2007 archived news

Here I am again.. As I said Tim and I just went up to Perth to watch for a change and have a blether with everyone. It was a nice change but I don't think we will be making a habit of it. Anyway we managed to take quite a lot of pictures and I will put them up here followed by the results. We don't have all the results but most of them. These ones are of the two year old filly class followed mostly by mares and foals.

Scott Davidson & Niamh of Whitefield

Two yr old filly class

M Taylor's filly &

W Sinclair's filly

Lochlands Madasun

Lochlands Marimba

Ballinton Islay lady

Iona of Auchengarth

Islay of Whitefield

Moss-side Lynfield Lady

Heather Honey of Whitefield

Moss-side Lynfield Lady

Parks Highland Amber

1st Prize Foals

5th August 2007

Here I am again. We were at Perth Show yesterday just watching for a change. I decided since I got a 1st prize with Fionnalaigh last week I would leave her in the field to enjoy her moment of glory! Euan was still getting over his abcess, and Midge's foal had been scouring so I decided also to leave them where they were. Both he and Euan are fine now. Anyway we took lots of photos and I will report on it soon, I hope.

Meanwhile I shall continue where I left off last week. Myself and two friends decided to go out for a ride and took a picnic with us. It was a lovely day and we set off full of cheer. We eventually reached a nice spot in the forest where there is a beautiful view over towards Perth and beyond. The Tay shone silver below us and in the distance on a clear day you can see the tops of the Cairngorms and also Schiehallion and the hills of Glen Lyon. We settled down and took off the ponies' reins and in my case I took off Xanthe's bridle as I knew she wouldn't go anywhere not when there was grass to eat!!!!

We were all enjoying ourselves when Gillian's mare, Leila decided she was bored eating grass, (being a non Highland!) and she set off at a brisk walk to begin with. Gillian called her back but Leila totally ignored her and broke into a trot upon which we three jumped to our feet and ran after her! She disappeared very quickly with Gillian running after her. Karen and I went back to our ponies and began to pack up, and decided to wait and see if Gillian re-emerged with Leila. However after about 10 minutes it was obvious the pair were not going to return. Poor Gillian didn't know the forest but luckily Leila had egg bar shoes on and was fairly easy to track. After a quick phone call to establish how far away Gillian weas, we mounted and rode back the way we had all come. To cut a long story short, I phoned Tim (thank goodness for mobile phones!) and asked him to drive into the forest to see if he could find either a lost horse or a lost person!....We eventually got a phone call from Tim to say that Leila had turned up just above us at our showjumping neighbour's yard happily grazing on the other side of the fence to a mare and foal. Gillian soon caught up with them having ran then walked from the far side of the forest! All was well thank goodness!!! Here are some photos of the day.

Leila

Leila, Mikey (Price of Craigieloch)

and Xanthe

Gillian and Leila

Karen and xanthe

Mikey (Price of Craigieloch)

Xanthe

Karen

Mikey

Here are a few pictures of our flash flood which we had when we had the Mother and Father of thunderstorms a few weeks back. I'm sure some of you experienced it too....I phoned Tim to see if he was ok and he said he was sheltering in the car. He said it was quite heavy but not too bad and I knew that he hadn't had the same storm as me although he wasn't all that far away. When he came home in the evening he couldn't believe what he saw. The yard was a-wash and we had a stream running through our yard into the wee field in front of the house. The burn down at the bottom of our road had burst its banks and was well up and over the road!!

Here are a few photos of the day.

Our Yard

Our Road

I haven't put any photos of the foals on for a bit, so here a selection of them all...some younger ones in with more current ones. I hope their new owners enjoy them.

Ruairidh Ban of Achnacarry (Roddy)

Timothy of Achnacarry

Tarka of Orangefield

Timothy

Timothy & Roddy

An earlier one of Midge & Roddy

An earlier one of Timothy & Roddy

Timothy & Roddy

Timothy

Rannoch

Fionnlagh of Achnacarry

(Findlay

Eoin of Achnacarry (Johnny)

Johnny & Findlay

Fhuaran of Orangefield

Findlay

Meg of Achnacarry (23yrs)

Aigas of Achnacarry

Aigas

As it is now long past bed-time I had better sign off for just now. I have just been re-sizing the photos we took at Perth Show. Phew!!! Just as well we don't go to watch too often!!

I should get them on tomorrow I hope as well as updating Tiffany's page.

29th July 2007

Time for an update. I have been trying to update this page for ages...just never seem to find the time these days between playing with foals, grooming ponies, riding ponies, changing poultices on lame ponies, grooming our dogs, grooming other people's dogs, walking dogs, trying to do some housework!! (low on priorities!!), blethering on the phone, and just blethering!!! Anyway I have made a start albeit I probably won't get loads done tonight.

Yesterday , we actually managed to get to a show!!!!!! Hip! Hip! Hurrah!!!!! I had intended showing my 3 year old gelding, Euan as well as our 3 year old filly, Fionnalaigh, but unfortunately, Euan was still lame from an abcess. However I washed them both and decided to take Euan for the journey as he needed the experience, and Fionnalaigh needed his company.

For once it was dry and actually sunny when we left, but when we reached Braco it was rather chilly but dry. There were a few lorries and trailers being towed in, but we managed and were parked close to the entrance into the show field. That was the only good point as everything went past us at the beginning...some being towed by tractors. Our ponies are used to tractors and don't usually bother but they were both on their toes....even Euan on his sore one!!!!! At one point I was for turning and going home!!!! Anyway we eventually got Fionnalaigh ready ..thanks to Brenda's good grooming and Tim managing to put her bit in!!

