reds

A couple of pics. For some reason why hat is waaaaaaaaaaay too big for me, really have to get a new one. How is it now too big? Do heads shrink? On return after a little rain shower and C being asked to stop for a chat when he really doesn't want to. Must get mane tidied, it's thin enough to pull but I've hardly ever done that, ever. And the farmer agreed to extend the concrete in the yard too The ledge which was a right pain, is now becoming a yard And one of the fat fit stable kitties (who have got new beds!)

About the same as any morning! Disclaimer: They do do walkies as well ;)

I LOVE the photos!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Very Happy Gotcha Sparky boy What a handsome pair I'm sure Mal is glad he has another man in the house to look after his Sis for him.

Will sort out the bit Clare and put it up, should be 5.5. I can tell you that it's a raised port and has copper roller bits in the middle - how descriptive! Rode both boys today. Cornish had a standing still moment half way round where his feet were firmly planted - bless the cyclists who thought they spooked him - they hadn't, not sure what it was. Thankfully he gave up that little protest - had it been Duke we'd have been going backwards very quickly and having a right little dance about it!! Am planning to take Cornish over Cannock Chase with Ted the dog. Am I brave or what Duke was a star, didn't change bits and he was going so well (i.e. steady and relaxed) that when we got to the park I thought it'd be nice to trot a little. Well not changing bits was a mistake Who'd have thought he'd want to gallop instead of trot? We had a little canter by meeting each other half way (and because I couldn't actually find the 'trot' gear) and then carried on home, in walk still Very good boy - fantastic but nutty, just how I like 'em. I wasn't feeling so bad though about not Duke getting shod and being taken out to the Chase. I was reminded of the reason for that, bit like there was a reason for the french link being in the garage - not on the the bridle

The tumour may be big but Milly is one strong collie girl and she's not going to let a little thing like that get in her way. Keep doing what you're doing Alex - both of you

Happy to take part in such a video Ian - for a good cause After Lucie going last week, they CANNOT POSSIBLY stay in this week. Especially as they do seem to have started thinking they might actually win Surely, the joke has gone far enough now??????

to the half inch The saddler mentioned cold backed when he first put the saddle on him. I put it down to it being a long time since he'd had a saddle on but yes Clare, perhaps you're right! I'm a bit on the slow side Brilliant about Loki's feet and what a good bit of luck that would be with the saddle - fingers crossed. I had similar experience with bits with Duke and have a couple of Myler/Kangaroo bits I would sell on ebay - if only I could remember what they were I'd completely forgotten I had the one and didn't keep the box I might put a picture of it up on here and we can have a quiz to guess what it is!

I love the innovation!

Interesting day. The farm yard right outside the stable yard is being dug up and re-surfaced with a new flat concrete layer. Hoping the farmer will extend the concrete outside the stables too but we'll see... Tacked Cornish up and wasn't bothered by the digging or noise. We had to go through the field and out the back door so to speak to get out though as the yard was up. The new flat surface will knock out my perfect mounting block!! Hence had to take him into the field and mount there with Duke in the stable. Managed to get on (not as easy as it once was ) and we then literally flew for a few seconds - all four feet off the ground at the same time, kind of a joint rear and buck all at the same time. I was imagining how I was going to land but after one big kick to tell him to get on, he stood still and continued as good as gold. It was quite funny afterwards We went round the housing estate after the tracks and all was good - tractors and traffic no problem. Standing still to cross the road is a novelty I could get used to He's a lot like Duke, only with manners He does grind the bit and can grab it so any ideas as to what would be best are most appreciated. Currently in Duke's old dressage bit, a hanging cheek french link. I might even be brave enough to try Duke in that again - brakes were always a bit lacking

Ideas Wendy? Us? Bella has landed in labby luxury, and with two very handsome gentlemen too Hope all goes well at the vets.

Don't know if it's just me but it seems to be a little boring this year. No one is really exciting me or appears to be the obvious winner/finalist. Lucie seems to be getting stronger each week but there's no real 'buzz'. Maybe just overshadowed by the J&E saga and Danyl's cocky/broken conflict? I can see Lloyd in the bottom two again, he reminds me of the kid who played Nick in Corrie!

Hope there's been peace in the field since your last post Clare? It's not nice to see horses separate but if one is the cause of bad injuries then it's got to be the better option Could the new horses' owner be persuaded to remove the hind shoes for a few weeks whilst the group settles, or do you think it's more than just being a new boy? Did you get the saddle fitting?? Very excited for you!! I rode Cornish today for the very first time He stood good as gold whilst I tacked him up and got ready and I'm hugely relieved to say that although he had a few whinnies to Duke (and in reply to Duke!) he didn't nap or refuse to go anywhere or do anything daft We walked half way down the lane and then back up over the tracks, past Duke's field and back across the road and round another field before rain stopped play. Bad planning on my part to go past the horse fields but apart from the whinnying he didn't have any problem with it at all. Duke's one fault was being nappy so I'm so pleased Cornish was true to his reputation and had no worries about going out off on his own Eyes were out on stalks at the usual 'new' stuff like the 'STOP' markings on the road and the reversing mirror in the hedge, and the barn on the hill but he didn't do anything which is just like how he is on the ground - looks but doesn't physically react. Will have to save up for some lessons now and get us both fit. I didn't even need to adjust the bridle, so they can share nicely. I do love my boys Have another day off on Monday so fingers crossed for good riding weather, and we'll also see if Duke can manage another ride without napping and if Cornish is a little more relaxed about Duke being out without him. I'd accepted not riding Duke again because of the jogging but started again after the laminitis so if he can keep walking, he may have a new lease of life!

