Achnacarry & Craigiebrig Highland Pony Stud
2008 NEWS
28th December 2008
Gosh! I shall soon be up to date with this site! We have reached the NPS Foal Show which was held at Oatridge and although I had entered Rosealie in the filly foal class she wasn't quite ready for it, so I ended up only taking Rosanna her full sister. Xanthe also went for the company!
The show wasn't that well attended by Highland Ponies which is a real shame because most people who go are very friendly....so much so that I had someone wanting to buy Rosanna from me and when I said she wasn't for sale he kept coming back to see if I would change my mind. Then when he heard that I still had her mother...he wondered if I would sell her to him instead!! The classes were very small but at least Rosanna's class was the one with the most in it..think around 6 ponies...and we were a respectable 3rd so we were pleased enough. Tim wasn't with me so no photos I am afraid!! Champion was Oatcake of Whitefield by Highfield Glen Affric out of Kate of Whitefield and Reserve went to the yearling colt, Rhinns Point Sendac by Sunny of Runivraid out of Glenmuir Druim-Cruaidh Shuna. I saw lots of people I knew and it was a very sociable day. In between that Foal Show and the Winter Fair we had some really bad luck. Our little late foal, Eonan (Yoni) who was born on August 24th died after a short illness. Tim and I were heartbroken as he was a little smasher but after countless visits from the vets and various antibiotics poor Yoni lost his battle for life. Tim found him in the barn lying in the straw beside his mother one morning. We think he must have got some sort of infection which manifested itself and he may have had pneumonia as he had great difficulty in breathing the night before he died. Here are some photos of him during his short life.
Eonan of Achnacarry
Rosealie & Eonan
Eonan (Yoni)
Yoni
Yoni
27th December 2008
Here I am again. I have just updated Tiffany's page and came back to this one but as it is now almost my bed-time I think I shall have to come back later on! However I will try a photo just to make sure this is working because I was having trouble getting some piccies on.
When we came back from Morvern it was time to catch up grooming the dogs and deciding what pony or ponies to take to the Winter Fair and Tayside Foal Show. It was to be Rosanna, our 3 year old filly as once again I had failed to practise with the foals...or even wean them!! Here is a photo of Rosie..just to see if this is working!!
Rosanna of Achnacarry
7th December 2008
Once again we were at another Foal Show today, this time at Tayside Foal Show...but once again..more of that once I get this blasted site up to date!
After HOYS we went to visit Tim's brother in law and sister at their holiday cottage in Morvern. The cottage is right on the edge of a sea loch called Loch Teachus and is very peaceful and beautiful. We decided not to take the Schnauzers...or rather I did as they are very noisy with strangers and with them and the Labrador I decided it wouldn't be a peaceful break so we just took Teal for a change as she doesn't always get to go to Dog Shows with us so it was a treat for her! We had a lovely break and took a few photos....needless-to-say....and here they are.
The Cottage
The Cottage
Next Loch down the way...Loch Areanus
Teal. Loch Teachus
Me & Teal Loch Teachus
Teal & I Loch Teachus
22nd November 2008
Here I am again after a very cold day at the Winter Fair up in Perth. All about that later as I have to get the rest of this up to date! When I finished last time it was time to report on The Horse of the Year Show which we went down to see Echo of Achnacarry in the Finals. We were very excited as we have never been to the Horse of the Year Show before. We stayed with the Thorburn family who own two of our ponies, Ericht of Achnacarry and Eoin of Achnacarry and we also saw Timothy of Achnacarry who is owned by Kathy who keeps him with her three other horses at the Thorburns. Anyway we set off at an ungodly hour and arrived before the doors opened! I think there were about 20 /23 ponies there and Echo was one of them! We enjoyed all the performances and both thought that Echo gave a good account of himself never putting a foot wrong. However he was 9th equal but the rosette went to Dunedin May Rose as she beat him by 1 point on the ride. We were thrilled as it was his first major show under all the spotlights and extremely noisy music...and he took it all in his stride. Pam Brown his usual Jockey rode him very well as always and our congratulations go to her and Bruce Haliburton, his owner for getting him to HOYS.
The class was won by Stirlingdene who is by Fyfedene and out of Dark Maiden of Kildavie and he in fact went on to be Reserve Overall Mountain and Moorland Champion so well done to them. Here are some piccies of Echo.
Echo of Achnacarry at HOYS
Ridden by Pam Brown
Echo
Echo
Echo
We had a great time afterwards doing some shopping and wandering about and
later on we went to watch some of the Show Jumping, driving and Pony Club
Games which we thoroughly enjoyed. We were absolutely exhausted by the time
we arrived back at the farm.
Next day we were up bright and early to see Ericht, Eoin and Timothy and
took several piccies....needless to say......even one of an escapee...a little
pony who boards at the Thorburns and decided she was going for a walk/run!!
The Little Runaway!!
Ericht at Home
The Boys...Timothy & Johnny (Eoin)
Timothy of Achnacarry
By Tarka of Orangefield
Out of Mhairi Bhan of Achnacarry
Timothy
Eoin of Achnacarry
by Tarka of Orangefield
out of Corrie Bheag of Achnacarry
Eoin (Johnny)
Timothy & Kathy
Johnny eating!!
Timothy
After a very nice wee break it was time to return home but only for a short time as we were to go over to the West Coast to visit Tim's sister and brother in law who have a holiday cottage over near Loch Teacus which is a beautiful sea loch. However before I put a few photos on here of that wee break we also went to see Anne Mitchell's filly foal by Rannoch. Her mare was running with Moss-side McLaren so it was a good chance to see him also so off we went to Connachan. Here are a few photos of the day!
Anne Mitchell's filly foal by
Rannoch of Achnacarry
Filly foal by Rannoch
After we looked at the foal etc. Rose decided that she might try and get on McLaren's back and the following photos demonstrate what a super temperament he has.
Will I go on?
Up?...Nearly!
UP!!
Eating Again....
Also to catch up with these photos of Midge's foal, Rosealie and Mhairi,s late foal, Torranach.......(Ellie & Torran for short!)
Rosealie of Achnacarry
by Tarka of Orangefield
out of Midge of Achnacarry
An early one of Torran & Ellie
At Rest!!
Also one or two of Fhuaran and her foal, Fergie and also Fionnalaigh when we moved them in the summer time to a new field owned by a neighbour who kindly wanted their grass grazed.
Fhuaran & Co....
Fergie & Fionnalaigh
Heads Down!!!
Up for Air
A fun one of one of our pensioners, Kirsty Of Orangefield and a few little friends!!!!
Kirsty of Orangefield..aged 20yrs
with some little friends...
16th November 2008
Back again for a bit until Tim claims the computer! I think the next thing to report was Central Scotland Show to which we took Euan and Rowan. As nearly always they got a good day for it and also a good entry.
Champion for the second year running was Wendy and Martin Taylor's Shona of Sunnyneuk and Reserve Champion went to Carrick of Shianbank. In the Champion of Champions Overall Champion was Carrick of Shianbank owned by Sheena Lane and shown by Barbara McVean. Reserve Champion was Irene Grant's Sheamus of Inverdarroch who is of course, by Rannoch of Achnacarry. He won the Gelding class of 4,5,and 6 year olds and our Euan was 2nd to him so we were very pleased with that. Now that Euan has been to a few shows (this was only his 4th one!) he is becoming slightly cheeky so we shall have to work on that a bit! Rowan was 4th in her In Hand class but was Ridden Reserve Champion so that cheered us up! Ridden Champion was Joanna of Forglen owned by Sally Coutts and ridden by her usual jockey, Jo Jack. Here are a few photos of the day.
Sheamus of Inverdarroch
Rowan of Achnacarry
Rowan of Achnacarry
Rowan of Achnacarry
Joanna of Forglen
Rowan and me
Rowan, Lucy, George & Me
After that we went to a combined Stud Visit to Alastair & Ann Ballantyne and also Rowan & Marguerite Osborne. Although Ann and Alastair don't have a lot of ponies they have quality animals (in my opinion) and we enjoyed seeing them. They sent their mare who was Female Champion at the Royal Highland Show several years ago to Rannoch in 2006 and she had a lovely filly foal. She is now a very attractive yearling and should do them well some day. Her Dam is Burnside Glencora and once again she came to visit Rannoch this year and I do hope she has another nice foal for them in 2009.