There were 4 in her class and at first we were brought in 3rd, but after running out etc. in the final walk round we got a huge lift up to 1st place. I was very pleased...needless to say. We didn't get any further in the Championship, but to go home with a red ticket always makes one smile. Here a few photos from the day. I will report the results after them.

Fionnalaigh of Achnacarry

By RHASS Supreme Champion 2007

Echo of Achnacarry out of

(MacGregor of Achnacarry x Corrie Bheag of Achnacarry) Fhuaran of Orangefield (Pipe Major of Orangefield x Feolin of Orangefield)

Fionnalaigh

Sheamus of Inverdarroch

By Rannoch of Achnacarry

out of Shonagh of Inverdarroch

(also Mollaig of Millfield next to him)

Line up

Sheamus & Schiehallion of Inverdarroch

By Rannoch & Echo of Achnacarry respectively

Champion: Heatherbelle of Turin Hill

& Reserve: Carrick of Shianbank

Championship Line Up

Champion & Reserve

Brenda....sorry Brenda!!!!!

Results: as far as we know. Brood Mare: 1st: Misty 11 of Millfield,(Allan) 2nd:Marie Rose of Strathmore,(Taylor)3rd:Snowbell of Glenoe.(A McLeod) Colt Foals: 1st WKA & JA Allan, 2nd:Glenmore of Roisbheinn, Filly Foals: 1st:Lady Iona of Auchengarth(S Adams), 2nd:KM&WJ Taylor Filly 3yrs: 1st: Fionnalaigh of Achnacarry, 2nd:Myra of Lundie Crags(H Lundie), 3rd:Lorna Boyd..sorry don't know pony's name. Filly 2yrs: 1st:Carli of Roisbheinn, 2nd:Nanette of Whitefield(G Haggart), 3rd:Ailsa of Sunnyneuk( W&M Taylor). Filly 1yr: 1st:Mollaig of Millfield, 2nd:Oronsay Appin Mist(K Kennedy), 3rd:Frasmaron Scarlett(J Cousens) Gelding 2/3yrs old: 1st: Sheamus of Inverdarroch( I Grant), 2nd: Lagalgarve Tiree. (A Quinn) Yeld Mare: 1st: Heatherbelle of Turin Hill(E Compton), 2nd:Sally of Inverdarroch(M Gourdie), 3rd:Erica of Acharn(J Milne), 4th:St Fort Floss (H Mylius) 5th Moss-side Lorna Doone(L Boyd), 6th: Coral Knowe Evening PrimroseH Keir). Gelding: 4yrs: 1st: Carrick of Shianbank(B McVean), 2nd:Stuartdene (K McKay), 3rd: Robroy of Milroy(McInroy), 4th:Cameron of Forglen(Boyd), 5th:Ossian of Strathavon(B Dick), 6th: Greadhaich of Talisker(C Carnegie). Yearling geldings?Colts: 1st: Schiehallion of Inverdarroch.(D Gray).. Sorry only know that one. Champion was Heatherbelle of Turin Hill. Reserve: Carrick of Shianbank. Best 2/3yr old was: Carli of Roisbheinn Best Opposite Sex was: Carrick of Shianbank. In the ridden; Champion was Heatherbelle of Turin Hill and Reserve was: Sally of Inverdarroch.

One sad piece of news was that we had Feolin of Orangefield put to sleep two weeks ago. She was 30 years old and was just "done"..she wasn't really enjoying life the way she used to, so it was with a heavy heart that I made the very difficult decision to have her put to sleep. She was a super old pony and we had her for 7 years. She came from her breeder, Bert Macrae who thought I might like her as she was the mother of our older stallion, Tarka of Orangefield who was bred by Bert. She was a great pony, super temperament and companion to many. She will be greatly missed both by humans and ponies. Here are some photos of her taken just a few days before she left us. RIP old pony in Trapalanda.

Feolin of Orangefield

Age: 30 years

By Arran out of Fiona of Orangefield

My Beautiful Feolin......

What else? Well, myself and two friends went out for a ride on our ponies western style, two Highlands and a 1/4 bred Thoroughbred, 1/4 bred Hanavarian (I think!) and something else (sorry Gillian!). Anyway , we went for a picnic...and had a very eventful day!!! Enough of that...time for bed now...will continue later........

Gillian on Leila

Karen on Mikey (Prince of Craigieloch)

Myself on Xanthe of Whitefield

2nd July 2007

CONGRATULATIONS TO BRUCE HALIBURTON AND BOTHY, AND PAM BROWN WHO RIDES ECHO OF ACHNACARRY ON HIS SUPREME CHAMPIONSHIP AT THE 2007 ROYAL HIGHLAND SHOW.

Time for an update......First of all I will put up some pictures of Rowan and Aigas at Alyth Show.

Aigas of Achnacarry

Rowan & Aigas

Next was the Highland Show and after much packing of horse "stuff", dog "stuff" and lastly our clothes etc, off we went. We had washed Rannoch and Rosanna already so as to have the minimum washing at the show.

Here are a couple of "fun" photos....one of Brenda who always is around to help us, both at home and at the Highland Show, and the other of Tim who is "Head Cook", "Head Gardner" and general helper of Everything!! I couldn't do without them or Brenda,s father, Jimmy who is often seen at shows with us.

Brenda

Tim

We had a good stable for Rannoch being away at the top, so we weren't bothered by ponies passing or standing outside his box.

The showing day came and after much polishing etc. off Rannoch went with Hamish Cameron who had agreed to show him for us. Tim and I can cope fine with him at home but as we are both rather "wee" and not in our first youth!! we decided to give in to the younger generation!

We were very pleased with the way Rannoch behaved and Hamish showed him beautifully but unfortunately he wasn't placed very high. C'est la vie!!

Here are a few photos of him being shown.

Leaving the stables to go up to the ring.

