. Like Bert, Mary Baird knew all the ponies' pedigrees several generations back.Although my first Highland Pony was bought in 1964 from Mrs Margaret Barr from Drumloist
near Callander, my first Foundation mare was Ella of Whitefield bought from George Baird in 1977.That was the beginning of a great friendship with the Baird Family and it didn't matter when
I visited West Whitefield I was always welcomed and shown every pony, then it was time for a good cup of tea and delicious home baking from Mrs Baird.However I am sure that the legacy of West Whitefield ponies is in the capable hands of the "young"
Bairds.On Thursday 26th August we went off to Blair Atholl Show.
We took Mhairi and Tinker and although we thought they looked good, they weren't placed. Mhairi was 6th to begin with but another brood mare was brought up before her so we ended up 7th.The entries were very good and John Dyke's In-Hand Champion was Kate Lawson and
Willie Sinclair's home-bred yearling, Lochlands Silver Flute. This is a particularly nice filly and her win was well deserved. Our congratulations goes to her owners AND breeders.Reserve Champion was Fiona Laing's beautiful brood mare, Keila of Dunrui shown with
her colt foal by Moss-side Dorlach.Champion Working Hunter pony was Aigas of Litigan, a very versatile pony who does well in
the ridden classes as well as working as a RDA pony for his owners, Jennifer and Danvers Valentine.Reserve Champion was Glenbanchor Treshnish.
Ridden Champion was Moss-side Campsie Glen, owned by Ruth Darling.
Reserve Champion was Dunedin May Rose owned and bred by Anne Mitchell. Anne also bred the Novice Champion pony, Dunedin May Rose. Reserve was Ruairidh Mor of Dalbrack.Tim and I also went back up to Blair Atholl on the Saturday to watch the Cross- Country
and had a very enjoyable day, as did our three dogs, Hope, Breac and Tiffany!On Sunday 29th August we usually would have been going up to the Aberdeen Show run
by N.E.S.H P.E.C. the local club for Highland Ponies. However I was going to a Championship Dog Show at Ingliston in Edinburgh!As usual there were hundreds of dogs at the show and the Schnauzers had fairly good
entries. Tiffany was 3rd in her class. I was a little disappointed as we usually do better.Tiffany was a little bit unsettled---- she was bothered by all the dogs in the grooming area.
We also had had our ring halved so there wasn't the usual room, so that may have been a reason for her being unsettled. Still----that's showing!!On Saturday 4th September I was judging the In-Hand classes at Strathallan where the finals
of the Scottish Highland Pony Championships were being held. I had fairly good classes and my Champion was Trailtrow Taransay owned and bred by Gillian MCmurray. This lovely mare has qualified for the ridden championships to be held at Olympia in December.My Reserve Champion was Trowan Moulin, a 4 year old gelding owned and bred by Robert Davidson.
My Junior Champion was the 3 year old filly, Elisedene. This in another well put together filly
and she well deserved her Championship. My reserve was the yearling filly owned again by Robert Davidson. Her name is Trowan Madonna.Once again I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
Even Tim and the dogs had a good day. Breac, our 13 1/2 years old Jack Russell was 1st in the Veteran's class, and Hope our black Labrador was 3rd in the Dog with the Waggiest tail!We were very tired when we arrived home but as we had a local show the following day
I decided we had better show willing and shampoo a pony to go to the show!We brought Mhairi and Tinker out of the field and in around 3 hours we had two very clean
ponies. 1 mare and 1 foal.The following morning we set off for Dabbs Equestrian Centre which is only 10 minutes down the
road. There was a very good entry of ponies and 4 x brood mares and foals. We were 2nd with both Mhairi and her foal so we were very pleased.The judge was Bruce Haliburton and his Overall Champion was the 3 year old filly, Elisedene.
I was especially pleased as she was my Junior Champion the previous day. The Reserve Champion was the yeld mare, West Lodge Annie owned and bred by Robin and Karen Stewart.Once again we had a very enjoyable day. Ridden Champion was Trowan Cultoon Moss and Reserve was
James of Drumlean.That was our last summer show. Tiffany and I are, however, off to Darlington Championship
Dog Show on 17th September.....so wish us luck!In the next week or so we shall bring Tarka, his wives and sons back home so I am looking
forward to that. THEN we shall have our work cut out!!!The only only other exciting thing is that Xanthe and I are off to a Western Show
which is to be held at Devon Equestrian Centre near Fishcross....This could be fun!!Saturday 14th August 2004
This week has been a very trying yet good week but also a very sad week for us.
On Thursday, 12th August I had been invited to judge Grantown Show so, Tim and I set off
around 1.30pm on the Wednesday and had arranged to meet some friends for dinner and also stay overnight with one of them.Well.... the fun?!!! began at the round-a-bout at the top end of Perth .
On arriving at that round-a-bout we were informed by the police and council that the
A9 ( the main artery of Perth to Inverness road) was to be closed forewith-- due to an accident and also a land-slide. Of course we had had non-stop rain for several days and this was the main reason for the road being closed.We decided that the best way to get up North was to drive via Blairgowrie and then along a B road
to Pitlochry thus missing out the part of the A 9 that was closed. In theory this was a good idea--- the only thing was, a lot of people had the same idea and also the large lorries and cars etc. were directed off the A9 above Pitlochry and were re-directed along the road that we had decided to take!To cut a long story short, it took us 7 hours to drive to Aviemore a journey which
normally takes us around 2 hours!We had long decided not to go up to Inverness to our friends so Beth and Andy Wells
who live near Grantown-on-Spey put us up and a very enjoyable evening was had by all.The following morning dawned and the weather looked good and indeed it remained dry almost
the whole day and the sun came out in the afternoon.Unfortunately Grantown Show committee don't print the names of the ponies on their catalogue
so I only know that my Champion was a Yeld mare owned by Mandy Anderson and my reserve was a Brood Mare owned by Clare Molyneux.My Champion went to win overall between the Shetland and the Mountain & Moorland Pony and
was Reserve overall between the horses and ponies.Tim and I drove home via Braemar and Glenshee and this it only took 3 hours!!!
