A Northern Journal

I haven’t done much in the way of competition this year - some dressage, Riding Club Show and Dounby Show. I have got to the stage with Thorfinn that he has been there and done that and at one point or another won most types of competition I have put him in. He is one amazing Highland Pony who turns his hoof to anything asked of him. I now mostly enjoy hacking and driving out enjoying the Orkney scenery. We picked up a first at the RC show and got reserve champion ridden Mountain & Moorland. Thorf performed well at dressage league, but competition was much stronger this year so we picked up 4th place in the league. (He has won both the Intermediate and Open classes in his time). Dounby Show was one of the hottest days of the year which didn’t bode well for T as he doesn’t do well in the heat. I thought he was foot perfect and extremely well mannered in the ridden class, but the judge preferred lighter types. The driven class was at least 2 hours behind time (really really frustrating in that heat) and Thorf was a wee bit listless. Harness up, brass glistening in the bright sun, he perked up and was once again foot perfect. He took one fright whilst warming up at some kids (and an adult!!!) bashing water bottles against the ringside fence. He went on to be impeccable and to win all three trophies on offer. The three judges, especially the two men were absolute in their decision (only 2 in the class). I was chuffed. The best bit, better than any rosettes and silverware was the chap who entered the ring to shake my hand and tell me what a good job I did. He thought Thorf was a first class pony (but I know that anyway). My groom and I then drove Thorf the mile and a half home. A fitting end to a long day.

Orkney Riding Club Show

Dounby Show

A few weeks ago, I took both ponies to an Orkney Carriage Driving Group long reining event at the indoor school in Kirkwall.  This was an opportunity to introduce the peedie chap to other ponies and carriages. For Thorf it was just an outing and to keep Sig company. To begin with I long reined T, but he was a pain and not concentrating as he wanted to get back to Sig. Sig meanwhile, decided to throw himself around wanting to get to T. Someone went over to him, but I requested that folk ignored him. He is an intelligent bright spark and if he learns he can misbehave to get attention, I am in trouble. He has to learn to tie and stay still. He actually soon calmed down. I then took Sig out. I introduced him to the cones and other horses and carriages and he took it all in his stride. At one point Thorf came over and joined us, having somehow untied himself (???). What a bright spark Sig is. Before long, he was looking for the next turn through the cones. I also had a shot at driving Jethro, belonging to Gaira Driving Ponies in a 4-wheeled carriage. What a difference to my 2-wheeled one - great turning circle and Jethro was very kind to me, thankfully as it was the first time I had ever driven a different pony. After a break I gave Sig another turn round the indoor arena and even ‘drove’ him next to another Shetland in a gig. My little fluffy hobbit pony hardly bothered. We even ‘put him to’, well a friend held the gig whilsts Sig was placed between the shafts. He was great!

Sigurd is now a year and a half old and has adopted his role of Thorfinn’s shadow with gusto. Wherever Thorf goes, Sigurd is not far behind. Both are now incredibly attached to each other and will neigh for each other if separated. Gem is keeping a horse, who lost his aged companion back at easter, company down the road and it is quite funny seeing this little ginger 35″ Shetland Pony bossing a 16hh horse under whose belly she could quite easily walk. Thorfinn is very fluffy by virtue of the fact I have not rugged him yet, like I have done in previous winters. I just felt it was time for him to be more natural in his upkeep. Even with the wet, I haven’t found him shivering in the field as his thick coat and layer of fat appears to be keeping him war. Rest assured, the ‘old’ guy (only 16 yrs young) will be rugged if I see he is not coping. The one downside of not rugging is the extra work needed in cleaning him prior to riding.

Sigurd is now a year and a half old and has adopted his role of Thorfinn’s shadow with gusto. Wherever Thorf goes, Sigurd is not far behind. Both are now incredibly attached to each other and will neigh for each other if separated. Gem is keeping a horse, who lost his aged companion back at easter, company down the road and it is quite funny seeing this little ginger 35″ Shetland Pony bossing a 16hh horse under whose belly she could quite easily walk. Thorfinn is very fluffy by virtue of the fact I have not rugged him yet, like I have done in previous winters. I just felt it was time for him to be more natural in his upkeep. Even with the wet, I haven’t found him shivering in the field as his thick coat and layer of fat appears to be keeping him war. Rest assured, the ‘old’ guy (only 16 yrs young) will be rugged if I see he is not coping. The one downside of not rugging is the extra work needed in cleaning him prior to riding.

Autumn has been one of the wettest I think I can remember. The field is squelching with mud, yet I am still having to strip graze as the grass is still full of too much goodness for native ponies. This really puts pressure on the land. To help Thorf will get his shoes taken off, as unshod feet don’t quite do as much damage as iron clad feet. I started to bring them in to the stable at night at the end of October, more to save the grazing than because of the weather. I have now got it so I don’t even have to halter them. I open the gate and they follow me to the stable. So we are now in the winter routine. Morning stables in the dark. Evening stables, in the dark and two ponies, despite being tough natives thoroughly enjoying their home comforts.

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