Hamish negotiating the rope and the ring.

Hamish & Rannoch

Rosanna of Achnacarry

2007 wasn't to be our year for showing our own ponies at the Highland Shop, but luckily ponies that we sold made up for us. Echo of Achnacarry, whom we sold as a yearling to Bruce Haliburton won his class and then went on to be Male Champion and later was awarded the Supreme Championship.

Echo also was 3rd in a very large ridden class and also won the Kilmannan Silver Medal when he headed the Mountain & Moorland Champions. He was also Reserve Champion in the Sanderson Trophy. So, all in all a tremendous show for Bruce & Echo and Bothy, Bruce's father, Pam Brown who rode him and of course US!!!!!

The other pony who did very well was Ericht of Achnacarry, a five year old gelding which we sold to the Thorburn family down in Manchester as a two year old. Ericht was 2nd in the huge gelding class....

Now, here are some photos of Echo and Ericht.

ECHO OF ACHNACARRY 8 yr old STALLION

(By MacGregor of Achnacarry x Corrie Bheag of Achnacarry) MALE CHAMPION & SUPREME CHAMPION RHSS 2007

(photo courtesy of Michael Forrest

ECHO OF ACHNACARRY

( photo courtesy of Michael Forrest)

ECHO OF ACHNACARRY

(phot courtesy of Michael Forrest)

Bruce & Echo

Ericht of Achnacarry 5 yr old gelding

(by Tarka of Orangefield x Corrie Bheag of Achnacarry) shown by Leonie Thorburn

Ericht of Achnacarry

Ericht of Achnacarry trotting away

Well done again to Bruce and Echo and Leonie and Ericht.

Here are some photos of the ridden class, mostly of Echo but also of the Champion, Trowan Moulin and various others.

Pam & Echo

The Judge, Kirsty Blackmore on Echo

Next are a few photos of the other ridden ponies, the first one being Echo's half brother, Kestrel of Glencree....one of him in Hand the other with the Judge on him.

Kestrel with his owner, Tracy Cooper

Judge on Kestrel

This a collection of Trowan Moulin, Stuartdene, Ginny Osborne on her pony, Jay Jay of Ednam House and of course Echo!!!!

The Ridden Class

Ridden Lineup

Susan Fairfield on Mccallum of Millfield

Trowan Moulin heading the class

Echo cantering

TROWAN MOULIN OVERALL RIDDEN CHAMPION.

Jay Jay of Ednam House

Ginny Osborne

Stuartdene

Trowan Moulin Lap of Honour!!!

That is the end of my report of the RHSS. Here are a couple of relaxing piccies of a CHAMPION!!!!!!! Apologies to Pam & Bruce!! Also a few photos of our foals.

"Behind the Scenes"

Roddy & Teal

(Ruairidh Ban of Achnacarry)

Roddy

Fionnlagh (Findlay)

Findlay

Eoin of Achnacarry (Johnny)

Johnny

Roddy

Until the next time...I will update Tiffany's page....

12th June 2007

Just a short update before we go off to the Royal Highland Show.

I have a few photos to put on here and a couple on Tiffys page, but before I do that I just wanted all our enthusiasts and friends to join us in wishing Ronnie Alexander (Fourmerk Stud) a quick and safe recovery from his horrible ordeal. For those of you who don't know, Ronnie was trampled by a heifer in the village of Dunblane. Ronnie works there as a lawyer and on hearing that the heifer had escaped from the local abattoir tried to help with its capture. However the animal knocked Ronnie to the ground then trampled over him. He was rushed to Stirling Hospital then transferred to the Western General in Edinburgh. All other details can be found on Joan,s website www.fourmerk.com and we just pray for the whole family and give them strength to cope with what must be a very distressing time.

My other piece of sad news is that a dear old friend died last week. His name is Bob Suttie and he used to help me a lot in the early years with my ponies. He was very good preparing them for shows and he went to a lot of the shows with me. Bob was really a Clydesdale man and had a disappearing talent in making "pom poms" for the decoration which was woven into the Clydesdales' manes and tails. He made them from wool which, you can imagine, took a lot of patience and skill. Now-a-days a lot of these decorations are made from plastic. Bob was always cheery and when at shows, the beer tent was always a priority AFTER all the showing was over! Many a time I had to go and search for him and there he was enjoying himself catching up with other "worthies"!! His birthday was the day before mine, so we were kindred spirits in that we understood each other. I am sure his memory will linger on through all his Clydesdales friends and also all his agricultural friends. Bob was the Grieve for Falkland Estates for many years and when he retired, moved to Kilgour which is just outside Falkland but still owned by the Estate. He was a very keen gardner and his work was much admired. Unfortunately he lost his dear wife, Isabel earlier this year and Tim and I send our sympathies to his sons at this sad time.

Our news is very little. We haven't yet been to any horse shows, I...instead choosing to attend some Dog Shows...simply because the ponies aren't quite ready to be shown and anyway it has been rather pleasant doing something else!! I am not sure whether Tim is in agreement!!!!!!

We heard of another Rannoch foal which was born last week, a colt but a very nice one. He belongs to the Gourdie family whose same mare had a filly from him last year...so they can't complain too much! Here are a few photos of him.

Arngask Brodie...1 day old..

Brodie

This one is of last year,s filly, Arngask Mirren who is very similar to her father.

Arngask Mirren

The Gourdies live in a very picturesque part of Glenfarg and here are a couple of photos of their ponies and some boarders.

Ponies at East Blair Farm

The two yearlings that we sold earlier are settling in well. I hear from both owners and a week or so ago I went to visit Elphin, who is only just beyond Perth. Here are a couple of photos of him when he was inside being groomed etc.

