Can't get rid of me that easily I'm afraid! *APRIL*

Well, let's start with an apology. Since we have spoke I have had some major issues with my laptop and have since had to purchase a new battery and charger in order to be able to use it again. My new battery arrived today so I'm back with regular bloggings again! Yay!!

Warning, lots of updates to be shared with you!

Since we spoke, I guess quite a bit has happened!
Star and I have been on more outings, with a venture to Somerford Farm Ride to kick off April for Beff's birthday! I had the absolute best time and may have got dunked in the water at the start but I still think Star gave me a super ride and jumped some fences I would probably never even thinking of looking at not so long ago! I could not stop for most of the ride, granted, but I still had so much fun and I nearly fell off a couple of times, purely because I was laughing so much I just did not have the energy to hold on after about two hours of riding and jumping xc fences! Considering how unfit Star was that day, I cannot thank enough for trying his heart out and letting have the most fun experience round the track! Safe to say, Team Rhubarb and Custard are officially a thing and pairs hunter trials may have to be a thing at some point this year! We shall see what happens!

Promise this looked wide from where I was! Eek!!

They love each other. End of.

I rode Sunny after a very long time too! And completed one of my goals for the year, and cantered him! Now I would like to say I am quite a confident rider but I know my limits and Sunny pushes these quite a lot so I often just sit back and do not really ride him very often as he is a horse I can honestly say I know would take the piss with me, badly. So to say I cantered him has made me very happy! I cannot honestly remember the last time I did and it felt so nice to do so again. So thank you little Sundance for being a good boy for Auntie Lottie, she appreciates it, promise.

See I can ride!

My little baby pony also came back into work after quite a bit of mild work and quite a few days (or weeks) off! All I can say is, thank you to the world for letting me find this horse. He came back so much better and since he has continued to flourish into a fantastic little horse (as you will see later). He was so much more willing, more well behaved and more than anything, he had built up so much more weight and has continued to look fantastic for it.

Could I look any happier to be back at home?!

I also had an old school pony day with Hannah and Beff and it was sooo good to jump little Viccles again! I had ridden him about a week and a half before this and I was so happy to see his little face again, but being able to jump him again absolutely made my day. I love that little pony and he taught me to ride/jump and I am forever grateful to Hannah and her pony for that because he is a gem and will always have a special little place in my heart. Hammy made me do a course on him and despite him being a little unfit, he gave me such a good time, flew the fences and reminded me why I loved my jumping so very long ago. It just felt so natural to be back on him flying some decent size fences, I will never stop calling him my second pony and if he ever needed a home and I could give him one, I would snap him up in a heartbeat because he really is just great. I 'm looking forward to seeing him so much more over this Summer.

Fave. Pony.

I then had a birthday!! I turned the age I have been for far too long now, 16, so it was safe to say I didn't feel much older lol. I had a fantastic day. Beff came and took some photos of me and Little John which I am in love with and John really showed how much of a show off he is, posing for the camera like the true model he is. I finished off the evening with dinner out, thanks to one of the most wonderful people in my life right now and a sleepover with my most favourite persons ever. It really was one of the best birthdays I've had since I was little and I am very grateful to my mum for that because I really do think she tried her absolute hardest to make sure I had a good day, I am so very lucky to have a woman like her to not only call my mum, but to call my role model. She is truly fantastic and I do not know how I would have coped over these last few years without her, I really don't and I hope she knows that because I'm so very grateful for everything she does for me every day.

I could not love him more if I tried.

We got mum in front of the camera too!!

Sign us up for the Joules catalogue now yeah?

WE WENT TO A SHOW.
Me and Star tackled our first show, in style, dressed as minions, of course.
We went to a team jumping event and we got eliminated but I really do not care because Star went out, saw jumps, fillers etc, jumped the jumps and really did try his heart out, not only for me but for Emma too and that's all I can ask for. He handled the atmosphere perfectly, did not chuck me off and was a perfect pony all day, so thank you pony, I'm very thankful to have had my first show without falling off lol. We came 4th (last) but we got a very pretty rosette and I actually did not cry at a show for once which I cannot remember never doing so I am over the moon with how that day went considering we were running extremely late too!