As I said previously, we arrived home to very sad news. Our good friend, Bert MacRae had
passed away on Wednesday evening. He was such a charactor and will be sadly missed by his wife, Suzanne and all his friends and relations.I shall miss him in lots of ways. He was always there to give some advice if required
about ponies, dogs and other animals and I was always getting a "lecture" about something!With him goes a wealth of knowledge and I can honestly say I shall miss his frequent phone calls
and I know the world will be a poorer place without Bert.Our sympathy goes to his wife, Suzanne.
For anyone who would like to go to Bert's funeral , it is to be held at Perth Crematorium
at 3.15pm on Wednesday 18th August.Today, we were at Kinross Show and the weather couldn't have been kinder.
Kate Dykes was our judge and the entries were pretty good.
We took Fhuaran and Fionnalaigh and Fhuaran was 3rd in her class and Fionnalaigh was 1st prize filly foal. We were very pleased with the foal, and it was just a pity that I couldn't have told Bert.Martin Taylor won the brood mare class with his mare, Marie Rose of Strathmore.
His colt foal won his class and won the coveted foal silver salver presented by Mrs Lorna Hepburn.The Yeld Mare class was won by WKA Allan's Maggie May of Millfield.The gelding class was won by Susan Fairfield
The three and two year class was won by Ronnie Alexander. The yearling class was won by Kate Lawson andWillie Sinclair.
The ridden class was won by Alison Nisbet with her big strong gelding Dunedin Victor. The reserve ridden
was Mrs A Cushnie with Appin of Litigan ridden by Louise.Afterwards there was the Dog Show so I entered Tiffany in the serious part and also Hope in the Waggiest tail!
There were loads of dogs in Tiffany's class and imagine my delight when she was 1st.
A friend's niece showed Hope and they were 2nd in the waggiest tail...so everyone was happy!
Tiffany nearly won Best in Show....she was just pipped at the post by a Bichon Frise.
The judge said she loved both dogs and it was a hard decision. We were very pleased.That is most of my news. We don't have many shows left, Blair Atholl and The Central Scotland
Highland Pony Show are the two left that we are going to.Until the next time.........
Time for an update.
Saturday 7th August 2004
Since the Breed Show , Tim and I have been very busy with every day life and also we had a very
enjoyable week down over the Border.I was asked a few months ago to judge the Highlands & Islands Show which was held in Norfolk.
Tim and I decided to kill a few birds with one stone! We did the show on the Sunday then
drove to Suffolk on the Monday to a very pretty seaside town called Southwold and stayed Bed & Breakfast there allowing us to visit some of Tim's childhood haunts nearby.The next day we drove to Essex where Tim's sister lives and stayed overnight with them , then
the following morning we caught the train into London where we stayed with my stepson, David, for the next few days.To go back to the show, both Tim and I were judging!!
I judged all the In-Hand Classes which included Eriskays, and also the Ridden Classes along with Fiona
Grant-Chivers.I had very strong in-hand classes and my Champion was Holmedown Fingal who was by Johnstonedene
and out of Fiona of Litigan.My Reserve Champion was Dellfarm Morag by Clandon Moriarti and out of Camelot Lady Shonaid.
My Ridden Champion was MacAllisterdene by Falcon Frost of Sauchrie and out of Blossom of Carmont
Whenever I saw him I knew he must be by either Falcon or Glenaylmer because he resembled our
Meg of Achnacarry so much. He was an outstanding winner although I was pleased to see my In-Hand Champion, Holmedown Fingal 3rd in the Intermediate Ridden Class.Tim had great fun judging the Progeny pairs classes (Shetlands and Highlands) and also the Driving Class.
We thoroughly enjoyed our dsy , and many thanks to all the Club members who looked after us so well.
The rest of the week passed very peacefully and we had very hot weather whilst in London which was
a fine excuse for some light refreshments!We returned home on Sunday 31st July to find all our animals very well looked after by our good friends
Brenda and Jimmy Reekie.On Tuesday 3rd August we set off to attend the 60th Wedding Anniversay of Bert and Suzanne Macrae.
When we arrived at Dunblane Hydro , we were informed along with the other guests that poor Bert
---- at the tender age of 89 years -- had fallen on the Sunday evening and broken his hip.What bad luck. Poor Bert. I'm sure everyone who knows him will join both Tim and myself in wishing
him a speedy recovery. Bert, of course bred our Stallion, Tarka of Orangefield and we also have three of his mares, Feolin of Orangefield, Fhuaran of Orangefield and Kirsty 11 of Orangefield.This week has been spent checking all the ponies and admiring our foals!! Also riding Rowan and Xanthe.
Yesterday I spent a few hours washing Fhuaran and also tidying her foal, Fionnalaigh.
We left for Perth Show early this morning and although we did not repeat our success at Doune
& Dunblane with Fhuaran, her foal was 2nd Prize foal---- so all was not lost.Champion Female and eventually Overall Champion was G M Baird's Whitefield Queen Henrietta by Emperor
of Whitefield and out of Willow of Whitefield.Reserve Champion Overall was Mr W D Simpson's 3 year old filly, Chapelhill Tess By Auchnahillin
Scarba and out of Chapelhill Maggie.Male Champion was Bruce Haliburton's Echo of Achnacarry by MacGregor of Achnacarry
and out of Corrie Bheag of Achnacarry. Needless to say, both Tim and I were extremely pleased with THAT result.Reserve Male Champion was the 2 year old gelding bred by Mr W D Simpson, Chapelhill Zak
who was by Chapelhill Spencer and out of Sanda of Corrow.Next week sees us away again. This time -- up North to Grantown to judge Highlands and Shetlands.
We are both looking forward to our visit and once again it gives me a chance to see some
different ponies.On our return it will be all systems go as it is Kinross Show next Saturday and as we missed it last
year both Tim and I are looking forward to showing there this year.Fingers crossed for us?!!!!
Well until the next time I shall sign off for now. Hopefully we will ride Xanthe and Rowan tomorrow
and if anyone out there is looking for a colt foal or a yearling colt we have some for sale.Tuesday 13th July 2004
Some pictures of Rannoch of Achnacarry at the HPS Breed Show where he was 1st 3 y.o. colt. We were delighted.
The overall in hand Champion at the Breed Show was Stewart Roberts Laurel of Langley with Reserve the Hendrie's Tower Fraoch.