Elphin of Achnacarry

Elphin

The other photos to follow are one of Rowan's foal and one of Corrie's foals. We were moving them from one field to another and this was the first time they had been haltered and walked. They did very well as it is at least half a mile from field to field!

For Timothy Foal,s new owner I will put some more photos on after the Highland Show and also Fionnlagh's new owners. I have also included a few photos of Rannoch and myself and Brenda on Skye and Xanthe.

Aigas & Eoin

Rannoch

Myself & Brenda on Xanthe & Skye

Again

Now, for the rest of this week it will be sorting out the caravan for the Highland, sorting out ponies, dogs etc;etc;!!

We are hoping to go to Alyth Show with Rowan and her foal so...... watch this space!! Rannoch and Rosie will be having their baths before we go to the show so I guess that will be Monday. We plan to go through to the Show on Tuesday as we like to settle ourselves and the ponies into a routine (we hope!!!!). We are looking forward to it and if the weather is kind to us all what more can we ask for?

Until the next time............

29th May2007

It is raining!!!!! Good for the website!! and the grass as long as we get some sunshine too!!!

I KNOW I should be doing some housework and I KNOW I should be doing some ironing but it is good to have time to update the site too!

As I said previously, Tim, Marion, our friend and myself were at a Western Training Day not too far away on Sunday and we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves although it was a bit "parky" sometimes!! It was held just above Milnathort at Mags home... sorry don't know her second name but she drives her horses and is available for weddings etc. Thanks goes to Mags for allowing us to use her facilities and also to her wonderful hospitality and her very tasty soup!

We decided it would be good for Euan's education to go and do some ground-work as he is now 3 years old and eventually will be going away to be broken for Western Riding. Tim and I had a practise with him on Saturday reminding him what a trailer was, then we took him and Xanthe for a wee run up and down our road. After an initial jump about he settled down very well and was no more bother. The Training Day was very relaxed and was from around 11.00am until 3pm so we arrived just before 1pm. We had timed it well as poor Kayreen (Jones) who was our trainer had been delayed on the Forth Road Bridge for about three quarters of an hour. It really is a pain....why they can't work in the evenings or even during the night beats me.

They had just started and were practising Showmanship which is In Hand showing, but that is where the similarity stops as compared with showing Highland Ponies in hand or any Native, with the Western Showmanship classes, the horse is just a prop and it is the handler who is being judged. The horse has still to be turned out properly and has to stand square for the judge but after that it is the handler who is being assessed.

Here is a photo of me and Euan practising.

Euan and I approaching the "Judge"

This photo is Kayreen playing with Euan and getting him to have his first jog in hand.

Kayreen & Euan

This one is of Marion and Euan practising entering the box and leaving the box. When riding, one has to manoeuvre the horse and perform a 360 degree turn without touching any of the poles.....I have to say that Xanthe can do this to a tee!!!

These pictures are of me riding Xanthe and also one of Euan practising side-pass and just a selection from the day.

Xanthe & I

Euan being helped to side-pass

These ones are of Xanthe & Euan, Euan on his own and the remainder are of some of the others who were there. In total I think there were around 7 or 8 horses there.....just a nice number.

Euan & Xanthe

Euan

Pairs?!!!!!

Lochlands Musician

A New venture for this pony......

Another Western Rider

Palamino

This chap was quite a character! Near the end of the clinic, he decided he was going to disappear inside one of Mag's buildings which wasn't a stable!!! perhaps he detected food!!!!!

Cone Practise.

Pole practise

We all had a great day and I felt we got a lot out of it. Euan certainly did....it gave him something to think about and will stand him in good stead when it comes to breaking him. Roll on the next training day.

Well I suppose I had better go and do some REAL work!!! Our foals are all doing fine, although I expect they won't like this wet weather. There aren't many more weeks before the Highland Show so I shall have to get cracking! We are taking Rannoch and his wee sister, Rosanna who is a two year old. Hopefully we will get to some shows before then, although at least Rannoch has been out this year so shouldn't be too bad. He has been busy with some mares, but that is him now until after the show. He still has a few mares queuing up for him....including Corrie whom I have decided to put to him. I am fed up with colts.....perhaps a change of stallion will produce a much longed for filly from her. I don't mind colts from the others and I must say we are pleased to have 3 of this years foals spoken for already.

Anyway until there is more news I shall call it a day.

Until the next time..........

28th May2007

Here I am again. I have been busy re-sizing piccies for the web site and this takes a lot of time. However I have loads to put on. Like I said on Tiffany's page we have had a busy time with new-born foals and also feeding ponies, grooming dogs, showing dogs etc; etc. I also celebrated Lorna Hepburn's 80th Birthday with friends and Lorna in Glen Clova Hotel. We all had a lovely day and here are a few photos of the day.

Lorna and friends

Glen Clova

We had a great day...the weather was kind and we had breath-taking views all the way. At one point it was so warm, that we all felt a bit "wabbit"!!!! Lorna thoroughly enjoyed her day, albeit that she was very tired on the way home. Here's to the next 10 years.

I have just checked the web site and sorry for the duplicate piccies!!

I have to go and see to the ponies now, but hopefully will get back on here this evening. Here are a few photos of foals etc.

Tarka & Mares

Rowan and Aigas

Timothy of Achnacarry

Corrie & Eoin

Aigas of Achnacarry

Aigas

These were my earlier piccies...

I am back again!!!! Tim has given permission to use the computer for a bit so I am to get cracking!!!! Our two yearling boys left for their new homes just over a week ago and we have heard that after a few teething problems, they have both settled in very well. We were sad to see them go, but we can't keep them all. Here are a few photos of them before they left us.

Elphin of Achnacarry

Elphin is a great pony and after some practise, he loaded well and travelled all by himself to just beyond Perth where he stepped out of the trailer as if he had been taken just round the corner!! HIs new owner is delighted with him.

