Peace of Mind - A Still Mind

Back in November we completed the main part of 'Mr F's stable training (see posts back in November). My next task is to find a way of convincing 'Mr F' that being all on his own in the stable is safe too. 
I have mentioned before the considerable size of his stable (15 x 15 feet). It allows for ample room to move around when he is stabled for a prolonged period of time. Yet it also allows room for acting very dramatically when things don't go as expected, if the routine gets changed. If 'Mr F' isn't content about something he'll let the world know, that's for sure. While most people nowadays experience him calm and friendly, his fiery side is always lurking in the background and is only too happy to show its face. It is a destructive side, in disregard of self preservation and if pushed too far I can see him having a go even at his human handler, he hasn't done this to me but we have been close a few times some time ago, when I didn't know better and nor did he. In fact it is more a case of I having hanged as a human. To stop living in the past and to stop fretting about the future. The past is just that, its no longer relevant it's gone. And I cannot possibly know even what happens in just 5 minutes. All I can do is guess. It's no use wasting energy on what was and what might be because I will miss all that is, NOW, this very moment.

Over the past weeks I have been spending at least an hour with 'Mr F' in the stable, without any other horses next to him. We do this several times per week and he is very slowly becoming more and more chilled about it. But I must not lure myself into a sense of false security; 'Mr F' has of course learnt that the other horses will come in at some point and he somewhat relies on this. He can also see the other horses in the field. Yet there will be a time very soon when the fields are being rotated and he may not be able to see any other horse from his stable. And I cannot stay with him 24/7.

Just to point out: 'Mr F' is absolutely not bothered about leaving his horsey companions behind if I take him out. We can walk for miles and miles and he is no longer in the slightest bothered about being on his own (with me). But that was something I worked on too, for quite some time, at the very beginning. Whatever I do with a horse (I have had to partially look after other horses in the past) I let take as long as it takes. My main aim is for the horse to feel secure, to understand and for it to have the time it needs to understand what we want from it. If the horse feels secure, than it will be safe for me and any other parties nearby. Of course some horses can be forced to do things but from observation I have learnt that this just creates a pressure cooker, with the lid blowing any time. This way of treating a horse does not seem fruitful to me. I prefer for the horse to follow me because it wants to, because it feels safe around me, at its free will. Not at any moment do I see myself as 'above' the horse. The ideal is to reach a balance. All of life is about balance. Anything that is out of balance, stops functioning, doesn't produce results.

There is an interesting observation I have made several times over the past weeks: if I have been in the menage with 'Mr F' to do some leading / liberty exercises, he is extremely calm afterwards alone in his stable. He has a content expression in his eyes, as though he is pleased that he has done a good job, he's done what I have asked him to do. The stable is rest after work. On each of these occasions he remained calm inside the stable even with me going out of sight. 

I tested this yesterday again with the same result, a calm 'Mr F'. He appears very pleased with himself when we come back from the menage. It's training for both of us, for me as I yet still learn to observe him and to concentrate on any of his movements and him doing just the same. Loads of little things like following at liberty, standing still and waiting, etc etc. 'Mr F' is an extremely fast learner but he is also very stubborn. He has to be 'wanting' to be with you, or else you may just as well try and work with a large stone. 

'Mr F' patiently waiting in the menage - 'What are we doing next?'

I must never take his (or any other horses') willingness to be with me and kindness towards me for granted as it can change at any moment. It is a wonderful gift from the horse. Again and again I ask myself: why are they willing to be with us? Why do they seek our company?

'Zac' & A New Arrival

Another new arrival was due and the boys' night quarters had to be re-arranged slightly to make room for this last resident at 'Hill Farm'. We are now full.

'Rookie' is back in the wooden stable where he spent the fist few days when he arrived at 'Hill Farm' back in Autumn last year. 'Rookie' wasn't too pleased to be separated from 'Zac' and 'Mr F' but quickly accepted that that is how it is. Mind you, the little guy does so much running around during day that he is asleep most of the time when he is in his stable. The wooden stables are much smaller but offer ample of room for a pony. 'Rookie' will have 'Victor' and 'Slippers' as companions. They can see each other if they stick their heads out of the stable doors.

'Zac' moved one place along and is back next to 'Mr F', leaving the first large stable free for the new horse, 'Jake'.

Just like last time when 'Zac' was 'Mr F's neighbour, he observes everything that goes in 'Mr F's stable. 'Zac' is a very fast learner and likes to be part of whatever is going on. When I go into their field, 'Zac' comes to greet me first, with 'Mr F' right behind with his years back: 'hey you, she is MY human, get your own.'

