The sun has well and truly been out the last couple of weeks with the temperatures soaring. Although this was a nice change to the horrid, prolonged winter, it did bring a few issues in terms of flies and heat stroke.
Like most people with native ponies this spring, I have been very careful about Diva’s (Melland Queen of Scots) access to grass during the very lush growing period we have been experiencing.
Equesure Insurance is thrilled to once again partner with the Tonbridge based equine duo, Janine Lamy and Martin Wright, for an exciting 2023.
What a change in the weather. It’s happened quite quickly but I am relieved the horses finally live out full time - yippee! It’s meant I have a bit more time at the yard especially in the mornings, so I’ve taken this extra time to start fitting in morning rides and lunging sessions before work with the trio. I can’t say they are too impressed especially when I pull up after 5am and they are standing there yawning at me but at least we avoid the heat in the evenings.
Diva’s showing partner, Jackson (Melland Jackson Jive), has been super busy this year with his day job of travelling with Michelle and Paul’s point to pointers. I think he must be a lucky mascot for the horses as both Prairie Town and Give Us a Swig have both had great success on the track. Jackson travels to the gallops with them and goes to the races when they run.
When my workplace, Oakham Veterinary Hospital, announced plans for an open day I immediately volunteered myself and Diva (Melland Queen of Scots) to take part. Diva is a lovely, friendly character and I felt she would be a good ambassador for the Shetland pony breed and for the practice too.
The weather has sadly taking its toll over the last couple of weeks and like many others, our fun ride was postponed due to heavy rain. A few days before, our ride was postponed to the following bank holiday Monday but was then cancelled as more heavy rain was forecasted throughout the week and on passing the entrance to the field we would have parked in, I completely understand why!
Last month I had to make the really difficult decision of retiring Ben. Two years ago after a set of broken ribs and some very sudden quirky behaviour, the vets found out Ben had some blindness in his right eye from a cataract. It was only blocking a certain spot and we spent a few weeks doing a lot of work on that side to help desensitise him.
Although the weather can’t make its mind up between winter and spring, and the ponies are still in their winter woollies, somehow the first show of the season was upon us!