Kelly Oaks Sport Horses

TAURANGA DRESSAGE - Day Two Of Three Day Series

2010-07-21T14:32:00.006+12:00

11th July 2010, second day of the dressage at Tauranga.

The morning did not start well at all, flat battery in ute, got float stuck, horse hooning around paddock, sisters horse escapes and can't catch it, terrible accident on back road to Tauranga involving the girl that is currently leading the series, everyone ok thankfully but their ute written off, slipped on ice, late for class..............................so yeah, not a good start to the day.

1st test I thought was actually ok, judge did not think so and I got slammed 52.31%, second test I thought was not flash at all, had some really nice comments and a score of 58% for fourth so pleased.

Had 9 in our class this time so was an ok effort. I am still struggling with Dev being in front of the leg but are doing a few things to hopefully get more out of him and more on the aids. Fingers xd.

Final day is on the 8th August, we are currently coming second for the series along with two others so need to really make this day count and hopefully we can come home with either Champion or Reserve :)

Crew Update:
Well Luigi sold a couple of months ago, he has gone down to the SI and his new owner Louise (SJer) is stoked with him. She has had him all over the farm, at the sea, road riding with no probs at all. Can't wait to see some pics. He will be campaigned lightly over the next season.

Viva, Lucy and Boxer are hanging out together over the 40acres. They roam at their leisure and think this is great especially for Boxer who has lots of hills to play on.

Annie is at Lindas, Linda said she is looking very big so really excited to see her foal!! Hopefully there are no complications like last time, so far things are looking good though.

TAURANGA DRESSAGE 13th JUNE 2010

2010-06-18T10:32:00.002+12:00

What a weekend to be out and about, cold, wet and windy!!

Dev had his first registered start in Tauranga on the weekend, he was well behaved given the weather and upset horses around him. Second test was a little untidy as I think we were both over it by then but still came away with a good score.

So we now have 8 level 1 points!! 1.2 - 65% = 2nd and 1.3 - 62.30% = 3rd. Was super easy placings as there were only 3 riders in my class!

This was the first day of a 3 day series so am looking forward to improving our scores at the following days.

Dressage Rotorua - Held at Taupo 9th May 2010

2010-05-11T13:59:00.006+12:00

Headed to Taupo on Sunday for dressage, unfortunately our grounds are closed at the moment so this day was held at the NEC.

It was a lovely day down there, a tad cold but generally is this time of the year.

There were 22 starters in my classes and I placed 7th and 11th. 1.2 - 63.75% & 1.4 - 65.20%.

There were some super little ponies there that cleaned up, actually there was a truck load of them, all show ponies by the looks of things. The young girls were wrapped they had placed and I was happy for them too, encourages the younger riders when they can get a ribbon!

Dev went awesome, a huge improvement on Te Aroha, guess that's what happens when you don't ride like a muppet. He is starting to work in a better outline now, just have to work at keeping him together. We have struggled with the lefthand canter for a while but have been working on it for the last month. Was wrapped to see he got an 8 for his canter on this lead, must be doing something right ;)

Not alot happening again for a while so will keep him ticking over, we went down to the x-country course the other day and I had a wee jump, obviously nothing too big as it must be the first time in years I have jumped out. Enjoyed it immensely and look forward to doing that again!

Update Time

2010-03-25T10:50:00.003+13:00

Well it has been a while but have been doing a bit with Dev so this is a good way to track our progress.

I took Boxer to the Rotorua A&P show back in January 2010 and was thrilled that he was such a gentleman to take out. We had an awesome day and he looked amazing. There were about 25 horses in the inhand and he was placed in most of his classes. The judge Sue McKenna had some wonderful things to say about him and said he had paces to go all the way, a very cool comment.

So placings:

1st Suitable Dressage
1st Suitable Eventer
1st Warmblood
2nd Grey
2nd 3yrs and under

I have done two more dressage days on Dev, one in Rotorua where we got a 68% and 60% and we went to Te Aroha the other day and unfortunately placed very low as neither I nor him really had it happening. He had a bit of a runny nose a couple of days beforehand and felt very flat and less energy than usual, I rode like a muppet and the results reflected it.

We have Te Aroha coming up again in April and May and also dressage in Taupo in May so we have a bit to work on. I have been having lessons with Christine Weal, she is a great instructor and we are on the right track.