The bromance continues. Squad goals.

Super Star!

And then to end the month, John and Star met properly for the first time, and had a fantastic time running around the school together. It was so lovely to see them having fun. Especially John who seemed to love having a friend to play with and he really showed his baby nature!
Good boys!

And that concludes April! I will post what has happened over the past couple of days in another blog. But I hope I haven't bombarded you too much!

Breakups, Outings and Team adventures!

So it's safe to say this month has been, well, a little bit disappointing. I mean don't get me wrong some fab things happened but some rubbish things did too.

Let's get the bad out of the way first, so as mentioned in my title, at the start of the month my boyfriend decided I was a little bit too much to handle basically (which I am I won't lie) and decided he he didn't want to be with me any more, and yes it hurt as I did really, really like him and I guess I kind of still do but people change, GCSE's are stressful and having a constant winge in your ear doesn't help ;) So I do honestly completely get it, and if he's happy then I have to find my happiness too, as gay as it is, life goes on and the world doesn't stop for anyone. All I can say is a massive thank you to my closest and bestest friends as well as my amazing mother and the deputy head because all of these sat me down and definitely let me be sad but gave me the massive kick up the arse I needed to get myself back on track. I also turned to my orange pony a lot and although he can be so naughty he is my best pal and he gave me the much needed cuddles I required so thank you monkey!!

Anyway, let's stop talking about the sad things now!
Me and Star have been out in the trailer twice! We went jumping at Priory to try some mini courses and we didn't have an overly great time because I thought he was really ill and felt awful the whole time I was riding. However touch wood he seems okay and we're watching him very closely! But overall he jumped the things I asked and was a super little horse trying his very best!
We then went xc and you can most definitely tell he has hunted! Jesus did he fly! I can honestly say I have never felt that brave xc schooling ever and I never imagined even looking at some of the fences I did! We went with Emma and Beth and although Emma fell off and was a little hurt, I think we all had a really good time! And hopefully this is the start of many team adventures with the ponies!

And then at the end of this month we went and fence judged the xc at Stafford Horse Trials and we had an absolutely fab day and i cannot explain how much i needed that pick me up, those guys never fail to make me smile no matter what day I've had or am having.

And Johnathon as you're probably wondering is doing fine! He is just being his usual naughty self! However he has had most of the Winter off bar a couple of rides and I just think he has connected with and started to respect me so much more for it. I just love his little face so much and I cannot wait to get him working again in the Spring!

Lottie learns to jump (again)

So as I mentioned in my last blog, Star the newest pony to enter my life, arrived last week(?) and he has lived up to his name ever since he arrived.

He has only been ridden 3 times since arriving at the yard and has been ridden with two other horses in the school on more than one occasion and had horses coming in and out during our rides but he has still remained focused on the job and well behaved! 

On our second ride there was some poles out so we decided to have a go, one of the women on the yard was riding and when star was a bit unsure she very nicely led us over them first. After star knew what the task was he loved them and was pulling me into the poles and generally having a great time! 

The next ride we had Beff come visit and we again tried some poles but at a canter this time and again Star was dragging me into them and zooming around like a pro! He schooled beautifully for Beff after I got off and then even jumped some jumps showing that the height we started him at was clearly not enough for him at all, he loved it and by the end of the session he was taking me to the jumps when I had no reins or even any sense of direction haha! 

 

All in all, things are looking very exciting for me and Star and this show season (when I'm not at work!) and we are going out for our first time together next week! I'm a little nervous I won't lie but I'm also very excited! 

John has also been ridden and has definitely not been forgotten and was awesome to ride the other day nailing all of his canter transitions and starting to properly use himself and balancing up more and more everytime! So we shall forgive his naughty behaviour on our hack about a week ago;) 

So there's your little update for now and I will report back soon!

Enjoy some photos of what we've been up to recently!

I may have not been completely honest with you...

*holds hands up*

Yes, guilty, I have been keeping a secret from you.
In my defense, I kept it for a reason!

