My wake up call was a little earlier than usual today; the farmer had rung up to tell us that the ponies had escaped. We drove up as quickly as possible, and received at least some hopeful news, the pony hardest to catch was still in the field! The farmer had shut the gate, so the ponies couldn't get out onto the road, and they weren't too difficult to catch - everybody was exhausted before the day had even started!
02/08/06North Devon Show
Like all shows, it was a bright and early start in the morning for both the ponies and us. They both loaded nicely, we set off in good time, and arrived at the show ground with plenty of time before our first class. This was mine & Silvers first in hand show, & although it was Dill's third he still behaved very much like a colt. Dill was entered in the Mountain and Moorland Youngstock class, but unfortunately didn't get placed. Westleigh Silver Nike went in the Unregistered Mountain and Moorland, behaved like an angel and was placed second. We also could have set up a 'Stroke the Pony' stall - as there were countless numbers of children coming up to fuss Silver!
Hi, I'm Becca and I'm a 14 year old who helps out at the Westleigh Stud Farm during the school holidays. I live in Hampshire, and ride regularly at my local riding stables. I have been helping out at the stud for 5/6 years.
30/07/06Lunging
We were trying to lunge Silver today in the round pen, but Silver had other ideas. Half way through the session, he decided that he'd had enough, took a run up across the arena & jumped out over the 2' 6" wire - pretty impressive for a 33" Shetland! We are now considering entering him in Shetland Grand Nationals when he is older...
28/07/06Riding
Today I rode Tinkerbell, and for perhaps the first time in his life he actually behaved himself! Even though he hadn't had any tack on him since Easter, he just stood still like a pro - however he did decide however that standing still was much better than walking round in circles, and needed a bit of persuasion to walk forwards!
27/07/06Introductions
I arrived today for my summer holidays visit, and met all of the new foals for the first time. I was also introduced to the studs new stallion, Toby, who has got to be one of the most laid back stallions I have ever met.
Yes, skiing in May - Shetland skiing in fact. We visited the Helawi stud today to pick up two colts (Indigo & Chips) who were in a field with a stallion & another colt. After already escaping into a paddock, I was allocated the job of keeping the stallion & colt away from the second gate whilst our two colts were led out through it - easier said than done. The colt was fairly well behaved, but the stallion decided to start galloping downhill towards the open gate, with me hanging on around his neck & digging my heels into the ground - I don't even think he noticed I was there! Thankfully the gate was shut just before we reached it, but we are still laughing about both of our faces just as we stopped!
26/05/08Escapee Field Shelter
The weather today has been absolutely atrocious - really cold, really wet and really really windy. Windy enough to pick up the brand new field shelter, hurl it over the fence and deposit it upside down on the other side - maybe the ponies didn't go near it for a reason! We've also managed to start most of the colts on a five day wormer, fingers crossed both us and the ponies will last the whole week.
27/05/08Sunshine
Well it has finally stopped raining, and we have been taking advantage of the nice weather. Now most of the ponies have had a good brush and a walk up the road, & we've also survived to the second day of the five day wormer.
28/05/08Fingers crossed for foals
It's raining again, and it's really cold & miserable. The worming must go on though, and unfortunately the ponies now know what's coming. We went up to see the mares in the evening aswell, and Crystal looks like she's all set to go. She also looks like she's gone into labor, and she's being friendly so there's definitely something wrong! Fingers crossed for the morning.
29/05/08Yard Washing
Even after an early check, and frequent ones throughout the day, there are still no new foals. Squeak & Crystal look all set again, so fingers crossed again for the morning. The farrier visited Indigo & Chips today, and after his visit the whole yard has been washed and scrubbed. There's just a tiny bit left for tomorrow, and then all we have to do is hope for good weather so that we can use it!
Loose Ponies