There was also a rather smart colt foal there out of Highland Queen of Whitefield and by Uilleum of Whitefield. Here are a few photos of the visit.
Burnside Victoria
by Rannoch of Achnacarry
out of Burnside Glencora
Burnside Westray
by Uilleum of Whitefield
out of Highland Queen of Whitefield
Spot the Pony!!!!!
Burnside Glencora
by Sergeant Major of Whitefield
out of Eriskay of Dalbrack
Having been fed with coffee/tea and lots of home baking, we set off next to Kinclune to the Osborne family home. There we were again treated to lots of lovely food! Quiches, pizas, lots of lovely salady "things" followed by mouth watering puddings! I wondered if I would be able to walk round the ponies!!
We saw first of all a lovely mouse dun filly by Charlie of Muck then into the byre to see Glenmazeran Na Dailach and another mare. Both were lovely traditional types and although Tim took some photos, they weren't up to his usual quality so I shant put them on here. We moved on to see a young gelding and a yearling colt, then last but not least two mares and foals. One of the mares was the Female Champion Rosedew Na Dailach by Trademark of Whitefield and out of Rowena Na Dailach, had a nice filly foal by Glenmazeran...the other mare...I am not sure who she was had a very nice filly foal also...which had I been invited to..... I would have taken her home along with the Ballantyne's Rannoch filly!!! Here are a few photographs of the day.......
Charlie of Muck
by Strathmashie Seumas Mhor
out of Mary of Muck
and Tim
Foals at Kinclune
Our next adventure was The Horse of the Year Show which was held down NEC Birmingham. We were going down to cheer on Echo of Achnacarry who had qualified and was to be ridden there by his usual Jockey, Pam Brown.
However.....as my supper is almost ready I shall have to sign off for the moment and continue at a later date!............1st November 2008
Today we were at the NPS Youngstock show with our 3 year old filly, Rosalie. It was a lovely warm day..more like the beginning of Autumn instead of 1st November. The classes were poorly attended unfortunately and like last year there was only one foal present. Had I taken my filly foal, Rosealie there would have been two! Anyway the winner was: John & Jacqueline Bonar's attractive filly foal, Bowmore Lady Laura by Carlung Findlay and out of Lesley of Whitefield.
Next was the yearling class where again there was only 1 entry. This was won by Lesley McHaughton's colt, Rhinns Point Sendac by Sunny of Runivraid and out of Glenmuir Druim-Cruaidh Shuna. He actually went on to be Reserve Champion. The last and biggest class was the 2 & 3 year old class which we were in. The winner of this class was Comrie-Bryant's 2 yr old filly Oatcake of Whitefield shown by Charlie Cousins. Oatcake is by Highfield Glen Affric out of Kate of Whitefield. She went on to be Champion. She is a nice filly but looks as if she is stabled for most of the time looking very smooth making ours look very hairy indeed. However we prefer to run our Highlands out naturally as they should be, especially youngsters. Saying that we never stable any of ours unless they are sick. 2nd in that class was Gilean Docherty's Pollyana of Forglen, another 2 year old interesting enough also by Highfield Glen Affric and out of Leone of Craignetherty. Our Rosie was 3rd, Susan Fairfield's Callum of Mendick by our Rannoch of Achnacarry and out of Uist of Mendick was 4th. 5th was Hector of Fourmerk by Kestrel of Fourmerk and out of Duncrub Holly and 6th was Edindurno Rebecca by Edindurno Glenclova and out of Maidenstone Merry Dancer. Unfortunately there are no photographs as I left Tim behind to muck out our mare and foal who are inside at the moment as our foal isn't too well. Tim is on a "Boys night out" tonight with some of his Army friends so I am having a peaceful evening!! Considering that was Rosanna's first outing since this show last year, she behaved very well and was very chilled. She was Reserve Champion there last year.Back to updating. After Blair Atholl I had great pleasure to go on a lovely hack with several others. It was organised by two people from the Aberfeldy Area and six of us started out from the Hotel near Weem...I think! From there we rode up a very steep path to be rewarded by super views of Aberfeldy and in the distance Loch Tay. From there we rode through part of a wood then on to a clear patch , then proceeded on and up!! Eventually we were on the moor which formed part of Glen Lyon Estate.
Here are a few photos.........
Marjorie Grant &
Cloughwood Harry Potter
Further Up
Marjorie & Harry Potter
Through the gate
Across the moor
Through Rowan's ears!
Wait for us
Caught Up
From here on the moors we could see Farragon Hill at 2559', also to the East in the distance Loch Derculich and to the West Schiehallion through the clouds. The heather on the moors was a beautiful colour and the whole atmosphere of the place was magic!
At the Top
From the top we started to climb down towards Lurgan Farm where we were to have lunch. Before we reached the farm we had the opportunity to have a good canter across one of the fields and everyone enjoyed that!
After cooling the ponies down with a good wash of cold water, we offered them water then left them munching happily on their hay nets. Inside the farmhouse we enjoyed very tasty home-made soup followed by rolls and home-baking. We all had a good blether which Tim says I am particularly good at!!! That day I think I had a few rivals! After a good hour, we reluctantly tacked up our ponies and set off. From the farm we joined one of the well constructed core paths which lead us down to the village of Dull and on through some farm tracks and more core paths until we reached the River Tay. On the tracks beside the river we had some long trots and canters and the ponies seemed to have gained their second wind! However it wasn't long before some of the riders decided it was time for a paddle in the Tay!! I watched amused taking several photos then Rowan and I decided to join them. The ponies were quite willing to paddle going into almost their bellies and it was great fun. After our spell in the water we once again joined the paths along side the Tay. The local authorities had constructed super wooden bridges all with gates that can be opened from horseback...a great way to train young ponies to negotiate gates. Soon we reached the Wade Bridge having gone round in a great circle. We stopped off at the pub where started from. Some people ordered soft drinks but I am afraid I was ready for something stronger like a nice Gin & Tonic! See below photos at the pub....... (after the paddling)
Paddling in the Tay!
Paddling
Paddling
Paddling Still!!!
At the Pub
I discovered that we had ridden approximately 16 miles!!! It certainly
felt like it but I have to say it was well organised and great fun and
I for one will be first in the queue next year to do it all over again!!
Time for bed me-thinks...so until the next time........
25th October 2008
Surprise...surprise!! It's RAINING! However it gives me time to update this site again.
I think I ended on the note that Corrie had had her foal and it is now time to post a few photos of him.
Eonan..Born 24th August 2008
Rosealie & Eonan
(Ellie & Yoni)
Yoni
Yoni & Ellie
Yoni
Corrie & Yoni
After judging up North and chickening out of Kinross Show, the next show for us was Blair Castle Highland Pony Show around the middle of August. Our Highland Pony Judge for the Thursday was Robin Stewart and we took Rowan and Euan. Rowan was shown in hand and also in the ridden class and Euan was in the young Gelding Class, ages, 4, 5, and 6 year old. Rowan was pulled in 3rd to begin with but ended up 4th in a very good class of Yeld Mares competing in other classes so we were pleased with that. Euan was pulled in 2nd and ended up 3rd, but again he was in a well filled class and as he was only 4 years old we were pleased with his placing. The Champion in hand was Yokel of Croila and the Reserve Champion was Seamus of Inverdarroch (by our Rannoch of Achnacarry).