'Zac' - "What are you up to?"

Keeping one ear pointed towards the building work which is still going on outside their stables.

'Zac': "I'd like some of that stuff you got there ... " 

'Mr F': "Not until I am done, you wait boy."

One mustn't miss an opportunity ...

.. and 'Zac' quickly grabs some of 'Mr F's haylage while the space is free and the neck is just long enough ...

I enjoy 'Zac's company. We do have some play time across the stable partition. Our most recent one is to play 'catch the tongue'. 'Luke' used to like it when I gently massaged his tongue while he was standing still (or trying to) when 'Lillian' trained him to lift his feet. It relaxed him.

But there is much happening outdoors too. The old barn had been demolished and the new barn is currently being erected. Over the past months the boys have been exposed to all kinds of building work right outside their stables. Loads of small and large, moving machinery handled by lots of people producing all kind of sounds. At first it was a little much to take in but the boys quickly relaxed from within the safety of their stables. Now hardly anything bothers them.  It's good training.

'Zac' is observing the building work going on outside. 

It is interesting to observe that since 'Rookie' is on his own at night he is much less interested in chasing 'Zac' around the field. 'Zac' on the other hand is becoming more confident and they now seem to be equal in terms of hierarchy. 'Zac' is learning from 'Mr F' and they both seem rather fond of one another. 'Mr F' is a lot more gentle with 'Zac' nowadays. I can spend hours observing them and their body language. 'Zac' likes to test the boundaries with 'Mr F', who is very patient. But sometimes enough is enough and when 'Mr F' does get angry 'Zac' reverts right back to the for youngsters so typical 'air mouthing'. "Please be nice, I am still learning ..."

Different day, same scenario ... 'Zac's mission is to get a few bites from 'Mr F's haylage ... clearly it must be better than what he's got even though it's from the same bale ...  

But back to the new arrival:

To avoid any unnecessary charging around in their fields, we have the new horse join 'Zac' and 'Mr F' in their night quarters. Hopefully, after having spent the night next to each other, meeting in the field is less exciting. Jackie' doesn't want the horses to charge around turfing up her well kept fields and I don't want 'Mr F' to charge around as I aim to reduce risk of any further injuries. It is helpful that the ground has dried up nicely, it is not too soft and not too slippy.

I wanted to have some time to spend time with 'Mr F' in the morning and to observe all of them together and arrived at 'Hill Farm' earlier than usual. Judging by the way they behave in the stable, turnout should a mostly  calm affair. If anyone is going to be troublesome it will be 'Mr F' who probably will be wanting to put up a show for the new guy. We first turned out 'Zac' and 'Mr F'. On the out we go passed 'Jake' stable and I let them examine each other for a little while. They seem OK, 'Mr F' seems to be quite accepting of 'Jake'. 'Zac' is waiting in the field for us and as 'Mr F' joins him, they both wander off a little further up the field.

'Jake' had some time to examine his field the previous day so he'll know it. His field is right next to the boys, separated by new fencing with electric fencing on top. Once 'Jake' enters his field, he performs a little showing off run up the hill with his tail up high. 'Mr F' and 'Zac' follow somewhat halfheartedly at first. 'Zac' is not bothered at all and just tags along with 'Mr F' who of course feels that he has to run up the hill too.  They all met at top of field to say hello. 'Mr F' and 'Jake' spent some time head to head, having some kind of 'meeting'. It seemed there are no issues between the two.

Then 'Rookie' joined the boys in the field. He was torn between going for the pile of haylage in middle or chasing up the field to join the others. But 'Rookie' cannot resist nagging 'Zac' and so he gallops up the field to join the others. 'Rookie' has a beautiful, springy gait and very agile. It's easier for him to charge around with his short legs. The boys and 'Jake' do a few small circles at the top of their fields where it was fairly flat and dry. Then they all went settle and busy themselves with grazing.

'Jake' on his 2nd evening at 'Hill Farm'. He settled instantly, like most of them horses do.

There is always an air of peace about the place ... and all the people present are calm and go after their own business. All is spread out and one has space to just be.

 The boys club, 'Mr F', 'Zac', 'Jake'.

Goodbye snow - Hello new barn!

The boys (and the other horses) have been in for almost 48 hours to get out of the freezing and rough winter storm we had over the weekend. 

'Rookie' in particular was very keen on getting out. To lessen the risk of injury, we give the youngsters a head start while I stand outside the field, watching with 'Mr F'. 

'Jackie' moved some of the snow that was blocking the field entrance with the tractor and dropped it on a pile in their field.