Annie is with Linda and is in foal to Airthrey Highlander so can't wait to see the result of that mating!

Luigi is still with his starters, he is not really ready for any serious work so is just chilling out in the paddock watching the going ons.

I have been lucky enough this year to get a good supply of red clover hay so am set for winter feed, will be about time soon to don the winter covers and see what this years winter brings.

Dressage Rotorua Competition Day 15th November 09.

2009-12-01T14:01:00.009+13:00

Training 0.1 = 1st 77%

Training 0.3 = 2nd 74%
Comment on test sheet "Must keep horse moving at all times regardless" as he decided to take a dump in this test and I just couldn't get him to move, seriously!!! Mr Whippy couldn't even persuade him! Sometime to work on :)

Once again awesome comments by the judges.

Not a lot happening now in regards to dressage so will spend some time over x-mas and up his work load and training so we can register prelim and head out in the new season.
Will do some treks and stuff on him in the meantime also.

Crew Update:

Luigi - Is still away being started. The weather has just been crap and his work has been erratic so things are taking a little longer. Can only be a good thing though:)

Boxer - Hope to do the All Breeds In Hand Show with Boxer in January in Hamilton. He is looking fab and would be good for him to have a little life experience. Unfortunately I was going to do inhand with him at Rotorua A&P but they have canned all their inhand classes due to non-support. Bugger.

Viva - Is hanging out with Lucy - Lucy is hanging out with Viva.

Update on the crew....................

2009-09-23T14:29:00.003+12:00

Well need to start blogging more so I can keep an eye on my own progress.

Annie: Has gone out on lease this season and will be back next year.

Sonic: Has gone to her new home. I just happened to be talking to a friend one night and we were discussing what Sonics future would be. Pretty sure she is going to be a pony so really no use to me. She has gone to a wonderful family with two young girls to eventually be their pony star. She settled in well and is running with 2 other yearlings so has some company of her own size.

Luigi: Is currently away being started. Have had excellent reports back so far so I am very excited to see how he is under saddle. I have someone very interested in him once and if he comes back, would love to see him eventing but this would be purely a dressage home. There seem to be quite a few professional dressage riders with Littorio's in their stables so fingers xd that I can sell him to someone that will do well with him.

Boxer: Is chilling out getting bigger by the day. He is officially 2 now (26 Dec 07 foaling date) and would be close to 16.1hh at the rear and 15.3hh in the front. Hopefully he will not get any bigger than 17hh. I wish he was 4 now but then that would make me 2 years older so will just have to wait and be patient;)

Tara: Has gone to the SI to be bred to Corofino II. At this stage she is on lease so may come back. They are extremely happy with her so will wait and see.

Lucy: Is hanging out with Viva.

Viva: Is hanging out with Lucy. She is 4 this year and may look at starting her very soon. Can only but try and see if she stands up to the work or not. Her full brother is doing extremely well in both S/J and was placed in the YEH in Taupo earlier this year.

Devon: Well Dev!! Has recovered from his shoulder injury and is back under saddle. He has come back very fresh and full of life, sometimes too much life! He had some work done on him last week including acupuncture as he is not using his back end very well (except for the bucking) so hopefully we are on the right path and we can get him stretching over his back better and using those muscles. He works really well when he is not getting distracted, something we are working on, no point in taking him out if he can't walk, trot and canter around a dressage arena.
Next show here isn't until November so will take him down to some club days in the meantime for some outings.

So down to 4 ponies in the paddocks, makes life a hell of a lot easier actually and better on the pocket. I was thinking of joining an addiction group but think I can do it alone and just have to say NO when I am tempted:)

Boxer pictures from friends & fun photos on webshots

2009-07-06T14:44:00.000+12:00

Boxer pictures from friends & fun photos on webshots

Annie pictures from horses photos on webshots

2009-07-06T14:39:00.000+12:00

Annie pictures from horses photos on webshots

The Big Fat Hairy Ginga............

2009-06-08T16:07:00.003+12:00

What's Happening.............