In the ridden class, Rowan was once again partnered by Lisa Allison and both gave a good account of themselves. However..when the Judge, Hamish Cameron rode her , she anticipated a little and volunteered to canter before she was asked! She had been pulled in 4th to begin with but still ended up in 6th place which again we were all very pleased with. It was a horrible wet day and we were lucky enough to not get too soaked but we only took a couple of pictures of Rowan under saddle and I was lucky enough to get a couple from friends of Euan and Rowan so hopefully I shall find them and put them on here. Here they are:
Euan of Achnacarry
Rowan of Achnacarry
(Curtesy of Thea Lawson)
Here is one of Rowan being ridden at Blair and also some fun ones.
Rowan ,Blair
Moira, Lisa & Lucy Gourdie
and Rowan
Lucy & Rowan
Rowan & Lisa at Blair
We were at Blair again on the Friday as Rowan had qualified for the In Hand as well as the Ridden. However they both clashed and we had to sacrifice the In Hand which was very disappointing considering I had paid my entry money. In the ridden class, Rowan gave a good account of herself and we thought at first we were 6th in a very strong class. However we later found out that we were in fact 7th. Still we all enjoyed our day there and the Friday was a nice dry day compared to the Thursday so made life much more pleasant.
16th September 2008
Here I am again.......it is pouring rain outside and as I can't ride I am as well in here updating the web site instead of ironing!!! We are up to Nairn Show now so getting somewhere!
We set off bright and early having left the livestock in the capable hands of our good friends, Brenda and Jimmy. We took our time going up and went along different roads which were new to us. On one of these little roads we came across a lovely Lochan with what looked like an old Keep or Fortress or Monestry on an island in the middle of it. It was a beautiful day (one of the few!!) so we stopped to have a look at it. Here is what it looked like.
On back road to Nairn
Tim posing!
Me posing!
We had a lovely time in Nairn and the show was great fun. For the first time it was about a mile out of the town as, like other shows, it had outgrown its site. We didn't take any piccies at the show but from memory my Champion was Ucy of Alltnacailleach bred by Heather Gow and owned by someone who lives on the Black Isle. She was a 2 year old filly by Chapelhill Hamish and out of Cairn's Bella. My Reserve Champion was the filly foal, Heather O' The Glens by Bodach Dhu of Glenshiel and out of Shevock Emerald Alder. They looked after us very well and we found lots of friends to speak to..some up from Fife judging Sheep, others from West Linton also judging Sheep!!...Then lots of Highland Pony owners...so all in all a good day. We left in the afternoon as it had been Tim's BIG birthday the day before and as a treat I had booked a room in a nice hotel in Ballater....so we headed off down to there!
When we arrived we were not disappointed although because of its age, there were no lifts...so poor Tim had a few stairs to climb....but he managed!! We had a lovely time there, good food and we were looked after. Here is a photo of our room with its 4 Poster!! Also one of a wee Jack Russell bitch who reminded us so much of our beloved Breac so I just had to snap a piccie of her. It was our kind of Hotel as there were also two Labradors wandering about!!!
Our Bed!!!
The Windows etc!
The Wee Jack Russell.
From there we drove down through Braemar passing Balmoral..we just caught site of a couple of Highland Ponies in the field. We had some lunch in Braemar and wandered about the town for a bit. Took a piccie of the river as we both like large rivers!! Then from there we wandered home and on the way we came across some more Highland Ponies.....surprise, surprise!!! Here are some piccies. When I saw them in the distance I said to Tim...."I'll just go over and see if I can get closer! I was doing really well and thought I was going to succeed in getting right up to them........... WHEN I came across a river!!! That was the end of that idea! Anyway here are the piccies of them looking just in the right place for Highland Ponies.
Highland Ponies around Glen Shee
More
The River!!!
On our way down we also these ponies.
Highland POnies
Here is our River at Braemar.....probably The Dee!!
Braemar...The Dee
We were just home for a week when we were off on our travels again this time to Turriff as I had been asked to judge the Highland POnies there. In between times I managed to take a few piccies of some of our own ponies! One of Fhuaran and her well grown foal and another of Corrie & Mhairi still expecting with Tarka and Rannoch looking over the wall across the road!
Fhuaran & Fergie
Brenda & ponies
Brenda & Fergie
Corrie, Mhairi & Tarka
Spot Rannoch!!
Tarka & Rosealie
Mutual Grooming!
Next journey to Turriff took us up one of our favourite roads, Cairn O' Mount, past The Clatterin' Brig Cafe where we stopped for a bite to eat. I just had to take a photo of the heather on the way ...it was at its best ...so vivid, all colours of purple and just beautiful. Here is the piccie.
Cairn O' Mount
We wended our way up and on. I say "wended" because that is what Tim and I do best!! We like to go off the beaten track and up wee roads! Anyway...eventually we arrived at Old Meldrum where the show committee had kindly put us up. The only thing was..they forgot to mention to us that no-one would be there until 6pm! Anyway we found a Gazebo in their garden and sat and relaxed until the Proprietor arrived!! We had a lovely stay there...all very homely and the food was very good. Here is a piccie of the Redgarth Inn where we stayed.
The Redgarth....Old Meldrum
The next day dawned and once again....we were very lucky and had yet another dry day for judging! The entries were not bad at all and I thoroughly enjoyed my day. The quality was there as is often the case at the Northern shows and it is always nice to see ponies that don't come down our way. My Champion was Gordon & Anne Towns' Brood Mare, Hannah of Forglen by Callum of Forglen and out of Leone of Craignetherty. My Reserve was the yearling filly, Cairntacks Breagha May by Edindurno Glen Clova and out of Cairntacks Lady Constance. She is owned by H. Gauld.
Here are a few piccies.
John Reid & Brood Mare & Foal
Foal was my Reserve Champion
at Nairn
Hannah of Forglen
Mill Molly
Yours Truly
Reserve Champion
Cairntacks Breagha May
Champion
Hannah of Forglen
Hannah of Forglen
That was the end of my judging appointments...so it was back to showing my own ponies. Kinross was our next scheduled show but I am afraid we chickened out as the rain was torrential and we have had enough of getting soaked so sadly we did not attend it. Our next show was Blair Atholl but in between the shows we had our first late foal. Mhairi's arrived almost three weeks early on 6th August in a rain storm!! We quickly brought her and baby inside and there they stayed for at least 3 days. He was so excited when we put them both out and here are some early piccies inside as well as ones taken when he was let out for the first time!
Torranach of Achnacarry (Torran)
and Tiffany looking on!
Torran
Torran
Going out
First Day
I'm Off!!!
Yippee!!
This is Great Fun!!
We're Off!!!!
We're Back!!!!
Time for a Rest
Last one is of Daddy!!.....Tarka trying to see where his wife and Baby went!!!
Tarka of Orangefield
Think that will do me for today as it is time to go and check everyone and also see to Corrie and Yoni (Eonan) newest baby born also late but early on 24th August. I think he has only had a few real dry days since he was born and I felt sorry for him this morning and brought them in to the warmth of the barn.
15th September 2008
Busy updating Tiffany's Page but will be back on here soon!
9th September 2008
Back again......... My friend and I had a lovely ride this morning on Euan and Skye. They both went well and the day was quite nice, but by afternoon it was horrible!!!! Thank goodness we rode in the morning!
Anyway back to the rest of the news. After the Breed Show there was Kirriemuir and Braco. Kirriemuir we decided not to go to....can't remember why and when Braco was on I was away judging at Nairn Show. However, Rowan was with the Gourdies and they took her to Braco where she had a super day. She was Reserve Champion under the In Hand judge, Heather Gow and then went on to do the Open Ridden Class under 14.00hh and she also was Reserve Champion! So.....all in all a very good day for Achnacarry Stud thanks to the Gourdies. Meanwhile as I said previously, Tim and I were in Nairn.8th September 2008
Here I am again!! It is a beautiful day outside for once and I could be outside riding or playing with the youngsters or grooming my dogs for their forthcoming show , but I decided it was time I did some more up-dating!
We Have so many pictures of ponies that I judged that day I cannot possibly put them all on here or I would never be finished!! Here are one or two more and one of the Supreme Champion, Islay of Whitefield with her foal.
