well i havn't blogged in a while but then a lots been happening. Me and my boy are really shaping up and have done our first competitive endurance ride

Fresh Breeze in the Valleys

Unfazed by her broken bone Alison proceeded with purchasing her new horse Breeze.

Over the last few weeks Alison and her friend Wendy have travelled to all corners of Wales (well witin a 40 mile circumference and with the help of their friend tomtom) to view horses of varying temperament and size (all advertised as friendly and 15hh). Eventually after test riding a number of frizky steeds, we discovered Cwmceffyl Autumn Breeze. Chestnut gelding, rising 6, he is the most friendly of horses and a nice ride too. In the short term whilst Alison heals, wendy is foster mum to Breeze and he is getting plenty of offers to be ridden, so is under no illusions that he's on holiday. All the mares seem to have taken to him and there have been a few tails raised in the field. Alison is managing to groom with her one arm and Breeze has taken to thanking her with a reciprocal lick!

Armless!

Bad news, Alison broke her collarbone at riding club camp.

A weekend of riding was planned in Mid Wales with friends but broken short for Alison when Kitty decided an indoor arena was a great place for a gallop!

Alison was in shock when told she would be unable to drive for 3 weeks! but after a few days it transpired that the medics were breaking the extent of her disability to her gently and she would not be behind the wheel or in the saddle for 3 months!

A fab time was had by the rest of the riding club who made the most of the weekend.

Feb half term 08

We spent this half term down in Devon. We all had a fab time and the weather was superb, so warm in fact that the kids were in their bikinis on the beach. it was great to see Fe, Rowan and Iona and since our return home Constance is telling everyone about the beach, sand, and getting wet!

Briars Riding Club Show

Recently i joined a riding club and today participated in my first show!



Having learnt to jump yesterday! i today managed some rough jumps. Ed caught them on film but didn't take a snap so you can see some of the footage on my facebook page.



Alternatively here's a picture of Jess making a much better go of it!

Alison learns to ride!

Having taught the children to ride and paying for its keep, it only seemed fair that i too should ride. But I've been exposed as a fraud!. Having joined a local riding club i started taking lessons, the first of which i fell off. what i learnt was that having to turn as you ride is not the same as riding in a straight line. i asked Jess how she thought i'd done apart from the fall. she replied" i can't believe you mum, all this time you made us think you could ride" Well as i said i got her this far! and how many 40 year olds would learn to ride, fall off and get back on, all for daughterly love!

Chicks a hatchin'

Cracking News- Our Christmas turkey eggs are hatching as we speak. Our first chick took us by surprise on Sunday night, we were only just back from our hols and they were not due until Tuesday. Since then its been cheep cheep and we now have 10 turkey chicks!.

Summer Evening Family Meal

On our return from hols we enjoyed a lovely summer family get together with Gill, Will and Liz

Freddies Christening

Summer Hols 07

Sunshine from start to finish and possibly our best holiday ever. Many friends were made and we were all sad to leave Veryan after 2 weeks of sunshine and fun. Not just content with walking and running, Constance takes to tree climbing

One of the beaches we discovered. Anastasia is the boat on the right, which we swam out to

Jess

The Giant at the lost gardens of Heligan

Constance surfs the beach

Constance and Daddy waiting for the tide to turn at St Agnes

Not our allotment but one of the vegetable Gardens at Eden.

Jess, Constance and Naomi at Eden

Looking out from a living willow tunnel

Grandma and Constance at the lost gardens of Heligan

Sleeping made at the Lost Gardens

Naomi beach babe

Constance and Daddy

Constance enjoys one of her first beach pools

All play and no work

Enjoying a picnic

The sailors return

A Family Hack!

What a great weekend we had!
Rowan and Iona joined Jessica and Naomi for a hack. We were lucky enough to have ponies Minnie, Buster and Hamish join Kitty so everyone had a ride. Rowan and Iona rode very well, tacking up and then nearly perfecting their rising trot. Well done Rowan and Iona!

Constance and Mummy in Isle of Mann

Pony Club Tests

Jess and Naomi were pleased to pass their first pony club tests last week.

Naomi passed the Pony Club Efficiency Test and Jess passed her bronze.

Our First Show

What a great day we had today.

We showed Kitty, at our first ever show at Greenmeadow.

Jess entered best pony over 13.2hh and came fourth.

Naomi then entered the best pony club pony. she won a rosette, commended for a clear round which included negotiating obstacles, poles and a JUMP!

Jess then tried her hand at show jumping, but nerves got the better of her and she came off at the first, Better Luck next time Jess!

No time for a rest, Jess then entered the best trekking pony and came third, another rosette and prize money too!

Last but not least Naomi entered prettiest pony, prettiest tail and pony the judge would most like to take home, and won another rosette. Well done.

It was a great and memorable day. Kitty is our star.

Naomi in prettiest pony Naomi with our "Pretty Kitty"

Naomi
Leading the Class

Jess competing for Best Pony

Family Get-Together at the Forest of Dean

Everyone made it to our annual cycling get together at the Forrest of Dean. Initially the weather was not generous but finally we enjoyed hot sunny weather. Constance really enjoyed the cycling this year both in her trailer and front bike seat with a top view. Next year we want to take Kitty, our pony, spotting lots of great hacking trails. Iona and Rowan joined us in our caravan for two nights when their tent got wet, but whatever the weather we cycled every day!