The overall ridden Champion at the Breed Show was Anne Mitchell's Dunedin May Rose with Reserve Lindsay MacDonald's Dunedin Fair Isle (I think!).
I know I still have photos of the Highland and the display Highland Ponies through the ages to put on the site. Be patient it is a question of time!Friday 9th July 2004
Just to say our Sales page has been updated at last!Sunday 4th July 2004
Another quick update. First of all I apologise for the lay-out of the text. I know it is not easy to read and we hope to fix it soon once we get time to do it!! We did have a go in the middle of the week and therefore the reason why the text is all spread out again but as I say hopefully we will sort it out ......but!....not just yet!
Anyway reason for this update is to give a report on Doune & Dunblane Show which was held yesterday, 3rd July. Tim, Brenda and I set off in the morning with Fhuaran and her foal, Fionnalaigh and the dogs,....of course!
The entries were good.....about 36 approx. ponies there in-hand and 11 ponies in the ridden classes.
We had a great day. Fhuaran was 1st in her class and Fionnalaigh was 2nd prize foal. She only blotted her copy book once when she got rather excited and got away from Tim, managing to kick him in the process! However I managed to catch her when she stopped beside Fhuaran.
After all the judging was finished it was time for the Championship and imagine our delight when Fhuaran was pulled out along with Josethdene and Scott's filly foal,out of Jennydene and by Fyfedene. We were even more pleased when Fhuaran won the Championship with Josethdene Reserve.
Great celebrations in the Connell household that evening!
The other results were, Yeld Mare ..1st. Alison McLeod (Blackburn) Glenedin Beth
Gelding...1st..Alison again with Howard of Forglen
Filly 3yrs old..Scott McGregor with Hazeldene
Filly/Gelding..2 yrs old..R&J Alexander with Fourmerk Heather Honey
Yearling...Scott McGregor with Alonadene.
The small ridden class was won by Alison (again!) with Glenedin Beth
The large ridden class was won by Scott McGregor with Steffiedene who was the overall Champion.
Hopefully Tim will add some photographs of our day. Herewith.
DOUNE & DUNBLANE SHOW 3 JULY 2004
We have a busy week ahead...tomorrow I am taking Rowan back to Kat who will be riding her at the Breed Show, then tomorrow evening we have Tim's cousins arriving for two nights. I am helping on Thursday with setting up the rings etc. for the Breed Show on Sunday, then on Saturday we have some friends arriving with a pony which is being shown at the Breed Show as well as my small cousin twice removed, who is also staying for a week.
At least I will have lots of help on Saturday to wash a pony or two !!!
Wednesday 30th June 2004
Time for some more photos. I have been meaning to do these for ages and have failed. The result is they are a little dated! They were all atken at the end of May.
TARKA,CORRIE & EWAN 24 MAY 2004
MIDGE & RUADH FIFE SHOW
On 30 May Julia and Rod Ferguson from Australia on their honeymoon came to visit us. Here are some photos
Tuesday 29th June 2004
Time for an update.
Our next show after Fife Show was the NPS at Strathallan Castle. Although there were lots of ponies there, the In Hand Section of the Highland Ponies wasn't well supported.
We took Mhairi and Tinker who is her very first foal and therefore rather petite at the moment!
He looks like butter wouldn't melt in his mouth BUT he managed to kick Tim at least six times and very painful it was too!
Both Tinker and Mhairi were second prize winners.
The Championship went to the Ralston's black stallion, Moss-side Iain Mor (by Ruaridh of Mendick and out of Moss-side Breagh).
Reserve went to Gillian McMurray's Trailtrow Taransay (by Rummlegaire of Trailtrow and out of Texa of Carrick)
Congratulations to both.
Next show for us was Alyth on the 19th June.
Friday turned out to be a really wet day and more than once I phoned Tim at work to say I had changed my mind and wasn't going! However there were a few glints of sunshine so I decided not to be such a "wimp" and go and wash Fhuaran.
The following day dawned and it actually was dry so off we went with mare and foal, Brenda and the dogs.
Unlike the NPS and other shows there were lots of entries and most Exhibitors were there. Whether it was because it was so close to the Royal Highland Show and people wanted to get their ponies out, I am not sure.
In the mare and foal class there were seven entered and Fhuaran's filly foal , Fionnalaigh was 2nd so we were well pleased with that. Unlike Tinker she was very well behaved giving Tim no kicks at all!!
Guess which foal will be going to most of the shows from now on.!!!!!
In between times I took Rowan, our little Glen Aigas mare who is only 5 years old, up to Kat Moir for some more schooling as we want to take her to a few Novice classes. Next year we will then be able to enter her into both Novice and Open. That's the plan anyway!
This was a funny old year for us as far as The Royal Highland Show was concerned as I was to be Umpire for the Highland Ponies and therefore couldn't take any ponies.
This is the first time since 1978 that I have not shown a pony at the Highland.
We had booked in our Caravan because we still wanted to enjoy the show and also Brenda, our good friend wanted to go too. Tim and I took the caravan through to Edinburgh on Tuesday and then on Wednesday we set off again this time to a Hotel in Edinburgh.
It had rained non stop all Wednesday and us along with countless others had hoped and prayed that Thursday would be dry! However when Thursday dawned, it was worse than ever.
Tim and I were treated to coffee and biscuits in Ingliston House and together with the rest of the Judges I was briefed for the day. Then off we went. We found a nice seat right up at the back of the Grand-Stand and made ourselves comfortable. I must say I thoroughly enjoyed watching all the judging from beginning to end. If ever there was a year to miss out on the showing of our ponies we were very pleased to miss this year!
The rain never halted all day and I must say I take my hat off to all the Exhibitors, Judges and stewards who were out that day!
The Male Champion was Moss-side Iain Mor , Junior Stallion was Magnus of Millfield (Eros of Achnacarry and Mandy of Millfield). Best Gelding was Macallum of Millfield. (Brig O'Doon of Whitefield x Melody of Millfield).
1st in the Colt or Gelding class born in 2003 was Ardnagaisk Piper (Strathmore Concorde x Briar Rose of Shian Bank.
1st in the Gelding born in 2001 or 2002 was Jaimy of Ednam House (Rummelgaire of Trailtrow x Jaune of Ednam House)
Congratulations goes to everyone.