Carlung Feargus
Sunny of Runivraid
Josethdene
Carlung Findlay
Trailtrow Tarskavaig
Meika of Millfield
Islay of Whitefield
Islay of Whitefield
One of Myself!
Tim and I went back home on Thursday evening as we were due back in on the Friday this time "the boot was on the other foot" as we had entered Rowan in the Ridden Class. I had washed her thoroughly on the Wednesday morning and wrapped her up in a rug so it was just a case of looking for any dirty marks etc. and freshening her up. Being a mouse dun their coats are often best washed a few days prior to showing and with a lot of elbow grease their coats usually come up shining.
We had an early start as we were anxious to beat the daily traffic across the Forth Road Bridge so it was early to bed and early to rise. We were soon in the showground around 6.30ish with lots of time to spare. After sorting Rowan out we went off in search of breakfast! Soon it was time to get her saddled up for her usual "Jockey", Lisa Allison and off they went. The timing was quite tricky as Lisa had already been in the ring with her young gelding, Ardnagaisk Piper who was 4th in the younger Highland Pony Ridden class. Well done to Lisa and Piper. Sorry as we were at the other end of the Arena we didn't get any piccies of Lisa and Piper. Anway we did a quick change-over and into the class went Rowan and Lisa! I cant remember how many ponies were in the class..there were 19 ponies entered and I think about 15 were there. Anyway on our initial pull out Rowan was 4th which greatly excited us all! She gave Maggie Inglis, the Judge a nice ride but after Maggie had ridden them all and they were sent round again, Rowan ended up 6th....still a very good result considering she started out the year as a Novice!! Here are one or two photos of the day.
Lisa & Rowan
Rowan
Maggie on Rowan
Maggie on Rowan
We can't wait until next year!!
The other excitement of that day was that Echo of Achnacarry was in the large Ridden Class partnered by his usual Jockey, Pam Brown, so.. after rushing back with Rowan we rushed back again to watch Echo being ridden. He looked and behaved very well in the first instance and was pulled in 2nd and although he gave Maggie a nice ride..he got his eye on a mare and foal passing by and this unsettled him slightly and in the final pullout..he was 4th, still a very good result in a class of 26 entries!! Here are one or two photos of him.
Echo of Achnacarry
Echo
Maggie on Echo
Echo
And one of a Clydesdale!!
Of course apart from shows etc. there is always Rannoch and his visiting mares of which he has had several. The last one went away the other day and he is all by himself again apart from his old partner, Meg of Achnacarry at the ripe old age of 24years! Early on he had a couple of foals with their dams and here are some photos of them.
Himself!!!!!
In July it was time to attend a few shows ourselves...either showing or, in my case judging yet again. In July we had Dounde & Dunblane where we took Rowan for in hand and ridden and for his first time out at a show at the tender age of 4 years! we took Euan. He was in a huge class of mature geldings where he had the distinction of coming last!! to begin with. He ended up 3rd or 4th last!! Ah well.....plenty room for improvement! Rowan also had a peculiar day in that she was 1st to start with then ended up 7th in hand. Luckily she was 2nd in the ridden class so that cheered all her supporters up! Here a few piccies of the day.
Euan of Achnacarry
Euan
Lisa and Rowan
Lisa & Rowan
Heather Dick on Rowan
Sheamus of Inverdarroch
By Rannoch of Achnacarry
In Hand Champion
Stuartdene
Ridden Champion
The next show was the Highland Pony Society's Breed Show where, once again
we took Rowan and Euan..who this time was in a young gelding class of 4,5,
and 6 year olds..
Rowan was initially pulled in 2nd in hand and ended up 3rd in a good class
of Ridden yeld mares and Euan was 6th in a good big class of young geldings.
Our faith in judging was restored!!! In the ridden class, although Rowan
gave her rider and the Judge decent rides she was in very good company so
wasn't placed but we were reasonably happy.
Here are several photos of our ponies and others.
Euan of Achnacarry
Euan of Achnacarry
Rowan of Achnacarry
Ericht of Achnacarry
Ericht
Carlung Findlay
Eoin of Achnacarry
Eoin of Achnacarry
Kestrel of Glencree
Overall In hand Champion
By MacGregor of Achnacarry
Ardnagaisk Piper
Piper
Piper
Champions Trailtrow Tarf &
Joanna of Forglen
Tiffany, Sasha, Teal & Me!!!
.......Right that has taken me most of the afternoon and I am need of a rest!! I am off to do the rounds round the ponies but now that I am on a roll (hopefully!!) I will continue later on......all things being equal!
17th August 2008
Time for more news.
We had reached the Highland Show which I thoroughly enjoyed judging although it wasn't without its moments! I had good classes and there were various ponies which caught my eye. Needless to say the senior gelding class was the largest and I always feel it is a great shame that the rosettes don't go further down the line. However I was very well looked after by the RHASS in general and Tim and I enjoyed a nice relaxed lunch afterwards. My Male Champion was Whitefield Prince General by Drum Major of Whitefield and out of Burnside Heather. He is owned by Hugh Duncan from Craignetherty, Turriff and on the day I thought that he looked the part,well turned out and handled well. Here a couple of photographs of him in his class and one of him in the parade.
Whitefield Prince General
Whitefield Prince General
Whitefield Prince General
My Reserve Champion was the Junior Stallion, Glenmuir Lochaber by Burnside Ben Nevis and out of Glenmuir Rambling Rose owned by Willie Allan, Millfield, Freuchie. This young stallion also caught my eye and will be definitely one to watch for the future.
Here are a few photos of him below.
Glenmuir Lochaber
Glenmuir Lochaber
My yearling class was a nice class with some good youngsters. My 1st prize colt was Chapelhill Earl by Chapelhill Vegas out of Chapelhill Tess owned by Willie Simpson, Chapelhill Farm, Logiealmond, Perth.
Chapelhill Earl
My Junior gelding class had some very nice quality ponies in it and from there I found my 1st prize gelding in Sally Leslie Melville's gelding, Glenbanchor Somerled by Moss-side Ian Mor and out of Glenbanchor Lady Fiona. Apologies for the photo...just the ones that Tim took at random!
Glenbanchor Somerled
My Best Gelding came from the senior gelding class and he caught my eye the minute he walked into the ring. He was a good size but never the less very traditional and a good mover. He is Wallacedene by Highfield Glen Albyn and out of Willowdene owned by Tracey Walker, from Preston , Lancashire. Sorry I don't have a close up...again because of Tim's random piccies..but here is one of him and also a general view of the large gelding class.
Wallacedene
Senior Gelding Class
5th August 2008
I thought I had better get started...so where do I begin?! Euan was sent away to be broken as he had at last reached 4 years, and I was very keen to ride him and give him a job to do as he was at the stage of looking over the gate every time I went into the field for Xanthe or Rowan or Skye.
I had arranged to send him to Elspeth Owen recommended by our friend, Anne Mitchell so off he went, and after 6 weeks .....back he came! Elspeth was very good and kept us well informed about his education, and when we went to collect him she suggested we went out for a hack. Here are the first photos of me riding him there.
Getting ready to be lunged
Euan lunging
The next three photos are of us setting off on our hack, then returning home to the farm.
Setting off
Off on our way
Returning
Since coming home, Euan has been just brilliant and great fun to hack out. I have been on him several times now and he just gets better each time. He is a confident ride and will lead or go behind, but he much prefers being in front! We have ridden him out with Rowan, Skye and Xanthe as well as with another friend's non-Highland. One hot day when we were in the forest we went paddling in one of the ponds and after thinking about it...in he went and then didn't want to come out! He hasn't hacked out alone but I would think that it won't be long before he has the confidence to go it alone!
I won't do any ridden shows with him this year as I don't want to put him off as so many young ponies are spoilt by too much schooling and shows too soon. Highland Ponies take so long to mature and it is much better to just let them enjoy hacking out and having fun rather than boring them. I hope to take him to a few Western events where he can have fun climbing over "bridges" and walking over poles and opening and shutting gates etc....
Returning back to the farm
Just a few more piccies of myself and Euan on our first ride from Pitmenzie with Brenda on Skye.
