Recent content by gallopingby

In the 60s we were very ‘up market’ either Moss Bros or Harry Hall were the main suppliers of riding wear. There was also a firm called Jacatex that advertised in ‘Pony’ magazine. Most of my riding things came from Moss Bros. Bedford cord jods with ‘wings’ were becoming less popular and we...

I really don’t think 125 of any breed is a good number. Assuming a 50% divide that gives you 62.5 😂 mares a year to replace those that are no longer breeding. But of that number it’s unlikely that even half will be used to breed from so is 30 a good number of potential registered breeding mares...

The RBST produce information about breeds considered ar risk, in M&M ponies that tends to be Dartmoor, Dales, Exmoor, Fell, Highland, New Forest & Welsh B, other Welsh and Connemaras aren’t on the list. The number of mares of breeding age is recorded but not whether they are actually being used...

We used to do Friday afternoon tea, 30 odd years ago, just a few friends and catch up on the chat. There were birthday parties then but maybe only just becoming so very fashionable and presents ridiculously expensive. You certainly didn’t provide the goody bags that seem to be expected. I’d draw...

Have you worked out the cost of breeding and keeping until old enough to back lately? Yes you’ll probably find a cheap TB type but for most other types especially a native / M&M x with an ID / TB / a minimum of 5k is realistic for anyone breeding these days. Even if by small you mean about 12.2...

Absolutely go for him. There’s nothing like an established pony who knows his job for building confidence. Many of the top competition ponies are at least 12 and frequently in to their 20s. It’s a shame so many people have to keep ponies on yards but if the set up is right and you have a long...

It may be worth looking at some of the dog crate manufacturers websites as the good ones such as transK9 and DT will tell you the type / size of crate required for your sized of dogs and which cars it will fit. I’ve had Subaru, Discos and Freelanders but newer cars seem to have much smaller...

Although accidents can happen this comment is spot on. Years ago you were told what was and wasn’t acceptable. I’m not sure this happens these days. People hack less instead spending hours going round in circles in a school, most horses are not as fit as they would have been 30 or 40 years ago...

It’s always worth having videos to look back on / compare. @Michen remember vets have to cover their backs these days and as previously said they’ll not be wanting to take risks, but in your shoes l’d be cracking on in an appropriate way. Good luck 😀

He’s still young, had a bit of a rough time but has continued to bounce back. He looks well and seems happy, presumably the trainers / yard staff would have commented if they felt he had a problem and wouldn’t have continued to work him. He’s maybe different to ride and always will be compared...

I think maybe you are being more risk averse now you’re settling down 😀 everyone is risk averse to some degree when they’re younger although not necessarily when they’re older…….much much older. I would maybe try to stop worrying for now, continue you doing things as they are and reevaluate in a...

Congratulations, that’s absolutely fab!!

Are you sure your buyer really wants the pony and will be able to afford him? Why the delay? Children and ponies are difficult. Mine was quite keen when she was younger, especially when she won prizes! Relatives used to say she looked a different and happy child on a pony, she was lucky as able...

Your husband mustn’t sacrifice his hobby, that’s unfair. Depending on the cost of full livery look at other options. You’ll be busy with two children, presumably both very young, so things will need to change anyway. What help is around? A sharer for a couple of days could work and reduce costs...

If you’re happy just walking and trotting that’s fine. He won’t mind. However if you want to canter maybe break it down in stages a bit or let some one else ride him first. In your situation my concern would be to ask for help in getting him to stand at the mounting block so you could get on and...