I'm hoping no-one has guessed this because I have tried to keep it as hushed and top secret as I possibly could but I think it's time you know now.

Tonight saw the arrival of Star.

Star is a 16hh, Cleveland Bay x Thoroughbred, but I won't tell you his age because I want to see if anyone can guess!
He's a fab horse who seems to really take everything in his stride and considering he hasn't jumped/been off the yard/been in a school in 5/6 years and he loaded first time, traveled perfectly, got off the trailer and walked down to the school perfectly and then proceeded to school amazingly and did not put a foot wrong, I think it's safe to say he's a gem. When he did the jump, he first just did a pole on the floor and clearly loved it as jumped it and then went it up to a cross pole he had a little look at it but popped it fine every single time after with no hesitation and I think that is saying something considering the last time he jumped a show jump was many many years ago.

I am very excited to get him fit and jumping again and get him out and about! Things are definitely looking very exciting.

The decision to get another horse was not easy, I just want to put this out there. John is still my number one and will not be forgotten about, no matter what, my Mum adores him and has already stated the rules. I'm not really going to explain it anymore because I don't feel I should have to but I wanted to just say John is still with us and he is my absolute baby and best friend and there is no way he will come second to another horse or be any less cared for, I just simply would rather get rid of the other one before doing that and I said that when I first started looking at horses.

But less of the serious stuff, Star is home!! Eeeek!!!

Having a trot

I am having the best time riding that horse

Not jumped in 5/6 years? No problem!

Cutest little face

All of the stuff...

I honestly don't remember everything that has happened since we last spoke, all I do know is some very exciting things have happened!

John and I had our first lesson in forever and I really did not realise how many bad habits I have, and it was definitely worth the lesson because I realised we as a pairing are not really ready to have all our naughty bad habits tweaked yet because he is still learning and balancing himself and just generally figuring out what leg goes where and when it needs to be there. So I have decided that one day we will have lessons again, but for now, we can just enjoy getting there and this is nothing against the instructor I had, Heather, as she was fab, I just feel we are not ready for lessons yet but I know that when we are ready, she is always there for contacting.

In all honesty, John has been ridden much, he had about a month off and I got back on him again a few days ago, and as always he was a star. A few things had dropped in quality, for example, his speed, but I will give him the benefit of the doubt because he worked lovely in the end and was really listening to me and working with instead of against me as he was at the start of our ride.
I rode him again yesterday and we went out on a hack. Now this was the first time we had been out since moving yards and I wasn't really sure what to expect, but all I can say is that the hacking is fitted perfectly to both me and him and I can see us often going out for a stroll in the summer evenings. It was quiet, picturesque and there were no roads, score! I cannot tell you how happy I am to no longer have to see scary road signs, white lines and red cars, I could not be more relieved if I tried. While we were out, he was perfect, he didn't look at anything, and wasn't even really tense from the start, because he has been so much worse before. However, he did find it necessary to jump the blue hose pipe we had to cross to leave the yard, but I knew this was coming and it didn't come as much of a shock to me as I know what's he like far too well. He even trotted away from Emma and Beth of a couple of occasions (one of which was his choice and would not let me walk because he wanted get home super quick to see his friends) and had no fuss about this either.

Apart from this though, not much has happened, some exciting things are taking place but these are all secrets and I cannot share, teheehhe

Here's some pictures to show you that John is in fact not dead, just not in a lot of work!

Good boy looking after me after I had the dentist!

They love each other and I love it.

Conquering the world with the wind in his hair

Happy Monthaviersary!

Well it's been a month since John had the stressful trauma of moving home! I really am missing my yard but at the same time, I'm so, so happy with the progression John has made and cannot believe the change in him.

Since moving, John has put all his weight that he lost back on and his coat is looking shinier than I have ever seen it and I could not be more impressed with how good he is looking considering. I was definitely not expecting him to put his weight back on this quickly and I was even more shocked at the amount his condition has picked up, I think it's safe to say, he really is a lot more happier.

