Everything has its ups and downs...
Working with and looking after horses is no different.
There are the days when it feels like the BEST job in the world.
You know, the 'hugs', whinnys, lazy grooming sessions, training breakthroughs, and the privilage of getting to know each and every individual.
And then there are those other days...
Now, without embarrassing or calling out any specific individuals (if you know, you know!), there are the days when a fence is just something to run through, when one horse tries to annihilate all of the others in the field, when gates are for jumping or busting through, human feet are for tramping on, or blankets and rugs are there to be destroyed...
And yet, I bet like all other people who get to work with these amazing animals every single day, I wouldn't swap it for the world!
(oh and Holly the dog is fine, a devil thorn in her paw ๐ถ๐พ)
#ballynafaghfarm #workingwithhorses #wouldnthaveitanyotherway #horseridinguitenhage
Sitting here, I could 'almost' be fooled into believing that the drought doesn't exist, eh?
It's so beautiful & peaceful by the river...
Praying for rain and day dreaming about green fields & muddy puddles ๐ง๐๐ซ๐ง
2 amazing weeks of working with riders...
A full month ago now...
And all I took was this 1 videoโฆ
ANDโฆ I'm so late to share it as well ๐
To set the scene...
It was on the wettest day... The final Thursday of the Pony Camps.
All of my lovely riders got a true Irish equestrian experience - they all rode twice for well over an hour in the rain - in a single day ๐
๐ช
With a real Irish accent 'encouraging' them along...๐ฎ๐ชโ๏ธ๐
It was an amazing day and I loved every damp, wet, and cold minute...
Which is probably why, in a moment of pure inspiration, I whipped out the phone and took a quick video - "the first of many" I assured them all... ๐๐๐
And yet, I should have known better because, all joking aside, anyone who has ever trained with me knows that photos, videos, and 'social media' are the furthest thing from my mind when we are in the arena and working together. (And after re-reading that, I'm pretty sure we can also add time to that list ๐)
That, and, I really do struggle to hold a phone and follow something - while still actually focusing on what that 'something' is doing in the moment!
How do other people do this?! ๐คท๐ปโโ๏ธ
Kerry and Ammaarah were fantastic - they actually jumped higher than this without reins (but see the above-mentioned challenge of mine as the reason for the lack of photographic material).
Soโฆ A quick synopsisโฆ
The camps were amazing.
I LOVED every minute of them...
We have already decided that the upcoming October one will have actual camping... ๐
And... I seriously think we need to organize a photographer for that as well ๐ธ๐น๐
#horseridinguitenhage
#ballynafaghfarm #easterncape
Goodbyes are hard...
Last Saturday we said farewell to one of the few remaining O.G's on the farm, Cordoba.
However, there is a wonderful silver lining to this story; he has gone to be reunited with his 'Mom', @Eldi , again up in the Northern Cape where she now lives โค๏ธ
I'm not sure what was going on in his mind regarding this new chapter of his life - he has been at BallynaFagh since we collected him from the track in early 2010... (12 years ago).
And in chilled out Cordoba style, he was a cool as a cucumber setting off on his new adventure ๐ฅ๐
I'm glad to report that he is doing great at his new quarters - and I am 100% sure that he will enjoy every moment of being pampered by his Mom.
Wishing you nothing but the best 'Big Fella'; I know you will enjoy every moment up there with Eldi ๐
Saterday morning vibes at #ballyfarm chocolate cake party!! We already have had 2 chocolate cakes in the last 2 weeks... definitely some major fall queens at the yard!!
P.S. I brought a Gauteng yard rule along with me, if you fall of... next lesson we celebrate with a chocolate cake ๐ ๐๐คฉ๐ฅณ๐ค ๐ฆ
Thanks Chanke!!!
Just yesterday we were talking about how badly rain is needed.... well I guess you could say prayers were answered.. 40ml on the farm last night and a bunch of happy ponies, happy trees and happy fields!!!
I often feel a little disappointed that time constraints (and the current situation) prevents us from allowing some of the riders here experience the benefits of 'preparing' to ride your horse.
It really and truly does help with connection and the overall ride itself
Someone suggested way around all of this (for now) is to allow riders to hire a pony or horse for the day.
Simply choose your favourite horse or pony and then come and spend a few hours...
1. A ride along or across the river
2. Grooming
3. Braiding or plaiting manes & tails
4. A picnic together; rider, horse, & the whole family :)
5. Natural horsemanship
6. Groundwork
7. Riding!
8. An outride/hack on the road
9. Practicing your riding while going on the road...
10. Bringing the whole family for a walk/ride around the farm
11. Leading your horse in-hand
12. Reading a book while your horse munches some hay beside you
13. Letting your pony or horse graze some 'new' grass in-hand
14. An outride with a friend
15. Practicing what you did in your last lesson
16. Improving your aids for your riding while standing on the ground with your horse
17. Practicing mounted games
18. A leg/face massage for your horse
19. Baking some treats that you then share together
20. A full body massage for your pony
21. Improving your riding fitness levels
22. Or just brushing your horses tail while listening to the birds and enjoying the winter sun on your face
So many ways to enjoy your horse, nature, and winter while keeping safe and breathing fresh air. And all the while helping create that all important rhythm.
If you are interested in hiring one of the ponies for a day at an affordable rate, simply get in touch and we'll get back to you with all of the details.
All tack, equipment, and some hay will be disinfected (not the hay ;), ready, and waiting for you (and/or) your Little Person, and the horse or pony you request