Tearlach of Achnacarry

Tearlach or Teddy as he is known.

Teddy travelled a wee bit further!! He went by horse transport to Newcastle and after a wee blip travelled very well and is now very well settled in his new home learning all sorts of things.

The foals are growing like mushrooms so here are a few more photos of them all including the latest addition....another colt!!! Midge had her foal on Sunday 20th May and he is a full brother to Rannoch. I am not sure of his colour yet but think he is likely to be cream or a very light mouse.....Time will tell.

Midge & her new baby Ruairidh Ban of Achnacarry

Roddy for short, with Timothy foal looking on.

Midge licking her foal

Midge & Roddy

Ruairidh Ban of Achnacarry

Roddy full of the joys!!

Midge & Roddy

Now, these photos are for Timothy's new prospective owner to enjoy!

Timothy of Achnacarry

Timothy

Mhairi & Timothy

Timothy

Here are a few more up to date photos of Aigas, Rowan's foal and Johnny, Corrie's foal and last but not least their proud Dad, Tarka!!!

Fhuaran and her foal, Fionnlagh are away visiting Kestrel of Glencree at the moment so no photos for his new owners I am afraid until he returns!!

Corrie & Eoin of Achnacarry (Johnny)

Corrie & Johnny

Aigas & Johnny

Aigas and Johnny

Rowan of Achnacarry

Tarka of Orangefield

Tarka

So far, Rannoch is the proud Daddy of 3 colts and 1 filly with 3 foals still to be born as far as I remember. Needless-to-say we have one of the colts!! Here is a photo of another of his colts, belonging to Rosabelle and Hamish Porter. The photos were sent to us by them and are printed with their permission.

Keiran of Craigiecat

This photo is our friend Kirsten's new baby daughter. Kirsten now lives in California, but used to help me years ago with the ponies. She and Dave, her husband already have a small son and Abby is a welcome addition.

Abby Blazek

I am signing off for now as my other half would like the computer!! I have just one or two other things to report..like our Western Day yesterday and a few other happenings.

Until then.............

10th May2007

April and May was a fairly busy time with foals being born and also our Grass Sickness Ride. It was held on April 28th and we had 20 ponies here. The weather as always was very warm with breathtaking views over the Tay and onwards beyond Perth and Dundee. The mountains looked beautiful in the distance being a kind of soft blue in colour with the River Tay matching. Everyone without exception enjoyed themselves fortified, as usual, by Tim's Damson Gin which had an extra kick this year!! We collected the sum of £205 and a cheque has been sent off to Joyce at the Dick Vet in aid of G.S.

Here are a few photos of the day.

People & ponies

The first half of the ride.

Lunch Time.

Happy People.

6th May2007

Have been busy updating Tiffany's page, and it is now bedtime, but here are a couple of photos of Rowan's foal and also Corrie's. Will update soon again.....

Rowan and her first foal...

Aigas of Achnacarry

Corrie & foal...

Eoin of Achnacarry

21st Apr2007

Thought I would put the next lot under another date having had a great time at Crufts and also at Devon.

We were just back a week when we were off again, this time only to Dirleton where we met up with my school chum and her husband for a special celebration meal of our both "coming of age!!!!" Sheila and I have been chums for more years than I care to remember. We stayed overnight in the Open Arms Hotel and had a great night.. The following morning we explored Dirleton castle and then walked along one of the many beaches along that area.

Sheila, Eric, Tim & I outside our Hotel.

The Open Arms Hotel, Dirleton

Tim relaxing after our meal!

The Hotel Cat

Tim, Sheila & Eric

Me, Sheila & Eric

The next thing on our calander was the NPS Spring Show which was to be held at Oatridge. Usually I wouldn't enter this show as our ponies are always too hairy, but because Rannoch has been rugged since he was broken I decided he would benefit from attending!! Perhaps not Tim and I!!! However Bruce Haliburton very kindly offered to show him for us, so that took some of the pressure off us!! The weather had been so good....nice and warm so I decided it was a full bath for Rannoch. I washed him on the Thursday before the show... it was a perfect day...lovely and warm...he dried almost before I had applied the conditioner. Anyway it was a very relaxing day both for myself and Rannoch.

On the Saturday morning we set off not too early as we weren't on until later/ It took us a Sabbath's days journey to find the place....(we HAVE been before!!!!)..but someone must have tampered with the sign and we thought perhaps it was an alternative route...and found ourselves in Linlithgow!!!!! (don't laugh!!) Anyway we eventually got back onto the road and landed at Oatridge. It was packed with horseboxes of all sorts but we soon found Bruce, and arranged when to meet up. We watched several of the classes and caught up with friends. Soon it was Rannoch's class and we were very pleased with the way he behaved and were delighted when he received First Prize in the Mixed Mountain and Moorland Stallion Class. Many thanks go to our good friend, Bruce who showed him beautifully. Here are a few photos of the "boys".........

Rannoch of Achnacarry

Rannoch

Himself!

Again!!!!

Next was just the usual.......feeding ponies....walking dog....trying to sell ponies!!!.......going to 60th Birthday Parties!!!....doing a few Dog Shows.....cutting the grass, (Tim's job)....clipping other people's dogs (My job).... still feeding ponies......riding ponies....grooming ponies... trying to do housework.......Ugh!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyway we have been lucky to find lovely new homes for our two colts, one now gelded and soon they will be off to their respective owners. Here is a photo of the boys.