                           Before

                              After

As well as this, he has just become the sweetest, most perfect little pony at the moment! Maybe a little strong too but nothing silly and this is totally outweighed by the good. In the stable he is the most chilled out I have ever seen him and even let me muck out his whole bed around him the other day, little superstar that he is. I've also recently started working on getting him better with having his legs washed and he is a bugger for it and tends to figit and fight against being washed, so now that we have hot water at the new yard, I've started washing his legs off a couple times a week, twice so far. He's taken to it really well, with the help of some treats but this is still an improvement and he will get better over time so I cannot blame him for needed a little something extra.
However, the other week he was due to be wormed and was an idiot about it, so I just stuck it in his feed and he didn't even notice it so we will work on this next time as we're both still getting used to the new environment and he is not the worlds biggest fan of the tie up area but again this will come time.

          Mucking out around the pony

            Enjoying his field time lots!

                He does have socks!

His riding has also come on leaps and bounds. I haven't done much with him recently because of the weather and other commitments but he doesn't mind none the less. I mentioned my ride the other day and I feel this really does prove it.

But I think that has made this all worthwhile was tonight when my mum was watching him having a stroll around the school to stretch his legs while I mucked out as the yard manager had put him in early for us and my Mum turned to me and said "He seems so much more chilled out and happier, especially recently" so I know I'm not just imagining this, he really is getting better and seems a lot happier! I could not be more chuffed to see him happy again, I really couldn't ask for anything else.

He's also started to really show a very cute side, especially towards me. All he does is give kisses and cuddles and follows me round and does whatever he can to please me and make me happy, especially when I'm riding. He's just such a little star, I really am very lucky.

                Tonight, he's so pretty

That one day that owning a welsh actually was a good thing.

Bonjour mes amis! How are we all coping with this icky weather? I know I'm not coping well with it at all, I hate winter, bring on Spring where birthday, anniversaries and many things happen as well as some decent weather!
Anyway, here in sunny England we have been having a LOT of wind recently, and not even nice little breezes, no, full on gale force winds which I am not enjoying one bit.
Luckily, this is where having a hardy welsh pony (I say this with some certainty as John would not call himself hardy) comes in handy.
Now, Mr. Smith was born and bred on the Welsh cliffs, hence his name Rhondda John Smith, as he was born on the Rhondda cliffs and this fact is very nice to know on days when the weather is like this as when out in the field, he gives zero cares to the fact he could be blown over, he is eating and that's that, it does not bother him at all and to bring in and put out, he's the same, he does not care that I'm being blown into him and falling over at all.

So the other day I had a bit of an insane moment because John hasn't been ridden in two weeks, it was as I said before, gale force winds and he had not yet been turned out that morning and I decided it would be fun to try and ride him. Now I knew that he would be fine after having a bit of time off, he's pretty chilled like that. But, John is not the most bombproof so why I decided to try this I am unsure, but he sure as hell did not show me up because I got on him, he stood fine and then walked round as if it was any other day of the week. He wasn't tense in the neck, nothing, even when things were flapping around and making loud noises, nope, he was fine. Beff walked round with us at first but John was sort of like "why are you here, I'm big boy, go away pls" and so Beff left us and he was no different at all. Some cows mooed and again he did not care. Probably thought he was back in Wales in all honesty. We had a little trot around and again he did not change, he was fine, it felt like being back on my little Molly pony and not having a care in the world, I very much enjoyed it.
May I add, there was also another horse in the school with us, which he had a bit of a think about but other than that did not really mind as the other girl stayed a safe distance away and was very forgiving of how rubbish we were being lol, so thank you for that, I really do appreciate it!

All in all, he had one tiny spook at I don't know what, but I will take that considering he has such a baby brain and I have never ridden him in the smallest bit of wind, let alone that and the other factors. I only rode for around 10 minutes because I was happy enough with him, I was over the moon in fact. I just did not expect him to be so chilled about everything, he's such a star, I should really doubt him less.

He had lots of pats at the end and then went out to the field to graze and be a pony because he real enjoys that.

Have a cute photo as a gift.