First Show

We did it, our first show since March 2007. Took the float down and picked up Ainsleigh on the way. Stopped at the gate and went to get Tom. He loaded so easily which was great. We then headed off to Waikanae for their Combined Training day. Dressage was not really great, I need to try and give more with my hands, but worry that Tom will get away on me. Judge gave me some positive comments and so did spectators so I was very happy. Jumping was another issue, having not done anything for that last two years, we were both very 'green'. Tom seemed to be unsure of his approach, so after jumping the first two very big (well thats how it felt), the third jump he did the same but on landing I lost my balance and off I came. Luckily Tom slowed down and I did a lovely dismount onto my feet. Felt a bit rattled after that so retired. Saw that the weather was going to pack up so called it a day and went home.

I had a fantastic day and Tom was a perfect gentleman, very well behaved for his first outing in a while. He looked gorgeous. The float was perfect in every way and towed like a dream, actually felt like I had nothing behind me it travelled so well. Even Tom travelled well in it, no sweating like he usually does. Ainsleigh was a wonderful help, kept me busy so I did not stress and was so encouraging, it was really nice to have company for a change. I think the move to her place will be a benefit for both of us as we both like our "Poofy" riding.

It felt so good to have my own wheels. Here are some photos of our big day out.

On the Move Again...

Well there really was no thinking about it. I'm officially moving next door. Had a chat to Ainsleigh and her Dad Laurie on Tuesday and informed them of what madam had said. There was no hesitation in offering me grazing, Laurie was fuming and will be having a few words once I'm gone. From the little bits there is a money issue over fencing done and not paid for. Feel a bit bad causing all this fuss, but I felt they should know what she'd said. Next door is far nicer, the main thing is better and more secure fencing. Tom will be on his own, but will be able to see the other horses. This in a way will be good, as i can then manage everything, ensuring he is getting his hay allowance and not bullied out of it. I am allowed to use two huge paddocks and can tape half off and rotate. Really pleased, lots more shelter, natural and running water. Am allowed to ride where I like, basically treat it as my own. Place is alot more developed and had a nice area for turning the Float around and loading.

Madam had a bit of a hissy, quite 'upset' I'm going, especially next door!! Well, if she'd just left me alone when I got back and not mentioned the whole issue I probably would not be moving. And she was the one who mentioned "You can always leave"

Tom gets clipped - Float update

Here are some of my rather neat looking Float. The difference is amazing. Just like to thank Ray and Dave for the fantastic job they have done in re-building my Float. I just love the attention to detail they have done, like in the side door, there is fine corrugated panelling and the wood trim on the side. The kwila floor is stunning and the dividers look great with a new coat of paint. Just the tyre and ramp to go. Roll on payday!!!!!

Here are some recent photos of Tom before and after clipping. He made me so proud as I had no idea if he'd ever been done before. Yes he got fidgetty but totally amazed me when Ainsleigh was able to do his face. He looks just stunning.

Was a very stressful morning though, as I had a "misunderstanding" with my grazing owner. When I first started grazing there, she told me I could use the gate in between her property and my friend who did Toms Clip. Well went to use gate on Sunday and wow did I get told off. "Your not allowed to use the gate" - WTF!! I had asked permission from the neighbours even had a txt saying I could. Nope she would not budge. Made me walk around the road, therefore putting my safety at risk (road is 100km zome and nice blind corners). I was gutted as it made me late for clipping. After giving the whole episode some thought, it is the safety issue that upset me the most, that she could not put aside her grievance with her neighbours to allow me to use a safe alternative route.

Found out there is a history, sounds more like neighbours at war. When I got back, she had another harp on about how horrible neighbours were, abusive phone calls etc. I guess may facial expressions said what I was thinking (She just would not take in what I was trying to say - I've known her neighbours for a few years and we also go back to Pony Club Day in the 1980's) as then she stated "I can see your not happy" and here again I tried to explain that I had permission, so I said back as a peace making gesture "Yes, I'll respect your rules" only to be told that if I didn't I could always leave.

Funny thing is, that I have had a offer of grazing if I get left in the lurch, so will be enquiring ASAP as I'm not going to put up with her being drama queen all the time. I'm also sick of ripped covers (warraths) and her bully horses. She has since got in a new grazer (after asking the last two to leave) and the horses are just lovely, even Tom is more relaxed around them.

Also tonight, had my first every "lose your rag" moment at work. Was delivering load to Kapiti Pak and Save, when I dropped two bins due to Forklift going down pot-hole. Gutted as this was the first drop since I've been driving. Boy did I let loose (lots of f words came rushing out). Lucky enough, the two bins I dropped had loo paper in them. What are the odds that out of 33 bins, I drop the two with loo paper in them. As they were tipping over, I was waiting for the biggest smash of glass!! I went off on a huge rant, really tossed my toys, told security guard to jam the unloading, he could do it and refused to until the pothole is fixed, something we have been asking to happen for months. Having this huge rant has made me feel sooooo good, I just might have to do it more often. I'm sick of being the nice one all the time who's terrified of confrontations. Think its time I started to speak my mind and tell it how it is. I think the use of the F word might just work more to my advantage like it did tonight, as it does have that shock effect. I am after all an official truckie now!!

Long awaited update

Long time no post, naughty I know but so much has been keeping us busy.

Parkway Engineering - Custom Built Floats, Float repairs/rebuilds.

Our new venture is under way, we have found an awesome workshop to lease so we are ready to go. Just need some work. Bro-in-law has been made redundant so my Float now has his undivided attention and will be on the road by 30 August 2009. It is starting to look quite ok considering the old dunger it used to be. It is being painted by a pro this week, the floor and ramp will be fitted, new tyres will be sourced and fitted and then off to get a WOF. So excited as I have waited over four years for this to happen. The work done to date is of a high standard with lots of attention to detail to make the float look great. We are planning to build another Float which will be available for lease/hire. My one will also be available for hire when I'm not using it. It is great to be able to have some input into creating the perfect Float.

Tom Kat

This week has seen me ride three times so far and I'm loving every moment. I've even entered a Dressge and Jumping day in Waikanae at the end of the month.

Tom is such a dude and I feel with more time together we will starting clicking (only been riding him for four years LOL. On the ground he is the perfect gentleman and follows me around like a puppy. Today for example, I needed to move some gorse out of my temporary arena so he followed me for a bit and then just stood by quietly waiting for me to finish. Once riding was under way, we went around the track a few time to warm up and then attempted the dressage test. Walked it out a few times then tried to ride it properly. What a laugh. Tom has trouble cantering on the left leg, so when he struck out on the right leg, I managed to get him to do a flying change onto the left leg. Will be practising lots as this is the first time I have had the space to set up a makeshift arena. Quite cool really. We have a lot of work to do so hoping that in three weeks we can manage a reasonable test. I know there are no issues with jumping as we have been clear for the last three or four events we attended.

Visited a horsie shop in Levin on Tuesday so brought the Dressage test book and ordered a new bit to try. Decided to try a Frenchlink Eggbutt. At present he is in a plain loose ring snaffle which he just ignores. I have tried everything, relaxing while I ride, pressure then releasing etc. I used the Peewee today and had the most wonderful canter on him. Think this was the first time I felt I wasn't holding him back excessivley. I hate the fact that I always feel like I've to hold him back. Had to give it another go and he was great. This was after the dreadful practice session in the arena so there is a glimmer of hope for us. Cantering has always been an issue as he thinks its race time. Today felt like a real break-through.