'Zac' went out first. He wasn't bothered about being out and just lazily meandered over to the snow pile, clawing at it with his foot. The 'Rookie' was let into the field and he went off like a little rocket. Galloped around in circles and as usual annoyed 'Zac' who issued some well aimed kicks. Not hard enough to hurt but enough to rid of 'Rookie's unwanted attention.

It is always 'Rookie' that starts things off and I wait until he's had a mad few 10 minutes. Then the boys wait for 'Mr F' whom I have by now led into the field. It is likely that all three will gallop around but the ground isn't too hard so it should be OK. 

First things come first: it's time to roll!! 'Mr F' goes straight for the pile of snow. 

'Mr F' has had his first, long anticipated roll while 'Rookie' is needing a drink after all that crazy galloping around he did just on his own ... 

... with the snow pile free, 'Zac' is considering to copy 'Mr F' but he isn't quite finished yet ... 

... 'Zac' gets out of 'Mr F's way and with the usual moaning and groaning sounds ... 

... 'Mr F' goes down for round number 2 ... 

... while 'Zac' wonders off to go and find a spot in the drifts near the stone wall.

The youngsters have some more quibbles, especially over the rolling spots along the stone wall. Then all three have a short charge around the field and then it all settles down.

I'd love to watch them some more but it's time for me to go muck out his stable, it will be a lot of work after they had been in for this long. In addition, most of the straw is soaked, it all had been covered by the snow.

When I return in the let afternoon I find with surprise that the builders have started errecting the new barn / stable building. It'll be good to have a building in place again, it offers extra protection from the winds. It also means that perhaps next week, we can start sorting out the indoor school.

The new barn building is being put up ... 

'Mr F' has of course seen me arrive and slowly wanders to the gate where he patiently waits for me to get him. He waits because he hopes that I take him for a walk somewhere where there is grass. Alas that is not yet possible as all the verges are covered in piles of snow still. Instead we go over to the menage and have a little 'play'.

The snow returns ...

Saturday afternoon. Some work in the morning plus other errands. All weekend the weather is promising snow, ice and strong gusts.

The windchill makes it all feel as though its minus double figures once more.

Before turning out the boys I mention to 'Jackie' that we could leave them in. I know they won't like the winds, and 'Mr F' certainly won't appreciate it. There is some food out there but it will be wet by now. If very hungry they will eat that but only if it is in a wind protected spot. When it is this cold, all they want is to get out of the wind.

'Jackie' thinks we should let them out at least in the morning. At that moment the sun is trying to get through and I too ponder that it will be better for 'Mr F' to get out there and move his legs. One of us can bring them in within a couple of hours or so.

We turn the boys out. 'Mr F' was looking for grass while the boys were playing. Meanwhile 'Jackie' and I were mucking out and chatting. She then had to attend the lambs and as I looked up to watch the boys, I saw 'Mr F' gallop about quite frantically. It was a kind of 'get me out of here - I want to get away from this wind - where is food' kind of gallop with angry bucks in between. The boys a little surprised at first of course joined in. I thought there is no point in keeping them out there like this, it's only going the get more blowy with loads of snow showers. If there was loads of grass and some form of shelter they could stay out but this wasn't very pleasant. Besides, 'Jackie' wants to keep her fields in good shape and three crazy horses, even though 2 may be little, turfing it up all the time won't keep it nice.  We decided to bring them back in. As we turned up they came running to the gate "Oh gosh Oh gosh get us in |PLEASE!"  'Mr F' can be quite dramatic about things ...  Mind you, he had a good little work out for 10 minutes or so.

The strong gusts and snow showers continue all morning and afternoon. I right now sit in my car typing this. My little mobile hotspot allows me to be online anywhere and it is very fast indeed. Certainly faster than the broadband at the place where I currently reside. The only place where I get to write undisturbed (with no-one around that may require my help) is either the car, the stable or the fields. Come spring summer, sitting in the grass watching the horses and sheep while writing is most relaxing.

As I am typing, the strong gusts gently rock my car. It's very cosy, the odd spell of sunshine keeps re-heating the car. The views from 'Hill Farm' are far reaching and I can see new snow showers approach in shape of thick, foggy clouds.

Cosy inside ... provisions on dashboard ... 

Another snow shower on the way ... but it's not enough yet to cause any hassle, the winds blow it through so fast it doesn't have time to settle.



Then, some two hours after writing the above text, snow fall has been more consistent and soon covered everything in white dust, including the horses in their stables.

'Mr F' quite glad not to be out in this ... 

'Rookie' .... he doesn't care much about wind, rain or snow.