2009-06-03T11:19:00.008+12:00

Well Dev went back over to Matamata for his 6 week follow up and I am stoked to say he is on the mend. The fracture is healing extremely well, knitting back together nicely and vets were very impressed. YAY YAY YAY. He is still in confinement for another 6 weeks just to help the healing process but is allowed to do in hand walks for 20 minutes a day. (Haven't started that yet as by the time I get to the paddocks at night it's nearly dark). It's not overly important at the mo but will be in the next month as I look to slowly bring him in for the season ahead.

Have a dressage rider currently interested in Luigi, she has the dvd and likes what she has seen so far so fingers xd!

Boxer

Dev's paddock buddy Lucy

Annie and Sonic enjoying the sun

Update on the gang......................

2009-04-27T13:58:00.007+12:00

So Devon is in confinement for another 5 weeks and has Lucy along side to keep him company, they are best buddies actually so works out well. Tis a big job having two in confinement for so long but it has to be done.

Next Annie and Sonic, Annie will be going back over to Cambridge this breeding season to be served to Bowie. Sonic will be marketed, just so hard when I have no idea of how big/small she is going to be. Sire 17hh, dam 16.1hh, I just really have no idea?!?!? I'm thinking a pony possibly a park hack, hopefully she stays a pony.

Next Luigi, have had him advertised for sometime now with no real enquiry so he will hang out here over winter and look to have him started at the beginning of the season, have been told by many that he will be easier to sell broken in. He is actually very nice and have questioned myself many a time if I am doing the right thing with selling him but I can't keep them all.

Next Boxer, well what can I say, just wish he was rising 4 and not 2. I am really excited about him, he has the best temperament and is just so cool to hang out with.

And then there is Viva, not sure what I am going to do with her, she has recovered well from her operation and is at an age where she could be doing something. Going to check out some options with her and see what path I take. I would love her to find a great new home also but given her conformation not sure if anyone would take her on. Fantastic breeding but not so greata legs, such a shame.

So horses for sale:

KO Picoviva ~ Pico Bello x Vivacious (Voltaire II) rising 4yr old, full sister to Bates Amaretto MVNZ ridden by Lisa Coupe in 5 yr old SJ series.

KO Luigi ~ Littorio x Mortein xx (Lord Waverly) rising 3yr old.

KO Confession aka Sonic ~ Conbrio x Annie xx (Anziyan).

Sonic sporting her new cover

An Update..................

2009-04-20T14:33:00.010+12:00

Well haven't blogged for a while so thought I should make an entry.

So.........took Devon to our first outing on the 29th March, a closed dressage day here in Rotorua. Had a fantastic day and I couldn't have asked for more considering I hadn't ridden him much prior to the outing but wanted to see what his reaction would be like out. He did not disapoint. Confidence restored 95%.

Next was to be an open dressage day on the 5th May. Unforunately it was not to be.

I had the vet out to Devon on 31st March as was hopping lame as on 3 legs. Vet suspected nerve/muscle damage to the shoulder as this was the only place he had a slight mark, fence or kick by the looks of things.

Was told to wait 3 weeks to see if there was any improvement. Not happy at how he was getting around I booked him in at Matamata Vet Services to see what they could find.

Three lots of nerve blocks were carried out first to confirm it was not down lower. All failed and was still very lame. Time was getting on so Fauna asked if he could stay overnight so they could scan and xray.

5mins away from home I got the call, Devon's xrays had come back with a fractured scapula spine.

Headed back over on Thursay to pick him up. Looked over xrays and scans with Sam, great vet.

So back home now, he is in confinment for the next 6 weeks and then back over to Matamata to check and see if it has started to fuse.

I have been told to expect some muscle wastage as could be expected but if it suddenly looks bad I am to contact them asap.

Spoke to Sam in regards to having an operation should it not fuse, will have to wait and see on that count as a very large nerve runs over the area and they do not recommend op.

I am guttered to say the least, finally found a nice horse to enjoy and have some fun with and this kind of thing happens.

Am doing my best for him though and hope that he recovers so I can enjoy him again.

Devon sporting his new clip

Sonic and Linda having a catch up

Sonic Pics..............

2009-03-31T10:41:00.005+13:00

Thought I should have an update with some new Sonic photos. She's going through a bit of a scruffy stage at the mo, oh and look, her sperm mark on her face is growing?!?!

We Did It...............