Euan waiting patiently
Mounting
Brenda on Skye & Me on Euan
ready to go
Before collecting Euan we had the Highland Show to look forward to. On the Wednesday evening Tim and I stayed in the Dakota which is at the South side of the Bridge. We were well looked after there and the food was something else! We have promised ourselves that we will return with a few friends and enjoy!! As I had to report at 7:15am the next day there was no time for breakfast!! However after the Judges and Stewards received their briefing off Tim and I went with others for a hearty breakfast. The day was very windy and after breakfast on the way to the Main Ring, my hat flew off!!! However I managed to keep it on very well after that episode!
Right...that's a start...I am now off to bed.....more soon..........21st July 2008
I just don't know where the time goes! I can't believe that I haven't written anything since 11th June! So much has happened since then. I have judged the Royal Highland Show, shown at Doune & Dunblane Show and also at the Breed Show as well as helping to set up the rings at the Breed Show etc. I have been very busy with visiting mares to Rannoch. I have been busy showing my dogs also as well as grooming dogs. Our foals are growing like weeds and we look forward to our late foals due in the middle of August.
This week on Thursday it is Tim's BIG Birthday and as I am judging the Highland Ponies at Nairn Show we can't have a party......yet!! Also the following weekend I am judging at Turriff.....so pretty busy! However we are booked in to a rather posh Hotel at Ballater on the Saturday night and we are both looking forward to that. I shall start updating this site soon. I just have to sort out all our piccies to put on.....that always takes an age......so....bear with me all you folk who are complaining to me that the site hasn't been updated in a while!! Until then...........11th June 2008
Just a small update. Tim is back in Murrayfield hospital due to a wound infection...similar to what he had the last time. It flared up on Saturday and we got an appointment for today and the Consultant took one look at it and admitted him! Hopefully he will be out by the weekend. He is very cheery and is very bored this time! A good sign!!
Anyway I thought I would put on a few more piccies of our filly foal, Rosealie. Our colt foal is not at home at the moment so can't put any of him on until he returns home.
Rosealie of Achnacarry
Rosealie & Midge of Achnacarry
The next photo is one of Mhairi who isn't due to foal until August along with Corrie..they slipped their foals and as they are both 17 years old I decided I would rather have foals than none!
The photo after her is what I call "A hive of Industry!"
Mhairi Bhan of Achnacarry
A Hive of Industry!!
Finally..we had a great day on Saturday at the West Fife Show where Rowan was Reserve Champion in the Open Ridden Class. She was ridden by Lisa Allison who made a super job of riding her. I have put on a few photos of the day and also one of Rowan a few weeks back in training.
Here a few more from Saturday of Rowan and Lisa.
Rowan
Rowan
Rowan
Rowan & Lisa
Rowan & Lisa schooling
From this.............
Rowan of Achnacarry
Ridden by Lisa Allison
Reserve Ridden Champion M&M
To this.................
That is about all I have to report on...I just have to hope that Tim will soon be home again then we can look forward to next week and enjoy..............
Until the next time............1st June 2008
Time for an update again. There has been a lot happening in the last few weeks between moving ponies from field to field and trying to ride them and also foals being born and visiting mares coming to Rannoch.....so all go as usual.
Our friend, Ellie has a huge grazing field and not enough ponies to put in it, so when she offered some of it for our ponies I decided it might not be such a bad idea. We had a day of moving seven of our ponies into the field...it all went smoothly and they all had great fun cantering round and round until they were all tired. We also moved Ellie's yearling filly over from her house . She travelled very well for a baby and although was chased at first by everyone she has now settled in and made new friends. Here are some photos of the day.
Ellie's yearling filly, Gria
A bad hair Do!!
Euan
Ponies exploring new field
Rowan & Bri making friends
We had been waiting for the birth of our first two foals and at last Fhuaran obliged two weeks early!! She had waxed up for days on end and I was beginning to dispair when , on Monday 19th May at 10.00am she had a colt foal. I had been up twice during the night to check her, but as nearly always she chose to foal in the daylight and in the morning after 8.00am! I watched her foaling and after making sure the foal was out of the bag, I set off for a quick walk with the dogs. By the time I arrived back, he was up and looking for the milk bar! He took a wee while to get himself latched on but did eventually. However the following day I had to call the vet out as I thought he was straining a bit and he was given an enema. I felt sorry for the poor wee soul but to cut a long story short he is well now. Here are a few photos of him just after he was born . We have called him Fergie of Achnacarry.
Fergie just up on his legs!
Fergie
Fergie
Fergie
Fergie
Fergie
Corrie and Mhairi are late this year and are not due until around end of August!! Here is a photo of Corrie looking quite contented, followed by a very pregnant Midge!!
Corrie
A Very Pregnant Midge
The evening of Fhuaran's foal's birth when I checked Midge I saw the teeniest suggestion of wax at the end of her teats. She always does this to me! I think she isn't due and don't check her. However I did check her that night then went over to her field very early the next morning and sure enough there was a foal!! When I at last managed to check I was delighted to discover I had a filly foal............at last!!!! Yippee....our first for three years!!!! She looks as if she will be grey but I don't care... just so pleased to have a filly!! Midge hadn't cleansed and didn't look as if she was going to manage all by herself so I had to call out the vet. Once that was all over I had time to enjoy the foal and here are a few photos of her. We have called her Rosealie of Achnacarry.
Rosealie of Achnacarry
Rosealie
Rosealie
Rosealie
Rosealie
Rosealie
Rosealie
Rosealie
Rosealie
That is all the photos for a bit. Our other news is that Euan is away being broken at a yard near Linlithgow. He has been away for almost three weeks now and is getting on fine so far! It will be great to have him home again as I always miss them when they are away from home. He is such a nice person too so I am very much looking forward to riding him. Of course he is to replace Xanthe eventually as my Western Riding Pony. Poor Xanthe has a touch of laminitis courtesy of the good grass but hopefully I have caught it in time. She is in the barn just now but doesn't seem to mind too much.
We hope to perhaps get Euan out to one or two Nursery Novice Classes later on in the year along with Rowan who is over with the Gourdie family near Glernfarg. Rowan hopefully will be ridden at the Royal Highland Show so is away to be exercised and worked. We hope to do a small show before then to get her used to it again as it is a while since she was ridden at a show. Rannoch, of course is being kept very busy covering mares and in return keeps me very busy looking after them all! I do curse them sometimes but at the same time I find it all very interesting when mares that I don't know arrive and if they have a foal at foot it is always nice to see a foal by a different stallion. Meantime Tarka is having a very lazy year as he will probably only cover Midge this year due to the fact that Rowan is being ridden and Corrie is in foal to Rannoch and is late as is Mhairi!Forgot to add this piccie of Tarka & Tim.
Tarka & Tim
That is about all our news for the moment. Of course my big day will be
arriving soon when I will achieve one of my dearest wishes ....to judge at
The Royal Highland Show....when I shall be judging the Males. I am looking
forward to it very much.
I have a little bit to add onto Tiffany's page so if I have time I shall
do that now............
Until the next time..............
15th May 2008
Back again to try and write some more. We had our Grass Sickness Ride as usual although it was a week earlier because of Tim's operation being the week after. We were a bit bothered incase the weather wouldn't hold, but as always we had a lovely dry day, very bright and clear, just perfect for all the views over the Tay and onwards towards Perth and Dundee as well as the mountains in the background.
We had a good turnout considering the earlier date and a good time was had by all. As always we divided the ride into two with a picnic half way round fortified by Tim's Damson Gin. We collected £170 for Grass Sickness and as usual the Certificate, received from Joyce McIntosh who works with the Grass Sickness Team, is displayed in our Barn. Here are some photos of the day.
Start of the Ride
The Short Ride
Through the Woods
Happy Pony
Picnic
Feedtime
Again!
View of Dundee
Auchtermuchty
Auchtermuchty
Bottoms!!
