Update

Well, its been a while, so theres lots to say.

Firstly Tom is on the mend. Had a bit of a run in with my Farrier as we mis-communicated about the length to leave him in between visits, so I had the vet out again and it is now all sorted. I am even riding again, on the vets advice, but only for short walks around the paddock.

I also have new grazing sorted and move in three weeks. It is a huge 40 acre property and Tom will be in with three other horses. The paddocks are rotated every six weeks and once a paddock is vacated, we only need to harrow and then it is rested. Will be very different grazing routine for me as I am on my own at the moment, with Mandy of course.

I am even allowed to set up a dressage arena and jumps if I want too. I will be taking my poles down with me and leaving them there without the worry of them being stolen. So looking forward to the move. There are only two things I will miss, one is Mandy the Donkey, I'm note sure how she will cope on her own as she just loves Tom, but if I don't move his feet will not get any better. The other is my riding buddy (when we can co-ordinate it) Sarah. She has been wonderful over the four years I have been there, sometimes even taking me out to the odd show. Sarah was very supportive just before Xmas when it was suggested that he may have to be put down, so I guess once the Float is ready there is no reason why I cannot go back for a ride.

FLOAT
Well theres been lots of progress since I last posted. My float now has new axels, hubs, stubs and a draw bar and a brand new set of brakes, which it did not have when I brought it. Had to really put the pressure on to get the work done, so Tom's feet where used to get some sort of action. This weekend, my Brother-in-law and Hubby took it over to the workshop to replace the last of the steel that needed it and put in extra re-inforcing along the way. I was nearly in tears seeing it finally being towed down the driveway for the first time in nearly two years. The chassis has has a good coat of rust preventing paint and is now a shiny black. I am ordering the ply for the floor and ramp this week and Dad has some for the sides. Just need the new tyres on the rims and we are very nearly there. My aim is to be able to take Tom to the Waikanae ODE at the end of April. I have chosen this ODE as Waikane is really sandy surface and we should have had some jumping practice by then, not the mention the dressage we will also be able to do once we move.