2009-03-30T09:25:00.004+13:00

Well took Devon out for our first outing yesterday to our local Closed Dressage Day. Now I haven't been out and competed for over 2 years and am wrapped to say Devon looked after me very well. He didn't put a foot wrong so has boosted by confidence 10 fold!!!!!

So did two training classes and was really happy with our results. We came 4th in both tests out of 5 and 6 in the classes and got the same percentage in both classes 56%, unheard of really. He did think that the arena was a jump a couple of times so was definitely not bothered by the arenas.

Yesterday was more for me to see if I was going to be able to handle competing again and I am stoked to say I think I can.

We have to work on more impulsion mainly. The comments at the bottom of the test sheets were very encouraging which is always nice so onwards and upwards from here:) Hielke is here for the next few days so will have a couple of lessons with her and get us on the right track.

DEVON ARRIVES.............HAPPY IS SOLD

2009-03-11T11:36:00.005+13:00

Devon arrived on Monday with Majestic, looks like he had a great trip from Wellington as he was very calm and relaxed about things on arrival.

So Devon, he is a 5yr old Chestnut gelding by Oakley, http://oakley4stud.com/index.html. I had been keeping a quiet ear out and then saw Kerri http://toffeeapples.blogspot.com/ had Devon. He is a nice hunter type which I have been looking for so after a couple of calls, I brought him.

We had our first ride last night in the howling winds and he didn't put a foot wrong:) We have to find the go-go button but least it is not the other way around.

So had Happy advertised and the first lady that phoned and came to see him brought him, well he is for her daughter Devon. Devon will now be his new partner, she is a lovely kind rider and they got on extremely well. I can tell he will be spoilt and very well looked after.
Devon is a member of the NZ Para-Equestrian team looking to qualify for the Athens Special Olympics in dressage and I wish her all the best in her goal.

Boxer and Sonic

2009-02-25T11:44:00.004+13:00

WELCOME HOME SONIC!!!!

2009-02-21T19:53:00.009+13:00

"Not a happy face cause I'm wet"

Annie and Sonic arrived by Majestic Transport yesterday, they have arrived home in great condition thanks to Sonics "Fairy God Mother". Both were very relaxed with the whole trucking thing so I was wrapped. Sonic handled the ramp with style considering it was quiet step, off she stepped and walked after Annie like she had been here before.
It was very wet here yesterday so gave them a while to stretch their legs and into the stable for the night. Borrowed a 3ft cover but was wayyyy to big but since they were in the stable didn't really need it anyway.

Sonic has seriously grown if you compare her to her birth photos. And yeah, still has some attitude:)

Update...........

2009-01-13T19:19:00.006+13:00

Well Viva came through her operation with flying colours. I am wrapped with the outcome, the tumour was alot bigger than the vets had thought and had to be taken out in two pieces. Her bandaging is now off and the scarring is minimal. Huge thanks to Matamata Equine Hospital who did the operation and took care of her very well. She was so happy to see me but still had issues with going on the float. Will have to sort that out when she is 100% again which will not be too far away. She still has a little swelling but will go down over the next couple of months.

I went and saw the Super Sonic a couple of weeks ago. I am wrapped at her progress. She is just such a pretty wee girl. She has such a huge fan club alreadyLinda is now in the process of breeding Annie to Airthey Highlander so will be exciting to see the foal from that breeding. A huge thank you to Linda for all her care and love for Sonic and Annie. You are a gem Linda.

Yeap More Photos Of Sonic.................Can Never Have Too Many

2008-12-22T21:02:00.008+13:00

Latest Photos Of Sonic.........................

2008-12-22T08:34:00.007+13:00

Thank you Kate for the latest photos of Sonic from the weekend. http://www.geegee.co.nz/

Sonic...................

2008-12-15T13:56:00.011+13:00

Headed over to Lindas to take some feed etc over and to see my little girl. Annie looks fantastic and is obviously enjoying motherhood. Sonic..........well she just thinks that no one should be in "HER" box except her mum and makes that quite clear by her actions. And she has grown!!! true!!! she has filled and it is now not so hard for her to reach up to drink. She looks great and I am really pleased with her progress in 1 week! At this stage they will be in the box until maybe around xmas. Will see how it goes.

Sonic above and below, 10 days old.

Ummmm, those looks like Lindas hands :) Sonic really wants to be an appache horse.

