Good Riding Weather

 

Out with the Galloping Grannies

The  Galloping Grannies out on a ride on Sunday.

 

Charles and Andrea today.

And Charles and Andrea at the top of Baker’s Cleeve today,  in glorious sunshine.

 

Sparhanger Equestrian Centre
Mobile 07968066973  or phone 01598 753283
sparhanger@btinternet.com

Alex on foal watch

 

Alex on foal watch on Saturday

Alex was on foal watch again last Saturday. This time it was Jo’s turn. She’d been up and down all day, her udder was full and she was showing all the classic signs of being close.

Congratulation to both Roz and Johnny whose  horses ran in the Bratton Down Point to Point. Johnny’s  horse finished  4th.  Both horses will hopefully be returning to Bratton in two weeks and you never know we may see a winner.

From Sophie, via Sarah’s World

 

FROM SOPHIE AT THE RAINBOW BRIDGE

 

I’m sorry I left you, but just so you know,

 The Rainbow Bridge called me, so I had to go.

 

Sometimes, you see, while you’re trotting about,

Your back starts to ache and your legs just give out.

 

Then it’s time to come here where the aches go away.

I’ll wait for my people, and meanwhile I’ll play. 

 

Time doesn’t exist here, and neither does age.

A very long wait’s just like turning a page.

 

The sun’s warm, the grass sweet. It’s good and I’m glad

So I just want to ask you – please, please don’t be sad.

 

The only thing I’m sorry for, is that I couldn’t stay

To carry little Zoe on her very special day.

 

I had a grand life, and I gave of my best.

(Though showing was boring, and schooling a pest!)

 

My riders were little. I tried to be calm.

Though I cut a few corners, they came to no harm.

 

To all those who loved me – you’ll stay in my heart

So remember me kindly while we’re apart.

 

And if you see, when you’re riding, a quick flash of white,

It’s just me, or my spirit making sure you’re alright.

 

Still watching

Spain comes to Chittlehamholt!

Andrea, ready for the flamenco?

On Friday night, writes Michelle, we attended the Spanish\Latin night held at Chittlehamholt. This was organised by Charles, Andrea and other member of the village shop committee.
It was a  fantastic fun evening with great food and brilliant music,  not forgetting the flamenco dancer.

A bull called Charles!

 

Challenged by the matador!

Harvey enjoys the sunshine

Michelle sent this photo  in last Friday showing Harvey out with his mum Double Whiskey.

Harvey and Whiskey

 

Susie and Rupert

He will soon get to know Rupert

 

Charlie and Heydey

Charlie and Heydey are sharing the same field and will probably do a bit of child-minding,  keeping those boys in order!

First round of the day

 

Zoe and Chris, with Stanley are checking up on everybody

 

It's the girls turn for a lie-in

 

Bea's definitely not getting up yet

 

Some of the lodgers on grass keep

 

Flossie and her family are also here for the summer

At last, Whiskey’s done it!

 

After a day in the field showing a lot of discomfort Whiskey looks as though she’s preparing to foal.  She has been leaking milk and lying down a lot.

Getting on with it now

Really working hard now, the light is the reflection from the CCTV monitor.

It's a boy

 

So, so tired

Double Whiskey just wants to sleep now.  It took a lot of effort to deliver that big boy.

Foaling Update

 

Still waiting for Double Whiskey to foal

Double Whiskey was checked out by the vet earlier today as she has been uncomfortable for a while now. He said the foal was presenting correctly and that she was dilating. So hopefully it won’t be too long.

Rupert with Susie

In the meantime this  little chap is going on really well, he’s now up on his pastern, and  running around like a little hooligan.

Foal Watch

 

Foal Watch

Double Whiskey was due to foal on the 29th April but is still hanging on. She is very uncomfortable, has a large udder and has dropped away behind,  so she shouldn’t be that long. We are all keeping an eye on her with the CCTV camera  to give her a bit of privacy in the hope that she’ll get on with it.
Jo (at the rear of the picture)  is now coming in at night-time as she has started to udder up. If Jo foals before Double Whiskey, does Chelle get another box of Smirnoff from Mark and Helen?

Sparhanger Equestrian Centre
Mobile 07968066973  or phone 01598 753283
sparhanger@btinternet.com

It’s Di’s Birthday!

 

It's Di's birthday today

If we can’t find Chris or Michelle we know Di will have the answer!

Best birthday wishes from everyone at Sparhanger