Tearlach of Achnacarry &

Elphin of Achnacarry

The next exciting thing was Fhuaran's foal. She had been bagging up for quite a while then she waxed up for at least three days and also ran milk. I did get up through the night once...but...nothing! Anyway I wakened up fairly early on Sunday 8th April and had a peek through the curtains and saw the ponies in a group, and there in their midst beside Fhuaran was a foal! I quickly dressed and was soon outside in the field. It was a very nice strong colt by Rannoch, and by 11.00am....Fhuaran had cleansed, foaly was sucking and everything was good. He has continued to progress and keeps me highly amused as he is a very active foal and has sussed out the feeding routine in the evening, when I feed his Mum and some of the others he takes off round the field at a rate of knots!! whinnying all the time!! He really is a character and one to watch for the future. Here are a few photos.

Fionnalgh of Achnacarry (Findlay)

Fionnalgh

Next supposedly was Rowan who was due to foal around 12th - 17th April at the latest. On the morning of the 11th April, Tim and I had just put the two colts out in their field and I decided to pick up their feed bowls which were still in the barn. Just as I walked round the side of the barn I spotted Mhairi and there beside her was a foal!!!!! She had foaled two weeks early definitely. However the foal is fine ...another colt but very nice, she cleansed all by herself and the foal was sucking. I was relieved all was fine as Mhairi lost her foal two years ago and even last year we had problems with her foal getting enough milk to start with. However this years foal is great and getting on fine. I have called him "Timothy"!! much to everyone's amusement. Rowan is still hanging on.... she is bagged up and has had a few tiny droplets on the end of her teats which have then disappeared!! She will produce eventually I suppose. It is her first foal so I suppose she is just taking her time. Corrie is really bagging up...she is due end of the week so who knows ...she may even beat Rowan!! Here are a few photos of Fhuaran's foal and also of Mhairi's.

Fhuaran & Fionnalgh

Fionnalgh (By Rannoch)

Mhairi & Foal ( By Tarka)

Mhairi & Foal

Mhairi's foal

same

Timothy of Achnacarry

This photo is of Euan of Achnacarry, my 3 year old gelding whom I am keeping to replace Xanthe as my Western Pony.

Euan of Achnacarry

By Tarka out of Corrie Bheag

Last but not least..our small Burmese cat, Sheaba who is now almost 15 years old sleeping where she likes most... .in the ponies' food bucket!!!!

Sharian Sheaba

That is me almost up to date on this page. I still have foals to report and at the end of this week we have our annual ride-out in aid of Grass Sickness. I will updat Tiffany's page next.

Until next time................

17TH Apr2007

At last I have some time to try and update....we seem to have had so much to do!!!

The first thing I have to write about is the Stallion Show on the 3rd March which we took Rannoch to. The show was well attended and Rannoch was 3rd in his class. First was Kestral of Glencree, Second was Moss-side McLaren.

The Stallion Parade was also well attended with a mixture of stallions forward for the interested audience. We were very pleased with Rannoch's behaviour and I am sure he also enjoyed his outing! We were also delighted with the Champion who was Kestral of Glencree who is by MacGregor of Achnacarry, and also the Reserve Champion who was Clover of Mendick by Rannoch. So all in all, Achnacarry ponies had a good day out at the Stallion Show.....I will add some piccies.

Rannoch of Achnacarry

Tim & Rannoch

Rannoch of Achnacarry

Kestral of Glencree

Tower Clyde

Whitefield Price General

Tim & Rannoch

photo taken by Jan Grant

Kestral of Glencree

photo supplied by Scott Davidson

Kestral of Glencree

photo supplied by Scott Davidson

That was the Stallion Show!

Next was our visit to Crufts then onward bound to Devon to visit Tim's new grand-duaghter! We had rented a dog friendly cottage so were looking forward to the much needed break.

Crufts is always great fun...a bit like the Royal Highland Show with so much to see, all the judging, meeting up with friends, doing a little shopping!!!! and just generally enjoying being at the largest Dog Show in the world. We hadn't any time to take any photos unfortunately at Crufts, but took lots in Devon. I will report on our results and other results in Tiffany's page.

Whilst at Crufts, we stayed two nights at the Holiday Inn near the Airport and I must say it was extremely comfortable and the dogs were treated like First Class Citizens!!

From the NEC in Birmingham we travelled down to Somerset where we called in to see Mary Moore, Tiffany's breeder. A friend of ours is looking for a puppy and Mary happened to have a litter. We had great fun there looking at the puppies, and it brought back memories of our puppies. I will post a few photos of the pups on Tiffany's page.

We eventually reached our destination in Devon around 5pm ish. Our cottage was lovely, having two bedrooms, a living/kitchen area and a small enclosed garden....just the job!!

The Cottage.

Tiffany & Sasha

Tim & the Girls

Myself with Tiff & Sash

Here is another picture of the cottages and also of the Farm House which also had a Riding establishment attached!!!....Home from home!!!!

The cottages from the front.

The Farmhouse.

Our main reason for travelling down to Devon was to visit Tim's daughter and Fiancee and their wee daughter, Tim's grand-daughter.

We also went for lots of trips down the Devon lanes, and also went to Clovelly, a village which is set right on cliffs and goes away down to the sea. We had some lovely walks on the Devon beaches so I will put a few photos of some Devon scenes and also of the beach we walked on whilst watching people wind/sea surfing. Also some pictures of the new grand-child. The weather was great, we had not a drop of rain and the temperature was a lot warmer than Scotland. We thoroughly enjoyed our break down there as did the dogs!

One of the best things about Devon is their Cream Teas!!!!!!! Not at all good for the figure!!!!!!! Here is a photo of one of the Pubs where we tried for a cream tea, but failed. It was such a lovely pub we just had to take a piccie. The other is just some scenes of the village.

A Devon Pub

A Devon Village

A Devon Lane

Just Round the Corner!!!!!!

Tim & the girls on the beach.