Bottoms
Relaxing
Our neighbours down the road also had a sociable weekend. They had a Motor Home Rally and staying there were these two youngsters whose day was made when we agreed that they could come up and have a ride on a pony. Xanthe obligingly walked around the yard and here are a couple of photos of the youngsters.
Two very happy youngsters !!!!
I shall close for now...time to go and check for foals etc..
3rd May 2008
I need to update more of the web but before I continue, our friends Rosabelle and Hamish Porter have a very nice yearling colt by our Rannoch which they are ready to sell now due to the fact that they don't show much these days and they feel he is too good to castrate but no doubt they may decide to do so if he were to go to a good, showing home. Here are a few photos of him. Anyone who is interested in him can contact Rosabelle and Hamish through us or themselves direct. Details can be found on our For Sales page.
Keiran of Craigiecat
Sire: Rannoch of Achnacarry
Dam: Kirsty of Craigiecat
Keiran
Keiran
24th April 2008
Time for an update....at least I shall start it but probably finish it tomorrow evening as I have been busy updating Tiffany's page first and that has taken me the best part of two hours!! of course if I wouldn't put on so many piccies I would be finished in half the time ...but then I do like piccies!!
My first part of news is that Tim is back in hospital having had a second hip operation which was very successful. He is a little bit sorer this time, but hopefully this is only temporary and he expects to be home on Sunday. I have had some news from owners of other Achnacarry ponies which always pleases me and I love getting pictures of them. I have also just recently heard that Corran of Achnacarry has yet again changed hands and this time is with Sally Murray up in Aberfeldy so I look forward to hearing how he gets on with Sally and hopefully will receive some piccies of him. Elphin, whom I sold when he was almost 1 year old has now been gelded and Nicola his owner just loves him to bits ...so that always makes our day when we hear that kind of news! Here are some piccies that Nicola sent us recently.
Elphin of Achnacarry
Elphin
Next we heard from Norma who owns two Achnacarry ponies, Ericht and Eoin (Johnny). Ericht is six this year and Johnny will be one. Norma had them both to a show recently and here are some piccies of them on the day.
Ericht of Achnacarry
Ericht
Ericht
Eoin of Achnacarry (Johnny)
Johnny
Johnny
I have been up to a few things recently with the ponies. First of all I took Xanthe and Euan to a Western Clinic which was held near Milnathort so it was nice and local. Euan loaded very well and of course, Xanthe is such a good loader and teacher to follow, she would instill confidence in any young pony. There was a good turn out and Kayreen soon had us all going through our paces! I had a rest for a change and gave Karen a chance to ride Xanthe western and she enjoyed it immensly. Euan and I walked round the school and he soon got used to being overtaken by ridden ponies. Kayreen soon came over for him as she loves "playing" with young ponies and soon he was backing up for her and even trying side passes! He was quite happy to walk over coloured poles and I think he really enjoyed himself.
I have now written enough for one night so am about to retire for the night and hopefully will continue tomorrow.Here I am back again!!Here are a few photos from the western day.
Euan of Achnacarry
Leaving for the day
Xanthe of Whitefield
Leaving for the day also.
Euan
Leaving for the day
Euan
WES Training Day
WES Training Day
Just a few more!!!!
Training day
Karen & Xanthe with Kayreen
Karen & Xanthe
Jock the Deerhound
2nd April 2008
Time for an update on what we have been up to!
First of all we were very pleased to hear about Rannoch's first foal of the season. Anne Mitchell's mare had a filly foal on 1st April..hopefully a yellow dun she thinks and a very strong foal....so Congratulations goes to Anne. Tim is looking forward to having his second hip done as it is becoming very sore now and even his operated leg is sore now, probably compensating for the other one. As a result of this I am kept very busy with the ponies and dogs, house etc. Saying that Tim does all the cooking and even does my ironing now...so how lucky is that?!! Here is a photo of Tim and Tiffany posing at the back door on one of the better days.
Tim & Tiffany
Our friend Karen has been helping us quite a lot and also riding Skye whom she loves dearly and Skye always seems so relaxed when out with Karen. Karen felt that although she will never give up riding Skye, perhaps the time had come for her to have a Highland Pony of her own, so she bought a 3 year old gelding from Willie & Katherine Allan. He is a lovely boy and I shall put a few photos of him on here as well as some of Karen riding Skye.
Karen & Millfield Talisker
Karen & Millfield Talisker
Karen & I on Rowan & Skye
Think the next photo is of me on Xanthe and Lisa on Rowan.
Xanthe tacked up.
There hasn't really been a lot going on but last Saturday, Karen, Lisa and myself all attended a NPS Clinic where Richard Telford was teaching. There were a few Highland Pony people there and it was a great day if just a little chilly for me who was standing watching!!
Both Karen and Lisa felt that they learnt a lot from various little obvious things that Richard helped them with but things that seemed so simple when he explained them. I thought the ponies went very well considering both of them weren't as fit as some that were there. Rowan especially worked very hard and was very hot and wet, but seemed none the worse for her day. It is always good to go to these clinics before the showing season starts. Here are a few photos from the day. They are not too good as I was a wee bit away from them.
Richard Telford Clinic
Karen & Skye
Lisa & Rowan
Just some more photos, Lisa, Karen & me on Rowan, Skye & Xanthe.
All of us!!!!
This a photo from Nevada of a friend's pony, Captain Moonlight of Moonshineglen. He is a stallion by Clandon Moriarti out of Heidi of Whitefield, and is owned by Jill Mueller. I think it is a magic photo and I print it courtesy of Jill.
Captain Moonlight of Moonshineglen.
Highland Stallion being ridden western.
That is probably most of our news. I have one or two Western clinics to go to for practise. These are always very sociable and if anyone out there is reading this and wonders about trying Western Riding I would thoroughly recommend it. At the end of this month, Euan is going away to be broken English first of all but the idea was always that he would follow Xanthe in the Western Riding.
The only other thing is that remember all our followers who come to our Annual Grass Sickness ride run in conjunction with the Central Scotland Highland Pony Club that the ride is to be held on Saturday 19th April. This year we have also invited some Members from The Western Equestrian Society so we welcome them also.
I have a few photos for Tiffany's page so that will be my next job.Until the next time...........
20th March 2008
Here I am again. Since my last update, I have been at the Stallion Show with my friend, Ellie just to watch and socialise and relax after poor Fiona was put to sleep. Although I had entered Rannoch for the Stallion parade I couldn't bare to scrub him up and take him so soon after Fiona's death. I thought it would be much nicer to go with Ellie and enjoy the show without any pressure!
The Highland ponies were fairly well represented in numbers but the Stallion Parade was rather disappointing and as I was supposed to be parading I can't say too much! Congratulations must go to R&M Osborne and their daughter, Ginny who showed the Champion, Charlie of Muck a 7 year old stallion by Strathmashie Seumas Mhor and out of Mary of Muck. Reserve went to Charlie & Joan MCQuattie's 6 year old mare, Maggie Rose of Strathmore by Eros of Achnacarry and out of Rose-Bud of Strathmore. Tim and I were obviously pleased with that result as Maggie Rose is by Eros of Achnacarry. We were also very pleased with the winner of the Gelding class, Sheamus of Inverdarroch, bred by Bruce Haliburton and owned by Irene Grant. Sheamus is by our Rannoch of Achnacarry and out of Shonagh of Inverdarroch. The other good result for us was the 1st prize 3 yrd old gelding, Callum of Mendick, bred by John & Kate Dykes and owned by Susan Fairfield. Callum was also by our Rannoch and out of Uist of Mendick. Here are a few photos from the Stallion Show of these three all by Achnacarry stallions as well as Kestrel of Glencree who was parading and who is by MacGregor of Achnacarry.
Maggie Rose of Strathmore
Sheamus of Inverdarroch
Callum of Mendick
Kestrel of Glencree
Jane Dawson who lives on Islay and whom we sold Aigas of Achnacarry to sends us photos of him from time to time and this is one of the earlier ones of him not long after she had him. He looks very contented with life.