'Mr F' ... snug and warm under his rug

As I make my way home, the snow showers are becoming more frequent and longer lasting. The forecast may be right after all ... it looks as though we are in for a load of snow over night. I may yet once more get to play in the snow with my car.


The next morning I was greeted by more than 5 inches of snow and much more than that where the wind has piled it up.
It's certainly more snow than 2 weeks ago and I am curious to see how my car will perform. It has just gone 6am and the roads are untreated. I also cannot see any other tyre marks. Great! More grip for me. Getting out the drive no problem, driving on untreated roads and lanes also no problem despite there being some considerable drifts in places. Again it is light snow and I can just push my way through it with the car. In fact will all being white it is impossible to see what is deep and what is not. The car drives perfectly and doesn't skid. About 3/4 of the way there I hit a crossing (just country lanes). It is the first of two and both are exposed to the winds and usually have drifts obstructing the route.
I can just make out some drifts but they only seem about 40cm deep. The road behind is clearer. I drive at some speed through the drift, knowing that I am not likely to meet any other cars at this time in the morning. As I turn to go up the hill I see that the road ahead is basically clear. Great, one of the farmers must already have been through with the snow plough. It being uphill I try and get some speed so I an have a run up and around the bend at the 2nd crossing. Well, the clear road suddenly stops and I am facing a meter high drift ... too late to stop. The windscreen gets covered in white and I have to get out the car to clear it all off. Only now can I see that no tractor has been up and that it was the wind that blew the snow off the roads and piled it up right across the roads. I manage to get my car out of the heap of snow and reverse backwards until I can turn the car. Best not challenge things too much, no point in being stuck and holding up anyone that might come and clear the road.

At that moment I receive a text from 'Jackie': "Don't bother driving up, you won't make it." Good old text message delays! I drive my car a short distance back down the lane and park it in a quite sheltered lay-by. I can now clearly see through what I had driven just earlier, and I am impressed with this little car. It never even skidded. I park it safely in a lay-by just near the short cut (foot path) up to 'Hill Farm'. I leave enough room so other cars an still use it to make room for oncoming traffic. I leave a note on the inside of windscreen with my mobile number.

As I arrive at 'Hill Farm', 'Jackie' is already on her tractor with the plough, clearing the drive up to hers and all the way to the crossing further along the country lane.
It will take her a while, the drifts are worse than they were 2 weeks ago. As I get to the stables, all I see is white, inside and out. The swirling wind has blown the snow all over the straw, their haylage and the water. Good thing is; 'Mr F's water has not frozen. My anti-freeze system still works.

 Snow piled up by winds and the snow plough ... 

For some reason, 2 of the 20+ ducks where determined to hang around despite the ice, while the rest of them as usual disappear to somewhere less hostile. They have to do a lot of swimming to stop it from freeing over ... 

The wind has piled up loads of snow in front of the boys' stables ... 

It's Sunday and a day off for me. I would normally go to my usual writing spot but it won't be accessible as it is even more remote than 'Hill Farm' and all up hill to get there. Plus I would have to go on roads with much traffic and no doubt there will be several cars that have got stuck.

So instead I camp out at 'Hill Farm', in my little car, parked outside the boys stable and do some writing on my laptop.

Updates & Farewell 'Flower' - Welcome 'Slippers'

The new stable building has been delivered and is all stored up on the 'middle' level at 'Hill Farm', ready to be assembled next week. That means that as soon as it is up, the barn behind the boy's stable can be emptied to be converted into our indoor school. This will be most handy, especially on 'foul' weather days.

A further 2 horse residents have arrived here at 'Hill Farm' a week ago. They are tucked away in a field further down the hill. I hadn't even noticed them being there nor had I noticed someone new at the yard. I only know of her because 'Jackie' mentioned it earlier this morning.

And we had another new arrival 'Slippers', one more white pony, it arrived a week ago.  It is an addition to 'Genie's' group of horses. 'Slippers' will be ridden by her grand daughter.

Little miss 'Slippers'  - Her shetland sized legs only just let her peek above her stable door ... 

.... no matter from which angle, 'Slippers' always appears to be smiling ... 

... it seems to be a very comfortable head rest, all that moves are her eyes as she watches all that is going on in the early morning. 'Surely at some point it must be food for me ... ' 

But there has also been a departure. One of 'Genie's older horses, a 20 year old Dale's Pony, 'Flower' has become ill and her condition deteriorated extremely quickly. 'Flower's stable was right next to my tack room and I spent all of winter greeting her in the morning. She was always pleased seeing people and she used to greet me with her deep, rolling nickers. 'Flower' was of a quite sort, at least in the short time I have known her. She was difficult to read, not being one to interact much, unlike 'Mr F'.

