Trail Camera - December onwards

Well, back in December the camera picked up a couple of interesting photos including one of a small plump dog who I would later see on a lost poster on Facebook.  I did contact them to say when she'd been around us but never heard back and sadly by then I didn't have time to keep an eye out for her.  After that the camera took no photos, I thought Mark hadn't switched it on properly, then I thought I hadn't switched it on.  It took me weeks to think to replace the batteries!  When I put it back out I clearly had it pointing a bit randomly out through the fence and it has mostly been taking photos of cows, though we do have one silhouetted hare.  The other camera also got new batteries but appears to be rather lazy.  I occasionally bait it with some eggs but more often than not the eggs are gone with no evidence of who took them.

Chamfron Mojito looking "Foxy"!

Chamfron Osito - Two today!

Chamfron Chipita - First BE outing

A lovely photo of Chip with kind permission of Matt Nuttall Photography.

Eventing round up!

Chamfron Chipita had her first British Eventing outing at Kelsall Hill 90 on Friday where she was ridden by Wayne Garrick.  She had a 35 dressage and a clear show jumping round, a few babyish moments at the water meant that she was eliminated on the cross country but she jumped round nicely, finished confidently and all in all it sounds like a very positive first outing.  Hopefully pro photos to follow.

Chamfron Kukri (Gemma Hope) was at Dalkeith 90 today, a 32 dressage and a nice double clear for fifth and his first British Eventing rosette.

Chamfron Perdita - 3 years old

Hasn't our teeny twin grown into a nice mare!

Happy Birthday

Chamfron Paloma is four today!

The sun is shining!

Chamfron Agata de Fuego - (nearly) 1 year old

Chamfron Calandria - 19 days old

Callie was having a good run about this afternoon when a tree leapt out in front of her, she wandered away for a minute or two and then came back, double barrelled it and told it off for not looking where it was going...

Still Standing...

Very nearly three months, how can this be?

Eighteen horses have left, I think I will always look back and be amazed at how easy it was to sell them and how lucky I was.  The yard is quiet and the big personalities are gone but everyone is happily settled and loved in their new homes.  To the women that said to me "I hope I never am but in your shoes I'd do exactly the same" thank you.

I've hit forty and can smile that I am slimmer and fitter than I've been in twenty years, I don't look like me any more though, I wonder if you ever look in the mirror and recognise yourself again.  To Rose and Charlotte who got that "I don't want to celebrate my Birthday" meant "I'd still like cake" thank you.

I am constantly amazed by the kindness of others and so many people have been wonderful though it has to be said I also attract the most awesome bat shit crazy nutters.  To the crazies, thank you, I've never been short of a story to tell.

Marks death hit the press last week, lots of articles and a few front pages.  I skimmed them, I avoided the comments, I hope that most people know that the press doesn't care any more, that the truth is sparse and quotes are generally a work of fiction.  I struggle to see a positive in this so I'll go for a totally facetious one, it's fairly expanded my portfolio of published photos...

So, I'm still standing, undoubtedly stronger and braver than I ever thought I was but I wish I didn't have to be.

Going Sideways!

Chamfron Kukri and Gemma having their first side saddle lesson, I am very excited by this!

Chamfron Firefly - First ridden outing

A lovely photo of Rebecca and Sammy taken by Kris Clay at Tentsmuir last weekend.

Out and About

Chamfron Kukri (Gemma Hope) has had a good weekend at ISEC, dressage on Saturday with 72.3% and fourth.  Then Sunday was arena eventing, winning the 1m class and second in the 1m10, his first time out at that height.

Chamfron Firefly (Rebecca Crump) had her first outing under saddle, a taster endurance ride at Tentsmuir where she was beautifully behaved.

Chamfron Calandria - 12 days old

Chamfron Kahlua and Chamfron Almendra Away

Two more girls away this morning.  Chamfron Almendra passed her vetting yesterday and is of to join Milano, Bombero and Nicobar with Caroline Clarry as part of the pink polo string.  Chamfron Kahlua (Pookie!) also went to Oxfordshire and will be a polo pony with Laura James, Pookie is always happy and cheery and I hope Laura loves her a much as I do.

Shesa Perfect Zippo Away

Ruby has also been sold to Lauren at Sannabay Sports Horses and she will be joining Erica who left last week and has settled in well.

Chamfron Ojo de Tigre - 3 years old

I love his Birthday posts! 

Chamfron Compostela Away

Stela has gone to her new home with Suzanne in East Sussex this morning, she is in foal to Arrayan Numa for a May foal and then at weaning she will go back under saddle for a life of hacking and hunting.

Best Buddies

Merlin keeping an eye out while Cid (Chamfron Campeador) snoozes!