Female Champion was Trailtrow Rhuann (Dunedin Vatersay x Rowena of Campsie). She is owned by Mr and Mrs C.S.Forrest from Westhoughton.
Reserve Female was Eilish of Strathmore, a prolific winner in hand. Best Highland Pony Mare with foal at foot was K.M.& W.J. Taylor's Marie-Rose of Strathmore (Achtriochtan Dougal x Rosebud of Strathmore), the foal was by Concorde of Whitefield.
Best 3 year old filly was Grace of Carlung (Brisbane Glen of Carlung x Columbine of Whitefield),
Best 2 year old filly was ,Lochlands Magic Flute (Highfield Glen Affric x Flute of Whitefield),
Best 1 year old filly was , Islay of Carlung (Carlung Ebony x Carragh of Carlung)
1st in the Mare and Foal Class was Tower Lucky Charm ( Ben Macdhui of Gorstan x Tower Lucky Lady)
1st in the other Yeld mare class was Cranachan (breeding unknown)... an Appendix mare but very traditional.
Congratulations again to all.
Finally it was my turn!! I had hoped the two Judges would have made up their minds which pony to put up for Overall Champion. However they couldn't come to a decision so it was left to me.
I put up the Yeld Mare, Trailtrow Rhuann. She was a lovely representative of the breed,very feminine, very active with good straight action, very traditional and looked like a Highland Pony. (In my opinion).
I don't think her owner stopped smiling all the time he was at the show. Probably still hasn't stopped!!!
The following day (Friday) was beautiful......dry and sunny.
We all got up bright and breezy (??????!!!!!) and went to watch the Ridden Classes.
Both were very large classes filled with lots of hopeful owners and their ponies.
The Judge, Erik Mackenzie, rode every one and made a splendid job of doing so.
His winner in the small class was Trailtrow Taransay, Gillian's McMurray's other lovely mare, and in the Large class the winner was Ray Bingham's gelding, Millgrove Tayberry, a very attractive yellow dun by Carrick Raasay and out of Tanera of Carrick.
Overall Champion was Trailtrow Taransay , again a very pretty, traditional mare who moves well.
Our Congratulations to Trailtrow Stud.
I can hear Tim coming in from work so I shall sign off for now and go and do some chores!
Kat Moir who schools Rowan is away on holiday to Grand Canaria , so Rowan is back home and I have strict instructions to exercise her each day and canter as much as I can!! So, I will be busy for the rest of the week with that and walking and clipping dogs.
We are off to Doune and Dunblane Show this coming Saturday.....all going well.
Until the next time..............
Still Tuesday 29th June. I suddenly remembered that I had forgotten to say that Ericht,
our 2 year old gelding whom we sold to a very nice family near Manchester has been doing very well for them. He has been out to only a few select shows and has had 2 x Firsts and 1 x Second Prize. I know he has qualified for Youngstock...Home Produced at Peterborough and is being shown there. I am so pleased he is doing well for them and if anyone out there is looking for a yearling, we have his full brother, Ember who is turning into a very nice pony. He is still entire but will be gelded towards the back of the year if no-one wants him as a Stallion. Hopefully there will be some up to date photographs of him as soon as Tim can get them on the Web.I am once again signing off......until the next time.
Sunday 23rd May 2004
I thought it was time for me to add my usual news.
Tim has been very busy lately updating the site with all the photographs of our latest additions.
I had a look at the calendar and I don't think I have written anything since 4th April!!
What have I/we done since then? ...Well I was very busy trimming lots of dogs as well as walking up and down
the fields checking the mares to see when they were going to foalWe also had our ride which Tim mentioned and put in several photographs of ponies and riders.
Tiffany and I have been to two dog shows. One was held at Devon Leisure Equestrian Centre where she won her class
and got Best of Breed....She also was 3rd in a Stakes Class (a mixed class where you can win some cash!!!)The next show was the Championship show held at Ingliston.....Again she won her class
but the C.C. (Challenge Certificate) still eludes us.The other events which have taken up some of my time is having some visiting mares in to Rannoch,
handling (or trying to!) the new foals and also handling Ember (last year's foal).Rowan and Xanthe need to be ridden also so life is never boring around here!!
Poor Ellie had her troubles too when Rowena (my favourite mare) had a strong colt foal just over a week ago who refused
to suck from his mother. ... Ellie and her vet spent long hours trying to persuade the wee fellow to suck and eventually he sucked from a lamb's bottle....It took 3 x days for him to attempt to suck from his mother's teats.I helped Ellie out taking a turn to milk Rowena and feed the foal from the bottle.
I must say we were all relieved when he at last decided to drink from mum's teats!!
On Saturday past we took Midge and Ruadh to Fife Show which was in a new field much nearer to home and I must say
we approved........Mind you the weather may have had something to do with it as it was a very warm dayWe were very pleased with Ruadh when he was given 1st Prize. Midge was 3rd.......Congratulations goes to the Allan
family who won the Championship with Myra of Millfield and also to the Bairds who were Reserve Champion with their 2 year old filly, who was out of Yvette (I think) by Endrig Ronaldo. I think she is Kate of Whitefield.The Allan family went on to win the Mountain and Moorland Championship then won the Champion of Champions.
That is me up to date I think.......Today we moved Tarka and his "girls" to pastures new about 10 mins away
to enable us to spray, fertilize and rest our field. They have loads of grass which they are sharing with a Highland cow and bull!........Rowan goes away to school again with Kat Moir in 2 weeks time so I had better get riding!!!Until the next time.....
Wednesday 12 May 2004
Foal number 4 of 2004 arrived at approximately midnight Tuesday 11 May. Yes Corrie has produced a very nice strong Yellow Dun colt he seems to be big, all legs! This is supposed to be the 4th and last foal due but everyone who sees Kirsty II of Orangefield thinks she too is in foal! We do too, she is supposed to be but has conned us before! We will have to wait and see.
The latest foal is almost a splitting image of Midge's foal! They are half brothers. Another driving pair perhaps? Anyway some photos of him are shown below also the brothers looking as if Corrie has twins! There are also photos of Ruadh and Rannoch.