The worsening of her condition began with 'Flower' developing lumps under her belly. At first it seemed as though it was a build up of fluid. She didn't seem to be bothered by it. It didn't take long for further lumps to develop and although a Vet had been consulted, nobody knew exactly what the matter was. At some point there was the though that 'Flowers' may have mastitis. She was put on a course of antibiotics but after a week there was no change. In fact she developed further lumps above her eyes (although those were very soft) and many other places on her body. With the temperatures up the past week, 'Flowers' was put back on 24/7 turnout, perhaps the standing in the small stable wasn't doing her any good either. So I hadn't seen 'Flowers' for over a week and when we all went to look at her in the field just 2 days ago, I was quite shocked. She had lost a lot of weight, her flanks and back where almost bony. Her respiration rate was very high, somewhere around 40 per minute. Further consultation with 'Genie's Vet resulted in her being diagnosed with a very aggressive tumour.

As I saw her standing there in her field shelter she was grumpy, breathing heavily. Looking into her eyes, she was in great discomfort and just wanted it to end. Her whole expression was that of great discomfort. It was very evident that her body wasn't going to cope much longer. It happened all so very very fast.

It was decided to not let her suffer any longer. The Vet had been arranged for the next morning (it was too late in the day to arrange for the Vet and for a pick up of the body).
'Genie' stayed with 'Flower' while she was being injected with the fluids that would put her to rest.

And so one body departs while another arrives.  Little miss 'Slippers' is now expecting much of 'Genie's time. 'Slippers' is now in the stable next to my tack room. As all the small ponies that I have met so far, she too is full of character. 'Slippers' is very inquisitive and wants to know everything that is going on. Every morning her little head pokes over the stable door; she can just about reach. 'Slippers' has a funny shape, somewhat very short legs supporting a fair sized body (well, there is some winter fat, too .... ). 'Jackie' thinks that she may be a result of having a Shetland mate with a pony ...


Another arrival is due soon, probably in about 3 weeks time. It'll get busy here at 'Hill Farm'. But so far we all get along well. It of course helps that we are all spread out and don't have to step on each other's toes when coming to feed our horses.

'Mr F' will enjoy all the going on ....

Cannonball with rug

Just a quick note in case there are some after effects of today's episode.

The day started with much rain and was on the cool side. We turned out the boys as usual early in the morning, about 7-ish. I sent 'Mr F' out with his rug with it being wet and also quite breezy. Looking at the weather forecast on my phone it didn't look like it would improve anytime during the day.

'Jackie' and I agreed to have a quick check on the boys at lunch time. If they were fed up with it and waiting at the gate they could come in. It would also safe the field from being turfed up now that the ground was soft.

I had to attend some errands in the morning and it seemed that suddenly the temperature had dropped. At 11:20 I made my way up to the boys, I had to drive past there anyway to get to my next location of work. As I drove  up to 'Hill Farm' I could from a distance see the three running around. 'Aha, looks like they are cold and fed up. No food either, all haylage wet on the ground. Best get them in before they turf up the field even more.'

When I pull up in the yard they are still charging about along the bottom fence. As they see me they come to the gate. I quickly went to let 'Jackie' know that I was here to take them in, she was busy working in the barns and with the lambing. As I got back outside I saw all three charge all the way up to the top of the field. When 'Mr F', now at the top of the field, saw me come to the get he made a lunatic, wild charge all the way downhill. I have never seen  him gallop like that. All I saw was a ball with fabric flapping in the wind with a head but it was as though he had no legs! With much nickering - 'At last! You're here! Take me indoors now, please! I am hungry.' - and a little huffing and puffing he came to a halt right in front of me. "You fool!" is all I had to say. I was amazed that he didn't slip or fall in the mud having to pull the breaks downhill.

Glad I have done all the walking with him lately ... seems to have built up his muscles quite well to do this hellbent gallop.

I brought them all in one by one, dripping with water, they made straight for their haylage. 'Mr F' looked quite smug as I leave to get back to work.

When I return he still has that pleased look on his face. On top of that, all his body language tells me that he expects some form of entertainment. 'Are we going for a walk again?' - 'No, not in this rain, I am not interested. You may have a waterproof rug but I didn't bring mine.' - 'What about food then?' - 'When I have made myself a cup of tea, be patient.' - 'Carrots?' - 'NO. Btw, if you can gallop like you did earlier without coming out of the field lame, you may well be ridden again.' 

'Mr F' has been doing plenty of fooling around outside lately. Whatever was wrong in his leg seems to have healed or almost healed.

I shall see what he is like in the morning ...