Aigas of Achnacarry
After the Stallion Show we started to get ready to leave for Crufts. I shall write more about that in Tiffany's page. We had a great time although neither dog won anything this time. However , Tim managed very well with his new hip and as we were staying at the Holiday Inn Hotel they are always very good in that they run a shuttle bus to and from Crufts so we didn't have to worry about driving there and trying to find a parking place. That is all behind us now and we are back to feeding ponies etc. At least the weather has been nice and dry for a bit and the ground is beginning to be less muddy! We look forward to our new foals arriving. The first mare to foal will be Midge, followed by Fhuaran and then, much later...Corrie and Mhairi. Of course in between we will have dog shows to go to and then the Royal Highland Show which I have the priviledge to judge this year. One of the rules is that I cannot judge any other show before the Highland but I could show my ponies but as a matter of principle I won't. It will give me more time and an excuse to show the dogs!! Tim also has to have his 2nd operation for his next hip to be done on the 22nd April so hopefully he will be up and running (literally!) by the time the Highland Show comes round! I will be kept busy as usual by a few mares into Rannoch as well as brushing all the old hair out of the ponies once the winter is well and truly over. That is about all our news at the moment.
Until the next time...........
28th February 2008
Today was a sad day for us all here at Pitmenzie.
Ellie's mare, Fiona of Woodside has been ill and because she was having difficulties grazing, she was in our barn to make life easier for her. Tim and I had become used to her being there as she had been at Pitmenzie for around 4 weeks. Unfortunately Fiona was fighting an infection from perhaps a tumour or something as horrendous and today she was put to sleep. We all felt so sad because she was carrying a foal by Ellie's stallion, Brattach whom we also know well as he and Rannoch ran together as foals then again up to when they were both 2 years old and got their Stallion Licenses. Fiona was also a half sister to our Fhuaran of Orangefield and very similar to Fhuaran. May she and her unborn foalie rest in peace, and our thought are with Ellie at this very sad time. I have put in a photo of Fiona when she was feeling better and watching life through our barn window.
Fiona of Woodside
These are two photos which I received recently, one of Kieran of Craigiecat who is by our Rannoch and out of Kirsty of Craigiecat. He was bred by Rosabelle Porter. The other is of Tearlach (Teddy) of Achnacarry who is by Carlung Feargus and out of Mhairi Bhan of Achnacarry. We sold him last year to Kerry Rushbrooke who lives down south.
Keiran of Craigiecat
Tearlach of Achnacarry
22nd February 2008
Here I am again adding some more photos and news. I have been riding quite a bit with a friend who comes up now and then to help with the ponies and ride Skye, Tim's pony. Now that Rowan is yeld again I am trying to get her fit in the hope that we can do some ridden classes with her this year. I also have to keep Xanthe ticking over and as I enjoy my Western Riding with her we try and attend some of the clinics/training days which are held on a regular basis. Also earlier on our 3 year old Rosanna had had a kick from someone so I put her in the stable for a couple of weeks to give her a rest from all the mud and the pony that had kicked her!
Here are a few photos of Rosie followed by me on Rowan and Karen on Skye and some more of me on Xanthe at my Western Day.
Rosanna of Achnacarry
Me and Rosie
Me on Rowan
Karen & I on Skye & Rowan
Xanthe & I at our WES training day
Xanthe and I
Myself on Xanthe & Kayreen Jones
on Sorrel of Sunnyneuk
Of course some of you may know and some of you may not know that Tim has been in and out of hospital having his hip replaced.
He went in on the 30th January and had his operation that day and it is now 3 weeks past since the op. and he is doing really well. They soon have you up on your feet and after 5 days he was back home. At first he was very careful and was dreading walking up the stairs, but he soon found his confidence and he is walking a little bit more each day. I managed to cook for the first week but Tim soon took over again, for which I was very relieved! It's not that I can't cook but I am so busy with all the ponies just now and with no Tim to give me the occasional hand I am finding that my time just flies past. As soon as I can I will put up a current photo of Tim and his "sticks" and him walking up our road! We are off to Crufts next week leaving on the 5th March and returning on the 7th.....I shall put more about that on Tiffany's page.The Stallion Show is on 1st March and all going well we are taking Rannoch there but only for the parade as we will take in a few mares to him as usual this year. He is rather hairy as I haven't been riding him so far so haven't had a rug on him like I had last year. Although I know Highlands don't really need a rug they do help to keep their coats flat and a little bit shorter and tidier!
13th February 2008
The start of the year was so wet and muddy that it was a nice change to see some snow and it lay for a couple of days giving us time to play with our new Christmas present! Here are a few photos of the ponies in the snow.
Fionnalaigh & Euan both aged 4 years.
Xanthe & Skye
Corrie aged 19 years.
10th February 2008
Here I am with some more 2007 news to add on. After Islay we had two of our other colt foals to deliver to their new home in Aberfeldy. They were Fionnlagh (Findlay) and Ruairidh and we managed to box them relatively easily considering we had had problems earlier on in the month. We quickly phoned a surprised Donna (Pringle) to inform her we were leaving and would be in Aberfeldy in an hour or so. They travelled very well and here are a few photos of them on arrival. For company they were to have Donna's foal as well as a supposedly sensible Connemara!!
The Arrival
Fionnlagh has found a friend!
Ruairidh has found his friend!
Ruairidh, Cameron & the Connemara
Hey....wait for us!!!!
After they had gone, we had Christmas to enjoy before the next two left us.The two that were left were Eoin (Johnny) and Timothy, and we thought we had nothing better to do than box the two of them when their new owners arrived to collect them!
The Thorburn family arrived after New Year with their trailer and we duly caught the foals and tried to box them. Johnny went in without too much trouble, but Timothy had other ideas! Try as we might he just wouldn't stay in the box! He would go in then just as we relaxed he would back out very quickly eventually upsetting Johnny too.
The weather couldn't have been worse as it was blowing a gale and also was snowing heavily at times. After hours of coxing etc we took an executive decision to put both the foals back into their stable and leave them alone. By this time it was 3.00pm and the Thorburns had to travel to Manchester that day, so they left their trailer and it was decided that if we could get them boxed we would take them as far as Gretna Green and hand over the trailer! This is eventually what we did and I must say a big Thank You to all our friends who came up and gave us a hand with loading both of them. At the end of the day, once Timothy relaxed, he travelled very well indeed. Here are a few photos of them both and one of Timothy trying to box himself!
Johnny & Timothy December 07
Timothy thinking about loading!
Norma persuading Timothy to box!
7th February 2008
As I said below we sold Aigas, Rowan's first foal, to Jane Dawson on the Island of Islay and although she was going to arrange for his collection, Tim and I decided that since we have never visited Islay that we would take him there ourselves.
We set off around 7.00am and it took us 5 1/2 hours to reach Kennacraig where we had to catch the ferry to Islay. The ponies travelled very well. We tied Rowan up but left Aigas loose. The 2nd Officer on the ferry was very good and kept his eye on the ponies and reported on them every now and then. The crossing took 2 1/2 hours and was actually fine..a wee bit rough but nothing bad and we had some lunch whilst on board. Once we reached Islay we had another hour approximately until we reached Ellister Farmhouse where Jane and Gilbert were waiting for us. On our way over we passed the Island of Jura and here is a piccie of the Paps of Jura.
We unloaded the ponies and led them into very comfortable quarters for the next two evenings. Jane had very carefully thought out where to put the ponies and they were in a small paddock with lots of shelter in the shape of two very large open stable blocks filled with fresh straw and lots of hay. Rowan and Aigas probably thought they had died and gone to heaven!! The other two ponies that were going to keep Aigas company once we left with Rowan were just over the fence in the rest of the paddock, thus making things very safe but the ponies were able to speak to each other without any chance of anybody being hurt. We left them tucking into their hay.
