Yesterdays antics were explained today, the young mare is in season, might only be mid February and cold as ice but she was stood doing her thing for the geldings today! Hormonal teenager so I will cut her some slack although I will admit the more work I do with her the handier she is with those legs front and back, I know it’s a colt thing but I think I’m going to have to address it soon before someone gets a proper whack, suggestions from all would be appreciated! 

Many thanks Lucas Truax looking forward to running him through the ES programs once he gets his operation done tomorrow, might sneak a little ride on him today if I get all the stable chores finished, got high hope for this big lad, never going to be a cutter because of his breed but going to be a steady reliable ride for myself or the good lady! 

Thanks Lynn, much appreciated comments, I was quite apprehensive even knowing the work I’ve put in and his character but it went well.

Got to love these animals as today he was an imbecile leading in and out and my young mare cow kicked me for no reason!

Uploading videos like Lucas has and sharing the link may be the way to go to have them visible here 

As a side note breaking him at 2-3 years old is very much frowned upon on in the UK and I know I will get lots of disapproving views from the English fraternity, 4 is a normal minimum here and most will not be broken until 5-6 years old.

My view is they need a job to do and as long as it’s small amounts  and not jumping or flat out then it can only do their development good 

Katherine Cosper I can only speak for myself but when starting with the feet I go with little and often, I use my hoof pick to tap on the hoof and sole then build up to actually picking the hooves out and making sure they hold them up for this, I know Richard does trim his but that’s far to advanced for me! 

I’ve started using them when I can get the bowline right 🤣

But the looks and raised eyebrows I get from the English riders next door  when I have my horses tied up outside or working them in the round pen, I’m sure they think I’m strangling them, mind they think my mecate and slack reins are the devils work, we won’t mention spurs! 

Totally unprepared for an impromptu ride today, wet, cold and muddy across the fields, good to get out though, Mooney was on a route march today as she just wanted to get back to her stable, I do apologise for the colour of my girl, never get a grey if you want to look respectable! 

Nice list, base layers and gloves are top on the list, fleece snood for me but the silk sounds like a good idea!

I love the snow and winter but hate being cold so plan well ahead 

Richard Boatwright makes such a difference if you can keep that core warm, I always put a layer over the jacket to keep the heat in, it’s become a common place item now in the UK for construction workers and the price has dropped massively, the  heated waist coats look pretty good also.

Lucas Truax Due to the breed of horse we have we actually clip them in the winter as they get seriously thick coats and they sweat up to much if not clipped, when we have ridden in snow and cold and removed the masses of snow from the feathers we normally put a stable blanket on which is fleece and just bed them down for  the night in straw and full haylage nets, we always give them a hard feed before riding but I know people have differing views on that. 

As I say gypsy vanners and shires are very hardy and live out all year if allowed, so maybe don’t take my advice for QH’s 🤣