Wildlife Camera - April

I was so pleased with the photos from the Birdcam 2.0 last month that I kept an eye out on Ebay for a second one and was lucky enough to see one listed, win it and have it delivered within 24hrs.  So it got a new card and some fresh batteries and of into the woods it went on the 10th, on the 13th it was absent without leave.  I'd like to think the badgers investigated it and pulled it down but if it was them they left the bungee cords neatly coiled at the tree (and if it was a tea leaf, just take the sodding bungees, they were good ones, you'd of found them useful).  Needless to say I am peering down the set and also checking Ebay regularly, it may turn up in one place or the other.

On happier news the original camera got an exciting shot this month, all the regulars and a good shot of a female bullfinch (I think?) plus a mound of badgers in one shot - this year we have badger cubs.

Breaking Update - Doodle

4yo Doodle who arrived on Saturday, he'd been sat on last year at home but we will be taking it a bit steady with him for a few days as he's missing his mates and thinking this boys holiday is not all that was promised!  

Don't think ours will be getting ridden… it's snowing… and lying...

Chamfron Aguacero - 5 years old

Looking very well - thanks to Clare for the photos.

One In, One Out

Blue the Dales pony has gone home today after four weeks breaking in on the stud.  Mark and Dick went out a hack, Dick riding Blue's dam Molly then half way round they swapped over and Dick rode Blue home.  

The next breaker has arrived, a good looking steel grey gelding called Doodle who should be just as photogenic as Blue!

New Mare - Morena

Our latest very exciting addition to the broodmare band, high goal polo pony Morena who has played in Sotogrande and in the Arena Gold Cup.  A lovely kind sensible girl she strolled up the driveway, met the welcoming committee and had a roll in the pen.  Vet booked to swab her tomorrow then she'll go out in the field and hopefully the sun will still be shining.  

Making the most of it...

The sun is still shining, first field harrowed and Mark polished a few pairs of boots while sunbathing, a slightly longer job than anticipated.  Meanwhile, Arrayan embraced his inner cat.

Playing!

This glorious weather makes working the horses more pleasant for sure, quick spin for everyone this evening, not even worth tacking up the polo ponies!  Another new experience for Blue tonight with me riding him for a wee change.

Glorious night

Cath's Arrayan filly

Lovely to get an update from Cath Wilson about her Arrayan filly Alba.  Alba was bred by Cath out of a smart polo playing thoroughbred mare and was one of Arrayan's first crop of foals.  Now playing her first season of polo with Cath's daughter Fiona she was recently Best Playing Pony at the Easter pony club polo camp.

Return of the sun

Thankfully the good weather has returned and the new chooks are enjoying their freedom and a bit of croissant wrestling.  Our Quarter Horse mare Ruby looked very well when we took her rug off for the summer but not very in foal and she confirmed that by being rank in season when we brought her in to trim her feet.  Oh well… first mare of the year covered, fingers crossed for 2016!

White Out!

A slight change in the weather!

Chamfron Cactus Jack - 5 year old

Cactus looking incredibly well and rocking the western look.  Sarah says he continues to be sane and sensible while still being a fun ride. 

Chamfron Perdita and Osito

Perdita, our twin foal will be two on Sunday and is looking fantastic as is her little side kick Osito, lovely photos, thank you Bernadette.

Chamfron Mojito - (nearly) I year old

Looking ever so handsome!

Bounce!

Glorious warm day today, Blue said "too hot for something so black and fluffy!"  Pitufa reminded us she was just a little fresh and had a good hoon about when we let her loose and Arrayan tutted about the mess she'd made and carefully rolled the wood chips flat again.

Chamfron Ojo de Tigre - 2 years old

Tigger was two on Saturday and is looking fantastic - thanks for the photos Lindsay.

Turnout and extreme divot production!

In the last two days the fog has cleared and the sun has come out.  The last of the rugs came off yesterday and today started the process of beautifying the fat girls (manes hogged, tails washed).  Kahlua had a wee loose jump and showed off her awesome trot - no photos of it though as I was cringing as she powered through the wood chips spraying them out the cage sides and almost reaching the hard core, it is a very big trot!  The fence was still up when Mark rode Blue so we dropped it to microscopic and trotted him over it - go Blue!  Cherry, Llamita, Kahlua and Rosa are now out for the summer after wintering in the barn, still hairy round the edges but with nice shiny coats.