Sarah Thank goodness you fought to get Molly back so you can help her How long do they think Blondie's shoulder will take to heal enough? The stress of Blondie needingan operation at the same time as Mollie's diagnosis, is a very heavy weight to bear Life really goes for the hardest knocks at times.

GREAT to hear Alex - Milly you are a little merlie trooper

Any results yet Sarah? No knowledge myself either but hoping there's a better prognosis after today Don't beat yourself up, you're not culpable for anything Good to see you back here by the way

PS. Clare - that was the 5th ride. All in walk

Keep us updated on Blue Gooster, and how the next canter goes Brilliant news Clare, it's great to have a vet visit that leaves you feeling really GOOD Fingers crossed for a quick saddle sale, Barnsby one looks and sounds ideal. I'd quite like one myself! I too have saddle news I had a saddler who was recommended by a friend come out to check Duke's saddle on Cornish and he said IT FITS I don't have to buy a new one It may need adjusting if he develops a lot of muscle on his tree line but nothing that can't be sorted if needed. Saddler was brilliant and for the first time I actually understand a bit (very small bit) about saddle fitting. OTHER NEWS AND THIS HAS MADE MY DAY Day off work today and as the weather was rubbish on Sunday I missed the chance to ride Duke so we went on a HACK this morning- on the ROADS. We did one of our old rides and were out over an hour. This is the first time I have hacked Duke out, besides the farm tracks, for about 2 whole years. I was always worried about his feet as he's unshod especially with the jogging. But after being so good round the tracks the last few times and as he can't handle stones and now the fields are deep from the rain, I was very brave and went off down the road. Duke DIDN'T JOG He was forward going but completely sensible and didn't bat even half an eyelid at anything - apart from the plastic bag in the hedge! Still not too patient waiting to cross the roads but he walked all the way around, right back up to the farm. Only time he had a little jog was in the field where we always used to canter. Maybe at nearly 27 he has finally decided it's ok to walk He was also better without his shoes, first time he's been ridden on the road barefoot, much less tripping and a lot more sure footed. It was a dream, I honestly cannot remember the last time he hacked out without jogging on the way back. It was something I didn't think we'd be able to do again. And it was so lovely not having a sweat soaked horse on return ))) Cornish however was sweat soaked when I got back - he'd had a little stressy fit about Duke being gone so long! Saturday will be the first time I sit on Cornish, just need to get a larger girth and we can ride. I can't wait!!!!! Oh and I've remembered how not good for your back, riding is LOL

Agree with E&L. With Petplan though, although it may have changed now, once Duke turned 15 his cover reduced from £3500 to £1500 without any warning. Needless to say I soon changed!

A very warm welcome to you

Control freaks don't admit to being control freaks - it would mean losing control By the way, I am nice

Great to hear all is good with you Ellie Sparkle

My animals define me. They are the reason I get up, want to go home, worry about whilst at work, plan my weekends with, spend my free time with, budget to feed, and talk about to anyone in the same world.

My heart goes out to you Jules, Ollie is a big member of the Refuge family and will be very sadly missed by us all too Have sprollie fun without care Olls

Whereabouts are you moving to Angel? How I long for an arena, but we must not be greedy Glad you've figured out the cause of Loki's upset Clare, I would ask the new horse to move. I know you think it mean because you're considerate but you're paying to keep Loki there so you have the right to make sure he's content. New horse sounds like he's not really an indoors guy! Got a couple of rugs off ebay - the Mark Todd combo turnout btw is fabulous and I got Cornish's mediumweight one for £45 brand new!! I'm a rambo girl but could not refuse at that price and am glad I did. Just bought a 2nd hand rambo wug plus as Cornish needs a heavyweight and Duke's needs replacing as well this year - cost the same as a brand new Mark Todd heavyweight. I love Rambo but can't help wondering if I've been a bit daft . Keep telling myself the Rambo is a little warmer and, and, and I'll think of something

I laughed out loud at Stacey's comments afterwards with Dermot, agree she needs to perform now and her vocals didn't come over so well but I just love her personality! I don't agree with the parody bit at all. Rachel was doing well until she completely over-did the 'personality' bit and way too obviously copied Stacey's way of being - definitely tried too hard and THAT was cringemworthy. Lucie I thought was great for the first time, better when she didn't over-sing. Jamie always good but fear he'll end up like Alex from the Fame Academy - not enough variation to last beyond the novelty factor. Lloyd I liked for the first time too but he's not going to get past the others when it comes down to talent. J&E - Can't decide if they're better than Chico or not but they've surely got to be in the botton two tonight?