It's also Vivas birthday today, she is the big 3yrs old. Hopefully will be able to get her over to Matamata this week for her operation, just need to teach her to float.

Vivas xrays showing the tumour that needs to be removed.

So Much Happening........................

2008-12-09T09:49:00.010+13:00

So first up:

Confession aka Sonic was born to Annie on Thursday the 4th December. Beautiful little filly with a white star sperm marking on her head. Annie was actually carrying twins, one came out mummified thou so we just have the super Sonic. Obviously when Annie started milking 3 months ago this was the start of the aborting process of the lesser twin. Mum and bubs doing well over at Lindas, so glad she was there as I really would have missed the foaling as she showed no signs of doing it at 8.30pm that night.

So Sonic has the attitude of two!!!!! She is a very feisty little one, Linda was even evicted from the box last night. She has also been showing Kate, Lindas helper, a few a her 30cm buck moves too.

Lindas comment: she has the attitude of about 6. It is like Dr Evils Mini Me holding you up in an alley.... whatever.

Second Up:

Goldie the Chinese Gold gelding has gone back to where I brought him from. He had a few issues that were undisclosed in the sale and things I was not prepared to sort out.

Third Up:

Viva was x-rayed by Matamata Equine Vets yesterday. She has had some swelling around her near front knee for about 3 weeks and it has not gone down at all, was hoping it was just a knock. Given she does not have the best conformation, was time to x-ray.

Matamata have this flash new digital machine so when the x-ray is taken, it downloads straight away onto computer screen so you can see it.

Funa, the vet, was stumped as she had never seen anything like it before. I had to wait for answers as she had to go back to the surgery and get opinions on what was found on the x-ray.

So Viva has now been diagnosed with "Osteochondroma", which is a benign tumor at the back of her knee where all the tendons etc run. It is treatable with an operation, SO, will be working on getting Viva floating this week so she can go over asap. I am really glad it is treatable as I was actually starting to think the worst.

All I need now is to find that money tree!!!!!!

So yeah, a busy time for me lately. I have also just advertised Luigi for sale. A bit of a shame as he is growing by the day and looks fantastic. Just need to free up some $$$ for the bills that I am expecting in the new year.

Link for Luigi: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=192195198

Some Very Interesting Reading...............

2008-11-25T12:34:00.005+13:00

I found whilst surfing the net. I am behind them 100% http://www.main-events.com/Pedigrees/LetterToEditorHP.pdf

If you are interested in joining the new NZ Sport Horse Promotion Board Inc, please email
nzshregister@main-events.co.nz. A meeting will be organized once we sort out a suitable location and venue accessible to most breeders.

Also a few pics of the boys from the weekend. Finally got the stables finished. Just now wish all the birds that are nesting in there would stop shitting everywhere!

Goldie on the lunge, we had already done our session but camera was in the car hence a quick shot once we got back.

Boxer

2008-11-20T10:33:00.001+13:00

Annie, I'm sure shes getting bigger.....well hope so

2008-11-17T15:17:00.006+13:00

Once again Annie has started dripping milk, so NOT ideal! She is due on the 18th December so am a little concerned she will be loosing all her colostrum. I am taking here over to Lindas tomorrow where she will be under a great watch and Linda has all the necessities at hand should something arise. I really think she will be ok, just a maiden hormone thing.

Boxer also got his nutz out a couple of weeks ago (3rd Nov). Now it was the first time I had seen it done and holy shit.............the noise when they clamp them, makes ya cross your legs!!

Anyway all went well and he is now a gelding, he came in yesterday for some handling and was a little weary at first but was back to himself pretty soon. The gelding process.......................well the waking up part.

Introducing.................

2008-11-16T08:52:00.006+13:00

Goldie, 16hh, 5 yr old, TB Gelding by Chinese Gold. Can say I have never heard of the sire before, but he did produce a few before he passed in 2005.

So Goldie, he has never trailed or raced. I can't find his details in the TB studbook so don't even think he is a registered TB. Went and looked at him yesterday, thankfully I took the float with me as after him being showen to me for about 10mins, decided he was coming home.

He is a big solid boy and a lovely saddle hunter type. He is very green but has a neat attitude so hopefully he will be good to work with. He was faced with several jumps yestersday, ones he had never seen before and popped over then happily. So is this my all rounder, heres hoping!

