We were a bit short staffed this morning so the 'Greener Pastures' team (Doug and Freddie) stepped in to help with Doug on Kingsley and Freddie on Jess. Freddie has only sat on a horse once before last season with Paddy who took him on the leading rein and today he went on a long hack with us (no leading rein) and was absolutely fine. Jess (We Never Give Up) is a complete saint and could have dumped him if she had wished as we had a bouncy, sideways trot or two, but she kept him on board and he did really well. She also had a work experience girl, Ellie. who had never ridden before hacking her out last week. A horse in a million...

The horses are flying at the moment and all eight are getting fit and raring to go. We are now using the brand new Andrews Bowen gallop on the estate which is a lovely surface and great for the horses to go somewhere different. Because we haven't had much rain we have been unable to use the big grass field as it is so firm so this makes a great change for them.  We are hoping to take a few hunting on Saturday for their first time which should be entertaining.....



The new gallop

It was little India's 5th Birthday at the weekend and Josh and three out of his four children met up at Grandpa Barr's house to create a bit of havoc - SO gorgeous!

 

Birthday girl India, Archie and Hector - Just check him out! - I LOVE this photo! He is going to be SO naughty....