WOW

I had a wow ride today,. It was my first decent ride on Kandy so Dad came down to supervise me and give me some confidence. Once I was ready to trot her she went unbelievably well, straight into an outline and maintained it beautfiully. Dad said she is very light on her feet. I am stoked and still buzzing. Yes she had her moments, but that is to be expected given she is young and very green. I have never experienced what I did today and some things started to come back to me from my pony club days, like rising on the correct leg and changing over when on the diagonal. Haven't cantered yet, but I'm quite happy to work on trotting first and once that is nice, relaxed and balanced, then I will give her canter a go.

After the flat work, we decided to go into the jumping paddock to see what would happen. I walked her around the various small jumps and fillers and while she was unsure I could feel the trust come through and she ended up walking by the scary filler. We walked over the trotting poles and then Dad said give it a so. I walked her over a very small jump and she clipped it so next time she picked up her feet, then we did the cross bar as well. Trotted over the small one and straight over the small cross bar. No hesitation what so ever. We did it again and I decided to finish there on a good note, mainly because I was so happy with such a large amount of progress in one day.

What a doll, she has by far exceeded my expectations of a young very green off the track thoroughbred. Can't wait to get her out and about to see what happens.

Our first outing will be a rally at the Te Marua Horse Club and then their Winter Dressage Series held over three months.

Part of the team

Kandy has settled really well and over the weekend was moved to a new paddock. She has been a bit grumpy towards me over the last week but tonight was a gentle sweetheart. Here are dome photos of Kandy and her new mates Antrica, Rusty and George.

A New Journey Begins

Kandy arrived last week and has settled well. She grew quite attached to Tom in the few days they were together and couldn't quite understand where he'd gone. She now has little Rusty as new new best buddy. I asked him to look after her and he has taken the job on with vigour.

Her first Farrier visit was such a big non-event, don't know what I was worried about. She has good strong feet and healthy hoof walls. She was really good for the Farrier, somebody new I'm trying and he handled her really well, growling when necessary but otherwise very gentle with her. She didn't even flinch when he was nailing the shoes on, like Tom used to. There was lots going on around her at the time, Warren was butchering a hogget on the table, trucks being started up and plastic bags flapping everywhere.

My Dad has taken an interest and is keen to help me along with her training. At the moment, we will take things nice and slowly.

Farewell Tom Kat

I let him go on Sunday 2 May 2010. My beautiful boy passed over the rainbow bridge at around 11.20am. I had to walk away after giving him my final cuddle. Julia was fantastic and took the time to explain to hubby and my Dad the issues with his feet. He was basically walking on his pedal bone and the laminae was just not re-attaching, but she did say that what we had tried to do (barefoot) was a good thing. Tom knew the journey was over as when I lead him from the paddock and over the sharp stones, he didn't flinch as he usually does. He is a poem that my grazing owner gave to me.


If it should be, that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done
For this, the last battle, cannot be won.
You will be sad, I understand
Don’t let your grief then stay your hand,
For this day, more than the rest
Your love and friendship stand the test.
We’ve had so many happy years
What is to come can hold no fears,
You’d not want me to suffer so
When the time comes, please let me go.
Take me where my needs they’ll tend
Only stay with me till the end,
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know, in time you will see
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has swished
From pain and suffering I’ve been saved,
Don’t grieve it should be you
Who decides this thing to do.
We.ve been so close, we two these years
Don’t let your heart hold any tears.
Smile, for we walked together
For awhile.