Boxer.....2nd Nov 2008

2008-11-07T12:12:00.002+13:00

Look mum, theres a white wooley thing....................it's called a sheep Boxer! Boxer and Luigi, chilling.

Luigi.............

2008-10-30T15:59:00.003+13:00

Well has been an interesting few weeks in regards to Luigi. On arrival he was riddled with lice and worms. So after a couple of baths and some yummy Equitak Excel, he is starting to look alot better. Helps that we have grass also.

So we have had a few differences in the last few weeks, him wanting to do one thing and me wanting him to do another. So for the first time ever, donned the leather gloves and a looong lead to keep a hold of him and after several disagreements he has started to see my way of things and the last couple of nights I have seen an improvement. Yay, always good to get headway.

Boxer is booked to have his nuts out on Monday, hopefully it stays fine this time.

Luigi.............

2008-10-28T07:56:00.002+13:00

First and foremost................

2008-10-20T19:44:00.002+13:00

Big hugs to Louise Wilsden who lost her fabulous Clydie mare Debi yesterday, my thoughts are with you and yours Lou, take care.

Well was a big weekend, after much deliberation, I decided that Lofty just wasn't the horse for me. I have learned alot in the short time I had him but was finding that all his buttons was a bit too much for me, I am not the DQ I thought I was:)

I also have been thinking for a while that dressage is not just what I want to do and Lofty is not much of a hacker and he does not jump, at all! and does not like showing with all the horses up his butt. I need an allrounder that I can take out hacking on the farm and have some fun with!!!

So Lofty went to his new home on Saturday, Debra Cowen (Hamilton) has taken over the reins of the big boy and I wish them all the best in the future. Deb has ridden Open Medium and when riding him had him humming, she knows all the buttons :) I couldn't have hoped for a better home. (She does need a bigger float now thou).

Annie Back On Track.............

2008-10-14T11:22:00.004+13:00

Well after a stressful couple of weeks in regards to Annie, I can now say I am quite confident that she is still in foal. The vet thought that she may had been aborting as she bagged up about 1 month ago and lost alot of milk over in that time. Her udder has now gone down and she has stopped leaking, YAY so hopefully building up colostrim again. Annie will be heading over to Lindas www.airthreylodgesporthorses.co.nz for foaling in about 1 month.

Horse With No Name...................

2008-10-12T08:57:00.008+13:00

Still sorting names out as to what best suits him. Rising 2 year old by Littorio, arrived 10 October 2008. Edited to add his paddock name is now Luigi, Rupert didn't really suit him.
Boxers new hair cut, and yes it was with the scissors:)

Boxer....................

2008-10-06T15:59:00.004+13:00

How quickly they change, Feburary 2008...
October 2008........and losses his manhood next week, 13th October 2008.

Rotorua SJ..........

2008-09-29T11:59:00.007+13:00

was held this weekend so had the pleasure of hosting Lynda, David and Bowie. Huge congrats to David and Bowie who had their third GP start. Out of 28 horses Bowie came 7th with one rail down and seconds behind 6th place. So great weekend for all involved. Had a few drinks and dinner on Saturday night and shared a few laughs (that David is one cheeky shit)!! I don't know how Lynda copes:) Check out Bowie at http://www.airthreylodgesporthorses.co.nz/index.html Next weekend is TeTeko (Texas) so watch this space.

Took a couple of photos of the boy in the 7 year old class, wasn't really standing in the ideal spot though. One fantasicly turned out pony.

Bowie with him blankie.......................such a dude.

Horse Day Today.........

2008-09-18T19:51:00.005+12:00

Brought Annie in today for a grooming session. She is looking good, big belly and "oh my" her tits are getting bigger. She is such a lovely mare to do anything with, and just loves human company. Hopefully 3 months till the day and she will be foaling a new addition to the family.

2 Years Today......

2008-09-17T19:29:00.009+12:00

I lost my best mate, Master Flynn to colic. A day never goes my without thinking about him. He was truly one in a million. Such a great horse lost far to young. If only I could have cloned him I would be truly happy! He is buried in my paddock and pass by him everyday, so glad he was buried at home.