Rugs off for the first time in months

A hint of spring is in the air ... for the first time in months the rugs have come off. The boys did much sniffing of each other when we turned them out as usual. All the weeks before they could not really examine one another without the rugs being in the way.

They mainly sniffed each others bellies but also the rear ends. I always forget to to take photographs of these moments. Never mind. In summer when they are in the field at the top again I will have time to sit in the grass and observe them like I did when 'Polly' and 'Mr F' where turned out together last year.

 There isn't a great deal of grass in their field so we do help them out with haylage if they want it. After I had finished with mucking out 'Mr F's stable I go and tidy up their field. I scrape together all the loose haylage and pick up those pits that have been trodden on repeatedly and take them to the muck heap. We want to keep the fields clean. Leaving piles of unused haylage will just make a mess when harrowing. 

'Mr F' sees me and meanders down to check out what I do while the youngsters are quibbling in the  background. Usually it's 'Rookie' who is pestering 'Zac'.

It's not quite as mild as yesterday but at least it will be dry. I was waiting for a day or two where I can let 'Mr F'out without rug. He takes great satisfaction of rolling in the mud and that is exactly what I want him to do so I can get more of his winter coat out when grooming later.

I watch them for a little while and then drive off to a spot I had discovered some weeks ago where I park the car and sit to finally catch up with writing for this blog and other things. Apart from the odd walkers that also park there cars there, its a undisturbed spot, totally quiet and peaceful with a pleasant views over the hills. And I have full 4G coverage so I can do my work online. The hours fly by and soon its time to return to 'Hill Farm'. The barefoot trimmer lady is due this afternoon and I do really want to see what she makes of the improvement of his left hind hoof.

As I return the boys are still all contently grazing and I make myself a cup of tea first. 'Jackie' is also here, looking after her sheep, it is lambing season. Although this year they are all somewhat slow and delayed. Only half of the sheep have given birth within the past two weeks. Some days ago I helped 'Jackie' removing a dead lamp from a sheep's womb. Luckily it wasn't decaying so the entire dead body could be pulled out without leaving anything behind. Today she had a sheep giving birth to triplets (she had one with 4 lamps last week!) one of which was thought to be dead at first sight. Then 'Jackie' realised it was alive still but extremely week. The mother had already rejected it. 'Jackie' had in the past managed to rescue quite a few of these tiny and weak creatures with success. This one however did not make it and died this afternoon.

It was time to go and fetch 'Mr F'. No doubt he would be filthy! As soon as he saw me enter the field he came to say hello. And indeed ... he was caked in mud which had luckily dried by now.  I couldn't present him to the barefoot trimmer lady in this state. 

I was pleased to see that 'Mr F' wasn't having expressions of discomfort or pain on his face while walking downhill on the muddy ground. In fact he did it quite smoothly. He certainly seems to be feeling much better compared to the previous months.

  

It was time for some more solo stable time. He followed willingly all the way to his stable without demanding to go for a walk to get some grass. I guess he remembered that anywhere I took him, not much grass was growing yet. Today he was very calm (for his standards) once just the two of us where in his stable. While he was feeling out of sorts he was much more worried about having stable companions. I am glad I bought some rubber grooming gloves ('hands on') which allow to follow the body's contours. 'Mr F' creates a little less fuss when I use these compared to the old rubber curry comb. It took me well over 40 minutes getting off all the mud and loose hair. Mind you I can do that for hours, it's very relaxing, despite of 'Mr F' making great fuss about it. He remained mostly calm for over an hour. Then I went to give 'Jackie' a hand getting her youngsters in. 'Rookie' has the naughty habit of biting 'Zac's rear when 'Zac' is being led, making him unruly and wanting to escape. 

'Mr F' suddenly realised I wasn't in the stable with him and threw a hissy fit. Well, he is fiery and if things don't suit him he will make it known immediately, with great drama. Which can appear daunting to those that don't know his character. But he also calms down just as quickly if the situation is rectified or a compromise has been reached. In fact he is quite happy to have a good, hearty 'discussion' and then accept an in-between solution. I have noticed many times that if I back down, which I did for quite a while, especially at the very start many years ago because I didn't know how to handle any horse, let alone one like 'Mr F'. He is almost disappointed or expresses disapproval if I back down and really seeks an equal partner in a human, if he has to have human interaction. Over the years, our scales are more or less balanced. 

The barefoot trimmer lady was delayed by quite a bit, she did text me to let me know. Just a well as it took me some more time to clean his legs and hooves. 

