Autumn Tidings

Still surprisingly warm, as I type the temperature outside is in the mid to upper teens ... but we had rain, lots of it. The fields are muddy again but not yet as bad as last year. 

This year I am working with what I learnt from last year and I will make sure 'Mr F' does not get mud-fever (or whatever it was) again. I bring in 'Mr F' and 'Luke' twice a day for a couple of hours in morning and evening so that their feet can dry out and the mud can be brushed off. 'Mr F' is treated with antibacterial spray which worked so well last year. I don't want to see any of those scabs ever again!

'Mr F' is in much better condition this winter compared to last year which should help him deal with anything 'nasty' that's around, lurking in the mud.

I am working towards riding 'Mr F' bitless, each time I put his bridle on I feel sorry for him having to deal with that piece of metal in his mouth. He is being very good (except for the odd napping when he is grumpy!) and by now responds to the slightest of my moves - the good and the bad ones ... 

We did some more cantering the other day, what a comfortable ride he offers! It was a joy! He does get excited when other horses canter off ahead of him but we are getting to a point where he accepts it when I make clear that 'NO, we are NOT running off!' means just that. He can be ever so stroppy, but it does make me laugh inside. A strong minded gentleman he is and really one MUST be at the front!

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'Mr F' - Easyboot Glove at the back and Renegades at the front.

 

 'Come on ... lets go!'

My favourite saddle so far, 'Lillian's dressage saddle which I bought off her (paying off monthly). I like it because its so bare. I find any padding irritating, and I also do prefer a 'flat' seat. I want to choose where I sit and find it difficult to be comfortable in saddles where one is forced into a position.

The one thing I dislike however are the stirrups.

I  purchased dressage stirrup leathers because I found the bulk under the inside thigh annoying when using ordinary stirrup leathers. And because I am short (5 feet), there was always too much leather dangling around. Now it feels more comfortable.

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'Hello there, my name is 'Mr F' ... as if the tractor was going to reply back ...  

I wasn't happy that the tractor was left in their field with the harrow attached. Especially in fog they can easily walk into the metal grid with it's spikes and get their feet stuck. I had expressed my concern but it was laughed off. This is just one of many things that bother me here at 'Buttercup Farm', the quite often mindless disregard for safety. But at least I have 'Mr F' on my doorstep.

Curosity ... While I was fencing off the tractor, both 'Mr F' and 'Luke' had to go and thoroughly examine it.

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The Buttercup Farm beast ... never far away when I am outside. 

In fact sometimes she is rather annoyingly close. 

I think she is on a mission to make me trip over ...

 This the season of hard work for the brooms ...last year's victim and this years new candidate.

'Hello ... what are you up to?'

 

The postman only comes once (per day)... 

and he must not be missed; the supplier of the ever so loved polo mints ....

'Luke' has just had his treats ...

Tis the time of the year again ...

And so, after a super dry, warm and very long summer, autumn has afterall decided to make an appearance.

The rugs have come out to stay now, ready washed and still waterproof. I don't like rugs but it is better for 'Mr F' as he is after all an advanced gentleman(horse) and I want to keep his bones and joints warm. Having said that, he is in much better condition overall than last winter, hopefully no more mudfever etc ... and I learnt a lot from last year so am hoping to be a step or two ahead of it.



This week we had it all (appart from snow) - heavy winds and rain, very dense fog and a fair amount of frost, too.

 
'Mr F'

 

'Luke' and 'little Sam' after a frosty night. 'Luke' is a youngster (compared to the others). He only gets a rug when it is cold with wind and rain. He copes well, except he picked up an eye infection some days ago (before the cold weather).

 

Hey guys, are you in there somewhere?

'Luke' with skirt / rug .... always weighing everything up ... he needs a lot of time to think ... about anything.

I do like my old drizabone oilskin coat ... great for mucking out and for riding. Keeping me snug and dry. We are more or less prepared for winter ....

These boots are made for cantering ... Renegade

Just a quick entry:

'Luke' and 'Mr F' have been on a long hack once again, this time dealing with quite tricky traffic in a country lane - manoeuvring passed heating oil and home delivery lorries in a tight space with traffic queuing on both sides. This was unexpected but both boys coped excellently with the noise etc.  'Lillian' and I returned back very proud of 'our' boys.

On this same hack we did a little cantering, which felt fantastic! And I am ever so pleased with the renegade boots - they now stay like glue since I fitted them properly.

 

I am so far very pleased with these boots (and was lucky to get an already cut-back pair 2nd hand!) They stayed on perfectly during that short canter.

 'Mr F's hooves have the right shape for these boots, being a barefoot trimm with naturally low heels.

It was also 'Luke's first hack with hoof boots. His initial reaction was very amusing to watch but once he has had time to think about his feet (demonstrating this with a rather silly walk) and figured that nothing bad was going to happen he was fine.


Another successful hack with new things learnt by all.

The Boys Home Alone

This past weekend 'Jess' and 'Oli' went back to their home. I admit that I did miss 'Oli' a little, he was always there right next to us when I was attending 'Mr F' in the field and observed everything keenly or sometimes would just stand there and nodd off. A bit of a lost soul but very keen in knowing what's going on and who is where. I am sure he did a head count of all resident horses every 2 hours ....

'Jess' meanwhile has recovered well and should have a good time going out and about with 'Oli' and his new rider lady (they are quite a good match I find.)

This leaves now 'Mr F' and 'Luke' and the two are back to their usual routine. Big and little (younger) 'brother' ...

 

 'Mr F' & 'Luke'

 Peacefully grazing ... close together ...

... suddenly ...

'Luke':  'Huh? What did I do wrong now?!

'Mr F': 'That ONE grass was MINE!'

 'Luke': 'Sigh ... too complicated!'

'Mr F':  'Grmbl ... '

 'Mr F' dozing in the still warm sunshine

 'Luke'

 Always thinking of things afar ...

 'Luke': 'Hello there, what are you up to?

 'Mr F': 'Ppffffft!! Had enough of these flies ... please put that mask on!'

 I am trying to take photographs of 'Mr F' in the field but he keeps walking towards me straight away ... I clearly am in the good books at the moment ....

And always nearby during morning feeding:  'Buttercup Farm Beast'.

Quite often chewing on some half dead mouse or bird ...