Finally relaxed - a home

I spend much of my free time in the field with 'Mr F' and 'Polly', where I make notes, photograph  insects or just observe, without much thought. Just like 'Mr F', I too have by now become more relaxed. Here at 'Hill Farm' we can just be, it is bliss.

An idle 'Mr F'

Their new field is giving 'Mr F' plenty of exercise as they go up and down the slope while grazing or to get water. He did find it quite uncomfortable in the first week and I decided to put him once more on a short course of bute, the last one hopefully. But apart from the hip playing up now and then, 'Mr F' appears very content with his lot.

'Mr F' gazing into the distance ... at the very top of their large field.

For the time being I hold back with the excersising of 'Mr F'. The field will keep him busy, going up and down. And seeing that he is still suffering a little now and then I prefer to give him all the time he needs to get his body back into normal function.

I may not ever ride him again as we also discovered (when using ultrasound) the beginning of arthritis in his lumbar section. It would explain why he always found it difficult going downhill. To me it makes no difference. Long before the accident I used to take 'Mr F' out for long strolls in the countryside, by this I mean both of us on foot. And sometimes I would take my camera with me and while he browses for grasses and herbs in the verges, I browse for insects.

As soon as I finish work at around 3pm I go and join them in their field. I sit there for hours, sometimes just observing, sometimes I make notes or at other times go for a wander with my camera. It's not just equines that interest me, it's all of nature. You are never alone, especially not as soon as you step outside. We are surrounded and by far (still) outnumbered by our little yet so important friends: the insects.

Two capsid bugs eating the nectar of a heather blossom.

Golden bloomed grey long horn beetle.

Soldier beetle about to take off

It has been nearly 2 months since we have moved to 'Hill Farm' yet every day anew I am so grateful for the peace here. Even if it is raining I go and sit in the field. There is a tremendous air of peace on this hill. The whole place is well looked after, the other horse owners here are all responsible and keep themselves to themselves. Sometimes we have a quick chat as we pass each other either on the way to the muck heap or when fetching haylage. 

 'Polly'

 'Mr F' - how can such a big animal curl up like a cat ... 

Being on the top of the hillside has also it's challenges. It is rather exposed to the elements, may this be hot sun or strong winds and rain.

Suddenly the weather has turned rather cold for summer is hovering around 13 degrees. Add to that the wet from the rain and the windchill, this will feel rather cold for 'Mr F' in his summer coat.  It's important that I can keep his joints warm, especially the hip and back. His ordinary turnout rug is too heavy in case the sun does pop out suddenly.

Because of his build, the Rambo rugs fit 'Mr F's body shape best. I find out that they do a summer series; a rug which is waterproof at the top, a kind of stretchy material. It can be fitted with a 100gr liner covering just the top section, making it a useful rug for when the nights turn chilly in spring / autumn. The sides of the rug are a soft yet strong mesh material. It comes with a hood too but I didn't want to use it as he will get the mesh tangled up in the barb wire that sits on top of all the fencing. He has the habit of always finding the grass on the other side greener and he can quite easily reach it with his long neck. 

 'Mr F' in his new summer rug. 

The top and front are waterproof. 

It's very light yet keeps his back dry and warm, which is the main thing.

Nature - in all her beauty, always.

We found 'Hill Farm' thanks to 'Lillian's mum who suggested it to me when I was so very desperately trying to find a place for me and 'Mr F'. A place of sanity, a place with normal people who keep themselves to themselves, a place where the buildings and fencing is looked after and where the well being of the animals comes first. And we have found it, at last.