The boys met Katie Camel and all the horses. And then decided they would have a ride on Lily. Lily was very good and after a tentative grooming session she was saddled up and ready to go. Henry was keen and had first go. Rupert was less than enthusiastic but after a while he was sitting on Lily and playing head shoulders knees and toes. Although we did play the abridged version as he wasn't too keen on leaning right down to touch his toes!
On Wednesday Henry and Rupert came to visit. We haven't seen them since they were very young. It was a flurry of excitement as the dogs were very exuberant with their greetings and the boys were less than pleased to be jumped on and licked all over. After locking the dogs in the shed normality returned.
The boys met Katie Camel and all the horses. And then decided they would have a ride on Lily. Lily was very good and after a tentative grooming session she was saddled up and ready to go. Henry was keen and had first go. Rupert was less than enthusiastic but after a while he was sitting on Lily and playing head shoulders knees and toes. Although we did play the abridged version as he wasn't too keen on leaning right down to touch his toes!
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Bertie came out with me this morning and joined in with the usual tasks. We fed the chooks and he went in and patted a couple and had a good check that things were ok. We then went and took the rugs off the horses and let them out. While I filled the water buckets up Bertie decided to have a wash. We ordered more fly air mesh rugs for the horses. Our horses wear them as paddock rugs in both winter and summer. Their coats are kept clean, they keep a good colour and they are kept cool on the hot days. They have warm Caribu rugs on a winters evening also.
We have used Caribu Horsewear for a number of years now and their service is fantastic. Our last order was placed online on Sunday and the rugs arrived on Wednesday. How good is that! We think our horses look great and Lily has got to be the cutest ever! We had a great time Saturday afternoon as Gabriel's brother Franzi came for a ride as well. The boys were quick to get the tack out and onto the rail and then out into the paddock to muster some horses. Once the horses were in the stalls Franzi took Grace and Gabriel Bucky. Franzi was keen to learn and soon had Grace groomed and was mounted. This young man has very long legs, we had to adjust the stirrup leathers right out. They took it in turns to ride in the round yard, Gabriel continued to make progress with his trotting and Franzi spent time transitioning from walk to halt and back to walk. Soon we were out into the exercise paddock going through the bending poles and then into the arena for a walk around the track. We were very impressed by how well the boys did, they both had a great time and we are looking forward to seeing them next week. We were also very proud of Bucky and Grace. Tayla has done so well this year. She started riding Grace early this year and has made fantastic progress. She competed at her first dressage competition at Pony Club and then went on to the two local Shows. At Roma Show she achieved some very good scores and was presented with the award for most improved.
Look out next year, we have already started training for the next level! Gabriel came to ride again on Saturday. What great progress he is making. This week he started to develop the skills involved in rising to the trot. Working on a lunge, Bucky trotted carefully as Gabriel tried hard to rise to the trot. He made a great attempt and did get it right quite a few times. It won't be long before he will be able to rise to the trot on his own. Gabriel's brother, Franzi came to watch. He was enthused enough to ask if he can have a go next week. So it looks as though Grace is going to be working next Saturday.
And then there was a great flurry of excitement and Mia, Sayde, Indie and Caide appeared. Lots of excitement as the dogs ran around like lunatics trying to lick everybody. Mia loved the idea that she was the local expert showing her friends how to groom and how to ride. She did head, shoulders, knees and toes like an expert! And then Katie was spoiled as she was presented with four carrots by four enthusiastic children, she didn't know which to go for first. We received our new vests from Impressa Equine Products today. Just in time as it's starting to cool down a bit. Winter is coming! Ryan and Maddie came out for a ride this afternoon so we were able to show of a bit.
Bucky was trying hard to be a good girl yesterday but she just can't help herself. Katie came out to have a ride yesterday and Bucky tried to take advantage of the situation. She isn't that bad, she just tends to decide to go back to the round-yard now and again. This does tend to make it a little difficult for the learner riders. However, Katie took control and had Bucky go through the bending poles and the running tee. Then a quick walk around the dressage arena, great work for her first ride. It's a shame Katie was only passing through as she rode very well.
We had a new student rider at Sandalwood today, Gabriel. Gabriel and his Mum Wendy came out to see us today. This was Gabriel's first equestrian encounter and he coped very well. We first introduced Gabriel to all of the horses and then showed him the tack and grooming tools. The first task was to learn how to lead Bucky which went very well. This was followed by a very thorough grooming session. We had 4mm of rain yesterday so all the horses have enjoyed rolling and getting very dirty. We saddled up and Gabriel mounted a horse for the first time. It was great to see the pleasure on his face as he sat up high on Bucky. We did a few circuits of the round yard and Gabriel quickly developed a good balanced seat. He was quite confident and was able to ride without a lead rope in his first lesson. Quite an achievement! Well done Gabriel. We are looking forward to your next visit.
Tayla and I competed in the Wallumbilla Show dressage competition yesterday. We had a great day, Tayla rode well and was placed second and fourth in her two rides. I managed third and fifth out of three rides. We have Roma show on Thursday so are looking forward to that.
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AuthorSandalwood is a property 11km East of Roma Queensland. Archives
October 2018
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