The day I brought Flynn 9 Sep 05, think I felt a tad sorry for him. He looked alot worse than the photos show. He turned out to be such a great horse. Amazing what a bit of feed and loving can do:)
Putaruru A&P show 26 Feb 06, 5 months later. Champion in hand and well placed in Saddle Hunter Classes. The judge made the comment that he had huge potential and looked forward to seeing us the following year, we never made it.

Flynn at Rotorua A&P Jan 06, 4 months later, our first ever A&P show.

Day I felt sorry for the boy and brought him home, he tried his heart out even thou he was in bad condition. Photo doesn't show it but he had a huge rub where the saddle was rubbing on his wither along with lice all over.

Boxers First Tying Up Lesson......

2008-09-08T20:07:00.015+12:00

Well was a lovely weekend, got a bit done with the girls and rode Lofty. He is just getting better and better. He is getting about 25mins a day as he was out of work when I got him so just working on getting his fitness up.

Won't post photos of the girls as I took to their manes. Little Lucy has a double mane, goes over both sides, so attacked it with the scissors:) Lucky she is just a paddock ornament.

Annie is getting bigger by the day, she will come into the foaling paddock soon so she can pick her spot. Can't wait!! She is due December. Conbrio has his first foal on the ground and he is stunning, black with white kind of star and 2 socks and is a real character by the sounds of things. Conbrio is standing publicly this year, check him out http://www.legacysporthorses.co.nz/.

Boxers first time in the yard with tying up. Such a good boy, he loooves to be brushed. No issues at all!! Currently standing at 13.3hh at the wither and 14hh behind. He is rising 10 months so should hopefully get somewhere around 16.2hh.

Coal finding a way to eat, what lonnnggg legs, ohh so cute. Conbrios first on the ground.

Coal with his mum, Wolke (Worldwide x Dynacast (Dynamit x Genius).

Yay Finally A Fine Weekend

2008-08-31T22:01:00.012+12:00

Well what a great weekend weather wise, was fantastic, mud is now clearing up, yay!

Trotted over to the stallion parade today to help out Eve, gosh Lennie (Millennium Gold) looked fantastic, such a change from 1 month ago, Eve has done a wonderful job getting him back to his former glory. Well done you. Gosh Lennie is a complete dude, nothing fazed him at all today. Such a great nature. Ohhh and he loooves coffee, he helped me drink mine today. Rizz has actually been sold to Kara a friend of Eves and will be put to Lennie this season, should be one seriously cute foal. Eve will be campaigning Lennie in the dressage arena this year so keep an eye out for them.

Rode Lofty this afternoon, he was such a good boy, actually got him humming along quite nicely today. Letetia came to take photos and give a little lesson. So much easier when you have eyes on the ground. Hopefully will get him out to the dressage training day this weekend. Unfortunately Letetia liked to cut my head out of the photos?!?!?

What A Couple Of Weeks........

2008-08-27T16:52:00.005+12:00

Well as a lot of you know my paddock companions ran away last week and were missing for 4 days. After lots and lots of searching, stressing and crying I found them on a farm about 2 kms away. They are alot worse for wear and Bob has no sight at the mo and Coco has also lost vision in one eye. They have very bad burns on their feet and tummys from something very caustic. We just don't know what. Coco spent the night at the vets on Monday has she was very dehydrated. They are quite happy otherwise thou and I am just so wrapped to have them home.

Also found out last week that Boxers mum Jamie passed away from a massive heart attach on Wednesday 20th August. She was such a lovely girl and was only 9 years old. RIP big girl.

Jamie and Boxer ealier this year.

Rain Rain Go Away

2008-08-12T18:49:00.002+12:00

Well guess that's winter. It's been so wet this year, as is everyone else I'm waiting for some good sunshine hours.
Have ridden Lofty only twice since getting new shoes on him (Thanks Ron). You would have thought that he was in full work over winter and has been ridden everyday. What a boy!!
We have a couple of issues to sort out but I am really hoping we can do it, time will tell, but even in the two rides we have had I am confident that he will improve. Maybe a case of too much pressure in his previous training.
He has sooo many buttons and figuring them all out will also be a time thing for us both. He has mostly been schooled very well and I really enjoy riding him. His rein back is very impressive along with shoulder-in, travers, leg yielding so can't complain too much.

I have Annie on the market, hard decision to make but if she does not sell I am not to worried as she is an awesome mare and getting bigger by the day. Would really love to see what she produces.

