Franklin A&P Show

Sorry didnt get any photos as dopey me forgot not only Stars show bridle but also forgot the camera.

He was such a good boy this time around, relaxed quite quickly and only had a short period of 'oooohhh look' and that was when having sheep races on. He settled down really well and unlike Clevedon we could leave him at the float afterwards while we buggered off and got something to drink and look around. Got back to the float and I'm sure we woke him up from a nap.

Learnt one thing though - dont be in 2 different breed classes that overlap - makes for major juggling and running between rings. We did both Standardbred and Sport Horse. Came home with 2 ribbons (and prize money - love A&P's for that 'grin'). He got 3rd for Gelding 4yrs and over in both Standardbred and Sport Horse. Very pleased with the Sport Horse one!

Thought the judge in the SB ring was never going to finish each class as she took AGES!!! Fun when you are in one ring and looking at the ring beside you and knowing that the next class is yours and judge is slowly making their way half way though the one you are in.

On a whole was very pleased with how he behaved. Definately one of the better ones there. All four legs stayed where they should have been and no dragging me off in all directions like some poor people had.

Clevedon A&P Show

Phew thank goodness thats over. Like our nice big classes? There was 16 in the Standardbred rings at Clevedon so the challenge was on. Star was a good little boy. Very well behaved in the ring (ok we wont mention outside the ring - it was all too exciting - and what are those little tiny horse things over there?). We got 2 2nds. First one was for Best Presented and the other was for Walk/Trot/Halt.

The Judge seemed to have liked the big boofy type of horses and the ones with the more roman nose which we all know Star isnt. The ones that won the 'Best Head' which surely Star should have done well in had the a-typical roman noses and big jug heads. Its all up to what the judge likes on the day isnt it. Even though 8 horses could have been called in for Champion & Reserve only 4 were and Star was one of those so we got pretty close. Hopefully Franklin & Kumeu the judge likes a finer looking horse.

Would also like to thank Candice for doing a lovely job and making his tail look all pretty too

Still no sign of Cricket

Its now been 4 weeks and 1 day and still no sign of Cricket. Really hope she is alive and just lost somewhere. Hope she comes home soon.

Cricket come home

My poor little Cricket has been missing since Wednesday 22nd April. Hopefully I'll find her soon before its too late. Cricket please come home - me and your sister miss you.

OMG we got an extended trot

Had an OMG moment last night with Star. We did our first ever extended trot and it was quite nice too. OK it was only out hacking but still its progress! Now lets see if he can repeat the task and do it again in the future.

Next week he's getting shoes put on so will be interesting to see how much of a difference that will make. Poor little boy is finding the ground quite hard at the moment and thinks the stones are quite ouchy.

Also tonight will be the first time I've got him tube drenched as well. Dont know if he's been done before I got him so will be interesting to see how he behaves. Shouldnt be an issue but I'll reserve that until the deed is done.

Stars Big Day Out

Introducing Star (or Ballinamore - that's his flash race name). Star is a 4yr old Standardbred who's breeding is by Courage Under Fire out of Basoko. I've had him for about a year now and hes been lightly hacked out for that time and learnt all sort of wonderful things like how to open gates (and close them again without getting stuck in the gate), puddles can be walked through and not stag leaped over and chasing cows and sheep can be good fun.

On Sunday 18th of January he went to his first ever ribbonday at Papatoetoe PC. All very mind boggling for a young little fella to try and figure out. All these horses to talk to and all this stuff to sniff. For his first time out we was quite well behaved considering - only had a couple of semi bucks/kick outs. Not sure if it was excitement or he wasn't sure of the arena surface flicking up at him. Was a bit hyped up to start but within the hour had settled down and was most probably knowing him thinking 'ok I've done this now its getting boring - whats next'. He came home with a total of 3 ribbons - all of them 4ths. First one was for turnout, second one was for rider and horse combination and last was for pairs with his friend Jimmy (graze together in the same paddock).

Thought I better let you see the photo of him and his first ever ribbons. Hopefully he will get a lot more especially when he becomes a big horsey.

More things that should not be.

This is Beggar. Approximately about 10 years ago Joey and Beggar meet and from there on had a great time exploring and having fun together.

Beggars main mum was assigned to work overseas so he found 2 new sort of temperary mums who loved him heaps as well. He finally moved down to live in Pahiatua where he was happy.

On the 20th September 2008 his current mum went out to check on all the ponies to find Beggar had passed over the Rainbow Bridge. Only a couple of hours earlier he was a happy boy eating grass. He passed quietly and peacefully and that is what we all want for our loved ones.

This message is for Beggar - if you can hear me help Joey cross the Rainbow Bridge easily so you can both be together and have fun - go for a good hoon. All of us that love you both will see you both again on the other side. Dont worry we will bring the oddfellows.