Sunday 2 May 2004
It has been all go since we last updated this diary and please note it is I not Jean! This is going to be confusing as there are various happenings on various dates under one date heading. However most of this update will be photos
Our latest foal arrived just before midnight on 28 April. He is a grey colt out of Mhairi by Rannoch. He is tiny being a first foal but is very sweet and proper. He is to be called Tinker. The other foals are to be called Fionnalaigh (Fiona in English) Fhuaran's filly, Midge's colt Ruadh pronounced Ruach (confusing) meaning reddish brown.
Tuesday 27 April saw Ericht leave us to join his new family in Cheshire, near Sale. He travelled brilliantly and immediately made himself at home on arrival.
On Saturday 24 April we had our annual CSHPC/HPEC ride in Pitmedden Forest in aid of Equine Grass Sickness. We raised £110. Some photos are shown below.
Thursday 22 April 2004
It is I again! Jean is somewhat preoccupied with the new arrivals and it is our CSHPC ride on Saturday. I shall not be riding again this year, however I did ride Xanthe for over an hour last Sunday. Not nearly as uncomfortable as it has been for a year. Maybe because Xanthe is now very slimline and I was using Clover's saddle which is quite narrow. Maybe I need a part bred or something narrow. Anyway why I am writing is we have our second new arrival. A grey filly (a filly at last after 5 years of colts!) by Echo of Achnacarry out of Fhuaran of Orangefield. She arrived at precisely 0815hrs on 22 April. Jean had said that Fhuaran would foal on night 22/23 April but nothing in the morning. However at about 0745hrs I saw from the front window Fhuaran go down and it was obvious she was in labour. The filly, unnamed yet, was born at 0815hrs. Amazing. Some photos are shown below. The first 6 were taken within an hour of her birth and the ones of two ponies with her are her Mum and Grand Mum!
Monday 19 April 2004
For once I have beaten Jean to it! Updating news with some new photos as well. I am sure Jean will have more to say.
Our first foal of the season arrived early Saturday morning out of Midge, a very nice Yellow Dun colt. He took us by surprise! Jean said on Friday evening there is no chance of Midge foaling tonight. When I went into the barn on Saturday morning lo and behold to my astonishment there was Midge with a foal!
Some pictures are below
Just to prove Spring is here at last here are a few pictures of the garden. Although the wet and wind over the weekend and the bitter wind this evening would be doing their best to disprove it.
Tuesday 13 April 2004
I have been bullied for ages to get some more pictures onto these pages at the relevant places. I have at last achieved it! If you go back through this diary to mid February you will find some new photos so have a look. I hope it has worked! Tim
Sunday 4th April 2004
Time for another update.
Life seems to be very hectic at Pitmenzie. Don't ask us what we do but both Tim and I seem to be always on the go! Tim is very busy now with his gardens pruning and digging and soon to be cutting grass. Yes----it IS growing! Soon be time for electric fences to keep these Highland Ponies from becoming too fat!
Talking of ponies Midge has begun to bag up. She is due to foal around 14th April if not before. So that is exciting.
We are beginning to wonder whether Kirsty 11 is in foal to Rannoch as she seems to be very fat around the tummy area but very little fat elsewhere! Time will tell. She was covered by Rannoch but I thought I saw her in season afterwards. We'll wait and see. The other three, Mhairi, Fhuaran and Corrie are nice and plump and are due in May.
Today (4th April) Tim, Ellie,Xanthe, myself and the dogs were across at Haddington again doing some more Western Riding. This time we were practising opening and closing gates, walking across a bridge (a large board), trotting (jogging) over poles, backing through cones and turning round 360 degrees in a square box! It was actually great fun and considering it was Xanthe's first shot at it all we thought she performed really well. There were 7 of us all together, 2 Highland Ponies, 1 Icelandic, 1 Quarter Horse and 3 other horses.
In the morning we were allowed to practise then we had lunch then it was like a mini Western Show in the afternoon. Tim and Ellie were also kept busy -----holding ponies for people, taking photographs and sorting poles which had been kicked out of the way. Roll on the next session. Not only do they have these clinics the club also has beach rides and other trail rides. It is quite nice to do something else with your Highland other than shows or hacking around your own country-side.
Jean and Xanthe and Kayreen and Bracken
Other than that I have ridden both Rowan and Xanthe, wormed everyone this week and apart from grooming the ponies to get some of their winter hair out I am just looking forward to the arrival of our foals.
There is (of course) a Dog Show this coming Saturday -- The Scottish Utility Breeds Show which I have managed to get myself onto its committee!!!
That's about it for the moment. Tim HAS promised me that he will insert some photographs so------- here's hoping!!
Until the next time.....
Tuesday 16th March 2004
Just a short update. On Saturday we set off with Xanthe for Score Hill near Haddington where we were attending a clinic run by The Western Equestrian Society and which was held at Trisha Wren's yard. When we arrived Trisha was teaching Natural Horsemanship to a member who had a Highland Pony! It was very interesting to watch and eventually the pony was following it's rider around the round pen and stopping in front of her when she stopped. Later on we watched another member riding his horse in Western Tack ...... jogging and "loping" round the arena.
Soon it was our turn and in we went to the arena. Trisha asked me what I wanted to do. First of all I asked her to check my saddle and advise me on my bridle and bit. After showing everyone how to fit a western saddle Trisha said I could ride Xanthe around the arena or do anything else I fancied! I suggested that we could perhaps try some backward movements and a turn on the haunches as these are required for shows IF we ever get that far!!
To begin with Xanthe would only back up one step or two at the most. However after some practise we had her backing between two poles ---- at least 6 or 7 steps!! We then practised turning on the haunches. This is achieved by picking up the reins as if to back the horse but just as the horse gathers itself up the rider takes his/her hands over to the left for instance (in a straight line) and "hopefully" the horse will cross over its front legs and turn to the left pirouetting on it's hind legs.
I think that's the general gist of things!! Anyway we enjoyed ourselves.
Jean and Xanthe
After our turn we were entertained by another rider on a very bouncy horse giving examples of turning on the haunches and cantering in one direction then changing direction. She also showed us halts from a canter. Some of us do that already but not really meaning to do so!!!!
All too soon it was time to go but hopefully I'll be reporting of my activities there again.
On Sunday we were off again this time with Tiffany! It's time she had her own page!!