Wind/sea surfers

Peculiar Sand Dunes!!!

We met up with Sue and her young man, Keven for a meal one evening, then the following day we set off to meet them all at their home. Keven's father has a farm and Sue has a horse as well as some liveries, so needless to say we were looking forward to seeing the "humans" and also the horses!!

Tim's grand-daughter is called Faith and at 10 months is a big girl, but full of charm and smiles. We had great fun there and wouldn't have missed it for a minute. Here are some photos of Sue and Kev and Faith, also some of Tim with Faith and yours truly too.

Sue, Kev & Faith

Myself & Faith

Tim & Faith

Faith

This picture if of Clovelly the village which was built on a cliff. The village is amazing..the streets are tiny and cobbled and years ago the only way to get food and provisions in and out of the village was by donkeys pulling sledges. Now-a-days there has been a modern road built to take cars etc. in and out. It takes a long while to walk down into the village...tourists are not allowed to drive their cars ...they have to walk.

Here is a picture of the main way down to the sea through the village.

Clovelly.

22nd February 2007

Time for an update.

EMPEROR'S ADVENTURE OVER THE SEA TO THE ISLE OF MAN!!!!!!!

Emperor, our new 2 year old gelding has been sold to a lovely family on the Isle of Man. When Carol Tilley saw his photos on the web site she said it was his eyes that sold him. He is apparently very like the old Highland gelding she already has, called Pigeon. She also owns a Shire gelding called Charlie. Anyway, Ian, her husband and Callum, her son and her Mum all arrived on 17th February to collect Emperor. So, off they went on the first stage of their journey which took them to Penrith. Apart from being in our trailer up and down the road to a wee field above us, Emperor had never been anywhere else in his life.

He apparently travelled like a dream, wasn't sweated up at all and just munched contentedly at his hay! That says a lot about his temperament. They all had B&B in Penrith and on the second day travelled down to Haysham (probably not spelt correctly!) to catch the ferry to The Isle of Man. I received a phone call later on to say that once again our little pony had travelled very well, no problems and was now safe and sound in The Isle of Man. He has been introduced to his field companions and apparently, Charlie the Shire just glanced at him and said "Another pony.... Oh well!!" and carried on eating!! Pigeon, on the other hand decided to chase him (quite rightly so as he is an old man in his 30th year). However, Emperor being fleet of foot soon left the pensioner behind puffing and panting!!!!

Sounds like he will be thoroughly spoilt as he is in a nice warm stable at night and out during the day at the moment to save the ground. Callum, Carol & Ian's son is busy downloading entry forms to enter Emperor in fun and serious shows on The Isle of Man. Euan, Emperor's older brother was missing him for a bit but has now chumed up with Rosie, our two year old filly.

Here are a couple of photos of Emperor leaving..they are not too good as the sun was in the wrong direction!!!

Emperor in our stable

Emperor leaving Pitmenzie

Ranmoch is coming on slowly, I say slowly because it all takes time at the moment because with dogs to walk, foals to muck out etc. etc. there is not a lot of time left for much else! He is also going to the Stallion Show on 3rd March so next Friday he will be getting a semi bath and spruced up. for those of you interested in the show...times of judging are: Highland Ponies in Hand: 10.30am and the Stallion Parade is approx 1pm.

The order of classes are as follows: Mare born in or before 2003. Gelding born in or before 2003: Filly or Gelding born in 2004: Filly or Gelding born in 2005: Colt, filly or gelding born in 2006: Stallion or colt born in 2004 or 2005: and Stallion or colt born in or before 2003: Anyway here are a few more photos of himself, some with Brenda and the others with Tim on top. I see I am going to have to fight for a ride on him!!!!!

Brenda & Rannoch

Rannoch

Tim on Rannoch

Rannoch & Tim

Just one of some of the girls.

Feolin, Fhuaran & Fionnalaigh

We took some more piccies of lst year's colt foals, now yearlings, I suppose, Teddy & Fin some for the sales page, and also for here. Here are some of them.

Tearlach of Achnacarry

Tearlach (Teddy)

Tim & Teddy having a Tug of War!!!!!!!!!

This one happened after we had had the "boys" out for a bit and they decided to kick up their heels!! I was so glad I wasn't on the end of either ropes! Ellie had just popped up to see us, so she was on the end of Elphin's rope.

Elphin of Achnacarry

Elphin (Fin)

The only thing of Great Importance was that I had a very BIG OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Birthday on the 18th February!!!! Although I didn't mind broadcasting Tim's BIG OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO I decided against doing the same with mine!!

However I got loads of cards and pressies and in the evening, Tim and I and a few friends had a lovely meal down in Falkland.

That is about all to report except we are getting geared up for Crufts as both Tiffany and Sasha have qualified so hopefully we will be off to that with them. I say Hopefully...because Tiffany has yet to come into season....she had better not before the 11th March or she won't be popular!

I will update Tiffany's page after this or after I feed ponies etc. as the aftrenoon is wearing on and I shall have to drag myself away from the computer and brave the elements.

28th January 2007

Just a wee bit more to report. On Friday I rode Rannoch and he was a good boy and didn't do anything wrong. Tim took a few photos and I shall put some on below. In addition to me riding Tim "hopped" on board! to see if he would be comfortable enough for him to ride. Low and behold he was and Tim being much braver than me decided he was riding him down the road. We set off and he rode him up past our neighbour's house and into the forest. I must say Rannoch was extremely well behaved. He did a wee bit of whinnying when he saw Tarka and his gang, but that was all, then he got a surprise from our neighbour's washing but didn't really do anything which was dangerous. Tim had a few trots on him and all in all we were very pleased with ourselves AND Rannoch!

Here a few photos of me on him and also Tim.

Rannoch and I with the colts looking on.

