I love coaching and feel very blessed that to me, it never feels like work. However, I also feel that it’s so important to have other interests. I know all too well that horses can be more a way of life rather than just a job.
I go to weekly yoga and pilates classes, which I’ve found so beneficial, especially since my recovery from spinal surgery last November. They also provide a way to ‘switch off’ and I often find most inspiration comes right after these sessions!
Part 1: For the love of Ron
I’ve found a new love in Ron – no not a new fella, but my little Daschund x Jack Russell, or Daxijack as they’re known!
We bred from Luna our lovely sausage dog and she had a litter of 4.
Ron came out last, backwards and tiny – we thought he’d never survive, which was why we kept him.
He has turned out to be the most joyful loyal little dog ever… and he’s mine!!! Luna was originally mine, however after spending a day on the farm and yard with David my husband, she decided I was far too boring, so she joined his crew full time and was a great ratter.
Sadly, on the day that poor Ron was castrated she went into heart failure and we lost her. Poor Ron lost so much in one day and he’d never been without his mum before. With lots of extra walks and cuddles, he came out of his shell and is now more giddy than ever!
I’ve taught him tricks, such as how to twirl and jumping over poles. He will do anything for a sausage! However, he doesn’t seem to know his name when you call him and certainly doesn’t understand the ‘stay’ command!!
My fitness has certainly increased since I’ve had Ron as he’s not happy with just a little walk. It has to be at least a couple of hours up on the moors or through the plantation chasing squirrels!!
We recently took part in filming for the “In for a Penny” show with Stephen Mulhern. If it goes out on air next June, this will probably be the end of my career!! Of course Ron decided he couldn’t do any tricks or even win me £100 by sitting still for 10seconds!! It was good fun though, and he met a rather nice little Chihuahua called Brittany!!
His favourite pastime, apart from walking, chasing hares and squirrels and being giddy, is having a puppacino and sleeping!!!
Part 2: This is Tim!
The other passion in my life is my new horse Tim! Some people, approaching 60 after having a serious spinal operation, go and get a few cats – not me!
I bought a 3yr old ISH I’d seen advertised on Facebook!! There was just something about him I liked and certainly liked his breeding. He was rather feral and underweight, having come over from Ireland to Lincoln only 4 weeks previously.
I phoned Arnia from Walk on Equine Transport. She was one of my students years ago and extremely good at her job. She’s also a really nice person. I asked her if she fancied a road trip!! She has a stallion box so it felt like a safe choice.
Off we went at 6am to pick him up one Monday. When I first saw him he was quite timid and I did wonder if he’d actually go on the box. However, he just stood at the bottom of the ramp for about 5 seconds then when straight in!! Travelled like a pro, even when we were held up in traffic before returning to sunny Greenfield.
Home always felt strange and empty without Prince, my daughters horse. We kept him at the back of the house at the other end of the farm, along with his buddies Lily and Ginger. So when Prince was sold and we lost poor Lily through old age, Ginger was in need of a friend!
Obviously, with Tim being a bit feral and living out I kept a leather headcollar on him initially. I opened up the stables and pinned back the doors so that he could get used to going in and out of his own free will.
I let him settle for a few days. He was very curious and friendly and loved food which certainly helped in the early days!
Every time I tried to stroke him he flinched, but I soon learned that he loved scratches. We progressed from that to grooming, which he absolutely loves and would just stand all day for. Picking his feet up was a bit of a challenge, as he really thought he was going to fall over. He’s getting better at it now and I want him to be brilliant at this before I ask my farrier to trim his feet, which actually are looking ok!
What possessed me to get a young horse?
I’ve had quite a few recently broken 4yr olds to bring on and plenty of ponies as 3yr olds but never a horse from a 3yr old. I thought it would be nice to explore groundwork and perhaps a different way of doing things to methods I had used 20 odd years ago.
I’ve learnt a lot about myself too whilst handling Tim. To be mindful to spend time with him and be patient and aware of my body language. It actually takes the pressure off not being able to ride him yet as I don’t think I’ve ever spent so much time with a horse on the ground.
We are really creating a good, respectful bond with each other though I’ve no doubt I’ll need some help in the backing process. I’ve had strict instructions from a few people not to get on him first, but we’ll see!!
I’m certainly in no rush with him as he’s got a lot of growing to do yet!! I need to also get him checked over by a vet and start his vaccination programme – all the things you take for granted really.
One of my first puzzles was tying the knot on my rope halter!! Ive got an ordinary headcollar and rope. Actually, it is quite enlightening how much easier everything is using a rope halter and long line.
His first trip out of his field and just wandering down the lane was quite exciting. I’m going to see if he can spend some time in a field we have next to the road so he can experience different things and also traffic. It’s very sheltered and quiet where we are behind the house. I’ll have to be nice to the farmer!!!!
I’ve also felt it quite liberating having a horse living out. No more charging back after lessons to bring in etc and great to have no mucking out. Especially as I have to see how my back stands up to everything after my surgery – its looking good though!!
Tim is really beginning to fill out now and is also changing shape. I’m excited to have my journey with him – he makes me smile!!