She was very pleased with the improvements in that left hind leg and she said it was a huge change for the better, compared to her last visit. I am glad I made the effort of keeping his hoof wrapped and protected in a hoof boot for those 3 weeks in February. The hoof has become stable again, there is no longer any movement but there are still some clefts and I have to keep an eye on those, especially once they are on 24/7 turn out.

While I was waiting for the barefoot trimmer lady, I watched the last remaining 'wild' chicken climb on top of the chicken hut. It refuses to go in, and I can't blame it as the cockerel doesn't very much like it and chases it around during day time. I do think she would like to go in though ... lets hope she stays high up somehwere over night. The other 3 of this wild group have been had by the fox in that freezing cold and snowy week.

But I would walk 500 miles ... for grass

I am finding it tricky to keep up with all the happenings at 'Hill Farm' and there is a huge back log of handwritten notes and photographs that I am hoping to add to this blog soon.

After the week gone by with all the heavy snow, temperatures this week have been rather mild in comparison. Hopefully the grass will be growing soon.

I did put out some haylage for the boys in the morning before I left but they probably would be waiting by the gate by the time I return from work.

And low and behold, as soon as my car is witnessed driving up the yard, all three boys slowly make their way towards the gate. The youngsters have by now figured out that if I don't call them, I am coming to get 'Mr F' only so they remain standing at a distance from the gate while 'Mr F' advances forward.  The gate opens outwards, making it very tricky to take one horse out of the field trying to stop the others from squeezing through behind. Therefore 'Mr F' must move fast and he has to pass me so that I can stand in the way just in case.

Today 'Mr F' didn't want to waste any time and even assisted me in making sure none of the youngsters tried to push through. He did that by simply giving them a very annoyed look, with ears back flat. This was enough for them to retreat several steps, watching us leave from a 'safe' distance.

'Mr F' likes to explore. Quit often when I take 'Mr F' out for a walk, people think that he escaped because they only see him, without saddle. It's amazing how people are programmed to thinking that a horse must be ridden. It appears to all of them most odd to see me take 'Mr f' for a walk, with BOTH of us walking.  

'Mr F's bay coat somewhat quite blends into his surroundings. It was time, for our safety, to invest into a hi-viz cover. The one I chose is light and partly made of a mesh fabric so he can wear it in summer too. Now we are instantly seen and he looks less likely like an escapee. 

And so we wander about, sometimes far, sometimes just along the drive to the farm. I usually let him choose. Lately 'Mr F' is very into exploring. 'What's around the next corner? Surely it must be more delicious grass ... lets go and look!'  

Some routes are quite steep and stony but it does not seem to bother his hip any longer. Sometimes his heartbeat picks up and he goes on high alert. But he never looses it and still trusts going out with me anywhere. This I am glad to learn. I have contacted Neill (see other posts here: body whisperer) for an appointment to see 'Mr F' and to advice on what excersises we can do specifically to build up strength in his insured limbs, especially where the muscle was displaced.

And sometimes we need a little help

After a night of very heavy winds I once more drive up to 'Hill Farm'. It is very likely that I will not get up all the way but there is a spot 2/3 on the way where I could park the car and walk the last bit up the hill.

However, as I drive along the lanes it doesn't seem bad. There are hundreds of small and large-ish branches strewn over the lanes. I get past the 2/3 mark and think 'So far so good' but then I come to the cross roads and here is where the wind has piled up all the snow! However, it looks as though someone has just been through with a snow plough. I am already committed now and follow the furrow in the heaps of snow, prepared to reverse if I am in someones way.

A bit further up the road I see tractor lights, it is one of the local farmers that has come up with a snow plough attached to the tractor. He even goes all the way to 'Hill Farm' - Hurrah! Very wisely, this farmer also cleared one of the main passing places. I use this spot to wait for him to clear the lane that leads to the farm. As he returns I get out the car and give him a big thumbs up! I quickly make my way up to 'Hill Farm' although I realise that it might not be the wisest of ideas, given that the winds are still strong and that I may be stranded up there. These snow drifts now are well up to my hips and my little car wouldn't be able to fight its way through it. Well, I am here now.

Snowdrifts everywhere ... 

... including covering the field where the horses would go.

I spent two hours at 'Hill Farm' and then made my way back as I wanted to go and clean the house where I was residing, it's part of the deal towards weekly payment. Driving away from 'Hill Farm' was no troubles once more at the crossing, the wind had piled up the snow. Cars thinking they could drive through got stuck and needed to be pulled out. It would take a while to get out of this and parked my car out of the way. Luckily another local farmer came to rescue and cleared it all away but it took him a good half hour. More cars tried coming up the lane and too got stuck.

