Summerfield Stables - Horses in the community

Today the snow was really bad and so the horses were not too impressed. Eventually the Horses at the home field were let out as they were sick of being in as because of poor weather they had hardly any turnout last week. The ponies tried to have a race round but found the snow very slippery so soon settled down to eat their hay out in the field.

Ted rolling in the snow

On saturday morning Rosa joined in with the saturday morning for the first time. She was led out with the ride between Belle and Ted and immediately fitted in so was very happy. She was not bothered by any of the traffic.

To celebrate George' 21st we had a bonfire on Saturday afternoon. It was a big bonfire and we toasted marshmellows and ate lots of junk food including cake. It was a cold night but next to the bonfire it was really warm and so we stayed till quite late. At the end of the evening the old sofa from the tackroom went on the bonfire, it burned really quickly and everyone had to jump back quickly to avoid getting roasted!

On the naughty bench!

All of us

Big smiles

Close up

The end of the Sofa!!!!!

Rosa is getting much more settled with her new friends. Today she went out with Bertie who is much older than her and so would not chase her round. He was very happy to have her for company and was very interested in following her round- but only at his own pace! She was much happier with Bertie as the day before she had been out on her own but could not settle as was too excited.

Rosa having a run round the field.

Today Rosa came to join her mum at the stables. Rosa is Maisey's foal and will be two this summer. She was excited to get here and was pleased to see the other horses. They were all in as the weather was poor so there was no real chance to see the other horses but she did meet her mum. Rosa seemed to recognise her mum or at least was pleased to see her. Maisey wasn't too impressed and pulled faces at first but showed more interest after having a good look at her. Rosa was happy pulling faces at her next door neighbour mini but Maisey ignored them both and was much more interested in her new likkit.

This is a photo of Rosa at her previous home when she was much younger with her mum in the background.

Maisey and Rosa take a first look at each other... its been a long time!!

Rosa is there to meet everyone as they come home from school!

Today the rubber matting for the four back stables arrived. Unfortunately because of the mud the lorry delivering it was unable to drive all the way to the stables so it was unloaded at the gate. As it weighed over a tonne it was very difficult to move but between three of us: George, Justine and Diana, we managed to fit the matting into the stables. With this matting very little bedding is required and so it saves a lot of money each week. It is also much comfier for the horses and better for their legs and breathing as there is little or no dusty bedding. Many thanks to all those who helped put the bedding in place and all who supported the funding for this bedding.

Happy New Year!
The last week has been an exceptionally cold one which has made everything at the stables difficult. THe horses have enjoyed being out in the snow but have had to have extra hay as they were unable to reach the grass. Unfortunately the poor weather means that many of the ponies have been unable to go out for their exercise in the week so are getting a little bored and Indy who is recovering from injury is unable to stretch her legs as it is simply too icy. Any help putting the horses in would be greatly appreciated as everything takes twice as long as normal in the cold weather!

We took five ponies and two dogs to the Christmas fun show at Solihull Riding club. Mini and Ted went to compete in the in-hand classes and Coco and Maisey competed in the jumping class. Coco went in the horse and Hound class ridden by Alice and with Jasmine jumping Candy  and Jasmine rode Maisey in the same class with Shona jumping Cassie. Neither were placed as both ponies were instructed to jump steadily and there were some very fast competitors but they enjoyed competing. In the in-hand classes Kezzia and Ted came sixth in the fancy dress and Amelia and Mini came fifth in the pony the judge would most like to take home. Mo did not go to compete but instead she went to soak up the atmosphere and became much more relaxed in the show environment including working with other horses and listening to the loud speakers. She did very well although she was initially very nervous she over came her fear of other ponies and people in fancy dress although the Star on horse back did get her particularly worried! Many thanks to Ros for transporting the horses and the Jordans as without the use of the Chase getting the ponies ready would have been very difficult! After the show a Christmas meal was enjoyed at the Robin Hood Carvery which was much welcomed after a cold day and it is likely that this will become a regular fixture in the calander!

Today Jemma took Freddy to the Nots and Deby In hand Show. Alice went for moral support and as a groom. Freddy Was in the Registered Mountain and Moorland class which he won. He went through to the Championship and won Reserve Champion. This qualifies him for the North County (NCPA) Pony of the Year 2009 in Cheshire. This is a while away in September but is a big achievement as Freddy is only three years old. Well Done Jemma and Freddy an many thanks to Alice for her help and Ros for transporting Freddy.

We took Coco and Bobby to the Tuesday Night Jumping. The first round was 2' and the next round was a qualifier and was a little higher. Coco could only take things steadily as he is still getting fit but he took things at his own pace and jumped clear with Kezzia with his ears forwards the whole time. In the qualifier Coco only had one pole down with Alice. Shona warmed up Bobby and Jasmine  rode in the qualifyer. Bobby ran out three times but was allowed to finish and once he got into it was jumping well. It was a good evening and was well worth going. Many thanks for Ros for driving the trailer and Alice's and Shonas' parents for giving lifts.

Today was a sad day as when it was time for the horses to be put in at night, Merlin was found dead in the field. This was very unexpected and a big shock to everyone as he showed no signs of illness earlier in the day. He appeared to have laid down on his side and made no attempt to get up again. He had no signs of any accident or illness and appeared to have died peacefully. The other horses were very quiet and upset to have lost him, particularly the ones who were in his paddock at the time as he was a popular and friendly horse. He will be sadly missed by a lot of people as although an older horse was only just developing his talents and still had a lot of potential and a lot to give.