This time it was to go to the Top Dog Competition which was to be held in Lochgelly Town Hall. There were about 30 odd dogs there all of which had qualified at shows during the year and had won Best of Breed The Show Organisers work it as a Knockout Competition and draw the Dog's names out of a hat. For instance a Dalmation could be paired with a Tibetian Terrier and it was just Tiffany's luck to be paired up with a Miniature Schnauzer!
We won our first heat but were beaten in the next one! Still---all good fun AND we had a good lunch too! Even Tim enjoyed himself! That's not bad......two Dog Shows almost in a row!! We came home with a very nice Rosette for qualifying.
That's most of my news except Rowan and and I had a good ride yesterday although we got thoroughly soaked at one point!
Spring is definitley here as all the ponies are beginning to shed their winter coats.
I was asked to put these photos in somewhere, so here they are
Until the next time.......
Thursday 11th March 2004
Well here we are ........time for an update and to report on our journey to Crufts.
We left around 8.30am on Wednesday 3rd March and eventually arrived at our Travelodge at Alcester around 4.30pm having stopped a few times to rest ourselves and Tiffany. All the way down we kept seeing very superior travel-homes sometimes with the family car hooked on at the back! I saw at least two with the Number Plate DOG!! It seems everyone was going to Birmingham.
After giving Tiffany a long walk along a dis-used railwayline we fed her then Tim and I wandered off to find some food for ourselves! Next on the Agenda for Tiffany was yet....another bath......not all over ....just her feathers, beard and tail area.
Next morning we were up early had a quick walk (somewhere clean) had breakfast then set off for the NEC (National Exhibition Centre) in Birmingham. The journey should have taken us three quarters of an hour but instead it took us two hours to reach our destination! However we had lots of time and after a short search we found our "bench" and soon relaxed (after a fashion!!)
At any Championship Dog Show one has to find their Bench which is a small compartment where your dog can de tethered to or where their cage can go ...if you have a cage. It is also important to locate your Bench because that is where you find your number! Most people have their seats/picnic and grooming table set up around their Bench.
What struck Tim and I at first was the size of the place! We were in Hall 1 which had 8 rings altogether and on top of that every available space was filled with every kind of stand imaginable to do with dogs! There were 5 other halls just like ours ...some with more rings. Hall 5 had the large main ring where Best in Show was judged.
Tiffany's class had 12 entries and there were 10 dogs forward. I must say I was pretty keyed up and gave Tim a hard time for a bit until I got into the ring! Once we were in the ring I was fine and Tiffany showed herself off well. After initially standing the dogs up for the Judge to cast her eyes over them we all "trotted" round the ring then waited to be looked at individually. When I stood Tiffany up for the Judge she looked at her teeth and felt the width of her head etc. and said she was nice, then after feeling her coat she commented on the courseness of it and I knew then that we were in with a shout!
This particular Judge made us go up and down in front of her first then she sent us right round the ring and I knew that we ran out well so I was very pleased. Eventually after she had looked at the rest of the dogs she asked us all to run round the ring TWICE!!
She pulled the first two bitches out then came over to us and asked us to stand in 3rd place! We then received our 3rd Prize Rosette and card. Tim and I were over the moon and thrilled to bits!!
The tickets were 1st, 2nd 3rd, Reserve and Very Highly Commended and later on I discovered that 1st, 2nd and 3rd dogs immediately qualify for Crufts 2005! To qualify for Crufts this year, Tiffany had to get a 1st, 2nd or 3rd at a Championship Show. She got 4 x 1st's altogether at The Scottish Kennel Club Shows in May and August at Ingliston as well as a 2nd and also a 1st at Darlington so we were well qualified.
After the Judge hands you your Rosette and Card the first three dogs have to remain in the ring to enable the Judge to write her Critique.......Perhaps it's only a matter of time before Horse and Pony Judges will be asked to do the same thing!! Well.....that was our visit to Crufts!
Jean and Tiffany at Crufts March 2004
The only other thing that happened was.........after a very successful spending spree (Ha!Ha!) Tim, Tiffany and I and all our kit left the NEC only to be met with cars and vans all queued up waiting to get out of the car parks.!!!!!!! Apparentely they had been in a queue since 4.00pm and as it was now 6.00pm Tim and I had no idea we would still be there at 8.45pm!!! ....because that was when we eventually left the NEC!! We did hear that there had been an accident and the traffic had snarled up near the round-a-bout which was our only way out!
There was nothing we could do except phone everyone to tell them how Tiffany had got on. Luckily we had a flask of coffee with us and some sweeties! We eventually arrived home at our Travelodge at 9.40pm having stopped at a Chinese Carry Out for our supper!
We had a great time and it looks as if we will be back again next year......God willing.
My next ambition is to win some Challenge Certificates (C's C's). You require three to make your dog up to a Champion.
Some of you may be wondering if I might give up my showing of the ponies?.......No chance!....Actually it is amazing how many people show both dogs and horses/ponies.
Speaking of ponies Tim, Xanthe and I are off to a training day this Saturday hosted by The Western Equestrian Society where Trisha Wren is giving one to one tuition
On Sunday just for a change Tiffany, Tim and I are off to The Utility Top Dog Competition which is run for dogs which have won Best of Breed or Best Opposite Sex at The Scottish Utility Dog Shows which are held in Bo'Ness. It is by Invitation only. (I'm boasting now!)
Keep looking for the next instalment!! ...Hopefully there WILL be photos soon. I shall have to twist Tim's arm!!
Sunday 29th February 2004
Just a short report. Today we attended the Scottish Branch of the National Pony Society Annual Lunch and AGM which was held at the Huntingtower Hotel The event was very well attended and after a very good lunch the Performance Awards were handed out. The top award went to Marjorie Grant with Morvern of Turin Hill. Kirsten McMurray won the Part Bred award.
Once again, Tim will add some photographs once he finds time! (I really MUST learn this bit!!)
I have managed to get out riding on Rowan and Xanthe a few times in between the frost and snow and must also start to handle the yougstock a bit more.
However this week we are off down to Birmingham to the NEC to participate in Crufts Dog Show with our Schnauzer, Tiffany (Odivane Sultry Sally). Great excitement and no doubt the nerves will soon begin also!! Tonight I washed her feathers and beard --- much to her disgust and tomorrow I shall practise our running in a triangle in front of an imaginary Judge!!!