Eventually enough of the snow was cleared for us to leave. All was fine and rather harmless once gone past this crossing. The winds by now have eased down and there was no further snow showers. Temperatures where slowly climbing up and this probably would be gone in 2 days.

Most hate it, and I agree it is inconvenient if not prepared with proper snow tyres etc ... but I enjoyed it greatly while it lasted.

Strong winds and more snow

The next morning was a little bit of a surprise. It had snowed even more over night. It was already rather blustery out there yet the winds where to pick up strength still throughout the day.

I made it up to 'Hill Farm' rather OK. 2/3 of the route were quite uneventful apart from the odd largish tree branch on the lanes. The last 1/3 of the route to 'Hill Farm' was a little trickier this morning. It was still way below freezing and the snow was very dry and light. Strong gales had blown it all off the fields into the roads or piled it up against stone walls. Some of the drifts on (and in) my way were a good 15 inches deep. Knowing the snow was light and powdery I decided to drive at the drifts at speed and to basically 'shatter' them. Well it worked. But I could only do this because at this time (6am) nobody else was on these lanes. 

Today was most definitely another duvet day for all the horses and they made no signs of wanting to go out. Usually they express their desire for being turned out by more or less patiently waiting near the gates. This morning however they all were busy eating. 

As I was preparing mine and 'Mr F's breakfast I was planning my day. While I was OK yet still driving on the roads, no doubt the strong gales would make all the roads very soon impassible because of the snowdrifts. I was quite lucky earlier on to get through them and the drifts that I had 'knocked down' will be rebuilt in no time at this rate. As I am working in people's homes when they are out mainly, I was expecting some cancellations due to everyone being stuck in, including their children. Schools had already asked parents to pick up their children mid afternoon yesterday.

I didn't want to miss work as in my case: no work no pay. However, looking at how the snowfall was picking up it may indeed be wiser for me to get back and drop off the car at the house where I rent a room. I would have to see what the roads were like on the way back. One place of work can be accessed by foot and I could later on walk back up to 'Hill Farm', a matter of 20 minutes if walking briskly. This way I would only loose half a days work.

I did ask 'Jackie' if she needed a hand feeding any of her sheep etc but she wasn't quite sure yet. Some of the other horse owners were unable to come up and 'Jackie' covered for one while the other would be covered by her friends that life within 10 minutes walking distance. I spent a little more time enjoying the snow and making sure that 'Mr F' had all he needed, including his grass cube to eliminate boredom. Although there is always something to see around here. Snow was building up and I decide now is a good time to leave. I grab a shovel and some hi-vis gear just in case I have to dig myself out.

Driving back was OK, speeding again through the fresh snow drifts and clearing the wheel arches as soon as I parked the car outside the house where I currently reside. One by one all my jobs of the day had been called off. Then the phone rang again and 'Jackie' wondered if I could give her a hand feeding all her live stock. She thought I was still up at 'Hill Farm'. I explained that I had left but was happy to walk back up to the farm as all my jobs of the day had been cancelled.  Might as well enjoy the time in the snow and spend it up at 'Hill Farm'. Plenty to see and do. I was wearing plenty of layers of clothing and my 'Seeland' wellies I was lucky enough get grab on eBay for £30 are keeping my feet dry and warm thanks to a thick sole and neoprene lining. I worn nothing else all winter so far. 

As I arrive back at 'Hill Farm' I am pleased to learn that the wind had changed direction slightly and no further snow was blown into the boy's stable. All three were relaxed and enjoying the shelter. 'Rookie' as usual asleep. He sleeps a lot even when he hasn't been running around all day. 

And here the girl's quarters ... all standing well at the back to get away from the winds.

I spend several hours helping 'Jackie' bring feed to the sheep in various fields. Being right at the top of the hill, the winds are so strong that I struggle to either open or shut the tractor door.

The feed is very much welcomed by all. We also make sure that none of the sheep are buried in snow. Somehow sheep seem to have a death wish, they just lay down and won't get up, even if they get covered with snow.

A few seconds when we can see what we were doing. For much of the time it was like driving in thick fog, with all the snow being swirled around in the air.

One of the ways I make myself useful is by opening / shutting the gates while 'Jackie' drives the tractor. While she went to pick up another bale of haylage, 'Polly' and 'Ester' ('Zac's mother) come and say hello. They have a big field shelter which they now gladly use.

By early mid afternoon we are all done. I spend the rest of the afternoon sorting out my tack room and busy myself with other odds and sods. It has been very cold, even the water in the toilet tank has frozen. All other outdoors water supplies have frozen too except the water that is pumped from a borehole. 'Mr F's water buckets however remain unfrozen. Success!