Boxer has now learnt to WAIT for his dinner at night, we had a bit of a fight at first but he now respects my space and waits by his tyre for it. He is looking great, a bit of a hairy mammoth so roll on summer. I hope to do some inhand with him this year. He thinks the float is very cool too, walks in by himself and hangs out there.

I tried to get Viva on the float the other day but as I had a crook back decided it probably wasn't the best time to do it. Something we will be working on very soon. She is such a plonker, nothing much fazes that girl I tell ya!

It Fits...........

2008-07-27T23:08:00.009+12:00

Yay finally got to try my new Kieffer saddle out on Lofty today and fits him well, knew it pretty much would as had used Hielkes for a while before winter. Gave him a little play on the arena and of course he just went around on auto pilot. Sounds like will are in for some more bad weather this week so will hopefully get in a few days of work with him.

Lofty with his previous owner, at this stage I still have no riding photos of me on him.

I'm Back

2008-07-25T11:38:00.008+12:00

Have just spent a lovely week in Norfolk Island with Michelle my sister, had a fab time and would recommend the Island to anyone. Unfortunately got on the scales this morning and shows that I enjoyed the wine and food too much so looks like it will be back to walking and the exercise bike.

A big Thank You to Kim who looked after my ponies whilst I was away. Poor Kim had to feed out in all the shit weather we had last week while I was soaking up all the rays of sunshine.

The mud has sucked Lofty's front shoes off so Ron is coming tomorrow to reshoe him and then we are back into it. Sounds like the weather is not going to be great this weekend either but need to make a start for the coming season.

Girls taking a sleep yesterday under the watchful eye of their mate.

Boxer sporting his new cover just in time for the horrid weekend weather that is coming. Thanks to Kerry for braving the resent sales down South for it.

Photos needed Ang!!

2008-07-15T19:11:00.000+12:00

Little fatty Lucy, the star babysitter.

Maybe a better shot of Boxer.

Viva, Pico Bello x Voltaire II. My first baby.

Annie and Conbrio, they got pretty giggy with it after the photos hence foal due December.

Riz, middle of winter and look at that coat!!

Boxer, a little worse for wear after his branding session. Was a complete angel for the vet.

Yay, think I have sussed it out....

2008-07-12T14:02:00.002+12:00

Well just like everyone else, time for me to do a blog. Should be interesting to look back on over the next year and see what progress I have made.

So who am I.....well I ride dressage and compete in A&P showing. Hopefully will get back into jumping someday.

I currently have 6 horses

Greensdown Reno, Medium dressage horse, lovely 17hh TB Gelding by Kingdom Bay. I brought Lofty on the 14th May 2008 as a schoolmaster to help me move ahead in my riding. What a lovely birthday present for me. Lofty started his career with Andrea Raves from Wellington.

PicoViva - Rising 3yr old by Pico Bello out of a Voltaire II mare (Vivacious SL). Will look at starting her this summer. Lovely girl with a fantastic temperament.

Annie, a 16.1hh mare by Anziyan. I brought Annie as a riding prospect sight unseen in Oct 2007. She arrived with shocking hoofs so decided to put her into foal in the meantime. She is in foal to Conbrio (Contucci x Anamour) and is due in December 2008.

Riz, Risky Business is by Wholer II out of a TB mare, 15yrs, 16hh. This mare has had a very hard life. Was doing extremely well in dressage until she went down a tomo and got badly hurt and is now unridable. She has had two foals to date and will look at putting her to Conbrio this year. Riz arrived in July 2008.

Lucy, our little Kaimanawa. We got Lucy in the 2004 muster and is a stunning jet black mare standing around 13.2hh. She is around 7-8 years and actually had a foal on her at the muster yards that we did not know about, her foal had been allocated so hope it is doing well. Lucy is a great paddock mate for my youngsters. She is 95% broken in but as we have no rider for her she is a great paddock mate at this stage.

Allamour aka Boxer, born on Boxing Day 2007, Anamour x Jamie (Ramazes II x St James Stationbred). Awesome boy and a real delight to handle. He is grey with 4 while socks and a half star of to one side of his head, not sure what happened to the rest of it, looks unusal but I am used to it now, thankfully won't be so noticable as he gets older.

So there they are, hope to be able to post with some exciting times for Lofty and me in the near future.