We leave early on Wednesday morning and our class will be judged on Thursday morning or early afternoon. Wish us luck! We are going to enjoy ourselves and anything else will be a bonus.
Until the next time.........
Friday 20th February 2004
Just a little more to report
On Saturday 14th February, Brenda and myself set off with Xanthe and Rowan to Longriggs Farm the home of the Maddox family where The Highland Pony Society Performance Awards were being presented. We weren't due to receive any awards but had been invited to join in an organised ride that they were having.
When we arrived the others were already mounted but with the help of Sally Leslie-Melville and Bee Munro Xanthe and Rowan were soon tacked up and ready to go. I had decided to ride Xanthe in her Western tack and this created quite a lot of interest.
We set off from the farm along with six others and rode down towards Gartmorn Resevoir or The Dam as it is known as locally. We rode along some very nice farm tracks and paths and literally round in a huge circle. We had a chance to have a good canter in a stubble field kindly arranged by Jane Coull who lives in the area. After that we rode through part of Jane's land which she and her husband had purchased to save it from being bought up by a local farmer for his cattle! This piece of land is now a Community Woodland but with an Equestrian flavour which is very generous of the Coulls. In fact I take my hat off to Jane because due to her persuasion the local council has listened to her and agreed to re-open closed parts of land and made it available to horse-riders. It was a fantastic day with the sun shining and from Jane's Woodland we could see away to the east towards Fife and also to the West to Stirling and Wallace's Monuement was clearly visible with the mountains of Callender in the background.
On our return we dried off the ponies, gave them some hay and went into Barbara Maddox's house for lunch.There were lots of people inside who hadn't managed to go on the ride for various reasons but who had participated in the H.P.S. Performance and were there to receive their prizes.After some very good food the awards were presented, the main ones going to Kirsten McMurray and Marjorie Grant and various others.
I must say it was a very enjoyable day and our thanks must go to Barbara Maddox for allowing us to park our trailers at her farm and for acting as hostess.
p> 
K McArdle with Kirsten McMurray and Sally Leslie Melville
On Saturday 21st February Tim and I went to the Central Scotland Highland Pony Club dance which was held in the Station Hotel this year. This proved to be a very good evening although not too well attended, the company was good ,food excellent and the Band soon had us all up and dancing.
The In-Hand Trophy was won by The Cessford Family with Glenbruar June. The Ridden Trophy was won by Alix Scott with Trowan Cultoon Moss, and the Youngstock Trophy was won by Kate Lawson and Willie Sinclair and Lochlands Magic Flute.
Our congratulations to all the winners
Friday 6th February 2004
Time for an update......not that there is much to report!!
Since my last update we have had a taste of winter in these parts! On a couple of occasions we had about 4" of snow NOT that that was much compared with the North of Scotland which had at least a FOOT of snow!!
On these days I actually managed to do jobs which were only for snowy days such as putting all our hundreds of photographs in albums! Apart from that it took longer than usual to trudge through the snow to feed the ponies NOT that they were unhappy.Highland Ponies always look well in snow ----especially when there is blue sky!
Hopefully, when he has time Tim will put some photographs of Ericht and Ember in the snow on the web site. There are one or two good ones of them. One of these days I will learn how to do it for myself!!
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Brenda and I managed to go out yesterday for a very nice ride on Xanthe and Rowan, Xanthe was in her western tack and Rowan was just her usual self.....becoming more confident and always forward going! She reminds me of a smaller version of Clover who we all still miss terribly. Unfortunately when we returned from the ride Xanthe was lame on one of her hind legs. Hopefully this is only temperary as Brenda and I hope to go on an organised ride next Saturday near Coalsnaughton. I especially want to go because it will be near where I used to live as a teenager and I am looking forward to riding round Gartmorn Reservoir. I used to ride there in the 60's!! Also walk our dog (at that time) Schona a Boxer.
What else? Tiffany and I were at the Caledonian Dog Show last Saturday where she won 3rd prize. Unfortunately there were lots of noises made by (I think) heaters and she was very unsettled ----hence her placing. Her coat was also needing a little attention so that may have been another reason. Different from showing ponies I can assure you! That is our last show until our debute at Crufts. However we shall be atending Ring Craft Classes until then to give us practise in showing etc.
After Crufts we shall be looking forward to our foals arriving, Midge's being the first around the middle of April.
The only other new thing I shall be participating in will be Western Riding Clinics with Xanthe ----- that is once she is sound again! There is a Clinic held in March and run by Western Equestrian Society and they have arranged for Trisha Wren to come and school us........so watch this space!! I shall report once we have been.
I think that is all our news........not much. We have put both Ericht and Ember on the HPS and Linda Impey's sales List. We have had several enquiries about them especially Ericht so.....you never know. They both have the Orangefield bloodlines which are quite unique but whether anyone out there wants colts for breeding purposes who knows? If we owned plenty ground I would probably keep them entire for longer but quite honestly they complicate matters and life is much easier with only one stallion about the place. At the moment we have three entires and one yearling colt.......that is 4 "boys" too many!!!!
Until the next time............
Sunday 11th January 2004
I have filled in a few gaps below and this is a short update for 2004. We have had a quiet start to the New Year.
Tim and I traced clipped (after a fashion!) both Xanthe and Rowan to stop them from sweating up so much during a ride. Considering neither had been clipped before they behaved very well.....Xanthe didn't turn a hair and although Rowan objected to begin with she allowed herself to be done .....eventually!!
Xanthe and I were out riding western last Monday and she was full of the joys even to the length of trying to buck me off!!!
Most of our time is spent feeding ponies and either wading through mud or slipping on ice or tramping on snow!! Still.... the evenings are drawing out slightly and we do have 4 foals to look forward to!
My friend, Susanne Bennien from Germany has been keeping in touch and we hope to export Rannoch over there in the summer. I will be sorry to let him go but at the same time it will be good to have an Achnacarry Stallion in Germany.
Of course my other news is that I am to be the Umpire for the Highland Ponies at the Royal Highland Show this year so that is something to look forward to although both Tim and I will miss showing there. At least we can relax and actually see every class being judged. No ponies to be exercised, mucked out, groomed etc. etc. Oh! I could get used to that!!