Aigas with his new friend
(Photo courtesy of Jane Dawson)
Aigas and his new friend
(Photo courtesy of Jane Dawson)
Tim and I had a lovely time on Islay looking at all Jane's Highland Ponies and her Stallion, Whitefield King Duncan. We also know one or two pubs and hotels! However all too soon it was time to leave and we had decided the best plan was to very quickly take Rowan out of the paddock on our day of departure and Aigas would be so taken up with his new friends he wouldn't mind his mother going away.
When morning dawned it was very stormy and we weren't too sure if we were going to be allowed on the ferry with Rowan, but because of the time scale we had to box Rowan and drive off . We had hardly driven a mile or two when my mobile went and it was Jane confirming that the Captain wouldn't allow us on board! What to do next? We didn't want to return to Ellister and risk upsettin Aigas or Rowan but it was a long time until the next ferry. We had around six and a half hours to kill. Fortunately Jane and her friends came to the rescue and arranged with the local cattle market for Rowan to go into a small field of theirs until it was time to board. Understandably, Rowan was pretty upset having just lost her baby so we stayed with her for at least half an hour until she put her head down to graze. Tim and I then went off to find a hotel which would give us breakfast at 11.30am! It was a rather expensive breaky but considering the staff were setting up for a lunch party as well as another party in the evening we considered ourselves very lucky. After finding a few gifts for our friends back home who were looking after the rest of the menagerie, we returned to Rowan and awaited Jane's phone call to see whether we were to be allowed on the 3.30pm ferry. Once that was confirmed we boxed Rowan and set off. She is such a good pony, she loaded no problem and even although she was pretty stressed after loosing her foal she travelled very well all the way home. The crossing was a bit choppy to begin with but soon became smoother and once again we were back on the mainland and homeward bound. The journey home wasn't very pleasant as it was dark and the roads were flooded in parts. It didn't help when we took the wrong road after Inverary and ended up in Arrocher! We had to take The A82 to Crianlarich .....not a pleasant road when it is dark and raining! We were so glad to reach home and after unloading Rowan and leading her into a lovely stable which Brenda had prepared for her, Tim and I were soon downing a Gin and Tonic each!! Despite all that we will go back to Islay and visit Jane and Aigas but probably in the better weather! Below are a couple of photos of some of Jane's ponies and also Tim in the Agri-Cat and the morning when we were driving towards the ferry which we didn't catch!!
Kimdene
Summer Thyme
Tim and friends!
Tim again!
Morning on Islay
28th January 2008
This is me just to see if we are really working!! I have put on a piccie below of Rosanna when she was Reserve Champion at the NPS Show early December.
13 January 2008
Are we working now? We think so...!
This is me....Jean...I just couldn't wait to get my hands on the computer just to prove it is working! I shall be busy over the next few weeks....me-thinks!!!!I am going to try a photo!
Hip Hip Hurrah!!!...With the help of a very good friend the web site is up and running. Until I get my hands on it , our readers will just have to content themselves with this shortened version, but at least we are getting there!! Since Perth Show we have been at Kinross Show, winning the Best Mare & Foal Combination with Rowan and Aigas. Aigas also won the Best Foal Salver, a Trophy which we have won six times now! After that we were at Blair Horse Trials where there are always classes for Highland Ponies. We took Fionnalaigh and Rosanna but it wasn't our luckiest day! Enough said!! I shall add a wee bit about the dogs in this part and later on Tiffany's page will be updated. On 25th August we went to the SKC Championship show at Ingliston and imagine my delight to win 1st prize with both Sasha and Tiffany in their indivdual classes. Tiffany went on from there to win her first Reserve Challenge Certificate. Boy was I chuffed! Dogs are not like ponies........ they have to win THREE Challenge Certificates to become a Champion and in the dog world when you are just a "rookie" that is hard work. The following day, we set off bright and early up to the NESPEC show in Aberdeen , this time with the ponies. We took the same two we had at Blair and had a great day. Fionnalaigh was 2nd in her class and because the first prize pony was a gelding we won the Best 3 year old filly Trophy which is a lovely Trophy. Rosanna was 3rd to begin with but ended up 4th in a very large two year old class so we were well pleased and returned home with lovely rosettes and the Trophy. September saw us at my friend's son's wedding which was held on the Banks of Loch Tay. Tim and I stayed overnight in the Killin Hotel which we enjoyed very much. We must return and stay a little bit longer. It was a super day and we drank far too much wine!!! The day after, I judged the CSHPC show near Methevn. It was a lovely day and I had lots of good ponies in front of me. The standard has improved so much and I thoroughly enjoyed judging. My Champion was Martin & Wendy Taylor's lovely mare, Shona of Sunnyneuk who is by Concorde of Whitefield and out of Selina of Caenlochan. She actually went on to be Supreme Champion of Champions in the new class sponsered by Kate Lawson and Willie Sinclair. Later on in the Month, Tim and I trooped down to the Darlington Dog Show staying overnight in a nearby Travel Lodge. We persuaded them to let us take the three dogs although their policy is usually only two dogs to a room! We had a passable show. Tiffany was 3rd and Sasha was 4th.....nothing to write home about! On 29th September I went to the HPS Study Day with friends. Tim stayed at home looking after the dogs and doing what he wanted to do....ie; the garden! It was a very interesting day and we all came away thinking it had been worth while. It also gave us a chance to catch up with old friends. October was a quiet month as far as shows went. I used it to practise with the foals, teaching them to lead etc. I also had a few rides on Xanthe mostly , but sometimes Skye. We are lucky in that I have two friends who come up and ride too which helps me a great deal as Tim cannot ride now due to his hips being very sore. He has been told he has arthritis in both hips and we are actually going to see the specialist tomorrow so hopefully he will have his operation in the New Year and will be free of his pain. On 3rd November, Karen, my friend and I took Rowan, Aigas & Rosanna to the NPS Show at Oatridge. We had a good day. Unfortunately there was only Aigas there in the foal class so he ended up with the red rosette and a very nice Trophy. However he behaved very well and walked and trotted fine for the Judge, Gillian MacMurray. She said she liked him very much .
Aigas of Achnacarry
NPS Show Oatridge
Rosanna was in a class for two and three year olds and she was 2nd. The first pony was a 3yr old gelding owned by Jean & Willie Ralston. He was Champion and Rosanna was Reserve Champion, so we were very pleased.
Rosanna of Achnacarry
Reserve Champion at NPS Show
On 8th November Tim and I were off on our travels again, this time to Northern Yorkshire to stay with Alison Payne and her father who had been poorly, but is now fine.
Alison had entered for a Foal Show and took two of her foals with her and Tim and I
went along too. Guess who we saw away down there? Photo below holds the answer!
Cameron always has an eye for a.......?!!
Our reason apart from visiting them was to go to The Northern Schnauzer Dog Show, which was held at Elsecar, Barnsley . Again we had a good day, Tiffany was 2nd in a large class and Sasha was also 2nd in another good class. We were delighted. Sorry, I can't remember who the Bitch Champion was but the Dog Champion was Tamberg Chayote Kid who won his 2nd Challenge Certificate.
Our next event was the Winter Fair held on 24th November. My friend and I had been practising most days with the two foals which I had entered, Eoin of Achnacarry and Fionnlagh of Achnacarry.
However when the morning came we spent an hour trying to persuade Fionnlagh that he should go in the box but to no avail. We ended up just taking Eoin. He was 3rd in the colt foal class.
Again it was good experience for him.
Next it was Tayside Foal Show on 2nd December which was held at Forfar Market.
The entries were much better than the Winter Fair but we only took Aigas due to the fact that both Rosanna and Euan had abscesses in their feet. Aigas was 3rd and behaved reasonably well considering Rowan was whinnying to him when we were in the ring.
Aigas at Tayside Foal Show 2007
Aigas Tayside Foal Show
That is most of our news since our web site went off the rails. The only other news I have to report is that we have sold Aigas to Jane Dawson who lives on the Island of Islay .
Tim and I decided to take him there with Rowan to save him being stresses!! Well that is another story for when I get the web site back to myself!!!
Until then...............
Site developed by A Douglas 2001
© T&J Connell 2001