Me adjusting my stirrups

Rannoch and me

Rannoch and me in the field

Rannoch and me on road

Tim and Rannoch

Tim & Rannoch in forest

Tim & Rannoch coming home

Same

This is a funny one but I like it

Watch this space for more Rannoch activities!!!!!......

23rd January 2007

I think that is me more or less up to date. Life goes on with the daily chores of feeding ponies in the MUD! or like today in the nice crisp, dry weather...makes a nice change. The foals are weaned and are inside and are becoming really quite friendly. They are both colts and are looking well..so if there is anyone out there wanting a nice colt!!! One is by Tarka and the other by Carlung Feargus.

I have also been riding Rannoch who is really quite laid back about the whole thing...it's just me knowing I don't bounce so well. At least I have permission to ride him in our neighbour's fields so at least it would be a soft landing if I happened to part company!! Other than that it is "waiting for the warmer weather to arrive!" Our first foals are due in early/middle of April, with Rowan first due to Tarka, Fhuaran next due to Rannoch, Corrie and Mhairi middle of May due to Tarka and Midge last but not least due to Tarka too.

So.....until the next time.......

Here are some photos of ponies in the recent snow.

Rosanna of Achnacarry

Pitmenzie

21st January 2007

Here I am again for more updates. After the play it was all go to Christmas shop and tidy up the house etc. Christmas came and went and we both enjoyed it very much. This year we had Christmas lunch with our neighbours down the road which made a nice change as we usually have everyone at our house. Tim usually does the cooking so he especially enjoyed being waited on hand and foot!!

On 27th December we had a phone call from Anne Mitchell, our friend who bred Hope to say that she was bringing our new Labrador Puppy through to us in the afternoon. We were very excited at the prospect, but as we were actually going out for dinner to yet another neighbour's house, I had to bring the cage in from the barn and make it habitable for the new arrival to protect her from the others.

She duly arrived....a little black bundle...8 weeks old. We have called her Teal and she has settled in very well, probably thanks to the other dogs. I shall write more about her in Tiffany's page and put more photos up, but here are a few to whet the appetite!

Teal 8 weeks old

Teal and friends

Teal and her first snow

Spot the cat!!!!

14th January 2007

Some more to update. The next thing was the Nativity Play which is held each year at Lochieheads Farm which is about 10 minutes drive away. As always it was well attended. It lasts for 5 days with two performances per day apart from the last day. We have been supplying our ponies there for the past 6 years...I think! Anyway it is a lot of hard, but rewarding work. Here are a few photos from the play.

Skye

Fhuaran

Skye

Xanthe

11th January 2007

Here I am....at last!!!! Between one thing and another I have never managed to get to the computer for long.

We wish everyone a Very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year with many red tickets!!!

We have had good times and bad times since I last updated our web site. Since writing the last time, we went to Forfar Foal Show, did some Christmas shopping!, the ponies did their usual stint over at our friend's farm who put on the Local Outdoor Nativity Play in which our ponies are amongst the Star Attractions!

We lost one dog and gained another.

So, first things first. Sadly, our old pensioner, Jack Russell, Breac died on 18th December, and I am afraid I ran over him with our car. It was one of the worst days in my whole life. It was one of these very frosty mornings and, as Sasha (schnauzer) was in season I was taking her and Tiffany up the road in the car away from the usual dog-walking area so as to avoid all the dogs. Breac got up to follow and I told him to stay as it was a cold morning. Normally he does stay put, but on this occasion, unknown to me, he must have come out of the cat flap.

I started up the car and glanced at the door as I always do, and no sign of Breac, so I moved forward and unfortunately he must have been in front of the car. Whether he had a wee fit or what I shall never know, but I do know it was very quick. I was heart-broken and phoned Tim who came home immediately and together, we buried him in the garden. His grave is beside Hopes, and near them is Mac's grave and the graves of our other Burmese cats..... A VERY sad day. We could never replace him...he was one in a million...such a character and a wee "rat bag" as we often called him! He had a variety of nic-names, Toad, Shorty, Skewbald and Rat Bag!!!! He was in his 16th year so not a bad innings.

Breac & Tim,Hope & Tiff

Himself

Breac and friends

I shall update what went on before Breac and after, before Tim comes and grabs the computer back!!!

On whatever day it was (I have forgotten the date) Jimmy and I set off for Forfar Foal Show with Fionnalaigh and Rosie. Yes...I know I was originally taking the two geldings, but I chickened out after practising with them in the yard. Euan, now 3 years old was fairly good but Emperor (2 yrs old) was only passible. I decided against taking them because I have seen other exhibitors taking out youngsters when they were not quite ready and they run circles round them!!! More practise needed I'm afraid!!

I can't locate the schedule so I can't print the results I'm afraid but I can remember that Martin Taylor's then 3year old filly was Champion and John Reid's nice gelding was Reserve Champion. Foal Champion was Heather Gow's filly foal and Reserve Foal was Hazel Lundie's colt foal.

The entries were very good and most of the youngsters behaved themselves. For ourselves, Fionnalaigh was drawn in 3rd but ended up 4th in the two year old class, and Rosie was drawn in 1st but unfortunately was placed 2nd......still I was pleased with that.

Here are several photos of the show taken by my cousin who was Chief photographer in the absence of Tim!!!!

Fionnalaigh of Achnacarry. 2yrs old.

Rosanna of Achnacarry 1 yr old

Fionnalaigh

A Line Up at Forfar

Rosanna

Fionnalaigh

Phew!!...that is a few to look at!! I think my time will soon be numbered as Tim will be through soon to re-capture the computer, and it will also be time for me to don my wellies etc and go out in the cold, wet, windy weather!!!! to feed the gang!!

Last updated: 30th May 2007