Shaping up nicely

'Mr F' has been very busy lately and so have I, hence the lack of posts.

He is slowly changing shape as he builds up his muscles. The winter coat has already grown which is a little troublesome with it being so warm still in September.

It's time to think about clipping. But not all is work, sometimes I and 'Mr F' enjoy to just 'hang around' ... either around the yard or in the fields behind 'Buttercup Farm'.

We are getting on well with the renegade hoof boots - hoping to get hold of another pair for his back hooves.

And we had good news from the barefoot trimmer lady: his feet have improved quite a lot in the short space between visits (every 5-6weeks).  Just about 9 months passed since I started 'Mr F' with his new  feed and I believe it is fair to say that finally the results are showing in the hooves. The excersise of course helps too.

 'Mr F' wandering about early in the morning during feeding time (6:30am)

'Hello, are you taking me somewhere?'

 'Mr F' is shaping up nicely compared to when he arrived here at 'BC'

 Late evening stroll in the fields - it is not all about work!

A very busy day for Mr F

At last 'Mr F' has a decent pair of front hoof boots and he no longer has to go out in 'carpet slippers'. 

I managed to get hold of a 2nd hand pair of renegarde boots.

First of all we had our 4th (or 5th?) lesson with Rupert at 3:30. The aim was for me to work through canter basics. 'Calamity Jane's Menage has been expanded and is quite a bit bigger than before, making it physically much more comfortable for 'Mr F' to work inside the menage. 

We didn't quite get to do the canter but instead fixed something that had bothered me some time: I have had the issue of quite often slipping out of my left stirrup. So Rupert put the stirup up first 1 and then 2 holes to force my balance on the side. It was difficult at first but it worked! I now seem to need one stirrup slightly shorter than the other, apparently now they look equal length. I wonder if it is I that is loop sided or 'Mr F' or the saddle. We'll have to do the canter work next time.

Straight after the lesson we went to meet with with 'Lillian' on 'Luke' and together we rode over to a nearby village for a pint in one of the pubs there. It is a good route because it included several challenges for both 'Mr F' and 'Luke':

First we had to ride past two fields with pigs. Well, neither of the boys wanted to go past, both were very unsettled by just the smell. We didn't even see the pigs. Thinking of it, I suppose it has to do with what pigs eat (omnivorous) with their wild ancestors being the wild boar.

Then we had to maneuver through a quarry, a very challenging path for both 'Mr F' and 'Luke' - both had to think where they put their feet. Not too long ago, 'Mr F's balance was quite bad but he is now learning and getting much better. All the walking on hard ground (although with hoof boots) hopefully helps to strengthen his legs. His entire body shape is improving, he is becoming more rounded and muscular and does not at all look like 21.

And then there were all the gates that we had to open and close (without dismounting) and this was followed by having to cross of a small stream, either through the water ( 'Luke's way ) or over the small stone path which 'Mr F' preferred although I had to lead him as clearly the water was very very nasty indeed.

All in all it was probably just over 9 miles there and back. With the days getting shorter we were caught out by the darkness on our way back and had to speed up. For the last part of the route home we rode with 'Lillian's partner 'Tom' in the car behind us lighting the way and making us visible to other traffic (we did wear high vis gear but it was by now dark).

So, all in all it was a long afternoon for 'Mr F' but he returned home feeling quite smug.

Buttercup Farm A & E

'Buttercup Farm' is turning into an A & E station!

Not only do 'difficult' horses seem to land up with 'Mr F' and I, but now we seem to have become a hospital! I may have to set up 'visitor hours' ... and a coffee shop.

First patient to arrive: 'Jess'

Leg injury (cannot recall the story how it happened), spent some time at the vet's and is now back for recovery and for putting on weight!

And next: 'Topsy'.

Another leg injury, apparently serious. Something to do with a rug and being in a field with horses he didn't know. I understand he may have been chased by them and got himself caught in the rug straps. Or perhaps he got kicked. The details vary ...

He arrived late last night and it appears he is here to stay for some time until they can x-ray his leg again. Hopefully his leg injury heals up ... otherwise it may not be good news for all those involved.