Well I think that is all my news. Of course we have Crufts to look forward to. Tiffany will keep me busy with grooming and trimming her coat in readiness for the big day. Now that IS something that will keep me going! Even Tim is going to THAT Dog Show !!
Until the next time......
Saturday 3rd January 2004
At last I have managed to update our FOR SALE page - Have a look!
Thursday 1st January 2004
Happy New Year to all our readers and friends
We started 2003 with a heap of photographs which I finally managed to sort out and we will end the year in the same way as I have finally got a heap more photographs sorted. I shall put them in here in the same order as the subjects have been entered in the text below.
Firstly the late
Teenie 1989 "As she liked to be seen!" and Teenie Fife Show 1989
I first heard of Teenie's existence a week or so before the Dispersal Sales of the Campsie Highland Pony Stud and the Lundie Highland Pony Stud which was to be held on Wednesday 19th March, 1980 at MacDonald, Fraser & Co. Ltd Auctioneers, Mart , Perth. I sent away for the Catalogue and studied it thoroughly and decided that I wanted to bid for Lot 17 which was Julie of Lundie, Dark Roan,Eel Stripe,Foaled 1979.
Sire: Kestrel of Whitefield Dam: Fiona of Lundie Paternal Grandsire: Crusader of Whitefield. Paternal Grand-dam: Misty of Meggernie Maternal Grandsire: Cameron Maternal Grand-dam Fiona IV of Rosehaugh.
She had never been shown as she was foaled only four weeks after her dam won the Royal Highland Show Championship in 1979.
I'll never forget that day when I bid for her. It was my first and last time that I have ever bid for a pony. It WAS an experience and one which I have never regretted.
Unknown to me at that time Gillian McMurray who was then Gillian Patterson was also at the Dispersal Sale also wanting to buy a young pony. We have often said to each other since, "Wasn't it lucky that we both bid for different foals or we may have been bidding against each other!!
Anyway after quite a lot of bids I bought Julie of Lundie for 550 guineas. For those of you who are too young to understand Guineas that amounted to £576. which was quite a lot of money for an 8 month old foal. Julie's dam Fiona of Lundie was sold for 800 Guineas £840 to Mrs Serral. Meggernie Estate. Glenlyon, Aberfeldy but unfortunately died of Grass Sickness about three weeks later. A great tragedy.
Gillian bought Rowena of Campsie who was 11 months old and had been Foal Champion at Stirling Foal Show. She made 600 Guineas £630.
At the same Dispersal Sale, Kyle of Gowrie by Kestrel of Whitefield out of Katrina of Lundie was sold and unknown to myself, Gillian and Bruce Haliburton these three ponies were to play a great part in our lives.
All three ponies went on to be great Champions in their time.
Teenie (Julie) was a character! She soon learnt how to get the better of us and knew where "Polo's" lived-----ie: in one's jacket pocket!!! All my jacket pockets were ripped apart .... curtesy of Teenie!!
When her first foal was born (Meg of Achnacarry) no-one was allowed to go near her or her foal for at least a week. She could pull lots of horrible faces......curling up her nostrils and laying her ears flat back making her look as if she didn't possess any ears at all!! However after the first week she allowed visitors and was really very friendly towards them.
Since she was a very late foal (foaled 31/7/79) she only began to make her mark when she reached 3 years of age. That was a very good year for myself and her. She won the Championship at Fife Show, also at Audrey Barron's show held at Kincardine Castle, Auchterarder, and others cumulating with the Royal Highland Show where she won Reserve Female Champion. I was very proud of her.
Throughout the years she won Championships and Reserve Championships In Hand and also under saddle.
In 1988 Julie and Kyle of Gowrie won the St John's Wells Trophy at the Royal Highland Show.
I had great fun with her, breeding Meg, MacGregor, Mhairi, Midge and Mischief from her as well as riding her at shows and at home. She taught lots of children to ride and was "nanny" to foals as well as to "Stookie" our pet sheep, owned by our neighbours, but who lives with the ponies!
This year we are expecting a foal from Mhairi who resembles Teenie but has a softer nature, and also from Midge who resembles her grandmother, Fiona of Lundie so the lines will continue through them. Rowan, her grand-daughter reminds me very much of her temperament and nature and if I have as much fun with her as I have had with Teenie I will enjoy the future years very much.
Teenie goes to join Mollaig of Achnacarry who was her life-long companion.
Teenie and Midge 1993 and Teenie and Midge RHS 1993
Teenie and Midge RHS 1993
The St John's Wells Trophy won by Teenie with Kyle of Gowrie
Now just two photographs of the HPS Dinner Dance
The Mason and Connell Party and Much Later in the Evening
On November 15th Tim and I set off for the Seamill Hydro where the Highland Pony Society Annual Dance was to be held. We were joined by our friends, Eric and Sheila Renton, Carol and Colin Mason, Gordon and Janet Smith and Dougie and Annie Purdie. I must say we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The food was excellent, the company great fun and all too soon it was time for the last dance. We retired to the bar for a while before bed.
The following morning most of the guests walked the length of the beach either before breakfast or in our case, after! I think everyone agreed it was a very good venue and look forward to another weekend there.
We rounded up our weekend by visiting Susan and Hugh Wardrope's Carlung Stud viewing all their ponies. We missed the arranged visit on the Saturday morning before the dance because Breac, our Jack Russell, decided to get a Haematoma in his ear and we had to take him to the vet. I must say we both enjoyed our tour of the ponies on the Sunday morning. There were one or two I could have smuggled into our car boot had it been large enough!
Now there are a series of photographs of our two full brothers by Tarka out of Corrie. The yearling colt Ericht and the foal Ember. Anyone want them? A nice driving pair. The photos were taken after they had been put in the barn together while Ember was weaned and then released.
11th January 2004.
To date both colts, Erict and Ember are very settled and enjoying life together. Ember is thriving very well having been successfully spained (weaned).We will probably have them gelded in the Spring unless anyone out there is looking for a young colt? They will go to a few shows this summer and learn some more manners until it is time for them to be broken.
ERICHT and EMBER of ACHNACARRY
And the last lot - The Nativity Play at Lochiehead Farm featuring Jean, Ellie Douglas, Joanne Keiller, Xanthe, Rowan and Fhuaran.
Site developed by A Douglas 2001
© T&J Connell 2001