Keep Moving - Week 39

Spider has had a fortnight off after a very odd injury, presenting crippled lame on his off fore while still demanding snacks, picking fights with Cactus and otherwise looking completely unbothered.  As he is simply not stoic I can only presume it was nerve related and more akin to a "dead arm" rather than particularly painful.  I rode him on Monday and he was great in walk, striding out beautifully and objecting to some recent fly tipping but still not quite right in trot.  Both ponies went to the arena on Tuesday, not quite sure why I haven't taken advantage of having it on my door step before, Spider mostly in supervisory / emotional support role.  Quick spin out to House of the Binns on Wednesday and a walk up to the tower with it's fabulous views over the Forth.  Unfortunately the weather then deteriorated as storm Agnes (the first named storm of 2023) rolled in.   

On Friday we headed down to the Red Dragon endurance festival at Builth Wells.  Arriving just in time for the home nations team parade where Chamfron by Dand lead out the Scottish team.  After the parade we headed off to our converted stable which was rather lovely. To be honest Builth Wells, home of the Royal Welsh show, doesn't seem to have an immense amount of tourist outings but we had time to kill on Saturday.  We headed up to Pant Y Llyn to see the hidden lake, Britain's most remote carp fishery, to be fair it ticked a "moderately scenic" box and we were thrilled to see a herd of native ponies complete with foals.  Now when you google "ten best things to do in Builth Wells" the absolute highlight of the trip is a monument at Cilmeri, west of Builth Wells, which marks the spot where the Welsh hero Llywelyn the Last was ambushed and killed in 1282.  Despite Rebecca's welsh heritage she remained unmoved by the history and we soon headed back to the wagon for pizza!

Chamfrons out and about

Chamfron Osito has been playing four goal with a four goaler and Cactus had his first trip up to the indoor school.  Mojito went to his very first hunter trial and was second (despite the third place rosette!)

Keep Moving - Week 38

Dramatic coastal walk from Tantallon Castle to North Berwick and back on Sunday.  Monday I headed out to the woods of Yester estates, did my usual trick of following random paths and ended up in a totally different direction from where I expected, five miles clocked though.  I had spent the morning clearing bits and pieces from mum's house, I found my primary school report cards, they were brutal!  At just five year old my drawings were "immature" and at six my knitting was "very slow" apparently maths was my strong point so there was one wee positive!  Tuesday I did seven miles at work noticing the passing of time, the leaves are definitely changing and the recent tractor work has thrown up evidence of a very long lost shoe from the previous ploughing rig.  Another six work miles on Wednesday trudging round newly ploughed fields in a brutal warm wind, I like to think more calories were burnt than my exercise app suggests.  Saturday we had a stroll around the National museum of flight at East Fortune, taking advantage of the doors open day scheme.  Considering it was free it was very relaxed and not too crowded.

Chamfron Marco Polo - First outing!

Aged fifteen Marco had his very first outing to a farm ride and loved every minute of it.  He sadly did the circuit of dodgy dealers about five years ago and then absolutely landed on his feet with Hannah.

Chamfron Mojito - XC lesson

Rowena and Chamfron Mojito have been for a David Gather lesson at Foresterseat Cross Country, lovely  photos by Emma Cheape.