Bad hair day

Chamfron Santiago looking a little windswept in todays blizzard!

The Beast from the East

For the first time in my life I rang work and said I wasn't that keen to drive this morning, probably only about eight inches of snow but still coming down with a fierce wind behind it.  So a lazy day all round, elderly whippet enjoyed the snow for five minutes before remembering there was a roaring fire inside, he legged it back to the house and repeatedly launched himself at the front door woofing, senile but not stupid.  The Robins are not daft either and have found shelter, only coming out to grab a peanut or two.

Return of the Photo Booth

With some snow on the ground (and plenty more in the sky) I thought it would be nice to dig the Birdcam back out.  The Robin was in at the peanuts before I got more than a couple of paces away and the Nuthatch kept coming back until the dish was empty.  Next job, new batteries in the trail cameras!

Chamfron Chaco - 33 months old

Another of the Arrayan three year olds looking very grown up and happily wearing tack.  

Chamfron Santiago - 32 months old

First BD Outing for Bellini

Natalie's report from Bellini's first British Dressage Outing..

"First affiliated comp for Bellini really pleased with her 67.76% in prelim 17a, I’m disappointed with second test as we both switched off, still came away with 61.46% in prelim 19. We won both silver section. Lots of positives and lots to learn from."

Had to smile at the "switching off" comment - Natalie was competing after a 15 hour night shift so was doing very well to be out and about and not tucked up under her duvet!

Chamfron Calandria - 23 months old

Chamfron Calandria as seen through Chamfron Nicobar's ears!  Her little friends are also both by Arrayan and destined to be polo ponies.

Gin and Trec

Had a great weekend at Sonya's, a night out at the Ayrshire gin and whisky festival, "ah no we don't drink whisky" was immediately followed by "oooo that's rather delicious" as we developed a taste for Aelder Elixir (Elderflower whisky liqueur) and Fraiser of Scotland (blended scotch whisky and wild strawberry).  We did however make it home in a respectable state and hacked the polo ponies out for a couple of hours around Montgreenan Estate this morning.

Rebecca and Chamfron By Dand were back out TREC'ing and won the pairs class with Connie again, making it two outings for two wins.

Off Piste

Jessica and Chamfron Colorado have been cantering through the snow and enjoying a fantastic view of Ben Nevis this week.  I am looking forward to seeing him out at some SERC rides this year.

North Berwick Law

A beautiful bright afternoon, ideal for a stroll up North Berwick Law with clear views of the coast, the Bass Rock and Edinburgh.  The conservation Exmoor ponies were grazing away on the hill side in the sunshine and making their climb look deceptively easy.

All aboard

Spider moved onto DIY livery at Christmas and that and some not very helpful weather and the dark nights meant we hibernated over January.  Been back on board this week with some beautiful Spring like days and some equally beautiful but "ha, stop kidding yourself it is only February" days too.  He always has happy ears.  Last weekend Chamfron Chipita had her first outing of the season, placing sixth in an a large arena event class.  Chamfron By Dand had his first outing to TREC and won the pairs class with his endurance buddy Connie.  He also picked up some end of season endurance rosettes, 4th in the Golden Blaze Trophy, 5th Jacobite Warrior and 4th in the Adult Quaich.  Great photos from Martha Lily and Kris Clay, thank you.